J. F. Nicoll Goes to Hongkong

Very Capable Men for a Difficult Post

IT appears as if two men well-known in Fiji, and held in high regard, will have a full share in handling the crisis that is fast developing in the British Colony of Hongkong. It is expected that the triumphant Chinese Communists will try to evict the British from what is now a rich Colony, but which was a useless, barren island when purchased by Britain over a century ago.

The two men are Sir Alexander Gran tham, who was Governor of Fiji before he was transferred to Hongkong two years ago, and Mr. J. F. Nicoll, CMG, who

has been Colonial Secretary in Fiji for several years, and who has just been pro moted to a similar position in Hongkong.

He passed through Sydney early in May, en route to his new job.

Mr. Nicoll is a man of impressive per sonality and outstanding ability, and he gave distinguished service to Fiji. He is somewhat austere in habit, and was not in close contact with Fijian residents generally but in his official activities he gained their respect by his strict sense of justice, and their goodwill by his de votion to duty. He acted, on a number of occasions, as Governor —and in such a way that it was generally expected that his next move would be to a Governorship.

His talents will not be wasted in Hong kong, however. Events there may soon shape Britain’s Far East policy.

Sir Alexander Grantham, early in May, said that the British were taking no ag gressive measures, but “if it is necessary to take firm action, I can assure you firm action will be taken.”

The Coral Sea cyclone of March 27, missed Noumea but, as a precautionary measure, ships discharging or loading cargo at the docks were anchored in mid stream. There were floods up-country and communications were cut in some places.

Mr. J. F. Nicoll. —Photo by Fiji Public Relations Office.