Tragedy in Nukualofa

Four Young Fiji Residents Drowned

rE whole of Fiji was shocked, in December, when four young resi dents, returning from school in New Zealand, were drowned at Nukua lofa, Tonga. The victims were:— Pamela Corbett, aged 11, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. F.

Corbett, Suva; Patricia Brown, aged 13, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. M.

Brown, Suva; Peter Gittins, aged 11, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Gittins, Sigatoka, Fiji; David Small, aged 9, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Small, Navua, Fiji.

They were members of a party of 30 boys and girls returning home to Fiji for the Christmas holidays. Owing to the war, some of them were making their first trip in two years.

When the ship arrived in Nukualofa, a picnic was organised for the children.

They were accompanied by several adults, including some of the ship’s company.

When the party arrived at the beach, the young people were warned not to bathe at a certain place, which was considered dangerous. However, while the adults were preparing lunch, some of the chil dren went into the sea at that point, and were immediately in difficulties, and several were rescued. The body of Pat ricia Brown was recovered, but all attempts to recover the body of Pamela Corbett was unsuccessful. Both girls were good swimmers, and it is believed that the 'assistance they endeavoured to give others contributed largely to their own deaths.

Some time later, it was discovered that Peter Gittins and David Small were also missing. Reports by natives that the boys had been seen going into the bush held hopes that they were safe. Large forces of military and police units joined in the search, but without result. Clothing belonging to Peter Gittins was subse quently found, and it can only be assumed that both of these children were drowned.

The British Agent and Consul, on December 21, promised a full report and said that in the meantime a magisterial inquiry was being held.

Mrs. L. Hellescoe, of Apia, has been notified that her son, Private James O’Dwyer, of the NZEF, has been wounded in action in Italy, but is on the way of recovery.