Mutual Regrets as

India’S Commissioner

In Fiji

Mutual Regrets as Mr. Bhatia Departs

A LL communities in Fiji learned with regret, in November, that Mr. D. D. Bhatia, Commissioner for the Government of India in Fiji, would relinquish his post in December, and return to India, on leave and transfer. He joins the Strathnaver in Sydney on De cember 24.

Mr. Bhatia has spent nearly three years in Fiji—he took over his

post there in February, 1955 —and has worked in close and cordial co operation with the Govern ment of Fiji.

Although a n ever-increasing proportion o f

the Indian community (175,000) in Fiji is Fiji-born, there still are many close connections, social and com mercial, between Fiji and India; and in both trade and travel the Commissioner has a lot to do.

For some years, there was a “procession” of Indian Commis sioners in Fiji—they had come and gone almost before Fiji had made their acquaintance. Mr. Bhatia not only has remained longer than any of them and become well known, but he also has taken a keen interest in local affairs, and has been per sonally popular, and noted for his goodfellowship and hospitality. “I shall always cherish happy memories of this pleasant country and its charming people”, he said, before departure. “I am happy to think that I have received from all races in the Colony, from officials and non-officials, not only understand ing and goodwill, but positive co operation and friendship”.

There will be little racial trouble in Fiji while Delhi sends along officials of Mr. Bhatia’s stature.