Polynesian Migrations

Speculations by "Young Cubs" of Anthropology

WHEN Dr. Peter H. Buck’s book con cerning Polynesian migrations was published at the end of 1938, it was felt by some that the last word had not been said, and his conclusions were challenged, in some directions.

The war, coming in 1939, has inter rupted discussion of this most fascinating subject; but the war presently will be over, and we then must continue with our inquiries.

The following letter, by a well-known authority to the editor of the “FIM”, was not written for publication, but we are publishing some portions of it to help maintain interest in the subject.

“I have read Dr. Buck’s “Vikings of the Sunrise” and I find it disappointing as a work on Polynesian migrations.

“What Dr. Buck writes from his own knowledge and study is authentic. But the greater part of his book is derived from the speculations of a lot of young cubs who have taken a course in anthro pology but know nothing of Polynesian languages and less about native mentality and ancient custom. They ransack a few burial caves, measure a few platforms and marae and then ponderously pro nounce some pontificial theory to justify the time and expense of their expedition.

“As far as I have been able to dis cover, there is not a scrap of evidence or reference in the chants and legends of Central Polynesia, to justify the theory of any migration into this area via Micronesia—in the manner stated in the book.

“Dr. Buck quotes that woolly-brained professor, McMillan-Brown—who was a laughing stock for all serious students when he came this way—and ignores William Churchill, whose work (pub lished by the Carnegie Foundation) is the most able and scholarly study of the Polynesian problem I have ever seen.

“I think there is much to support the theory of a migration via Rotuma, in asmuch as the legends of Ra’i’atea have been the foundation on which that theory has been built.

“It would require a book to record the references, quotations and detailed rea sons for the Rotuma theory.

“My friend, Mr. Charles B. Nordhoff, of Tahiti, who has read Dr. Buck’s book, is of the same opinion as to its value as a document on Polynesian migrations. He tells me that Dr. Buck is the leading authority on certain aspects of old Poly nesian society, but has to take the word of others in many major departments of the study of the ancient people and Islands lore.

“Dr. Buck’s book is, of course, delight ful reading and gives a clear outline of the results of the investigations by scientists of the Bishop Museum.”

Mr. Richard Humble, who served in the Fiji Civil Service from 1918 until November, 1941, died in Suva War Memorial Hospital at the end of March, aged 55. An Englishman, he arrived in Fiji 45 years ago and joined the Penang Sugar Company. His service with the Government, variously as clerk, bond keeper, boarding officer, and, at one per iod, postmaster, was spent mostly in Levuka. His long leave prior to retire ment expired only a few days before he died.