Real Tahiti

Two Writers in Defence of French Colony

Letter it) the Editor IHE Pacific Islands Monthly, long been known to us as the lead ing magazine of the South sas, has a reputation for impar ility and the airing of both sides any question. May we, therefore, esent our views concerning an tide in your August issue en ;led, “Social Troubles in French seania.” In this piece the ad inistration of France and French jeania were, in our opinion, merely and unjustly criticised, en vilified.

The article represents Mr. Ross’s inion, and he has a perfect right it. By the same token, we have similar right to ours.

Tahiti has long been plagued by e visitations of “week-end ribblers.” The jottings of these )be-trotters, beachcombers and lotional misfits may sometimes ike interesting reading, but are Idom related to the truth.

Such people arrive with ideas of irdens of Eden, which exist only their imaginations. Then they 'ike back at the Government of ibiti, the people, the conditions— ything in fact that does not come i to their fantastic expectations.

Mr. Ross has been described as a wealthy American business man 10 travels widely and observes >sely.” Upon investigation we dis vered that Mr. Ross is a laundry in in a small New York suburb, e submit that laundrymen should ck to their laundries and not take the pen for literary purposes, but ly for marking linen. . . . and not •ty linen at that!

IHE overall story of Tahiti, as pre sented by Mr. Ross, is one of general poverty, government efficiency, poor education, ill alth and sexual depravity. Such picture is profoundly dishonest, ilicious, and shows absence of owledge of the facts. Taking the 'ticisms one by one, this is what i discover:—

Standard Of Living —

thiti’s economic position is ex ;mely sound. The high price that pra brings assures general pros rity, inasmuch as a large majority Tahitians own their land. Wages e higher in Tahiti than anywhere e in the Pacific Islands, approach ? closely to those paid to Aus ilians and New Zealanders. Never fore have so many Tahitians been le to afford so many luxury goods motor bicycles, radios, cars, re gerators, etc. There is no one on lief in Tahiti, because food and elter are so easily available to all.

GOVERNMENT—After having

rsonally observed some of the wdling clock-watchers in govem mt offices in Whitehall, Washing

ton, Suva, Apia, etc., one is forced to the conclusion that Tahitian and French officials here are models of speed and efficiency. As far as essential services are concerned, there are more and better roads here and finer and more complete agricultural services. The local courts of justice have an excellent reputation for fair dealing to all comers. All government officials show the charming French courtesy to everyone at all times.

EDUCATION—There are splendid opportunities here, not only for regular education but also for technical and manual training. Moreover, contrary to Mr. Ross’s assertions, the natives are taught more

efficient farming methods. Good husbandry and the production of improved food crops is encouraged by the “Service Agricole.” Planta tion and garden competitions are held in the different villages, Young trees, seedlings and seeds are made available to the population on practically gratis terms. Numerous students are sent to France on scholarships, and (despite Mr.

Ross’s sour observations about “wine and women and reversion to native habits”) France after all is one of the greatest seats of learning and culture the world has ever seen, Mr. Ross suggests that students go to New Zealand. With all due re spect to that fine young country,

; does New Zealand have a “Sor bonne,” or any one of a dozen similar world-famous universities?

HEALTH—Here in Tahiti, the health facilities are probably better than anywhere else in the Pacific, with free hospitalisation, dental service, and clinical treatment. Sur gery is practised only by advanced sand highly trained specialists, who [are graduates of the finest medical colleges of France. With regard to - elephantiasis and filariasis, Tahiti 'has a huge, modern Institute of Re search, from which, control, pre vention and cure are freely dis pensed to all. It is significant that Papeete was the meeting-place [chosen for the world conference of doctors engaged in anti-filariasis [work, held in August. At Tahiti’s leprosarium, one of the oldest in the Pacific, inmates .are being discharged with the awful malady arrested and even cured.

Yaws, hookworm and other tropical [diseases are now things of the past. [ SEX—Sex is no sin in Tahiti, nor 'is it the shabby sordid “free love 'system” Mr. Ross would have your readers believe. Love among the Tahitians is looked upon as a felici tous function of life, not something to be indulged in, in secrecy and fear. There is actually no more promiscuity in Tahiti than any where else in the world. What’s more, the family life here is com paratively stable, with alliances last

ing much longer than, say, in the United States with its one divorce out of every three or four marriages.

Orphans are unknown in Tahiti, and the phrase “illegitimate child” does not exist.

From journalistic, grammatical, and factual points of view, we could continue to tear Mr. Rosss alleged literary effort apart. But our pur pose will be served if we can show that Tahiti is indeed “La Perle du Pacifique,” under a kind and tolerant government.

Outstanding persons of culture, learning and refinement choose to make this island their permanent home. Because here there is no discrimination against the colour of your skin, the size of your bank roll or the occupation you pursue.

Instead there is a prevailing spirit of freedom, tolerance, democracy and liberty for all. Vive Tahiti! lorana!

We are, etc.,

Bernard Covit,

John Rolley.

Papeete, Nov. 19.

Mr. and Mrs. Kieran Thorpe, who were married at St. Philip’s Church, Sydney, on November 24, will make their home on Santo, New Hebrides. The bride was formerly Miss Jill Ipkendanz, of Boggabri,

Nsw.