FIJI IN PATH OF HURRICANE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 69, Issue 50, 8 December 1948, Page 5

FIJI IN PATH OF HURRICANE

Copra Losses Feared SUVA, December 7. Raging across the island of Rotuma, 240 miles north of Fiji, the first hurricane of the season yesterday and to-day swept to the southeast, hit the eastern tip of Vanua Levu, ,Fiji's second largest island, and to-day is battering hard at Tavenui and the Lau Group, which are among the most beautiful and richest .of the Fijian coconut islands. The western parts of Fiji, together with the remainder of the, group, were given a preliminary hurricane warning yesterday. Last night Vanua Leva, Tavenuni, and the Lau Group were given a final warning. Suva and the west appear likely to escape, but all precautions have been taken. Launches and other email vessels have gone across Suva harbour to shelter, and most buildings in central Suva have been firmly battened down. An official report from Rotuma today says that damage at the island included five buildings down at the Government station and other damaged, and the District Officer’s office unroofed. Thei Suva offices of large trading firms report damage to property at Rotuma, but apparently it is not serious. There are no reports of casualties from any source. Tavenuni, Lau, and parts of Vanua Levu are three of tlie main centres of copra production in Fiji, and very grave fears are expressed about the effects of the hurricane on the copra industry, which last year was worth about £1,500,000 in exports alone.