Fiji News.

New Scenic Road.

From Our Own Correspondent.

BA, January 14.

The Lautoka-Sigatoka road was opened a few months ago to light traffic, and a number of motorists have made the trip. Some of the views are beautiful, and well worth the journey.

A pass has to be obtained from the District Engineer before one can pro ceed, as the road is sometimes impass able after heavy showers, and a car would plough it up. About 20 miles still remain to be gravelled, and the road will be open to public traffic.

This delightful trip should become a favourite with motorists, and charming Sigatoka will become a rendezvous for excursions.

Cyclone “Misses.”

We have had constant rain and hot weather lately, and, as is usual during this kind of weather, much mild sick ness is about; no doubt caused by the very sudden changes in temperature.

Swarms of mosquitoes are prevalent, and we should be thankful that malaria is not on our list of sicknesses.

The glass dropped a few points when a cyclone in the New Hebrides was veering our way. We felt quite re lieved at the news that it had passed by, as none would like to experience a recurrence of the disastrous flood and hurricane of 1931, when so many lives were lost.

Talkies For Lautoka.

Mr. C. Meyer, of Suva, has several times visited Ba and Lautoka with his “Talkie” outfit, and hopes soon to be able to erect his own theatre here.

Owing to the present hall not being built for talkies, none of his shows have been quite successful, but have

been good considering the circum stances under which he has to show, and he deserves every success for his enterprise. He has been unfortunate in having several serious breakdowns, but when he has a permanent installa tion we hope to be up with the times.

Cricket And Dance.

The Governor’s yacht, H.M.C.S.

“Pioneer” came from Suva to Lautoka on Christmas Eve with a full comple ment of sporting enthusiasts. The item of interest was the cricket match between the Northern and Southern divisions for the Governor’s Cup.

Suva was not able to send a represen tative team, so we had an easy vic tory of 9 wickets. The standard of play was not very high, owing, no doubt, to Christmas celebrations and the prevailing hot weather; but every body enjoyed themselves. The visitors were entertained at luncheon by the winners. It is hoped that a return match will be played in Suva at Easter.

On Boxing night, a dance was held in the Lautoka Social Hall for the visitors, which was patronised by a large crowd. No one seemed in a hurry to leave, and there was a rush to board the last boat for the ship in the wee hours. Everybody voted the dance a success, and all thanks are due to Mr. “Bhai” Bossley for his untiring efforts to give the visitors a good time. During the evening, Mrs.

N. Edwards, Miss Ryder and Mr. Frank Beddoes kindly contributed to the music.

A drowning occurred last Sunday in the Vitogo River, about 5 miles from Lautoka, when a Bombay Indian was drowned. About thirty of his com patriots went for a picnic, and the de ceased went further up the river than the others. He must have got out of his depth. The only witness of the tragedy was a young lad, who called for help which came too late.

Two Europeans and five half-castes have been made to take out prohibition orders against themselves or else loose their jobs. Every four weeks a large number of the C.S.R. Co.’s men get paid, and on the Friday and Satur day nights most them have a real “night out.” In a place like this, where there are so few amusements for the young folk, and where the male popu lation exceeds the female, it has been the custom for these men to congre gate at the local “pub.” Apparently the Company have got tired of warning them, with the above results, and last pay day passed almost unnoticed.