Pomare's Bible

The following note has been received from Mr. W. W. Bolton , of Tahiti: IT is well to be accurate, especially as regards heirlooms. Queen Pomare’s Bible, referred to in the “PIM” of February last, was not (as rumour per sistently held) the gift of Queen Victoria, but of a leading Tahitian of the island, great-uncle to a present-day resident.

Nott’s first edition remained his to the end. Queen Victoria’s copy, received from Nott’s hands, likewise remained with her. That was in 1838.

Upon Queen Pomare’s death, the book passed to her son, Pomare V. Upon his death, it passed to his adopted son and heir. Prince Hinoi, from whom it was secured by its present owner’s father.

The following is how the title-page of the treasured possession of Queen Pomare reads, in the Queen’s handwriting, in Tahitian: Pomare Vahine Queen of Tahiti, Moorea, etc., etc., etc. 1849 (Year of gift) (The rest in print) London 1846 (Year of printing) (There follows in Tahitian) Printed at William Watts for the British and Foreign Bible Society, founded at London in the year 1804. 1847 (Year of issue for sale) On the back leaves entries are made in the Queen’s handwriting, in Tahitian, of the births and names of her six children, and four of her eight grand children.

The Governor of French Oceania, Colonel Georges Orselli, left Tahiti in March for Algiers, to which point he had been summoned for consultation with the French Committee of National Libera tion. He expects to return in July. M.

Louis Fournier, Secretary-General, is Acting Governor. After much political turmoil, French Oceania has enjoyed two years of peace and tranquility under Colonel Orselli.