Modern Hospital Replaces Ancient Heathenism,

A BEAUTIFUL new hospital, of which the above is a photograph, has been built of concrete blocks on the shores of the lagoon at Raiatea, French Oceania, on the site of the f<ormer Ad ministration residence. The work was commenced years ago; was m 1939, when war started, and again when Prance was overrun, in 1940.

Raiatea once was the centre of the ancient religion, of which Oro was the

chief god, and Taputapuatea was the principal marae. It was from here that sacred stones were taken by the priests for incorporation in the maraes which were built in Tahiti and other islands for the worship of Oro.

In the following verses, Mr. Richard Scholtz, a resident of Raiatea, expresses his conception of the difference between the days of heathenism and the days of hospitals:—

Raiatea; cult of Oro; The gods look down on vanished splen dour: Marae, idol, sacrifice, Heathen-bedevilled barbarity— Taputapuatea!

But behold the vision splendid Risen by the sparkling sea; Temple of mercy gods incarnate Enlightened humanity— Taputapuatea!