FISH GOD BELIEFS

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 40026, 21 November 1929, Page 1

FISH GOD BELIEFS

'STILL PERSIST IN HAWAII. Ancient “fish gods” of Hawaii still (retain their power to aid or hinder 'fishermen, according' to the beliefs of many Hawaiian and Oriental followers of the Waltonic

art. Though Hawaii has been for more than 100 years nominally Christian, any old resident can point out the hidden fish altars and relate that they are, still used, says a Californian exchange. An unbeliever in this ancient magic recently visiting the Koliala coast of Hawaii, whhre the old customs linger to a greater extent than iii many parts- of the islands, relates that three schools of akulo, a popular fish food, were sighted near the mouth of Ivapanaia Bay. A fishing “lmi” or assoc.iatiin from the neighbouring port of Kawnihae came with its nets and surrounded a, portion of the school. Two men, one a. Chinese, the otliejr a Hawaiian, took a lease on the land through which all vehicles must pass to and from the fishing ground, and warned all fish vendors that one sack of fish would be levied upon each car going through the gate with fish for sale.

People from all parts of the neighbourhood approached the shore with hags foil''the allude, as the fishermen prepared to bring the fish in. Prospects were for a huge catch. But the old Chinese tolltaker. looked on with disgust. “No good,” he said. “No can catch. He no give akua some fish.” The fishermen manoeuvred until they had a much larger school surrounded, in combination with the first. The people shouted in glee. But suddenly the Blade broke loose, left the net, and headed for the open sea. No fish were caught. The fishermen had neglected to lay offerings before the rough stone “akuah,” the'fish gods of the place.