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Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3749, 9 February 1907, Page 3

Under the heading “ The Lucky Pig gives place to Hei Tiki —the God of the Maoris” —a London paper says:—“The lucky pig is dead; killed by an over-growing wave of occultism and superstition. A year or two ago the lucky pig, or the lucky bean, was worn more for fun than anything else ; nowadays women are wearing more charms and amulets than ever, but they are all in the design of some mystic faith in,their efficacy. Perhaps the favourite amulet is ‘ Hei Tiki,’ the sacred God of the Maoris. Thousands of representations of him are sold in greenjade, the New Zealand lucky greenstone, at prices ranging from half-a-crown for small ones, about high, to £2O and £3O for large ones decorated with jewels. One London firm that deals in greenstone ornaments said recently that they have sold nearly 1000 of these charms this Christmas. ‘ Many people firmly believe in them,’ declared the dealer. A resident of Greymouth, somewhat portly in figure and imposing | in carriage, had a puzzling prohleip propounded to him a day or or two ago, says the Argus, by a total stranger, in one of the principal streets. The resident, in addition to faultless raiment and jaunty headgear and a beauteous button hole,, looked the picture of robust health, and brimmed over with the joy of life. He saw approaching him a man with a well set up figure who was, however, rather unsteady on his legs. A swag which seemed out of keeping with his general appearance (which was that of an educated man who had probably seen better days) was slung over his shoulders. When he was a few paces from'” the glass of fashion and the mould of form” the stranger struck a dramatic attitude, and in tragic tones demanded “ Be thou a spirit of hell or goblin samned ?” The local resident, . 'feeing a Uve as well as lively person'age, gave it up, but didn't think he came under either category. The dramatic swagman passed on and is proably endeavouring to evolve an answer from his inner consciousness.