CAROLINE ISLANDS A PUZZLE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2001, 10 July 1919, Page 1

CAROLINE ISLANDS A PUZZLE.

WHO BUILT THE VENICE OP

THE PACIFIC?

“Whatever the political future of the Caroline Islands, which Japan seized from Germany, they are hound to bo objects of scientific interest for generations to •conic,” according to a bulletin issued by the National Geographic Society of America.

“Who built the massive stone structures which give evidence of a high degree of civilisation at some prehistoric time? “What was the origin of the stone currency, some ‘coins’ of which weigh live tons?

“These are but two of the many questions which these Pacific Islands of mystery present,” the bulletin continues.

“The stone ruins extend from Panape, an island towards the east of the group, to Yap, on the west. “On Yap are great stone terraces, embankments, and roads, composed of neatly laid stone blocks, stone graves, stone platforms, and enormous chambers resembling council lodges with gables and tall pillars, frequently carved. “Panape discloses (he 'Pacific Venice.’ There the, ruins are partly submerged. Apparently they once stood on an Island city, unless their site was connected with other islands before a terrific upheaval inundated them. “What remains to-day are more than half a hundred rectangular walled islets, projecting above the waters of a lagoon. There is an outer lagoon separated by a breakAvater three miles long. In all this construction huge basalt blocks were used. Apparently they were untouched by iron tools.

“Origin of the unique stone coinage is not known. Shell money seems to have supplanted the unweildly stone discs for ‘small change’ long before the white man arrived. The stone ‘money’ is made from limestone or caleife. It probably was employed for primitive banking rather than for general circulation. Its security from theft was assured by its weight. Specimens are found piled about the homes of native chieftains.

“Including reefs not inhabited, tlic Caroline Islands number more than 500. Of the total land area of 390 square miles, 307 square miles are comprised in Ponape, Yap, Kuraie,. and Hogolu, or Truk. In 1911 the total population was about 55,000, and of these fewer than 400 were Europeans. “The islands extend for about 1,000 miles oast and west. They lie more than 1,500 miles to the east of the Philippines, and about 1,000 miles-north of New Guinea