Polynesia's Domestic
p. 38 · Read in the full issue
Animals
Clue to Origin of the Race
IN a book entitled “Ancient Hawaiian Life”, by E. H. Bryan, of Guam, it is stated that the pig, the dog, and the fowl of the Polynesians originated in the Indo-Malay region.
There has been much argument about this; and a writer in the “Guam Re corder” quoted from an ancient Spanish book to suggest that pigs, fowls and other animals were introduced to the Polynesian islands, north of the equa tor, by the Spaniards, nearly 300 years ago.
Mr. Bryan, however, says that all students of Polynesian culture agree that the pigs, dogs, and fowls of the Poly nesians generally must have come from the Indo-Malay region, and that fact supports the theory, now fairly well es tablished, that the Polynesians themselves came in migratory waves from that part of the world, Mr. Bryan refers those who are inter ested in the matter to Bulletin No. 108, published by the Bishop Museum, Hono lulu, Hawaii.
War Forces Co. To Suspend
rpHE company formed recently by Mr.
X H. Bealsby Evans, called “Tropical Products and Fruits Pty. Ltd.”, the pur pose of which was to develop a fruit and vegetable export business between New Guinea and Sydney, encountered all the difficulties and disabilities created by the war—especially in relation to shipping ar rangements—and consequently it decided to suspend operations as from November 1. Mr. Evans put a great deal of very hard work and tireless organisation into this project, and it is to be hoped that he will be able to continue with it after the war-clouds have passed.
Mr. Tom Flower, well-known Rabaul timber exporter, returned to the Man dated Territory by the November “Macdhui” to arrange for the shipment of a large quantity of New Guinea walnut to America. He intends to send samples of New Guinea softwoods to Australia to be tested for possible use in the paper pulp industry.
Mrs. G. H. Murray, wife of the N.G.
Director of Agriculture, sailed from Syd ney for Rabaul, by the last “Macdhui” after several months’ holiday in Austra lia.
Mr. R. Mac Kay, who recently completed his three years’ service as Commonwealth auditor in Papua, arrived in Sydney at the end of November by the “Tasman”.