Loss Of Cruiser "Fiji"

THE “Fiji” was one of the two British cruisers lost in the battle of Crete, when the British naval forces were systematically attacked by hundreds of German planes. The people of Fiji had a personal interest in the cruiser because, when she was named and commissioned a few years ago, Fiji residents sub scribed to a fund, through which a service of silver plate was presented to the complement of the warship.

The big cruiser “Gloucester” was sunk by dive-bombers, and the “Fiji” was try ing to assist her. The incident was thus described by the newspapers on May 29: “The ‘Fiji’ was standing by, flinging everything except the anchor at the at tackers. She threw out all her Carley life-rafts and floats, and most of the ‘Gloucester’s’ company are believed to have climbed on to them. The Germans again deliberately bombed and machine gunned the men as they set off in an attempt to reach Crete.

“Stukas, as though seeking vengeance, swooped like vultures on the ‘Fiji’ and dropped several sticks smack on the bridge, amidships, and on the stern. The ‘Fiji’ flopped over like a turtle and went down flaming after a terrific explosion.

“Destroyers picked up the survivors, again to the accompaniment of direct attacks on the survivors in the water.”

Mr. R. S. Willis, Health Inspector in Papua, visited New Guinea centres in May studying various aspects of sanita tion and public health relating to both Territories.

Right Rev. Henry Newton, who was Anglican Bishop of Papua from 1922- 1936, has been in charge of the Cathedral Parish at Thursday Island (Diocese of Carpentaria) since February. Owing to the illness of his wife and small son, the Bishop of Carpentaria (Rt. Rev. S.

Davies) brought them South in March for a change. When Bishop Newton leaves Thursday Island shortly, Rev.

W. J. A. Daniels will take charge of the Cathedral Parish as Sub-dean.