Hoodlums Active

In Suva

The activities of the hoodlum element at the Lami Bridge, about two miles from Suva, have been causing concern. In June a well known local civil servant was assaulted by some young Fijians after an accident near the bridge. The civil servant, driving a car, had hit a young child, and went to give assistance. After the trouble he managed to get back into his car and drive away.

The latest incidents were about the middle of August, after the police received a report that a group of men had stood in the middle of the road near the bridge obstructing

traffic. The men, or youths, were shouting and using obscenities at passing motorists. After one incident three youths were found sitting round a bucket containing a mixture of methylated spirits, water, lemon and sugar.

One man received a month’s imprisonment, and the remainder got off with fines of £2/10/-. Some people thought these were lenient.

The stage has almost been reached when residents of the Lami area prefer to stay at home at night, rather than go into Suva, and the same applies to Suva residents who might contemplate an evening with friends at Lami.

On the bright side, the police plan to build a station at Lami for six men—in one or two years.