HUNTING OF LIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21019, 7 May 1930, Page 8

HUNTING OF LIONS.

WARRIORS WITH SPEARS. The Prince of Wales was able befdre leaving his camp at Selengei, pear Kiu, and proceeding to Voi—whence he returned to Nairobi, Kenya, on March I, suffering from malaria—to be present at a most unusual lion hunt. It was one in which the "'only weapons used were. the ‘ long spears, carried by the young Masai warriors. V - • Before the; Prince’s arrival in' camp Captain Ritchie, the Kenya’game'warden, and Major Buxton, the district commissioner for the Kajiado area of the Masai Reserve, had spent some days locating game for the taking of kinema pictures. This resulted in the Prince’s obtaining several splendid pictures of many types of animals—eleplmnt and rhinoceros included. The most thrilling scene, however, was seen on February 28, when the Prince went to a spot where more than 50 naked young Masai warriors were congregated, together with many other Masai spectators. All the warriors were equipped with the usual Masai spears—about 6ft long and with keen, bright blades. Many of them bad their bodies plastered with red mud and their hair plaited. All were of fine physique and very muscular. On the arrival of the Prince’s party theMasai spread out into a huge circle and commenced hunting for lions. Within a few moments lions appeared from the bush, and, with the warriors following, were driven into a small donga or ravine, ’which was filled with sparse bush. The circle of warriors then converged on the donga and thus surrounded the lions. Two of the lions escaped, b u t two remained —both full-maned, one being possessed of a particularly fine specimen of black mane. The warriors slowly approached, chanting and waving their spears aloft. Suddenly a rapid dash was made and they, came to close quarters with the lions, which, roaring and snarling, sought to defend themselves. As the warriors dashed in and threw their spears an indescribable scene of. pandemonium ensued, the Masai, yelling and the lions roaring. First one and then another threw spears which found their mark, and. after a most thrilling fight, both lions were killed. During the whole hunt the Prince was kinematograpliing the exciting scene —in a manner entirely calm and cool, and reminiscent of a professional carrying out work in a studio. He thoroughly enjoyed the experience and afterwards expressed his great admiration to the warriors for their courage and prowess in hunting. The Masai were delighted to have been able to afford the Prince so marvellous a spectacle and immensels 1, gratified. Formerly a famous fighting race, all'of them are trained in the use of the spear, with which they defend their large herds of cattle from marauding game. The spectacle was a unique experience for the Prince and one which has been witnessed by comparatively few Europeans.