LAND OF THE SEALS

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6918, 25 May 1929, Page 2 (Supplement)

LAND OF THE SEALS

THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS.

HUNTERS AND THEIR, LIVES.

Interesting reports of the American Museum of Natural History discloses conditions of life in the Aleutian Islands especially the Pribiloffs, where the best fur seal comes from. The total population has fallen from 30,000 to a little over 1000, due mainly to the acts of Russian hunters in decimating the .sea niamals which were their principal source of food. On the Pribiloff Islands sealing is carried on under tho United States Government. Tho islanders are regarded as Government labourers. No outsider may land there without a special permit. This restriction also applies to tho crews of revenue cutters cruising round the islands during tho summer. Leave of absence is reluctantly granted to tho Aleuts and none are allowed to return after a year’s absence or more. All tho adults bake part in killing the seal. Almost every day during the summer the fur seals are cut off from their escape to the sea and arc driven inland from their rockeries. About half a mile from the shore the herd is examined. Females, old males and puppies are “cut out” and sent back to the coast. Tho males between two and five years old are driven to the killing places. The animals are clubbed senseless by blows from long sticks, after which their throats are cut and they are skinned. The community is credited with two dollars for each seal skinned. Each head of family has an account with the Government store, where he may obtain ready-made clothing, imported, food, tools, and other needed commodities, as well as luxuries. Toward the end of the year tho hunter receives his balance in money; in ease of an excess the difference is carried over to the following year. Large families receive more than small ones. A number of hunters’ widows and orphans of men who died in the Government service receive their share.

The sealing is profitable. Statistics for 1927, the latest year for which they are available, show that 21,302 seal skins were sold, realising £149,100; 728 blue foxes, which abound on the islands, were sold for £7746. The Aleuts are comfortably housed. Each family has a nice cottage and receives stoves, coal and electricity and in general is well provided for. While they have capitulated to Christianity especially since America bought Alaska from the Russians, many ancient marriago customs survive. Tho islands bavo American schools and the young Aleut is becoming proficient in English. Tho inhabitants have no dogs or other domestic animals. All the settlements being near tho shore communication is by moans of skin-boats. The bow is still used in hunting the bear and tho reindeer. The people aro not allowed to. use fire-arms.