Anthropologists

Are They A Help or a Menace?

Letter to the Editor recommendations of the recent Honolulu Conference concerning pro blems of native education in the Pacific, have been the subject of some criticism in the South Seas—not only by seasoned educationalists at work there, but also by the more advanced and educated natives. I t Education in the future, it seems, in order “to secure permanent and stable adjustment of native social life under the new conditions,” etc., must be based upon the natives’ own obsolete practices and customs.

It is understood, also, that an alliance of social anthropology and education is being sought. Scientific knowledge of native sociology and psychology, they de clare, are “essential to, success in a pro cess of adaptation that aims at a blend of native and European culture.”

“Concept of Nativisation in Educa tion” sounds very learned, but the mean ing of it and the methods proposed for future development are so vague that one can have no hesitation in using the phrase freely, for it can mean nothing more than another anthropological tag to be used as a groundwork for further abstract theories.

Conjectures already are rife as to which of the customs usually frowned upon by law may be considered suffici ently stimulating for this anthropological theory to work upon.

With so many aspirants in the field of anthropology, it is understandable that the most compelling self-advertisement is necessary, if a number of fanciful theor ies are to be brought to light; but even their beautiful blossoming, and the poig nant sadness of their fading, cannot justify this last frantic effort for publicity.

Until recently anthropology has been comparatively harmless, and few have regarded its pet theories seriously. But if these theorists are to succeed in push ing their fantastic claims as educational ists into the South Seas, it is time that some measures be taken to protect un fortunate natives from being harassed by a frantic band of job-hunters.

Anthropologists are becoming seriously a l armed at the insecurity of their stand ing, and impatient that their alleged right to fame should be measured by their ability to attain it. Some check should be put upon their uncontrolled and mis chievous activities, before the threat be comes a scourge.

I am, etc.,

Educationalist Of 20 Years’

Standing.

Pt Moresby, Papua.

May 4, 1937.

Pastor W. D. Smith, a Seventh Day Adventist missionary, arrived in Sydney by the Morinda on May 24, after spend ing two years on Norfolk Island and in the New Hebrides. He will leave shortly for Pitcairn Island.

Mr. Andrew F. Ker, of the New Guinea Administration’s staff at the Wau Dis trict Office, departed from Sydney for Rabaul with his wife by the Montoro on May 15. They spent their leave in Sydney and Victoria.