New Governor Arrives

in Fiji Warm Welcome for Sir Arthur Richards

From Our Own Correspondent

Suva, Nov. 28.

AN enthusiastic welcome awaited His Excellency Sir Arthur Richards, K.C.M.G., the new Governor of Fiji, when he stepped off the Matua at Suva this morning. Sir Arthur was accompanied by Lady Richards and family, and Captain P. Jeffs, his A.D.C.

Greeted by a salute of 17 guns fired from H.M.C.B. Pioneer, His Excellency landed and inspected the guard of honour of European, Fijian, and Indian companies of the Defence Force and the band.

Shortly afterwards His Excellency went to the Supreme Court, where, in the pre sence of members of the Executive Coun cil, he was sworn in as Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Colony of Fiji and as High Commissioner for the Western Pacific. The oaths of allegiance and office were administered bv His Honour the Chief Justice, Mr. O. C. K.

Corrie.

In a short address Sir Arthur expressed thanks on behalf of Lady Richards and himself for the very warm welcome they had been accorded. He remarked that he was conscious of his good fortune in coming here on a rising tide of prosperity.

His predecessor, Sir Murchison Fletcher, had had the difficulties of the depression to deal with, but had also had the satis faction of steering the ship into calmer waters.

It would be his endeavour with the assistance of his advisers to pursue a policy of progress. Fiji was an agricul tural country, and it would be his en deavour to foster development along those lines.

His Excellency said that there was one policy that would remain unchanged and unchallenged, and that was that the true interests of the Fijians always remained the ultimate and predominant considera tion of the Government. Some confusion might arise as to what were the true in terests of the Fijians: they were to fit them more fully to meet the impact of modern conditions and to help them to help themselves and maintain their posi tion. It was not in the true interests of the Fijians to injure or restrict the activi ties of other races whose energy and in dustry had contributed so signally to the welfare of the land.

Later in the bure at Government House their Excellencies were accorded a tradi tional native welcome by leading chiefs of the Colony. Sir Arthur was presented with a tabua (whale’s tcoth) and the usual root of yaqona. An address of wel come was read by one of the chiefs. Then came the ceremonial preparation and drinking of kava done with full native ceremonial, the performers chanting as the drink was painstakingly prepared.

His Excellency addressed the chiefs along the lines of his address to the Exe cutive Council earlier in the day, saying that it was the object of the Government to teach the natives to take a vigorous pride in the national future. They would always have the Government’s help and support in upholding and safeguarding their position. The Government wished to help the Fijians in every way, but they must be able and willing to help them

selves, so he would confidently look for ward to receiving a full measure of sup port and co-operation from the chiefs in everything which he might try to do for the good of the people and their country.

Welcome In Samoa

From Our Own Correspondent.

Apia, Nov. 25.

T’HE newly appointed Governor of Fiji -*■ and High Commissioner for the Wes tern Pacific (Sir Arthur P. Richards, K.C.M.G.) passed through Apia on the Matua.

Sir Arthur was entertained on the afternoon of November 24 at the Govern ment (Avele) Boys’ School, with a pro gramme of Samoan songs and dances.

Representatives of Europeans and natives were present, and were introduced to the guest of honour.

Mr. W. J. Clapham, accountant at the Suva branch of the Bank of New Zealand, returned to Fiji after furlough by the Niagara in November.