Discovery Of Rare Relic

At Mangaia

Prom Our Own Correspondent AMANGAIA, Cl, November.

VISITOR from Rarotonga, Mr.

Mcßirney, who is a keen archae ologist has discovered here a fine old “mere” (traditional Polynesian club), of greenish stone. It is in perfect order, and it is believed that the discovery may be found to be of some importance, when this very rare piece is examined by ex perts.

This island’s highly “tapu” burial-caves contain other treasures, but these have been viewed by only one living European —Mr. E. Gold, who under the guidance of the heir, Kimi-ravenga (since dead), entered the famous cave “Pire-te-ume ume” in 1926. This cave contains price less old weapons, nets and clothing which are regarded as being the most sacred of the artifacts of the Group. The where abouts of this cave are now known to only two people, and they guard the secret with sincere respect.

There are other caves in Mangaia, not particularly “tapu,” which also contain relics. But these relics are of a much more recent date than those in “Pire-te ume-ume.”

Mr. C. E. Leembruggen has been appointed Censor of Postal Matter and Telegrams in Fiji.