Pacific
p. 46 · Read in the full issue
A Wonder Of The
WHEN the Seven Wonders of the South Pacific shall be gazetted, the list will surely include the church of Saint Michel on Mangareva.
The most distant from Tahiti of all the islands of French Oceania, Man gareva is situated at the south-eastern extremity of the thousand mile Tua motu barrier and is, to-day, one of the most lonely spots in the broad Pacific.
Twice a year, perhaps, a schooner from Papeete will voyage thither. Less often, a vessel from the coast of South America will stop to rest and refresh the ship’s company. For the major part of the year, the inhabitants look over the placid expanse of the broad lagoon at horizons unblemished by the white canvas and black smoke of ocean traffic.
The stately twin belfries of Saint Michel tower over the groves of bread fruit, orange, and palm trees, which screen and shelter the little settlement, Rikitea. Its great towers and massive walls constructed of cut stone faced with gleaming white coral Saint Michel has the proportions of a cathedral. Within, the roof is supported by white pillars decorated with filigree work in blue.
The high alter and reredos are mar vels of mother-of-pearl inlay wrought in exquisite and intricate patterns of flowers and leaves, by Mangarevan craftsmen of a century ago, under the tutelage of the early fathers of the mission. The massive candelabra are of silver inlaid in flower designs with other materials as well as mother-of pearl, to give variety of colour: rose, blue, and gold. Seated in orderly rows of pews, 1.200 people could comfortably worship in this huge church. On great occasions, 2,000 could enter without overcrowding.
On the island of Akamaru—another of the Gambier Group situated near Man gareva, in the vast lagoon—is another church; much smaller, but of similar design. Its altar and Teredos are also resplendent with inlay of mother-of pearl wonderfully wrought.
The foundations of Saint Michel were laid in the year 1839, five years after the founding on Mangareva of the first Roman Catholic Mission in the South Pacific. At that early time the islands were thickly populated. Later, the treasure of pearl shell and pearls of fine quality brought to these islands ad venturers and traders from many lands.
With them came the diseases of civil ization. The twain accomplished the exhaustion of the pearl beds and the decimation of the people.
France did not take over the islands until 1881.
A.C.R.
Mr. Ivan H. Young, of the Income Tax Office, Brisbane, has been seconded for service at the Thursday Island radio station as assistant engineer and clerk.