"Native Life In Fiji And

Rotuma"

Interesting Address to PI Society

AN interesting and instructive address, illustrated by lantern slides, was given to the Pacific Islands Society at History House, on March 15, by the Rev. Dr- Churchward. He spoke of native life in Fiji and Rotuma, where he has lived for over 16 years.

Dr. Churchward explained the study of the native idiom, and how the lan guages of these people were given a writ ten form—including an elaborate gram mar, It was in connection with his work on these languages that he gained his Doctorate of Literature at Melbourne University. He is the author of several books in Fijian and Rotuman, and the editor of papers published in these two tongues, and read by most of the natives.

Knowledge of a native language, he said, is often a guide to native origin, and facilitates an understanding of native customs.

Dr. Churchward expects to leave shortly for the Northern Territory, where he will tackle other native language problems.