ISLAND NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 66, 19 March 1931, Page 22

ISLAND NEWS.

FIJI HAPPENINGS. MANY SMALL SHIPS ASHORE. DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN SUVA. f (From Our Own Correspondent.) SUVA, March 10. The main block of business premises in Suva is that •which is on Victoria Parade, between the Club Hotel and Pratt Street. Most of the buildings are old and of iron and wood. It has always been said that when one of these shops caught fire the whole block would go, but the miracle has happened. Last week the shop of Hargrave and Co., hairdressers and stationers, caught fire at three in the morning. The- fire brigade station was opposite. By the time the hose was able to play on the flames the fire had a big hold and flames were running along under the verandah, attacking the neighbouring shops. It looked for some minutes like a block fire, but water and skill told, c and within 15 minutes the blaze was under control, although a gale was blowing. The damage done consisted in the total loss of Hargrave's stock and contents insured for £1500, while tbe building, insured for £500, was ruined. The people still wonder how the block escaped. A Gruesome Find. Last Friday a decomposed body was found in a small creek near the cemetery. After medical examination it was pronounced the body of an elderly Indian woman. No person has been reported missing. This is regarded by the police as significant, and careful inquiries are being made to find out who is missing. It is thought possible that murder has been committed. Shipping Casualties. Because of the recent hurricane several shipping casualties have been reported. The cutter Sakura went ashore on Koro, but was refloated. ' Captain South's cutter Variance went ashore at Savu Savu, and is likely to be a total wreck.

The Marama-ni-Yanu Yanu was ashore at Ruku Ruku Bar, but got off. The Repeka is ashore 011 Lakemba Island. The steamer Malake touched the reef off Xairai Island, but the captain says she is not hurt. The cutter Lewakelakcla went 011 the beach at Levuka with a big hole through her timbers, caused by hitting a pile as she entered the harbour. Several cutters also are ashore 011 various islands. The small cutter John went on the reef at Tomberua, and has been abandoned. The native captain rowed in a little dinghy for many miles in a roaring gale for succour.