The Hokitika Guardian FRIDAY, MAY 19th, 1922. THE SEMA NAGAS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 May 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian FRIDAY, MAY 19th, 1922. THE SEMA NAGAS.

The Senia Nngas, described by Mr J. H. Hutton, in a recent publication, are a people possessing many curious characteristics. 4 hey inliahit a tract of tumbled mountains in the extreme north of Assam, not far from the border of China, whose proximity seems to have left traces on their language and nomenclature. On account of their isolation they are in a backward state of development. It is only within iccent years that they have learned to work in iron, while weaving is still a rare accomplishment. 1 hoy have a very elaborate system of tribal law, which presents many features ot great interest to the anthropologist, but they do not exhibit certain virtues which are to lie found in many primitive societies. For instance, they attach little value to an oath. At one time, it appears, they were careful to keep a promise sworn upon the tooth of a tiger, because if thev did not they would he killed by a tiger. Nowadays, however tigers have become uncommon, the risk of retribution is nominal, and the Serna Nagas ho longer have any compunction in breaking such a pledge. Indeed, Mr Hutton remarks that it is not easy to find any form of oath which will bind the Seinn if lie is in difficulties, and it suits him to break it. This, ' however is not their only shortcoming. The reader, notes a reviewer, comes to tlie conclusion generally that the world holds many more agreeable people than the Senia Nagar. Travellers from the west have spoken of them in very uncomplimentary terms, tine authority (ptoted bv Mr Hutton can find no good in them whatever. They are treacherous to a degree, he says and inveterate liars, while thieving is second nature to them, it is quite true, he says that they are wholly untrustworthy, that they steal as instinctively as they breathe and that they will stall their dearest friends in the hack if it suits their purpose. Hot, he says, if you make allowance for these peccadilloes you will find them a charming people, always merry and bright, hospitable and fond of good cheer. Moreover, quite a number of them “did their hit” during the war in a labour battalion on the Western Front, where they repaired roads in llie war zone, and where their indifference to danger struck ninny observers. Under a beneficent British administration they have flourished and increased in numbers. Mr Hutton, indeed, mention that in this fact lies the beginning of a serious prob. letn. In the old days when enemies assailed them and life was a more strenuous business, the population was small hut now, with good order established by the British regime, it is growing beyond the capacity of the land to support. Tlie remedy is for the Sernas to improve their methods of cultivation, and not tlie least difficult task which confronts the administration is to impress this happy-go-lucky, ease-loving people, with the lesson.