CREDULOUS JAPANESE

Waipukurau Press, Issue 303, 3 September 1908, Page 7

CREDULOUS JAPANESE

Q' Thousands of peasants in the province of Sessbu are engaged in a dragoh hunt. They believe that a majestic dragon, the imaginary king of all animals, inhabits the remote region of Ikeda, where there is a vast, unexplored bamboo jungle,and they have flocked to the jungle from all over the province with offerings of rice and money with which to lure the dragon into captivity. The story 'of the dragon dates back to February 23, when a heavy shower of what a native correspondent describes as “ dark coloured rain ” fell in torrents, and “ shook the earth to its foundations.” Towards nightfall the dragon appeared, and ascenthe clouds. As soon as he disappeared the rain stopped. That night one Sadajiro Shinoki dreamed a 11 sacred dream,” in which the dragon appeared in holy apparel, and said that he had that day succeeded in ascending to the heavens. In order to sanctify the jungle in which he had been living, he endowed it with a special healing virtue for all diseases. Invalids visiting the place would be cured. The news spread rapidly, and hundreds of invalids and healthy men and women began to assail the jungle with greedy prayers. An offertory box, thoughtfully erected to Sadajiro Shinoki, was soon filled with coppers. Offerings of rice, etc., were scattered all -through the jungle. Then the rumour became current that the dragon had returned, and the number of pilgrims increased. Various devices were suggested whereby the dragon might be ensnared, and thus forced to work many miracles. At the present time the pilgrimages are increasing as well as the daily offerings. It is only fair to state that Sadajiro Shinoki is the owner of the forest, and the police regard him with great suspicion. He offers, however, to devote all the monetary- contributions to charitable purposes. “No person has yet dared to question his benevolent intentions, but some are beginning to suspect him.