Concerning American

Tourists

Letter to the Editor MR. Hungerford’s letter in the April issue of “PIM” is worthy of an answer—first, because he bears the patronymic and is probably a relative of the cultivated gentleman who honoured this writer with his friendship when we were class and club mates at a great Eastern university; secondly, because he is manifestly concerned over the repu tation of our countrymen abroad. It is precisely for this second reason that, in the forlorn hope of better things to come, your correspondent has written his criticisms.

We regret, however, that history bears witness to the unpleasant truth that American tourism to Tahiti—during the past 20 years—has been navigated on a sea of alcohol and charted to a course of unbridled license. It began with the period of escape from Prohibition and the publication of books representing these islands as a Utopia of Un restraint.

Twenty years of this sort of thing has had the effect of changing the morals

and manners of the rising generation of our native Tahitians in a way that can be described only as devastating. To go into detail would require a volume as portly as “Gone With the Wind”.

We suggest that Mr. Hungerford, for his enlightenment, re-read in his Octo ber, 1940, copy (on page 40) an article not contributed by this correspondent.

Almost we have forgotten to thank Mr.

Hungerford for his kindly thought for our health and pulchritude. Our learned friends tell us that arsenic is not only a valuable stimulant, but will clear and beautify the complexion. The prolonged use Mr. Hungerford recommends would, no doubt, greatly enhance our charm.

But, alas, our garden of vanity withered to its roots so long ago, that even arsenic could not revive it, I am, etc.,

Your Papeete Correspondent.

Tahiti, 8/6/1941.

Dr. G. H. Vernon, a well-known medical officer, formerly of Thursday Island and Daru, and at present in Misima, Eastern Papua, has been granted leave by the Government, and is enlisting in the Australian forces.