Fiji Citizens On The

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TWO leading citizens of Fiji “made the headlines” in the Sydney newspapers around Easter.

Journalists and broadcasters were very happy in their meetings with Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna and Lady Maraia Sukuna (joining the Stratheden in Sydney en route to the Coronation), and the genial Fiji knight made friends in all directions.

The Daily Telegraph found a lively story in Sir Lala’s tobacco.

The reporter was intrigued by the queer cigarettes, made of some ferocious local tobacco and rolled in a plantain leaf, and thus he found out about Sir Lala’s secret supply.

There was an agriculturist of Lau, who grew good leaf and yearned after a certain maiden, apparently unattainable. So the farmer told his High Chief (Sukuna) that if he could change the lady’s mind, he could have his tobacco free for 20 years. Sir Lala “fixed” it. The marriage is a success; the farmer pays up gladly: and Sir Lala is taking 15 lbs of the foul-smelling weed to London with him.

Sir Henry Milne Scott sat and listened patiently while an auctioneer was acclaiming the merits of blood stock, at the annual horse sales. Bids came slowly, and the auctioneer commented sourly upon the activities of the Commis sioner of Taxation, who absorbed all Australia’s surplus cash.

“Be kind to him, lad,” called Sir Henry. “He’s your sleeping partner!”

It was so apt that the newspapers made a display of it.

Mr. P. A. Richardson, Govern ment Secretary in the Solomons since 1951, has gone to London to join Colonial Office staff.