SKILFUL ISLANDERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19501, 3 December 1926, Page 14

SKILFUL ISLANDERS.

MEM IN SOLOMON GFJOUP. VERY CLEVER MECHANICS. [Blltost OITR, OWH v cohebspondenx. ] SYDNEY; Nov, 21. - According to Mr. Fife, a Scottish engineer, who holds an appointment at Malaita. in th.* Solomon islands, almost any young native of that group can be taught to drive an engine in a week.

Malaita is a British protectorate, containing a native population of about 75,000 and a ..small white community of from 30 to 40, The natives are of a higher type than the Papuans, with a remarkable turn for mechanics;. When they first seo a machine thay ajo fascinated by it, and show an intelligent curiosity. They used to spear the wild pigs; but, when they can got hold of Mausior rifles, prefci" to shoot them.

These islanders are fine marksmen. As fcho law is against supplying them with eithftr cartridges or riiles, they are often unable, however, to show their mar&smsA ship. For a single cartridge one of them will supply native products to the value of a pound. He will treasure an »mpty cartridge case until he can get a little powder and some solder tbelted from old tins with which to contrive an inferior, home-made article. The Solomon Islanders were once headhunters. Some of the fierce old men are head-hunters still, and/there is a legend that six white have still to be talcfin, for six natives once lost their lives by accident, and tribal custom claims the price. '/ Mr. and Mrs. Fifi? went to Ma'laita from the Scottish Highlands, and, so far from enduring erile, find life in the inlands enjoyable. They are now on holiday in Sydney. *<