STRANGE FISHING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22262, 9 November 1935, Page 2 (Supplement)

STRANGE FISHING

"DOPE" USED BY NATIVES JUICE FROM JUNGLE ROOTS ! ANNUAL EVENTS IN BORNEO Though the latest; craze on tho Riviera of night fit-hing with phosphorescent hooks is considered by some to be unsporting, the approved custom in this part of tho Malay Archipelago is to catch fish by stupefying them with drugs, writes a correspondent of the London Evening News, from Borneo. Skill, however is not required with rod and line. The "dope,'" which is "poured into the river, brings tho fish in a semi-conscious state to the surface, where they are speared. This drug is extracted from a jungle root called "tuba," and only affects the water for a few hours. The annual fishing events attract large crowds of natives and are frequently attended by Europeans. On the previous day, the natives collect largo quantities of tuba root, which they beat with sticks. In this way, the milky white sap is extracted and stored ready for use on the morrow. Soon after the great day dawns, we all embark in small boats and paddle away up stream to the appointed rendezvous. Scores o:r boats foregather, and everyone is armed with a threepronged spear, specially barbed for the purpose. , When all is ready the tuba juice is tipped into the water. The boats spread out across the river, and, drifting sil-

ently along with tho stream, we await events. After abou't half an hour a fish suddenly appears near the surface, darting about in an aimless mann3r. This is the signal for a wild rush of boats, for there is keen rivalry to get thp first fish. The spearsmen iiiand poised in the bows, as the paddlers drive tli»:ir boats along at great" speed. Then amid a flashing of spears tha victor waves aloft his catch.

Fish 60on begin to come up in large numbers. The boatu dash hither and thither, and the excitement is intense. Surrounded by crowds of excited natives, we stand up in our boat and stab with the best of them. It is no easy matter to spear a fish which is swimming erratically about near the surface, but the knack is developed after a little practice. The fun waxes fust and furious for the first two or three hours, but after this the tuba begins to lose its effect. We then usually make for home, but the natives go on all day, gradually increasing tbeir bag. At these events 'natives often catch many hundreds of fish, ranging from one to 10 pounds in. weight, and some-

times larger ones up to 20 pounds. Since freshness doesi not appeal to them, this means considerable wealth, for lish is only oaten after it has been dried by the heat of the sun.