Centenary Of Cakobau’S
p. 145 · Read in the full issue
Conversion
Representative Fijians from every province—many of them in Viti Levu for the Council of Chiefs —attended a celebration in Bau on April 30 to mark the hun dreth anniversary of Cakobau’s con version to Christianity.
Rev. A. R. Tippet, General Super intendent, Bau-Ra Division of the Methodist Church, Fiji, said: “One has only to consider the efforts of trader Owen, of Adelaide, and naval men like Erskine and Pollard, to realise that the conversion of Bau to Christianity (Cakobau had taken his subjects with him) had far more than a religious significance—trade, communications and general safety were involved. Indeed, it was only because this was so that Cession was possible.”
After ceremonies by the Fijian chiefs, and a church service, the event was celebrated in Fijian fashion with serekali, meke, spear dances and a feast.