BEQA.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 November 1924, Page 4

BEQA.

ITS FIREWALKING NATIVES.

i By Gwendoline North, 8.A.) On a certain duy, several months ago, a party of SO white people set forth in a small boat belonging to the Fiji Shipping Company, for rather an unusual purpose. The natives of Beqa t pronounced Bengga), were having a bazaar, and in addition to the mokes usually given at such times, it was their intention to give an exhibition of firewalking. The opportunity of viewing this feat is given to few, for firewalking is attempted very seldom. The Prince of Wales was fortunate enough during his visit to Fiji to have a demonstration given, especially in his honour. When it was announced, therefore, that there was to be this exhibition, a boat was chartered to go from Suva to Beqa. Applications for tickets came in fast. At last the great day came. In spite of the roughness of the sea, all who could take a day’s holiday went for the trip. Although the island of Beqa is only about 20 miles from Su.va, the trip was a rough one, and the lack of comfort was accentuated by the fact that the boat was carrying four or five times more passengers that it would comfortably accomodate. ARRIVAL AT BEQA.

Arrived inside the reel’ at Beqa, a rowing boat was seen approaching, in it were the chief men of the island, who had come out to welcome us. They looked very picturesque in their white stilus and shirts, with their black- faces and their beautiful hair standing up about six inches all over their heads, relieving the white of the boat and their attire; while as a background to the picture was the Btlli, or chief man of the town, corresponding to our Mayor, who was standing in the stern of the boat clad in a dark overcoat, not donned for warmth, hut to give him. an added air of importance. After this civic reception we made ready to land. Owing to the shallowness of the Water it was impossible for our boat, to proceed any closer to the shore, So the small copra boats were lowered over the side, and were quickly tilled with those anxious to lose no time before seeing the island. In these boats we slowly made our way to the shore, where a hand of natives were awaiting us, and came into the water to meet us. All were carried ashore by them amidst much merriment, as some who were not used to travelling amongst the less civilised islands had never before experienced anything like it. PREPARATIONS.

Near the shore everything was in readiness for the hazaaar—Fiji mats and other native goods being on display. The sight was very entrancing, with its picturesque setting of the native houses or Imres, as they are. called, in the foreground, with the dense tropical growth and the mountains in the background: Visitors were entertained with mokes or dances near the seashore, and invited to buy some of the wares on show. Alter which all. both Europeans and Fijians, wended their way along ii sleep winding path to that .part amongst the Hills where the firewalking was to take place.

At the foot of this pathway stood two Fijian officials, whose duty it was to collect the slim of :1s from all the white people who wished to view the liiewnlking. This shows the Fijian in a new aspect, for in years gone by he would never have dreamed of charging uionev foi anything he had to give, though he would certainly have liked goods in exchange. At the first glimpse one is reminded of what a Roman arena must have been like although this was till open-air scene. Surrounding the ampitheatre on all -ides was the wonderful tropical growth of | rocs and tines, with a view through the trees of l lie mountains beyond. Around the crater trenches were dug in the rising ground, making a grandstand from which an excellent view was obtained, and in the centte was the most interesting factor ol all. the lire which had been burning for at least live hours. Stalwart men came on the scene to make the necessary preparations for the lirowalkers. This is a much harder task than anyone would think, and is, indeed, quite a lengthy process. On the lire were limbs of trees, and amongst them the Hat stones were burning. First, all

the wood that could he handled was pulled out. and tlieu the task was to draw out that which was too hot for hands to touch. Vines were brought, and wound around the pieces of wood that remained, and then they were easily extricated from the fire. Then Hie work of levelling began. A stout vine was used for this purpose, and six men stood on each side of the fire, and, with a civ, that must have had its origin in the old eamiihalistie days, pulled hard until after several minutes, all was in readiness for the firewalkers.

THE EIBEWALKEBS. The procession of Iwaves came down the palh, clad in their native costume, all made out of some part of lhe coconut palm, ami embellished with dry leaves. Their skirts wore of white lappa, painted with black figures, red strips ill which nestled dried ferns hung from their waists, ami their eyes had great black rings around them, as is they wanted to give one the impression that they are still a very warlike race. Such a costume is only worn now on special occasions, lmt wlml terror they must have struck into the hearts of the first settlers. Everything being in readiness, these men retired to perform the sacred rites necessary on such an auspicious occasion. One does not know what this ceremony is. lor none hut a few of the natives of Ik'qa are allowed to lie pre-

sent. The ceremony over, the braves

came running out. as it wore, from ambush, and proceeding towards the white hot stones, across which one and all walked. After this, leaves were thrown on the fire, on which the braves first stood, and then sat, with the smoke ever rising in a volume so

as to almost hide them from view. The heat must he terriliie, for the great heat from the fire is felt even at some distance. It was wonderful how they could perform this feat, and yet not get burned. Every one wondered at their bravery, even the other Fijians, for the natives of Beqa are the only ones in the world who can walk on tiro and remain unharmed. THE LEGEND.

Perhaps we wonder what the secret of it is. Legend has it that many, many years ago, a chief of Beqa met an elfin in the wood, and was going to kill him. The elfin begged for his life, and said that if the chief would spare him he would give to him. a gift bestowed upon no one else in the world —lie and his tribe would be able to go through fire unharmed. The chief granted the elfin his life, so the practice of firewalking has been carried on hy his descendants for many generations. The natives of other parts of Fiji have attempted lirewalkine, hut have been cruelly burned; while, after an exhibition hy the natives of Beqa, doctors have examined their feet, and have found them without even a blister. They must have some preparation with which they cover themselves before they attempt the firewalking, for .the performance is quite genuine. Oh this occasion ah ;

advance guard of white men was sent to see that the fire was lit early in the morning. Before the exhibition the stones were examined, and it was found that there was plenty of firing underneath. It is said that at some time in the past white men were present at a firewalking contest held at night, and that the stones glowed red, and could he seen for a great distance. What, then, is the secret that they possess ; no one knows, not even other Fijians, so the natives of Beqa arclikely to remain for some time the only firewalking natives in the world. So unusual is this performance that photographs were taken of it, and sent to the British Empire Exhibition.