Prince
p. 12 · Read in the full issue
To Greet The
Arrangements in Fiji and Samoa
From Our Own Correspondent.
SUVA, November 26.
THE Fiji Governor has announced that the Duke of Gloucester has approved of the programme submitted covering his stay in Fiji. The Duke is expected at Suva about 2 p.m. on Friday, February 1.
On landing he will be received by a guard of honour of the Fiji Defence Force when Fijian, European, and Indian troops will be on parade. The khaki uniforms of the Europeans and Indians will pro vide an excellent contrast to the scarlet and white of the Fijians’, and the blue and white of the constabulary. Then there will be a civic welcome by the Mayor (Hon. T. W. A. Barker) at the Town Hall, followed by a picturesque ceremonial welcome by Fijians at Albert Park.
The following day the Duke will pro ceed to the ancient white capital, Bau.
The Hon. Ratu Popi Cakobau, descendant of that Cakobau who handed his war-club to the Duke’s great-grandmother, will welcome his guest with ancient mekes (native ceremonial dances), whilst the Fijians of Lau, who contended in olden days with Bau for the supremacy, are coming specially to Bau to perform a meke of welcome.
Sunday will probably be spent in Suva, whilst Monday is to be devoted to a visit to the Island of Beqa, where live the Fire-walkers. In its natural seating the rite of walking on red-hot stones prac tised by this tribe alone is a spectacle of singular attraction.