RISING OF THE PALOLO

Hokitika Guardian, 17 November 1928, Page 2

RISING OF THE PALOLO

A SAMOAN PHENOMENON.

APAI, October 9. The natives of Samoa are on the tiptoe of expectation for the annual rising of the palolo, which is expected to take place during October, and which will supply the epicures with a much-relished delicacy, all the more keenly enjoyed on account of the long period between risings. The palolo is a thread-like worm about 16 inches m length, which, for the whole year, except for one hour, is hidden in the dead coral, which abound in the reef-enclosed Samoan shore. Generally the worm is supposed to rise to the surface only once in the year, but most Samoans seem to consider that there are two risings, within a month of one another, the time depending on the moon. It the first rising is small, the second second will be large, and vice, versa.' The palolo rises only in the process of sfpawning. At the chosen time the worm pushes out from the coral about six inches of its length, which it wriggles about until the- part breaks off and floats to the surface. The parent body returns to the coral, while the spawn, which may be male or female, cornea to the surface just as the rising moon shines its first beams on the sea. Then the myriad of worms indulge in a riotous, wriggling, squirming dance for

about one hour, then, with the appearance of the rising sun, as if at a given signal, the palolo gradually disappears under the very eyes ot the observer. This is occasioned by the bursting of the worm and the consequent scattering of tin* eggs or milk of which it is composed.

The palolo is keenly relished by the Samoans, who eat. it raw or cooked. The European is generally not attracted by the Teddhsh-brown and bluish-green mass of jelly-like worms, and even the oyster-eater would scarcely forbear a shudder at tiie thought of eating the palolo. But when cooked the right way, those who can overcome their qualms, eat it with delight, and describe it as being something like whitebait with a flavour all its own.

The palolo is not indigenous to .Samoa, Init its name has become associated with the Group on account of it having been first studied there. There are frequent mentions of it being found all over the Pacific, and a few isolated accounts of the risings by travellers who have been fortunate to chance on a native settlement at the right time. Europeans in Samoa frequently join in the sport of palolo fishing with the hundreds of natives who regard the rising as one of the even Is of tile year, and the water is crowded with hundreds in rpiest of this rarity among delicacies. Everyone works hurriedly, and the pails and receptacles are quickly filled, for time is short, and with the mnonrise the palolo is gone. Like the sharks, which put in an unwanted appearance at this time, the natives have a peculiar instinct as to when the worm will rise, for while the European

is vaguely guessing at the date, the Samoan quietly relies on his own judgment, and is invariably prepared with nets and pails at the right hour.