Tuba With A “Kick.”

Torres Strait Problem.

From Our Own Correspondent.

THURSDAY IS., August 1.

THE practice of making “Tuba” (which is prepared from the branch of the young coconut) for breadmaking— using it as yeast—was introduced into the Torres Strait islands from the South Seas many years ago. But it was soon discovered that, with the lapse of a few hours to assist fermentation, and the addition of mangrove bark and a bit of trade tobacco, a drink with quite an excellent “kick” in it was available.

Lately, in two or three of the islands, Tuba-drinking has been revived, with the usual results, consequent upon swelled heads, following a bout. Un fortunately, quite apart from the domestic troubles caused and the extra amount of work given the native police man, considerable injury is done to the coconut-palms by interfering with them in this manner; and a shortage of coconuts for ordinary purposes is already reported on one island.

The administrative authorities do not wish to prevent the people from using the stuff for its legitimate purpose; but at the same time they find it some what difficult to restrict its popularity as a “livener-up” for those who prefer it out of a pannikin instead of in bread.