Fijian Canoe Sinks

Missionaries in Open Sea For Three Hours

From Our Own Correspondent SUVA, January 24. 4TAKIA (native canoe), containing Rev.

G. S. Crouch of the Methodist Mission, Mrs. Crouch, Miss Joan Wridgway, of Mel bourne, and two F'ijian. boatmen, was swamped by choppy seas outside the reef at Kadavu and the party was forced to cling to the upturned canoe and struggle for three hours in the open sea before reaching the shore.

Leaving Vunisea, Kadavu, at 6 p.m. on January 11, they went outside the main reef in the small boat, heavily loaded with goods. They were soon in difficulties and. after bailing for several hours, found the takia gradually sinking lower in the water.

Opposite Tavuki it sank, and the occupants were thrown into the sea.

Making slow progress by pushing the boat before them, they approached the shore, but the wind and tide kept them on a course parallel to the beach. When almost exhausted they gained a footing on the reef, though it was after midnight when they safely reached the shore.

Both ladies suffered from shock and ex haustion, but after a night’s rest were little the worse for the experience.

Mr. D. Cunningham, of Mango, Fiji, arrived in Sydney from Suva by the Niagara on January 25 to seek expert attention for his eyesight. He has been in Fiji only nine months, but previously was for many years connected with the copra industry in the Solomon Islands,

Fiji residents are keen hockey enthusiasts. The accompanying group shows the team which re presented Fiji against the New Zealand Universities’ team at Albert Park, Suva, last year.

New Zealand won two test matches, the other being drawn.