Notable Men of The Pacific

ALTHOUGH a comparatively new figure in the Pacific, Sir Murchison Fletcher has quickly won popularity.

Since his arrival in Fiji in Novem ber, 1929, he has earned the good opinion of all sections of the commun ity, for he is far-seeing and business like. He has already achieved much for the steady development of the Col ony.

He has taken a keen interest in im proving inter-island communications throughout the Group. It was through his energy that the flying service was started, and this has been very success ful in the linking-up of the scattered islands.

Recently he advocated the use of more copper coins. It is his opinion that this would help to bring financial relief at the present period by reduc ing the cost of living. He considers the scheme would be ideal in a country where so much native labour was used.

Born in England in 1878, Sir Murchi son Fletcher was educated at Chelten ham College and Trinity College, Ox ford. He entered the British Civil Service as a cadet at Hongkong in 1901. Two years later he was seconded for famine relief work in Kwang Si.

Returning to Hongkong he commenced

a lengthy residence there, during which time he received many promo tions. Eventually, in 1918, he became Assistant Colonial Secretary. This position he occupied for eight years, acting as Colonial Secretary on seven occasions. In 1926 he was promoted to Ceylon as Colonial Secretary, and from there was appointed to his pre sent high position as Governor of Fiji and High Commissioner for Western Pacific.

Sir Murchison is regarded in Fiji as “the man we have been waiting for," as one leading citizen said recently.

This sentiment is generally endorsed throughout the Colony.

His activity knows no bounds. He has displayed a desire to see things for himself, and, as he is a great pedes trian, he is regarded rather shyly by some of his officers, who do not like walking overmuch.

In 1919 he received the C.B.E., and in 1922, the C.M.G. Ere arriving in Fiji, he was honoured by the confer ring of a knighthood and the insignia of K.C.M.G.

Sir Murchison Fletcher married a daughter of Lieut.-Colonel Rogers Har rison, I.M.S. There are two sons, who are at school in England.

Sir A. G. Murchison Fletcher, K.C.M.G., Governor of Fiji and High Commissioner for the Western Pacific