in Fiji!

There's Plenty to Drink in Fiji!

Visiting Journalist Makes Incautious Press Statement

HAVING been accused, back in Novem ber, 1945, of being instrumental in having Fiji’s liquor ration slashed by the Australian Government, I was inter ested to read in the “New Zealand Herald,” an article by another journalist, John Hardingham, on the subject of supplies in Fiji in May, 1947.

Mr. Hardingham should be warned, in case he, too, incurs the wrath of the white Fijians.

He opens his article by stating:— “Shopping is still a pleasure in present day Suva. In a town that is a little Cairo of the Pacific—a town of mixed popula tions, competing languages and contrast ing travellers—there are no queues and no coupons. The tourist can spend his first morning forgetting austerity and fill a truck with almost anything from reels of elastic to at least one make of modern motor-car.”

But the part that interested me most was the following:— “Some say there is a temporary shortage of liquor, but the visitor would scarcely realise it.. For 12 hours a day hotels pre sent an array of Scotch whisky and Aus tralian rum, gin and brandy.. Most Euro peans normally draw a monthly ration of at least two or three bottles of whisky.

Some fare better. In any case, bottle pur chases can be supplemented by unres tricted “nips” in the hotels and clubs.

“Suva’s apparent good fortune has not been overlooked by New Zealanders. Until early this year hundreds of cases of whisky were bought in bond at Suva and re-exported to the Dominion. For customs requirements, shippers certified on a specially-printed form that the liquor was sent as a gift and obtained the signature of a barrister or a justice of the peace to witness their statement. One Suva barrister alone signed at least 50 or 60 of these declarations over a few months.

His partner was called upon even more frequently.”

Poor Mr. Hardingham! No doubt he, too, will learn in time to emulate the Three Wise Monkeys when casting an envious eye over his Fiji hosts’ liquor store.

And nothing in print, please, for fear that the wharfies of Sydney or Auckland or London will put a ban on all future ex ports of grog to thirsty Fiji.—JUDY

Tudor.