GARDEN OF EDEN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23669, 29 November 1938, Page 15

GARDEN OF EDEN

QUESTION OF LOCATION THE CLAMS OF CEYLON (Special to Daily Times) AUCKLAND, Nov. 28. While speculation is rife among some scholars as to the existence or location of the Garden of Eden, there are others who advocate various countries' claims as the region referred to in Genesis. The case for Ceylon, which is supported by many Singalese, was made by the Very Rev. Father D. J. M. Berenger, 0.5.8., of Kandy, Ceylon, who is a through passenger on the Niagara which arrived at Auckland to-day. Father Berenger, who was born in Ceylon 66 years ago, lives up to the reputation of the Benedictines for culture, and is an eminent archaeologist and geologist who has travelled in many lands. "Ceylon is known as the Garden of Eden," Father Berenger said. "One of the highest mountains is known as Adam's peak, and there is also a bridge called Adam's bridge. These facts are cart of the chain of evidence which goes to show that Ceylon must have been the Garden of Eden. There are any amount of snakes there." Another name for Ceylon was Ophir, Father Berenger said. The Arabs called it Serendib and the Greeks Taprobane. Ophir was the land from which the sailors of King Solomon brought him ivory, peacock feathers, sandal wood and orecious gems for his temple. Interested in philology, general culture, and several branches of science, Father Berenger has been round the world three times and is on his way to Europe for the sixth time. He is bound for Rome. He has been 'a missionary in Ceyion, where the Catholics number about one in 10 of the population.