Fiji Police Officers 45 Years Ago

This interesting old photograph shows the Fiji Constabulary in the making. The organ isation which now has a fine record, was brought into being about 1906 by legislation that was based on the constitution of the Royal Irish Constahulery. .Before that, Fiji was policed by officers—mostly old Army men —who bad only local responsibility.

This group of officers of the new police force was taken in the year in which King Edward Vll died, hence the black arm-bands.

Back row: Sub-Inspector Ratu Ephereni, Sub-

Inspector McDermott, Sub-Inspector C. A.

Swinbourne, Sub- Inspector Stanlake, Sub- Inspector Wager, Sub-Inspector Ratu Inoke.

Front) row: Sub-Inspector Pennefather, Inspector Francis (now Sir Brook Francis), the late Hon. Ismay McOwan (Inspector General), Sub-Inspector Barnett, Sub-Inspector Scott-Young.

Some of these men became well known in later years. Messrs. Swinbourne and Wager, both retired, are residents of Sydney. We are endebted to Mr. Wager for the loan of this valuable old print.