Easter Sport At Levuka

Photopraphs taken at the Easter Holiday Sports in Levuka. Fiji. (1) Crew of the yacht "Mirander" which won the race from Naisatabu to Levuka. From left to right, L. Derrick (skipper), F. W Smith, A. A. Derrick, B.F. Derrick, K. Hooker, P. Wickham. (2) Mr. B. Corbett being presented with a cup and £4/10/-. Mr. Corbett in his launch "Seribiau" won the Levuka launch race. (3) K. Cavuilati is shown here being congratulated by his trainer. Cavuilati won the 120 yd. Levuka Handicap his time being 11 2/5 seconds. photographs by Stinstons Studio.

became an American base, extraordinary protection would thus be afforded to the valuable and important groups of Fiji, Samoa, Cook Islands and French Oceania, because the rectangle lies right along their northern horizon.

There are people of pure Polynesian type, but very few in numbers, in the Ellice, Tokelau and Northern Cook atolls; and Micronesians (Gilbertese) in the Fhoenix group. But half the islands named are uninhabited; the total popula tion of all the others would be less than 7,000; and the economic value of all the 23 islands is very small. They may have value as naval bases or airfields.

That the newspapers should suggest that a discussion about the future of these scattered atolls is a “dispute” is a good example of the kind of irresponsible journalism that leads to stupid misunder standing and war.

The whole 23 islahds are not worth ten minutes of a busy statesman’s time.

Their administration, in comparison with benefits gained, always has been a nuisance and a headache for the British.

If America wants the atolls, to be woven into her great plan for policing the Pacific against Asia, Britain and New Zealand should thank their colonial gods, and hand Uncle Sam the title-deeds on a silver tray.