Treasure Book Of

Raivavae

Secrets Given to Honolulu Scientist

From Our Own Correspondent.

M Papeete, Oct. 10.

R. J. Frank Stimson, Of The

Bishop Museum of Honolulu, has returned to Papeete after a three months’ sojourn in the Island of Raiva vae (Austral Group), situated 450 miles south of Tahiti.

Raivavae is one of the most fascinating islands in the South Pacific, not only because of the beauty of its countryside pf mountain and valley, and the exquis ite colouring of the surrounding waters over far-flung coral reefs, but because of the gracious simplicity of unspoiled native life, its history and legend, and the many ancient temples and stone im ages along the coast and in the jungle of the interior.

One hundred years ago, when they had been taught the art of writing by the missionaries, the high chiefs of Raivavae resolved to ensure the unimpaired trans mission of their ancient learning to their descendants.

A big blank book was brought from Papeete and the elders, the priests, the wise men and the former chiefs of the Arioi set themselves at work to record chants and legends, invocations and rit uals of ancient religions, chronicles and myths of mighty warriors and heroic ex peditions.

No white man has ever looked within the covers of that book. Many a tra veller and wandering scientist has sought, by persuasion and bribery, to gain access to its riches—without avail.

Mr. Stimson by some magic has pre vailed upon the guardians of the book to make transcripts of much of the ma terial written therein, for use by the Museum. These acquisitions will add much of value to the literature of Poly nesian antiquities.