ISLAND FIRE-WALKERS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 44, 19 September 1916, Page 2

ISLAND FIRE-WALKERS.

EXHIBITION OF POWERS. A fire-walking exhibition Look pluco on August 2(i last (says tlie Aitutaki correspondent of the New Zealand Herald). An immense oven was Prpparod, some 30ft. long by 20ft. broad. About a load of firewood was necessary, and above one ton of black stones on the top. The lire was set alight at midnight on August 2G, and at 9 a.m. the following day was strongly burning, the stones being voil hot. After levelling off. the stones, the exhibitor—a Raiatea man—with two oilier Haiatean companions, recited several incantations, and, alter a prayer for comfort, prepared to walk over the hot stones bare-footed. In his prayer he claimed the powers oi Shadrach, Meshacb, and Abednego, of Biblical tame. Te Ararua, the Raiatea man, with bis two companions, then walked slowly several times over the stones, and then invited any spectators to do the, same, at the same time declaring that if the candidate did not look to right or left, or, especially, behind, no hurt would occur. After a short hesitation, three men made the attempt with success. After this men, women and children passed over the hot stones, all barefooted, without any hurt or burn. Amongst others who passed over we two women with children in their arms. The exhibition was attended by the Resident Agent and Miss R. Duncan, also several European traders.