WALKING ON FIRE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXL, Issue 20217, 19 September 1935, Page 9

WALKING ON FIRE

AMAZING CEREMONY IN LONDON SCIENTIFIC OBSERVERS BAFFLED United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright (Deceived September 18, 7.20 p.m.) LONDON, September 17. Asserting ability to perform a firewalking ceremony by the strength of faith, Kuda Bux, a Kashmiri Mohammedan, weighing Bjst. and aged 30, to-day, in a London garden, twice walked along a 12ft. trench, filled with white hot charcoal. The demonstration was carried out in the presence of members of the London University Council of Physical Research, and other scientific observers, including Professor Pannet, who medically examined Bux's feet, and washed them in water to prevent the use of chemicals. He expressed the opinion that the soles were not unusually tough and thickened, to which successful firewalking is sometimes ascribed. Kuda Bux approached the trench, the temperature of which was 800 degs. Farenheit, his lips moving slightly, his eyes fixed and staring, and mouth set. Bux walked steadily In a straight line along the trench. His feet came into contact with the embers for some five seconds at each stride. Dr. Pannet examined the feet and found no sign of burning. The temperature was the same as before the start. Even a piece of courtplaster, previously placed on the instep, was unscorehed. “Faith Has Left Me’’ Similar negative results followed a second walk, but Bux, when invited to walk through the trench a third time, refused. Apparently he was emotionally disturbed by the scientific tests. He said: "Faith has left me.” Two Englishmen attempted to walk along the trench, but after taking a few steps jumped out, scorched and blistered. The doctors consider there is no question of a fake.