Site of Cession Memorial

THE accompanying photograph is of the Deed of Cession Obelisk, Suva, as it looks to-day (Cession Day, 1946), the old Government buildings having been de molished.

In August, 1946, there was quite an out cry in the local press regarding the sug gested removal of this Deed of Cession memorial. As this monument was created by the Fijians, and all the in scriptions are in Fijian, it was rightly felt that the Fijian people should have the biggest say regarding the site of this memorial.

For the older Fijians this site has many memories, and among the younger genera tion there are those who realise the need for keeping the memorial where it has stood since the days of Queen Victoria, as a silent witness to the Deed of Cession.

The suggestion that the site should be reserved as a park, in memory of Cpl.

Sefanaia Sukanaivalu, VC, should meet with many supporters—even if the pro posed cathedral has to be reduced in size or built elsewhere.

I am, etc.,

Suva, Oct. 10. Friend Of Fijians.

The Cession

Written for Cession Day (Oct. 10, 1946) It was not Conquest, but a Cession, In mutual, willing confidence, Giving sovereign guardianship, not pos session.

That is Friendship in its noblest sense.

A pleasing record of our olden days; A trust, that all the world might see.

Britain the Guardian of a Nation, loyally prays, That these, our isles, shall be for ever free.

Of old, Fijians, trusted Britain’s Queen — Thus was the famous Cession made.

In war, we’ve surely felt the link be tween, Both fighting for Great Britain unafraid!

So may we justify this faith for ever, With Fiji’s people—trusting thus— Let no alien hand this strong tie sever, Or mar the mutual faith ’twixt them and us!

There are a hundred battles still to fight; But God whose name is Love, is strong; He’ll bless all those who strive to follow Right, Fighting consistently against all wrong!

H. B. R. Parham.

Suva, Fiji.

Mr. W. A. MacGregor, of Wewak, New Guinea, is at present a visitor to Sydney and Grafton. He has been acting as ADO in New Guinea, but he now has re signed from the Administration service, in order to engage again in gold-mining.

He is returning, very shortly, to the Sepik country—in which primitive region he does not expect to encounter the shortage of native labour that is paralysing the more settled parts of the Territory.