ISLAND NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 143, 20 June 1927, Page 17

ISLAND NEWS.

OUR FIJI LETTER.

BOOSTING FIJI.

(From Onr Own Correspondent)

SUVA, June 15,

Sir Joseph Carruthers has on several occasions endeavoured to boost the natural beauties of Fiji both in Honolulu and in Australia, and the people of Suva do not easily forget a kindness. Sir Joseph, who was accompanied by the Hon. E. Farrar, arrived in Suva on Friday on holiday and bowling intent, as he has been chosen to be one of the older State's team in the annual pennant competition. On Saturday, when he stepped upon the green, he was greeted with a salvo of cheers by the members, led by the founder, Mr. McCreadie, who called for them in honour of "Fiji's Booster," so Sir Joseph has a new name to his credit. Tonga's Champion Boxer. A series of boxing competitions have been - arranged at Vavau while the steamer Tofua is in port each month. In May a Fijian native named Togu Matomoana easily defeated Tonga's best. When the Tofua was at Vavau in June the winner twas faced by another aspirant to fame for the welter championship of Tonga, by the name of Willie: Talakai, of Haapai. The fight was chiefly attractive for the pluck of Willie, who had not a' chance from the word "go." The prize was a purse of £10 and the "gate." The loser got nothing for his discomfort. Both men were in the pink of condition. Willie was floored in the, second round, but the fight went to eight rounds, when Willie was knocked eut by "one of the best." The verdict was a very popular one, and the crowd carried out the winner shoulder high. The officials were members of the crew of the Tofua. Valedictory. The native members of the Fiji Constabulary gave a most impressive farewell ceremony to their chief, Colonel Golding, Inspector-General, on Wednesday afternoon. The ceremony included the ceremonial kava drinking and a meke, with several gifts alt:given amid much enthusiasm. The European officers also presented him with mementos of their respect. Colonel Gelding has, during the past eight years, brought the police department up to such a high state of efficiency that crime is becoming quite scarce. It is no uncommon thing to have no police cases for the court in five days out of the six in a week. He sails to-day for San francisco, and after visiting Salt Lake City will go on to England, and later France, which is a favourite haunt of his. The colonel's wife is Madame Golding, the well-known and successful French lawn tennis player. Centralising Disease Fighting. In collaboration with the Rockefeller Foundation the Government and the High Commissioner of the Western Pacific are about to put into effect a big scheme, whereby students from all the groups in the Western Pacific will be trained in tropical medicine at Suva, where special buildings are to be erected and a first-class training guaranteed. In this way it is hoped to directly tackle in the easiest and. most efficient way the many diseases wMch art to rife among tha islalM natives. _"!_"_'_

The scheme is quite a large one, and will cost much money. It is understood locally that the Government are now closing with an offer from the foundation, who will substantially finance the movement to the tune of about £15,000 or more. The idea is founded upon the partial but valuable training now given to what are known as native medical practitioners, who are distributed among the outer islands, and who have been doing excellent work for years among the native population.