FIJI AND SAMOA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 22, 26 January 1935, Page 11

FIJI AND SAMOA.

THE DUKE'S VISIT. NATIVE CEREMONIES. FIRE-WALKING DISPLAY. (From Our Own Correspondent.) SUVA, January 21. 1 lie itinerary of the Duke of Gloucester in l'iji lias been altered, and the Mayoral pardon party will not be held, much to the disappointment of Suva people. The alteration, it is believed, is due to the objection raised by the Fijians of Benga, who are Methodists, to giving an exhibition of fire-walking on a. Sunday. The programme now includes only official ;ind Fijian ceremonies except a brief civic reception at the Town Hall on the first day. The Fijian events will include a visit to the old Fijian capital of Bau, fishing on the reef, a visit to Benga on the Monday, with tire-walking, etc., niekes on Albert Park, and an examination of the reef gardens through the glass floor ot a punt. There will be no public engagement 011 the Tuesday, when His Koyal Highness' visit will end. ATTITUDE OF THE MAU. (Fnxn Our Own Correspondent.) APIA, January 17. A large gathering of natives is expected in Apia during the visit of the Duke of Gloucester on February U and 7. Though Man adherents will probably not take an active part in the festivities, the native ceremony, dances, songs, speeches of welcome, etc., should prove an imposing and impressive spectacle to the Koyal visitor and his party, especially as the traditional Samoan ceremonial is to take place at Mulinuu, the ancient seat of the kings of Samoa, in a picturesque and typical setting.