The Duke In Fiji

Native Ceremonies, Mekes and Fish Drive Provide Prince Henry with Colourful Fete.

From Our Own Correspondent.

SUVA, February 8.

AMID the cheering of a tremendous crowd gathered on the wharf, the Duke of Gloucester was welcomed by the Gover nor (Sir Murchison Fletcher) on his arrival here on February 1. He met the Chief Justice, members of the Legislative and Executive Councils, the Mayor (Alderman Alport Barker), and leading officials; later, he was presented with an address by the Mayor.

A guard of honour of the Fiji Defence Force, under Captain Forster, received him with a Royal salute; and H.R.H. was much impressed by the soldiers of three nationalities paraded for his inspection.

In the afternoon, an old chief, Aseri, tendered the Duke a whale’s tooth, as a symbol of power. After participating in the Kava drinking ceremony, Prince Henry invested Sowani Paumau, a native medical practitioner, with the M.B.E., awarded him in the last Birthday Honours.

The Prince received an especially cor dial welcome from the Indian community, and from the Fijians, led by Hon. Ratu Popi Cakobau.

On Saturday, February 2, he visited the old native capital of Bau, and was enter tained by ancient native ceremonies and mekes. In the evening he attended the brilliant Government ball at the Grand Pacific Hotel.

An exciting polo match played at Albert Park on Sunday afternoon by the Duke, Capt. A. C. Curtis, and Capt. Schreiber, of the “Australia,” against Major C. B.

Joske, Capt. M. Godley, and W. D. Carew, of Fiji, resulted in a narrow win by the visitors of 6 goals to 5. The Duke scored two goals for his team.

Monday, February 4, was a busy day for His Highness; he saw the famous fire-walkers at Mbenga in the morning, and later witnessed a native fish drive inside the reef. He delighted the Fijians by diving overboard fully clothed and assisting them.

At 11.30 a.m. the following day, H.M.A.S.

Australia with the Duke aboard sailed for Samoa. In a farewell message to Suva, he expressed great delight at the colourful and novel performances pro vided by Fiji for his entertainment.