Fiji Strength

ZA F To Reduce Fiji Strength

JEW ZEALAND Government ecision to reduce the size of NZAF station at Laucala Bay will have serious repercussions i. The New Zealand Govern expects to make a substantial of overseas funds through its n. loss to Fiji will be twofold— reduction in the number of F men and their families in ill mean reduced spending in ;ores, and consequently less in circulation. iy local men employed on the are highly skilled, and will ittle chance of finding suitable tive employment. There will : a reduction of skilled men in Z Ministry of Works which s the station. >r servicing of aircraft in will be carried out in New 1. The Sunderland flying-boats, re than 20 years old, will be i, but they will be pro ;ly reduced in number till a 3 is made on a replacement almost certainly land RNZAF has become part and of the life of Fiji, particularly i. The personnel take part in mmunity affairs, while the ■ of mercy missions flown to I islands and to islands out le group is almost beyond The reduction will begin Vpril 1, 1962.

[?]EIC VESSEL. The Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony is soon to take delivery of this win-screw c argo and passenger vessel, which was launched at the Hongkong and oa Dock Co. yards, Hongkong, in September. She is the "Nivanga", 137 ft, with modation for 56 passengers, 23 officers and crew. See "Pacific Shipping", p. 99.