Page:Reminiscences of Earliest Canterbury 1915.pdf/12

 whites) had acquired no immunity, its effects were very severe; but the ravages of the disease were enhanced by their ignorance, for, the epidemic having occurred in warm spring weather, they rushed into the creeks and into the sea to cool their fever-heated bodies, and died in large numbers, faster than their friends could bury them.

One incident in connection with this epidemic is worth recording. One fine old Maori who had been working for my father, having been attacked by measles, immediately applied for the wages due him. Having secured his earnings, amounting to two sovereigns, he laid up. However, having recovered, he came out to resume work, but, the day being hot, he went into a cold creek, went home with a relapse, and lingered for a fortnight, getting gradually weaker. My father visited him every day, supplying him with such food and delicacies as he desired. Having been separated from the other Maoris, as was the custom during illness, he had an old woman attendant on him as nurse and cook. It appears that he had made up his mind to die, for my father, calling one day, was accosted by the nurse as follows:—“Mr. Hay, do you know what he