Islands impact on Sydney

Migrants to Australia from Europe, waiting in the Endeavour transit hos tel, Sydney, for permanent housing, had Pacificana thrust on them in October. They enjoyed the experience.

Polynesians and Melanesians descend ed on Sydney in force to take part in the official opening of the Sydney Opera House, and they, too, were quartered at Endeavour Hostel.

The migrants, and a lot of others, saw first hand a Fijian magiti, (feast) with full ceremonial when Fijians resident in Sydney, welcomed the Fijian party headed by Jo Kami kamica and Adi Davila. The pig and vegetables were roasted in traditional fashion on hot stones in the lovo (un derground oven).

One hot afternoon the Cook Islan ders took charge of the hostel sport ing field to present the item they performed later at the Opera House.

The Polynesian dancing and singi were strange to the migrants, but tl did not stop them from enjoying t performance.

The Pacific Islanders fitted eas: into the hotel scene. They took pi in all communal activities, and we always ready to turn on a conc( item.

At the Opera House opening Queen Elizabeth, they were giv pride of place near the dais, a cheered by thousands as they cai swinging in just before the roj party. The main South Pacific cc cert at the Opera House (oth< were held in Sydney suburbs a parks during the ensuing fortnigl was acclaimed by the pack audience. At the end of their vi there was hardly a Sydneysider w had not been entranced by the cit; colourful Islands visitors.