Fijians Farewell a Friend

A. F. R. Stoddart

Retires

Appreciation of his interest in local sport was expressed, in many tangible ways before Fiji’s Retiring Colonial Secretary, Mr. A. F. R. Stoddart, left the Colony on retirement.

During his eight years in Fiji, Mr.

Stoddart was a familiar figure at a:l rugby matches and at athletic meetings. Particularly among Fijians and part-Europeans was his presence appreciated.

On the eve of his departure from the Colony he was presented with many gifts to remind him of his association with sport in Fiji.

The Suva Rugby Union presented him with a table cigarette lighter in an interval in a Saturday game.

Spectators and players sat in front of the grandstand and after Mr. Stoddart had thanked the Union the crowd of approximately 1,000 spectators and players spontaneously broke into the Fijian farewell song “Isa Lei”. It was an occasion which Mr. Stoddart will not forget.

Typical among the many farewell parties was one given by the Imperial Football Club; it was attended by more than 300 people.

He was presented with a yaka writing pad with tortoise shell corners and accessories.

Presentations were also made to him by the Fiji and Suva Cricket Associations.

Mr. Stoddart left Fiji from Nadi airport on August 24. He will spend some time in the United States before retiring to the UK.

Mr. Stoddart’s easy and friendly informality has indeed made him very popular with the public.