of Polynesia

A Cultural Federation of Polynesia

By Mrs. George Mellen, 2998 Makalei Place, Honolulu

IAM tremendously interested in your advocacy of a cultural Federation of Polynesia, in the January issue of the “PIM”, and I agree with it in every de tail. A cultural Federation of Polynesia would have mucn to contribute to the coming Pacific era. Not only the Pacific, but all the world needs a large dose of Polynesian tolerance and kindliness, and I know of no people whose influence spreads with such fine results as does this “aloha spirit,” as we call it here in Hawaii. People of all races respond to it, and only good results would accrue to the nations which foster it.

I agree also that a politically-united Polynesia is impractical but I don’t think the people themselves would wish it. May I give you a story in illustra tion?

About 15 years ago, the Princess Kaw ananakoa (Hawaiian) made a trio to Tahiti and, while there, was lavishly en tertained by the former Queen Marau.

She told me that one day, when they were talking, the Queen said to her: “Princess, why don’t you become a Frenchwoman —Americans are so crude!”

The Princess said that this gave her a shock. Then they discussed the fact that each of them, both Polynesians, and feeling very close kinship to each other, felt completely a part of the nation to which their kingdoms belonged. The Princess ended, “Until she said that to me I had never realised how completely American I was—how it would be utterly impossible for me to be a Frenchwoman or any other national.”

So I think there is the answer to any question of a political unity of the race.

It is not only impractical, but the natives now have deep loyalties to the nations which have become their mother countries.

But a cultural Federation is different.

I am sure they would love it because of their great racial pride. Here in the Islands anyone who has a drop of Hawaiian blood calls herself an Hawaiian.

And they are always interested in other branches of the race.

I agree heartily with your last sen tence: “It is time that the world heard the voice of Polynesia.” A voice so kindly and so tolerant is greatly needed.

Mr. J. Sedgers, director of WRC (NG) arrived in Sydney recently from New Guinea. He will take a short holiday.