The Moon And Palolo

Letter to the Editor. ¥ AM sure that “The Rising of Copra” is A of far more vital interest to your sub scribers than “The Rising of Palolo”; but, at least, from my point of view, Mr. Arthur Robinson’s sweeping statements demand a few more words on the subject.

A.R. writes of his knowledge of the “Rising” in Fiji, whilst I of the Eastern Solomons. Apparently, the dates do not coincide. That is interesting—but it does not justify A.R. tearing my humble article asunder and telling the world I know noth ing at all about the subject.

Instead of “wasting my time,” I, together with hundreds of natives of this island, have gathered Palolo on numerous occa sions two nights after November full moon.

Of course, the months differ. The full moon has been known to pop up bright and early on the Ist! Other years it has had the audacity to be as late as the 30th.

However, I am not going to fall out with A.R., for I am greatly indebted for the astronomical information, “How to find the correct date of the third quarter of the moon, south of the line.”

I am, etc.,

A. M. Andresen.

Ulawa, 20/10/1936.

Later (Nov. 3).

Just two nights after the October full moon, on Saturday evening, November 1, at 8.20. contrary to the usual first rising, the Palolo came up in all their glory by the million. Whether the same thing will occur again this month I leave to those more learned on the subject.

—A.M.A.