Death in Fiji of Mr
p. 30 · Read in the full issue
Mr. A. D. Patel
Mr. Ambalal Dahyabhai Patel, a controversial political figure in Fiji , and leader of the Op position Federation Party, died in Fiji on October 1, aged 64, just as this issue was going to press. He became ill during the recent sugar industry arbitration.
Mr. Patel was a brilliant lawyer, and when the occasion roused him, was a compelling and forceful speaker. He was a member of the Fiji Legislative Council from 1944 to 1950, and again from 1963 till his death.
Just before the introduction of the Ministerial system in Fiji, he held the portfolio as Member for Social Services.
With his death there will be speculation about his successor as leader of the Federation Party, particularly with the constitu tional talks in London on the horizon. Two other lawyers will probably compete for the position Mr. S. M. Koya (Lautoka) and Mr. K. C. Ramrakha (Suva).