COOK ISLAND FIRE-WALKER

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2878, 16 September 1916, Page 10

COOK ISLAND FIRE-WALKER

EXHIBITION OF POWERS. A fire-walking exliibition took place here on August 26 last (says tlio Aitutaki correspondent, of the "Ne,w Zealand Herald"). An immense oven was prepared, some 30ft long by 20ft. broad. About a load of firewood was necessary, andl above one ton of black stones on the top. The fire was set alight at midnight on August 26, and at 9 a.m. the following day was strongly burning, tho stones being red hot. After levelling off the stones, the exhibitor —a Raiatea man —with two other Raiatean companions, recited several incantations, and, after a prayer for comfort, prepared to walk over the hot stones barefooted. In his prayer he claimed tho powers of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, of Biblical fame. Te Ararua", tho Raiatea man, with his two companions, then walked slowly several times over the stones, and then invited any spectators to do the same, at the same timo declaring that j? the candidate did not look to .right or left, or, especially, behind, no hurt would occur. After a short hesitation threo men made the attempt with success. After, this men, women, and children passed over the hot stones, ali barefooted, without any hurt or burn. 'Amongst others who passed over wore two women with children in their trms. The exhibition was attended by tho Resident-Agent and Miss R. Duncan, also several European traders.