Fijian Sea Disaster Orphans Need Help

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30452, 28 May 1964, Page 5

Fijian Sea Disaster Orphans Need Help

An appeal for the dependents of those who lost their lives when the Fijian interisland trading vessel Kadavulevu sank on Easter Sunday has been over-shadowed by an appeal after disastrous floods in Fiji, says the secretary of the Kadavulevu Dependents’ Fund (Mr E. J. F. Hackett). When the vessel sank, 90 of the 93 persons on board were drowned. The disaster orphaned 42 children and left 14 widows, four aged mothers and one aged father without support. So far only £l5OO has been given but £13,000 is needed to provide food, clothing, care and education for the orphans for the next 16 years.

The appeal for the flood victims produced £85,000. Mr Hackett, of the Public Relations Office, Suva, Fiji, appeals for support from the people of New Zealand. He writes: “Many people in New Zealand have links of one kind or another with Fiji and several friends in New Zea-

land have suggested to me that an appeal for the fund in New Zealand would produce good results.” “The stark drama Of the tragic scenes which marked the sinking of the ship was brought vividly before the people of Fiji by the evidence given at the Marine Board of Inquiry. Terrible Ordeal “The terror of the ordeal by night in rough seas; the horror of trapped passengers trying to escape from the capsized hull; and the incredible survival of two women and a boy- after several days in the sea; were poignantly described in the simple, moving language of the Fijian survivors. “That drama is past. Nothing can be done to help those who died. But much can be done to help those who lived—the dependents of the victims. Many of them are little children-—children who had nO control over the cruel fate which deprived them of their families. “The future of the orphans can be brightened by public support for the fund which has been organised to provide for their future. “Trustees of the fund, appointed with the approval of the Governor (Sir Derek Jakeway) are Adi Laisa Ganilau, wife of one of Fiji’s paramount chiefs, Mr W. G. Johnson, a leading businessman, and Mr A. J. Moore, a businessman and- a member of the Legislative Council. Years Ahead “The money raised will be spent judiciously so that the dependents will be cared for not only now but during the years ahead when they will need help so much,” said Mr Hackett. Contributions may be sent to Mr F. Chilton, Clifton terrace, Sumner, Christchurch, or direct to the treasurer (Mr W. Donovan), c/o. Currency Commissioner’s Office, Government Buildings, Suva, Fiji.