"Leander's" Mission

Left Officials in Central Pacific Islands

THE New Zealand warship, H.M.S.

“Leander”, which left Suva early in November on an undisclosed mission, returned to Suva early in December.

No information was given as to where she had been; but it was unofficially stated that she left Mr. C. Harlen, of the Fiji Lands and Survey Department, at Hull Island (in the Phoenix Group) and Mr. R. B. Roberts, of the Fiji Public Works Department, at Christmas Island.

These proceedings, evidently, are part of the special steps being taken by the British authorities to consolidate British claims to certain Central Pacific islands, which have assumed strategic importance since the development of trans-Pacific flying.