FIJI AND THE SOUTH SEA ISLANDS

Surviving sections from an early newsreel. This is a 1907 compilation of material shot in 1902. Originally released by the Urban Trading Co, this print was issued by Eclipse and features scenes which few Europeans has witnessed at that time. It features what is believed to the practice of Vilavilairevo (firewalking) taking place on the island of Bega (Beqa) in Fiji and also geothermal activity in the Rotorua region. The Waimangu geyser was the worlds most powerful with its eruptions sometimes reaching a height of 1,500 feet (460 meters) which encouraged tourism in the area. Waka races and canoe hurdling also feature in these fragments

[Fijian] Men standing holding smoking bundle of tinder and leaves.
Men turning over heated stones in pit using long poles.
[Fijian] Firewalkers in traditional ceremonial dress walk across and around pit of hot stones.
Men throw salu salus / salu salu and ceremonial costumes of green leaves onto the stones.
INTER TITLE “ECLIPSE UN BAIN DE VAPEUR”
Men throwing leaves and vegetation onto hot stones in pit then crouching amidst smoke and steam.

GV Steam and vapour rising from Waimangu Geyser, Large eruption throwing up mud and rocks amongst steam and vapour.
Tourists standing near geyser throwing water and steam into air.
LS
GV Large eruptions of the Waimangu geyser throwing mud and rocks into air along with steam, water and vapour.

GV Men paddling large and small waka on water.
GV Women and men in small canoes “canoe hurdling” over obstacle in river - small boats and steam launches with spectators onboard in BG.