Two Other Cakobau Clubs
p. 129 · Read in the full issue
Back in Fiji
TWO Fijian war clubs, which once belonged to Cakobau, Fiji’s first and last “King,” have been returned to Fiji. They have been presented to the new Methodist Centenary Church which was officially opened in Suva on October 9.
About 80 years ago Cakobau gave the clubs to Dr. Frederick Langham, who played an important role in the development of Fiji.
When Dr. Langham died in England, the clubs passed to the Rev. Mr. Bloomfield, whose son later took them to New Zealand.
They were given to the official representative of the New Zealand Methodist Church (Mr. R. A.
Garlick) for formal presentation to the Fijian Church during its recent centenary celebrations.
Cakabau’s favourite club —now in use as the Mace of the Fiji Legislative Council —was presented to Queen Victoria on October 10, 1874, when the Deed of Cession by which the sovereignty of Fiji passed to the British Crown, was signed.
The late King George V, returned the war club to Fiji on October 3, 1932, for ceremonial use in the Fijian Legislative Council. Although, formerly bathed in human blood, it is now handsomly decorated with silver olive branches and doves, as symbols of peace.