MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 August 1940, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

DISEASE AND ACCIDENT. • Recorded by J.U.S., of Palmerston North for the “Times-Age.”)

The old time Maoris wore thought to be singularly free from disease. This, however, may have been clue to the fact that sickness, unless produced by wounds in war, was a disgrace upon which complete silence was observed. It was an educated Maori who first described the afternoon conversation of some white folk as "post mortem enquiries." The Maori belief was that all sick folk were punished "by their sins—not for them,” hence to mention them was strictly forbidden (Tapti). This was a refreshing relief from the habit of those few who have nothing better to discuss.

Leprosy was said to have been common among the Maoris; but Dr. Shortland who visited almost every tribe in New Zealand failed to find a single case. Outdoor life, bare skins kept clean by the rain, protected from the sun by oil from birds or fish, limited food, and healthy exercise in procuring it, made the service'of a physician or the supply of drugs quite unnecessary. The sacred rite of tasting human flesh, seldom indeed abused, controlled by the Ariki (chief priests), and the frequent wounds in tribal wars made every priest a surgeon by observation. Broken limbs, dislocations. fractured bones and flesh wounds were treated by splints of soft but firm totara bark and juices of healing leaves. Cases of poison from tutu berries were treated by holding the head under water until the patient was full of liquid, then rolled on the ground as an effective emetic.

The kernel of the Karaka berry soaked in a stream for 20 days made flour; but treated for a less period caused paralysis of arms or legs, the remedy for which was to bury the patient to the lips in sand for seven days. This was frequently effective.