Sir Harry Luke

Cordial Welcome for New Governor in Fiji

GLORIOUS weather, combined with the cordial friendliness of the people, provided a happy augury for the rule of Sir Harry Luke, C.M.G., when he dis embarked from R.M.S. “Niagara” in Suva on September 16, to assume the Gover norship of Fiji, and High Commissioner ship of the Western Pacific.

His Excellency was greeted aboard the liner by the Chief Justice (Mr. O. C. K.

Corrie), and Mrs. Corrie, and the Colonial Secretary (Mr. Juxon Barton, C.M.G., 0.8. E.), and Mrs. Barton, attended by the Honorary Aides de Camp, Major C. B.

Joske, 0.8. E., M.C., and Major A. H.

Stafford.

The new Governor, when he landed, was received with a Royal Salute. He inspected the guard of honour, consisting of European, Fijian and Indian units of the Defence Force, under the command of Major P. G. Forster.

He formally inspected a parade of re turned sailors and soldiers, and then pro ceeded to the Customs Shed, where he was introduced to members of the Exe cutive and Legislative Councils, officials, and members of the public.

After the usual formal ceremonies, Sir Harry Luke delivered a brief address. An interesting section was as follows: “May I, through those present in this building, send greetings to those whom you represent; to the Fijian people whose country this is; to the Europeans who, either in the service of the State, or in mission and teaching work, or in com merce and industry, are working in and for Fiji; to the Indians who have made their homes here, are working for the development of these Islands and have identified themselves with their interests.”

The formal speech of welcome to the new Governor was made by the Chief Justice (Mr. Corrie); and it was disclosed that Sir Harry Luke and Mr. Corrie are old friends, having been associated in ad ministrative work in Palestine soon after the war. “Your Excellency”, said Mr.

Corrie, “was then one of the youthful rising hopes of the Colonial Service —in fact, you were then already an experienced administrator, having served in three colonies, Sierra Leone, Barbados, and Cyprus, and having served also as British Chief Commissioner in the Caucasus”.