762 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
All pearls belong to the divers finding them, they having the privi- 
lege of selling to the highest bidder. Usually they sell to the firm 
employing them. On the strength of the high wages earned, each 
season there is a considerable rush to the lagoon where pear!-diving is to 
be conducted. At the time of our visit there were 3,500 natives either 
directly or indirectly engaged in the fishery, many of them from 
distant islands. 
In moving from their homes the natives bring a large portion of 
their household effects with them—in some cases even the houses they 
are to oceupy. The houses are very light, made of cocoanut palms 
and pandanus leaves, put together in sections and easily transported. 
The representatives from different islands form separate settlements, 
and for a distance of several miles along the beach clusters of houses 
and small villages are built among the cocoanut palms. The various 
villages are in every way the same as if they were located on the island 
homes of the people occupying them. Women and children are 
brought to the island and housekeeping goes on in the usual manner. 
Many of the women and young girls take part in the diving, and we 
were informed that they are equally as good divers as the men, in 
depths not over 10 or 12 fathoms. 
Besides those engaged in the fishery, many native and a few white 
traders deal in pearls to some extent, but chiefly in articles in demand 
by the fishermen. A generous portion of the wages earned by the 
divers finds its way into the hands of the trader. The natives, both 
male and female, are fond of display, and gaudy patterns of goods are 
purchased to a much greater extent than seems necessary. 
On Saturday hardly any work is performed. During the afternoon 
trading is extensively carried on, and in the early evening prepara- 
tions are made for a grand dance and good time generally. Early 
Saturday morning canoes and cutters begin to arrive at the main vil- 
lage loaded with people from all parts of the lagoon, coming to remain 
over Sunday and take part in the festivities. We were informed that 
it was not unusual to see 100 or more anchored in front of the village. 
We were advised to remain over Saturday, being promised a unique 
entertainment. 
Pearl-diving is carried on in all parts of the lagoon where the water 
is not too deep. The right depths are found near the coral patches, 
many of which are awash. These coral growths vary in size, from 10 
to 15 feet across the top, others 100 feet or more, descending with a 
gradual slope, pearl shells being found around their base. Numerous 
coral patches are scattered along the inner rim of the atoll, from 3 to 
14 miles from the beach. Many were noticed farther offshore, but 
we saw no fishing going on near them. 
Every part of the lagoon is free to all divers, no one company having 
exclusive rights or privileges. Divers employed by different companies 
