New Dictionary for Fiji
pp. 13-14 · Read in the full issue
Long Overdue Revision by Expert
rE work of revising the Fijian dic tionary (which had not been under taken since 1850) has been com pleted by Rev. Dr. Capel, of the University of Sydney, who spent eight months in the Colony for that purpose at the invi tation of the Fijian Government. In future, the dictionary and the grammar (the latter has also been revised by Dr.
Capel) will be published separately by the Government of Fiji.
Dr. Capel is now in Sydney correcting proofs before he leaves for Darwin to resume his work among the aborigines in Arnhem Land. He is one of the world’s outstanding authorities on the languages of the Pacific.
The scientist found that many words, once in ordinary use in Fiji, are now obsolete. There are several languages still spoken in the group. Even on Vitu Levu, the language of the islanders on the east coast differs materially from that in the west. The work of revision necessitated considerable travelling among islands of the group.
Miss J. Gannon, sister at the Bulolo Hospital, New Guinea, was in Sydney in April spending furlough.
Mr. J. H. MacDonald, who was District Officer in the Manus section of the Mandated Territory before he went to Australia recently on leave, has returned to New Guinea, taking up duties as D.O. at Kavieng, New Ireland.