Washing Away the Souls

I saw this posted over at the Fortean Times site and really can't decide if it's a joke or not. Sadly, I think that it probably isn't. According to the article, a police-led initiative in New Zealand has had volunteers spending time spraying some 10,000 litres of river water over roads, with the aim of freeing the spirits of crash victims.

Despite the prayers, Mr Waihi said the exercise was non-religious and not just for Maori fatalities. "Some people don't have an understanding why we are doing it. They should find out more about Maori protocols before making comment." Waikato road policing manager Inspector Leo Tooman had no problems with the initiative. "Anything that helps is worthwhile, isn't it?"

Although I have not made an attempt to find out more about the Maori protocols, I will answer Leo Tooman's question and say 'No!' Spraying roads with water in the hope that trapped spirits might be released is a more than pointless act, with no basis in reality. There really are better things you could have done with that time.