Tuamotus

Poison Fish Of

Deadly To-day—And Good Food To-morrow

From Our Own Correspondent.

Papeete, May 10.

A VO YAGER among the atoj.ls of the Tuamotu Group has need to be wary of the fish he brings to his table.

Certain species of fish taken in the lagoon and about the reefs of one is land will be perfectly wholesome. The same species, taken at another atoll, will be violently poisonous. Again, cer tain fish from one part of a lagoon will be harmless, while the same species caught in another part of the same lagoon will be deadly.

Some fish are poisonous at certain seasons and wholesome at other seasons.

Very rarely, a species which has never been poisonous will suddenly develop toxins which threaten the life of those who eat the flesh.

This, has happened recently to the taihi—a fish highly esteemed for its delicious flavour.

The expedition, which left aboard the “Denvs” for Pitcairn Island, late in March, and returned to Papeete on April 30, had a perilous experience with this fish. On the outward voyage, the “Denys” called at Fakahina, where taihi abound. All on board partook

generously of this fish, and suffered no harm.' Five weeks later, the “Denys” again called at Fakahina, and the voyagers ate generously of taihi. That night all were very ill indeed. Happily a native tahua, skilled in the knowledge of anti dotes against these poisons, was at hand to rescue them.

This is the first time within the mem ory of man that the taihi has been poisonous.

The most dangerous fish in this re spect is the ha’amea. No one has any knowledge of the time or season when it may be wholesome or deadly poison ous. Its flesh is so delicious that natives

will often take the chance of eating it, while knowing the peril should the fish be poisonous. There is no indication of taste in this or any other fish, to warn the eater of his danger. Should the ha’amea be poisonous, those who have eaten it will have descended to the very gates of death within a few hours. If medical help is not at hand they die. The toxin appears to attack and destroy the tissues of the kidneys.

There are many theories, but no know ledge, to account for these extraordin ary transmutations. Until someone learned in toxicology and in the food sources of fish in these waters shall have studied the problem it will remain a mystery.

Some Tongan

Leaders

From left to right; Prince Tugi, Pre mier of Tonga: Rev.

J. S. Faubula, L.Th., of the Meth odist Mission, and his wife, Asinate; and Rev. John Havea, of Tubou College. -Photo.: Miss M. Rogers.