A HAZARDOUS LIFE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 January 1932, Page 5

A HAZARDOUS LIFE

FIERCE HEAD HUNTERS. MISSIONARY’S EXPERIENCES. AUCKLAND, Jan. 11. ‘ *To Ge hunted for his head by a band of nine cannibals four of whom were devoured bp-tribal enemies, was only one of the many early-day experiences of the Rev. 0. Michelsen, a Presbyterian , missionary, who, on the completion of fifty-four years’ arduous work •among; the natives of Tongoa Island, in the New Hebrides Group, is to spend his retirement iji New Zealand. Mr Miclielson, who is accompanied by Mrs Michelson, arrived in Auckland by the Morinda. “Now no heathen, over 90. per cent of the natives baptised, and a church membership of 700”—this was the missionary’s summing up of the results of the church’s activities over the period of his charge. With a smile Mr Michelson who jis i n his eightyeighth year, recalled the days when cannibalism was rampant in Tongoa Island. “Yes,” he said with'a smile, “they were eating one another when I first arrived. I myself was the object, of their, attentions in *lßߣ*-my second year in the island. Nine men went out to kill me, and of these four were eaten by savage cannibal enemies, vklio apparently were friendly towards ns. We fled to the other side of;the island, and there were ’ received with open arms.” Mr Michelson naively observed that with the march of civilisation in other countries the safest place to be in to-day was Tongoa Island, ' : TRAVEL PROBLEMS, : Like every poineer, the missionary faced heartbreaking travel problems in Tongoa. “In the early days,” he said, “when I wanted to visit surrounding villages, I had to travel through the bush and be guided by my compasster ascertaining the approximate direction of my destination. To-day you can drive by motor-car practically all round the island. There were many difficulties to overcome at the start, but I can look back with 'satisfaction on the results that show themselves to-day.” The health of the island community as the outcome of missionary and other attentions, was good, a satisfactory improvement being noted lately following the inoculation campaign against yaws and hookworm inaugurated by the Rockfellow Foundation. The food supply did not present any great problems. Food grew in abundance, and the only danger was from hurricanes. The main source of the natives’ income was copra, but the price had fallen so low that the people scarcely cared any longer to manufacture it. Trade consequently was becoming stagnant. Prices were not likely to rise again to any great extent, but it was hoped that the natives would see the necessity of making copra even at the lower figure. If that were carried out, there would be some hope for the trade. The diminution in the income of the natives had been mainly reflected in the condition of their clothing. In some cases they were attending church with [ their' clothes in rags.

Among the younger section of the community, Air Michelson noted a growing desire for instruction, and as well for tiiition in music. Prior to his departure for Auckland he was entertained at a farewell concert at which the natives sang many part

sours. Speaking of the future of Tongoa Island, Air Aliehelson said his hop® was that the territory would continue to remain completely under British influence.