Fiji.
p. 62 · Read in the full issue
Violent Storm Hits Fiji.
Sugar Crop Seriously Damaged.
Prom Our Own Correspondent.
Suva, Mar. 3.
LAST week-end, February 26 and 27, Suva experienced a hurricane scare. For the first time for some years show windows in the town were to be seen complete with hurricane battens.
A low barometer gave warning of an approaching depression, but difficulty was experienced in locating it, for there appeared to be several small depressions scattered over the Pacific. However, no risks were run and many premises were battened up. The liner “Tainui” anchored in the stream on Saturday evening and remained there throughout the week-end, prepared for a quick get-away in the event of a serious “blow” developing.
However, once more Suva escaped.
Lautoka, on the other hand, had a strong gale accompanied by heavy rain. At times the wind reached force 10, but no serious damage was done in the town.
Reports from Ba and Tavua indicate that serious damage was done to the sugar crop. The District Commissioner reported that at least 50 per cent, of the present crop is down, while 50 per cent, of the crop already planted for the 1939 season is affected.
The Ba River was flooded, the water rising some feet over the bridge and entering the store of Morris, Hedstrom, Ltd. Slight damage was caused. Roads in the Ra district suffered and damage was done to the Ellington wharf. Trees were blown down in many places and inter-district telephone communication was cut off, owing to the lines being brought down.
At Nadarivatu a whirlwind was experienced, which damaged the Gov ernment station buildings. However, the most serious damage was done to the mill of the Fiji Kauri Timber Company, about two-thirds of this and the chimney stack being hurled down by the whirl wind. Fortunately, the machinery was not damaged.
In Nadroga, a strong north-west wind was experienced but no damage was done. The Sigatoka River rose about eight feet.
Mr. R. J. Keegan, who was trans feree! from the New Hebrides to the Solomons public service in 1936, and who was subsequently stationed at Faisi, the Shortlands, and Tulagi, arrived in Sydney in March.
Mr. A. Campbell, plantation inspector, arrived in Sydney in March by the “Malaita” from the Solomon Islands, on furlough.