Solomons

Defence of S.D.A. Mission In Solomons

Letter to the Editor YOUR correspondent, “Solomaniac,” is all at sea when he writes of the Seventh Day Adventist natives: All fish and meat are “tabu” with them. Pork and certain kinds of scavenger fish are, to a certain extent, “tabu,” as these are considered unclean feeders.

Let “Solomaniac” prove this for himself by offering them a tin or two of meat and see what they do with it.

His picture of the men loafing in the villages while the women work is too sweeping an assertion. In my experience I have found that the boys have their work, such as cleaning groves and roads, copra-collecting, building, boat-work, etc., plotted out for them by their pastors and leaderman, while their women are on light work, such as keeping their houses and paths clean.

In regard to physique, the S.D.A. natives in this locality compare more than favor ably with the natives of any other mis sion down here, and there is no doubt whatever that, whereas a few years ago, they were a scaly, sore-covered and filthy lot indeed, they are now well set up, clean skinned, clear-eyed, and respectful, with clean white teeth, all brought about by the S.D.A. Mission, by constant atten tion to their welfare, including the aboli tion of betel-nut chewing and smoking.

“Solomaniac’s” accusation of prudery, for inducing the “marys” to use an addi tional garment is debatable. It is a small matter, anyhow—and, like the erring schoolboy who was found stuffing a well known Conservative newspaper in his pants before being interviewed by the headmaster, there may be some thought of protection in the idea.

I must say that I have found S.D.A. natives most punctilious in keeping their bodies and clothing clean, and bar-soap has always been their biggest purchase from traders.

I am etc.,

Sunday.

B.S.I.,

15 May, 1934.