Drought in Suva

From Our Own Correspondent

Ixt1 Xt , Suva, Nov. 26.

N a place where the annual rainfall averages 130 inches, one would not expect water restrictions. Yet, a lower rainfall than usual in October and November has caused a ban on garden hoses in Suva.

Most people with an experience of Suva and its ram, will wonder why hoses are ever necessary; or why, if necessary, they should ever be forbidden. The trouble lies partly in the small reservoir accom modation, some of which was badly built and cannot be fully used. But, perhaps, the main cause is the smallness of the local catchment area, the water from which is supplemented by pumping from lower levels—though here again the pumps are inadequate for the demand.

For these reasons, the Suva water rate payer finds his supply reduced just when he most needs it. In most months, a 400gallon tank outside the kitchen door would oe refilled from the roof so often that it would suffice for all ordinary household needs.

Pacific Cultural Organisations

rpHE Pacific Islands Society, in Sydney X on December 8, said farewell to Crown Prince Tuboutoa, of Tonga, and his brother, Prince Jione Gu, on the eve of their departure for the Friendly Islands; and also to the four members of the Burman Civil Service at the Univer sity of Sydney, who had planned to leave for their homes.

As a souvenir of their association with the Society, the honorary secretary (Mr.

Eric Ramsden), presented Mo Myit, BA (who spoke for the Burman members), with a ceremonial paddle from Raro tonga, which had once been in the pos session of the late Sir Maui Pomare.

“With this you can paddle your way back if you find things too hot in Burma!” he said. “A welcome will always await you here.”

Mrs. E. Marie Irvine presented Lefagaoalii (Mrs, Alfred Page) with a Christmas gift from members, and paid tribute to the charming and courteous manner in which she, as chieftainess, had acted as the Society’s hostess since its inception. The Society had no more popular member than Mrs. Page.

Prince Tuboutoa, when replying, de clared that the Society had undoubtedly played a part in creating good feeling among former residents in the Islands, and served a very useful purpose by bringing them together for' social and cultural purposes. He deeply appreciated the compliment paid to his brother and himself.

Polynesian Club

A number of bright and colourful en tertainments have been given by members of the Sydney Polynesian Club for the benefit of various war funds. The most striking of these entertainments took place in November, when a wide variety of Polynesian dances, done in authentic costumes, was presented. A programme of no less than 20 items included many Maori songs and dances, Tahitian songs, posture dances of Samoa, the kava cere mony of Tonga, posture dances of Wallis Island, Futuna and Funafuti; and the various farewell songs of Polynesia. The performers included Cora Young, Gwen Lisner, Waikainga Tipene, Marjorie Ziele, Ivy Buffett, and Madame Annie Glading.

Inspector Moncur, of the New Guinea Police Force, arrived in Sydney last month by airliner from Rabaul, on fur lough. He is being relieved by Warrant Officer Allen.