A Polynesian

Fete

Tuamotuans Prepare for Huge Festival

From Our Own Correspondent.

Papeete, Oct. 2.

THE natives of the Tuamotu Archi pelago (sometimes known as the Low or Dangerous Archipelago) are organising a huge “Arearea” (fete) on the principal Island of Pakarava, which is scheduled to last from November 10 to November 17. Already many families in Tahiti and adjacent islands are making preparations for the journey they will have to under take in order to participate in the festi vities.

Visitors are also expected from the Cook Group, from Pitcairn Island, and also from New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii and California. Prom all over the Tua motu’s —which cover an area of 700 miles by 500 miles —the natives will assemble in the great lagoon of Pakarava by means of sailing cutters, while those travelling from Papeete will be catered for by local trading schooners and by the new 400 ton motor vessel, recently acquired by the Messagerie Maritimes Co. for the inter-island services.

Community dancing (oeta) in ancient costumes, singing in the manner peculiar to the Tuamotu’s, and competitions for the most elaborate orations in the native tongue, will all be features of great in terest.

But it is more particularly in aquatic sports that the Tuamotu athletes excel, and it is quite probable that wonderful per formances will be given in swimming and diving. Ordinarily divers for mother-of pearl shell can reach a depth of 37 metres, naked diving, and some among them can dive to 42 metres or more without diffi culty. In the pursuit of the sea turtle the Tuamotu native has also acquired a dex terity and adaptability to the water which is little short of marvellous.

An event which is entirely unique, and which is sure to evoke a great amount of enthusiasm, is that of the Patia fa (throw ing the Tuamotuan spear). The target for this sport is a coconut placed at 12 metres above the ground and some 25 metres from the spearman, and the winner is the one whose spear is planted on the highest part of the target. This sport demands incredible strength and skill.

Not the least of the attractions will be races between the sailing cutters—between 20 and 30 —which will have gathered in the lagoon for the “big week,” decorated with the traditional insignia of its particular island. As the lagoon of Pakarava contains some 320 square miles of water, there is ample room for some exciting sport.

His Excellency Monsieur Montagne, Governor of French Oceania, will person ally preside at these entertainments, there by demonstrating the interest taken by the Administration in the development of the native physique, and in the perpetuation of healthy and interesting Polynesian pas times.

In anticipation of a certain large influx of visitors the natives of Pakarava are now constructing a temporary village of coconut leaf huts for their accommodation.