"Wonder-Healer"

Rise And Fall Of A

Samoan "Quack" Who Could Not Cure Himself

Prom Our Own Correspondent.

Apia, Apr. 22.

A FEW months ago Pa’u, a young native taulealea of Satapuala, appeared in the village of Malie, about five miles west of Apia, and proclaimed to the Samoans that after having fasted for seven days in the bush, he had had apparitions and was called upon to heal the sick. Awed by tales of wonderful cures effected by the “wonder-heater”, hundreds of Samoans from all parts of the Group flocked to Malie to be healed by the “doctor”. He was hailed by them as a new Saviour, come to earth again to help suffering mankind.

Pa’u, who had a not unblemished repu tation in his home village, had regular visiting hours. He claimed that all dis eases were caused by “aitus” or ghosts of the dead and he diagnosed disease oy dissolving fluid in a glass of water.

From the resulting colour of the mix ture, he judged what the specific treat ment required should be.

Playing on the well known credulity and superstition of the Samoans, Pa’u succeeded in attracting a large clientele who preferred his “quack” treatment to medical attention by qualified doctors at the Government Hospital. Wisely the “wonder-healer” refused to accept mone tary remuneration for his services, though he took payment in the form of foodstuffs brought by his clients.

The harm done by this charlatan can only be surmised. According to reports a half-caste and his aged mother treated for some time by Pa’u died from un known causes within a few days of each other.

The fame of Pa’u came to an abrupt end. With hundreds of sick natives seeking his help in the crowded village of Malie, he suddenly fell seriously ill himself and—ironically enough—had to seek the help of the Government medi cal practitioners. He died early in April in Apia Hospital.

There have been a number of cases of witch doctors, sorcerers, and “won der-healers” in Samoa in past years, quite a few court convictions having been recorded. The Mandates Commis sion at Geneva has taken great inter est in the matter; though it cannot be said that the existence of these “quacks” has been of importance in the life of the Samoans. Superstition and the belief in devils are still fairly rooted in Samoan life and it will take a great deal of education, especially by >the Missions, to eradicate completely these ancient and hereditary beliefs and pagan practices.

Rev. and Mrs. C. K. Crump, of New Zealand, left Sydney for Nguna, New Hebrides, by the “Morinda” on May 12.

Mr. Crump will carry on the work of the late Rev. W. V, Milne, who was murdered by a demented native in April, 1937.