Bombers For
p. 34 · Read in the full issue
Britain
Fiji Raises £40,000 In One Day
Prom Our Own Correspondent SUVA, July 13.
WHEN the Governor of Fiji (Sir Harry Luke) broadcast an appeal, on July 9, for funds to buy bombing aeroplanes for Great Britain, the result exceeded all expectations. The follow ing morning more than £40,000 had been subscribed—the Colonial Sugar Refining Co. Ltd., Emperor Gold Mining Co., Loloma (Fiji) Gold Mines N.L., each donated £lO,OOO and other contributions included Morris, Hedstrom Ltd., £5,000; Fiji Mines Development Co., £3,000; Hon. E. G. Theodore, £2,000; and Sir Harry Luke £lOO.
About £4,000 more is necessary to cover exchange and then Fiji will remit the cost of two bombers (each costing £20,000, fully equipped) to London. The organisers of the fund will attempt to raise a further £20,000.
When the question of Fiji’s war effort was raised, the Governor called several meetings of representative citizens to discuss the best manner we could assist the Mother country. A number of sug gestions were advanced, including a scheme for the adoption of 2,000 child ren for the duration of the war. Some held the view that it might be better to arrange for the transportation of children to Australia, Fiji paying all expenses.
Finally, the Governor cabled the Secretary of State for the Colonies, ask ing for the opinion of the British Gov ernment, The reply clearly indicated that the best way Fiji could help the Empire under present conditions would be to provide funds for the purchase of heavy bombers, each of which would be named after the Colony.
London press reports state that already a “colonial air fleet”, compris ing 40 bombers and 160 “Spitfire” fight ers, has been purchased with donations from Empire centres, £1,600,000 being raised within a few weeks.