TIME OF TROUBLE

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 November 1923, Page 2

TIME OF TROUBLE

WHAT THE SIX SAGES SAY,

Recently there was published in these columns the text of a rather remarkable prophecy of earthquakes which originated from China. More literature on the subject has now reached AVellington (says tlie N.Z. Times). It is signed by the International Union of Religions of Six Sages, and hails from Chengtu, Szechuan, China. And in .a lengthy sheet detailed as “Preparations for the Great Tribulation” it givs a few hints for comfort, physical and mental, during the looming season of earthquake and eclipse.

A resume of what is to be expected is given. Severe earthquakes (more of them), an eclipse of sun and moon for five days, the cash of stars to the earth, thunders, tempests and floods are among them. The evil ones had best beware, as supernatural soldiers are to attack them, and fatal punishment may bo their lot. The Union of the Six Sages then obligingly tells us how we may secure ourselves, as far as possible from harm. The general preparation is to avoid hunger, thirst, and cold, nothing more. Those who live near rivers, lakes, and seas should move to the high hills, we are told, but not near cliffs. If there are no hills near by the people should move into ships, the ropes of which should be fastened strongly. Those who live in high brick build, ings should move to smaller ones, or, indeed, to the open plain, while thatched huts are to be preferred, as one will not suffer then when the roof caves in. Old men and children should put on warmer clothes.

The “Preparations” then detail what food should be stored up for use; but this section is written with special reference to the East. Thus we learn that: “Tn places where no milk is available, lotus-root flour should be secured and mixed with boiling waler. If no lotus-root flour is available wellcooked congee may be used instead. If people fear the coldness causing trouble to their stomachs, some cardamon flour may be poured in, or ginger water may be used to mix the lotusroot flour.” But there is one paragraph of general application: “Those who usually fear cold weather should prepare some good wine, and put it in a bamboo, or tin tube, for the purpose of keeping away cold.” The time of calamity, unfortunately, is obscure. It is given only as “the fifteenth of the eighth moon of the old calendar.” This is to be regretted, as our police force and fire brigade will not know the day on which their services will be required. However, a later mail may bring more light.