but perhaps

Ganilau retires — but perhaps not forever

A tribute from NOMAN BAXTER

Ratu Penaia Ganilau, soldier,

sportsman and Fijian adminis

trator, has given up official life to return to his ancestral home among the coconut palms on Taveuni.

A big, quietly spoken man, Ratu Penaia, was one who instantly commanded respect, not only from his own race, but from all who met him.

Many years ago he was picked out by the late Sir Lala Sukuna as his successor as top Fijian adminis trator —Secretary for Fijian Affairs.

Ratu Penaia eventually succeeded to the office which Ratu Sir Lala had filled with distinction, and as Fiji made rapid political advances in the second half of the 60’s, he held the first portfolio of Minister for Fijian Affairs and Local Government.

He was a sound administrator, dedicated to improving the lot of his race.

He first became known as a sportsman before World War II when he was a member of the first Fijian Rugby team which toured New Zealand. This was in 1939. That was the only touring team which has

gone through New Zealand without! suffering loss.

In 1957, Ratu Penaia was tour manager when the Fijians again sent! a Rugby team to New Zealand; andl he filled a similar post when the: Fijians went to Australia in 1961., Asa soldier he also won high honours—in World War II and ini the fighting against Communists ini Malaya.

He was a company commander in World War 11, and in Malaya he rose to command the Fiji Military Forces there as a lieutenant-colonel.

For outstanding leadership in Malaya he was awarded the DSO.

Ratu Penaia is now a businessman, on the boards of Burns Philp (SS) Cos. Ltd. and South Pacific Sugar Mills.

In announcing his appointment to the SPSM, Mr. J. C. Potts, chairman of directors, said the appointment of Ratu Penaia was particularly pleas ing, not only because the board would have the benefit of his great experience, but as a tribute to him and to the Fijian people whose views he would be able to keep before his fellow directors.

And what about a peep into the future? Fiji is on the way to Dominion status, perhaps only a few months.

Then there will be no need for anyone with all the powers of a Colonial Governor. What about Ratu Penaia as Fiji’s first Governor- General?

Dateline closes

on Sunday

Apparently bugged by pangs ol guilty conscience the Tongan Cabinet in December decided to close the Government - owned International Dateline Hotel on Sundays to all except bona fide hotel guests.

This latest restriction, fair enougl in view of other restrictions, ha? brought Nukualofa to a standstill or Sundays. The clampdown on taxis and other essential services is still in force.

Tonga’s rigid Sunday observance laws, which prohibit trading and virtually all activity apart from eat ing, praying, walking and sleeping are in keeping with the Constitution But there is a growing feeling among progressives, tourism-mindec people and some local businessmer that these laws should be modified tc cater for the needs of Tongans and overseas visitors.

Ratu Penaia Ganilau.