Europeans And Fijians
pp. 47-48 · Read in the full issue
THE visitor to Fiji must be impressed A with the cordial relationship that exists between the Europeans and the Fijians. The British, especially, show warm affection for the ever-laughing na tives, while the latter treat the white men with the respect that is based on real liking. There is an especially good feel ing between the Fijian chiefs and the Europeans; and the latter point with pride to the remarkably high degree of Western culture which the Fijian nobles can acquire.
The most notable Fijian in the Colony is Ratu J. L. V. Sukuna, who was edu cated at Oxford, and who now holds a high position in the public service. His speeches, delivered in faultless English, are among the most notable contributions to the debates of the Legislative Council.
Not long ago, a well-known British re sident wanted to engage a Chinese cook, recently arrived from Noumea. The cook knew French but no English, while the Britisher had no French. Ratu Sukuna (who won a decoration in the French Foreign Legion in the war) was called in, and with his excellent knowledge of French, he arranged the engagement.
Mr. W. M. Reid, chairman of directors of W. M. Reid Limited, sailed from Syd ney for Rarotonga, Cook Group, on a business visit by the Makura on October 22.
Mr. T. Russell, formerly legal adviser to the Government of Siam, reached Suva, Fiji, to take up duties as Chief Police Magistrate, by the Niagara on October 22.
He was accompanied by his wife and family.
Miss M. Ward, of the Methodist Mission, who has. served for three years in the New Britain District in the Mandated Territory of New Guinea, returned to Queensland recently to be married.
Mr. W. S. Flower, who has been a sub inspector in the Fiji Constabulary for seven years, has resigned from the ser vice. He departed from Suva en route to England with his wife and family by the Niagara on October 23.