Multi-racial service marks independence

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32425, 12 October 1970, Page 2

Multi-racial service marks independence

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) - SUVA, October 11. Prince Charles today joined 5000 Fijians in a colourful multi-religious service to pray for a united and peaceful future for this newly independent nation.

The Prince joined the multi-racial congregation, which included Christians, Hindus, Moslems, and Sikhs, in the joint thanksgiving service in the open air at Albert Park, Suva.

Yesterday the Prince handed the island back after 96 years under Britain’s rule. At the ceremony, in which Fiji also became a member of the British Commonwealth, Prince Charles handed the constitutional instruments giving Fiji its independence

to the Prime Minister (Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara). Today’s special service began with a general confession, followed by a reading from the holy book of each group in languages which varied from English to Fijian, Arabic to Hindi. Then there were prayers from each group, the leaders of whom were sitting together on a roofed dais opposite Prince Charles and Ratu Mara.

The service closed with a prayer for the protection of Fiji from hatred and discord. After the service Prince Charles drove to Government House, where he changed into bush shirt, slacks and canvas shoes, before driving to the civic centre to meet Suva’s city councillors. In a message yesterday to

Fijians abroad, the Prime Minister said: “It was in a spirit of trust and friendship that we became a dependency of Britain on October 10, 1874. It is in a spirit of trust and friendship that we now become independent of Britain.”

In a message to the Commonwealth, the Prime Minister said: “On the way to independence we have learned much from those who travelled the road before us. We have received valuable advice and found readiness to assist us wherever this was possible. “All this we very much appreciate. Fiji is a small country,” he said. “We go into independence with no ambitions but to be able to live in peace and build a better life for all the peoples of our multi-racial community. “If we can do anything to help our neighbours or those who are distant from us we shall be only too ready to do so.” Attendance at the combined religious service of thanksgiving and dedication for the independence of Fiji was the highlight of a restful programme today for the New Zealand Prime Minister (Sir Keith Holyoake), Later today, Sir Keith Holyoake inspected proposed sites for the New Zealand High Commission in Suva, and drove round some of the scenic spots on the island. The first occupant of the

High Commission will be Sir John Grace, who presented his letters of introduction to the Fijian Prime Minister yesterday.