“A History Of Tonga”

Letter to the Editor UNDER separate cover I am posting you a copy of “A History of Tonga,” which purports to be translated from a compilation by the Bishop, which appeared in Taumua Lelei, the local organ of the Catholic Church, of which the Bishop is editor.

This excellent brochure does not claim to be a translation of the whole of Bishop Blanc’s contribution to the Taumua Lelei, which is really a history of the Catholic Church, in Tonga, and is, of course, writ ten in Tongan. It is a translation of selected portions of Bishop Blanc’s writ ings, which Mr. C. S. Ramsay, the trans lator, quite justly thought would prove of interest to the general reader.

A perusal will interest you, and will, I think, confirm my opinion that Mr, Ram say has exercised a wise discrimination in his selection, and displayed consider able literary ability in his excellent trans lation. This (again in my opinion) is deserving a more generous appreciation than is accorded by the good Bishop, in his reply, as published in your issue of September.

I am, etc.,

A. Cowley.

Nukualofa,

Tonga, 4/11/36.

EDITORIAL NOTE: The brochure, as Mr.

Cowley says, really appears to be a valuable compilation, and it is very unfortunate that there was any misunderstanding between the Bishop and Mr. Ramsay. The early section of the book, which deals with the origin and migrations of the Polynesian race, leading to the settlement of Tonga, is especially interesting.