Guadalcanal, or GuadalcanaR?
p. 24 · Read in the full issue
MANY people have been puzzled by the spelling of this large Solomon island (says the journal of the Melanesian Mission). The “R” has been in use for many years—but our Ameri can Allies invariably use “L.” Which is correct?
According to the journal, documents found in the Mitchell Library, Sydney, prove that it was one of Mendana’s senior officers who gave the name to the island when the navigator was visiting the Solomons in 1568. He called it Guadalcanal (with an “L”) after his native place.
The Fiji Government Gazette stated in mid-April that the British Admiralty hav ing signified acceptance of an offer to place all the officers and men of the Fiji Naval Volunteer Force at His Majesty’s disposal for general service in the Royal Navy, the force will in future be known as the Fiji Royal Naval Volunteer Re serve.