Fur Coats In Fiji

Letter to the Editor THERE was a time when we thought that the days of dress ing Fijians and other native peoples in unsuitable clothing were past. People denounce the early missionaries who introduced “Mother Hubbards” and other voluminous garments to the Islanders in the name of modesty; but does anyone worry about the garments which are sold in our time to the Fijians and other races for the sake of profit only?

For some time I have been con cerned at the ridiculous garments which are sold by irresponsible storekeepers. My classic example is that of a man’s satin reversible, silk-embroidered jacket (lumber type), thickly padded all through, which I felt sure would never pass beyond the doors of the store in which I saw it. As a garment, it was neither serviceable nor suitable for any man of any race to wear in this climate as a utilitarian gar ment; but I realised how wrong I was when only a few days later I say a Fijian walking along the sun lit street, resplendent in his padded jacket. On this occasion I felt that the storekeeper was to blame for liaving no conscience in the matter.

On reading your April issue I found this reported, in connection with the Cathedral Building Fund: 'She has sold half a dozen fur coats (which must be the Fiji equivalent to selling refrigerators to Eskimos) and loads of heavy underwear.”

Speaking as one who has lived and worked among the Fijians for years, and who is concerned for their welfare, I can’t help feeling that this sort of thing is unwise, however worthy the cause for which the money was used in this par ticular case. Surely the use of such unsuitable clothing is only encourag ing chest complaints and other ills which the country as a whole is trying to fight, and responsible people should have a conscience about either giving away or selling such garments to the Fijians, Indians, and Chinese.

It is true that some of these people feel the cold in the cooler months, but it is not to their ultimate good to encourage them to wear heavy underwear, fur coats,

padded jackets, and polo-necked

sweaters in this climate.

I am, etc.,

Lily M. Hill.

Savu Savu, Fiji.

Two Samoan boxers, Suivai Paiena and Pasitale, under the management of Mr. Eugene Paul, of Apia were to visit Papeete, Tahiti, in July, each to fight three bouts with local boxers. Mr. Gustave Spitz was promoting the event at the Tahiti end, which was arranged to coincide with the July celebrations.