"Viti" To Be Sold

RCS “Viti” which became one of the best known ships in Fiji waters dur ing the Pacific war, and the early days of peace, is to be offered for sale shortly.

She was built for the Fiji Government in Hong Kong and delivered in 1939.

She was to be used for official duties in the Fiji Group and neighbouring terri tories, but presumably the reason for her purchase then, now no longer exists.

“Viti” is of 307 tons and is at present under the command of Captain J. W.

Cummings. During the war she became a unit of the Royal New Zealand Navy and carried out much valuable - work in the Pacific. Since the end of hostilities, she has been engaged in running pas sengers betwen Suva and New Zealand and thus reducing the large waiting list of those requiring transport to and from the Colony.

“Viti” carried Sir Harry Luke (then Governor of Fiji), to Noumea in August 1940. Soon afterwards New Caledonians declared for Fighting France.