Pacific Territories

Coronation Day In The

C CORONATION Day, May 12, was ob- J served with suitable ceremonial in the centres of all the British Pacific ter ritories.

Most extensive ceremonies took place at Rabaul, New Guinea, in which the three communities European, Chinese, and native —all took part. Loyal messages were transmitted to London from the European and Chinese communities.

In Papua, Sir Hubert Murray delivered a loyal address, which was broadcast over station 4PM. There were children’s sports on the decorated parade ground at Konedobu, and over 60 townsmen as sembled at Government House and toasted Their Majesties. There were celebrations also at Hanuabada and Koki, where the Governor attended the native school-children’s pageant and sports.

In Suva, the Governor of Fiji was the leading figure in a number of spectacular events, including a military parade, a reception, the laying of the foundation stone of the new Government buildings, and a ball at the Grand Pacific Hotel.

There was a big fireworks display and a bon-fire was lit on the top of Mt. Koro baba. There were also a fancy dress ball, a pageant of Empire, and a garden party at Government House.

A gathering of Norfolk Is. residents transmitted, through their Administrator, a loyal message to the King and Queen.

The Administrator of Nauru sent, on behalf of his community a message of loyalty and devotion to Their Majesties.

Under the direction of Mr. Turnbull, Acting-Administrator, Coronation Day was suitably observed in Samoa. There was much native ceremonial. The Fono of Faipulc (Samoan native assembly) met on May 12, and took part in the celebrations.