in Fiji

Installation

Of Roko

Ancient Ceremony in Fiji

WHEN the Governor of Fiji, Sir Ronald Garvey, installed Ratu Inoke Takiveikata as Roko Tui Naitasiri, in January, he carried out an historic function begun 80 years ago.

The ceremonies were performed at Vunidawa on the site on which originally stood the quarters of the late Mr. A. B. Brewster, for 40 years Governor’s Commissioner among the inland tribes of Viti Levu.

Following the chiefly welcoming ceremonies, the Governor summoned the Roko Tui to him and a special preparation of yaqona was made.

The first cup was passed to the Governor who immediately passed it to the Roko Tui, who drank it.

The Roko then sat immediately in front of the Governor, who took the Roko’s hands between his own.

The Secretary for Fijian Affairs then read the Oath in Fijian and the Roko repeated it after him.

At the conclusion of the oath the Governor delivered to the Roko the staff of the Province and pro nounced the admonition in English.

Later, in an address to the Fijians, the Governor mentioned the spon taneoous and unstinted help given by Fijians of the Naitasiri Province when they were asked some weeks ago to search for a missing pilot of Fiji Airways., Capt. Brian McCook.

The Governor stressed the efforts most willingly given by the people in the Tikina of Wainimala. Later

Sir Ronald expressed his apprec: tion personally to the Fijian w was out hunting pigs and who m McCook in the bush —Ratu JidVv Naivana, of Nassauvere village, the upper waters of the Wainimi River. He also personally thank the Buli Wainimala, representJ the people of that Tikina, for • splendid work they had done.