Than Science

Where Prayer is Better Than Science

r[E very useful annual “run” of fish fry in the local Blue Lagoon has not been annual for a number of years. The lagoon was no bluer than the disappointed villagers to whom the spawning, often continued for weeks or months, represented savings on tinned meats, etc.

When the “run” fails, the current pastor is usually blamed for not being energetic enough in prayer.

This year, the sardine-like tiny fish have arrived hatched-out somewhere off the coast. To date, the run has not been equal to that of many past years, but it is visible, and the Church’s prestige is safe.

The coincidence of the Boys’

Brigade Silver Band having reached something like concert stage, if not quite versatility, is also associated with the return to Mangaia of “ika-tauira”.

Baskets of gleaming fry are carried inland, and either boiled in sea-water and coconut “milk”, in their millions, or wrapped in big fern-leaves for baking in the ground-oven. The baking process is generally repeated several times, and although it dries up the delicacy, the tiny pinlike bones are rendered soft and edible like the rest.— E. GOLD. t Livestock production in tropical conditions will be the subject of a conference at Brisbane from August 22 to August 26. With Australia as host, between 30 and 40 animal in dustry experts from 16 Far Eastern countries will meet under the auspices of the UN Food and Agri cultural Organisation.