RIVAL FIJIAN CHIEFS

Evening Star, Issue 20194, 6 June 1929, Page 17

RIVAL FIJIAN CHIEFS

PROTRACTED BITTER FEUD - Ratu Beni Ravoka and Ratu devil,a Bolobolo are two Fijian chiefs, both residing in the same town of tTcuuivamia, in the province of Tailevn. Ilatu Beni is given the title of Ilatu officially, bub for many years now it lias been a: matter of bitter debate as to which of the two can rightfully claim the higher status among his own people. Had the two chiefs lived a generation earlier there would long ago have been a sanguinary settlement with, very probably, a feast to follow. The advent of Christianity, however, forbids this, and compels the two to live in the same town and keep the peace. Now, Ratal Beni has for long ruled the district of Verata with a rod of iron, at the same time contriving to run it in conjunction with the law of the land, but there has been one man who lias been as a thorn in his side, and that is Ilatu.Tevita. _ Ilatu Tevita has a son, Ilatu Kitioni Kalisiwaqa, and it is hinted that in spite of tho feud which had lasted through the long years between the two chiefs, a marriage might have been arranged between Until Kitioni and Adi (Princess Matili Kula) the beautiful young daughter of Ilatu Beni. But last year another suitor for her had appeared in tho Held, and her coming marriage to Ilatu Estonia Sem Tni Lovnka and Buli Levuka was announced. Ratu Estonia is a man of great native wealth and much power and the marriage was about to be solemnised.

Great preparations were being made for tho marriage feast. The occasion was worthy of it. The marriage of Adi Matili was tantamount to an alliance with tho powerful Ratu Estonia, a most desirable situation from tho point of view of a man who clung to the old rites and the old dignities of a high Fijian chief, a man who, when ho entered his own town, called aloud so that all his subjects might hear: “Long live tho King,” meaning his royal self. 1 There was muck work to be done in connection with the feast. Many pigs had to be slaughtered and dressed. Much, taro had to be cooked. Much tapica root had to be ground down for pudding. Commoners rushed here and there at the command of their chief, but there were still not enough people running round to satisfy the old man’s lovo i ' ceremony, so, abruptly, lie issued an order to Ratu Kitioni, son of Ratu Tevita, telling him to take a hand in the preparation of the great ovens. Bub the son was a chip of the old block. Who was this to order about the son of a high, chief, the young man asked. Why should he obey tho commands of a chief whom ho had been brought up to believe was a chief of a lower status than his father? So he took no notice. Ratu Beni would brook no such disobedience, and thrashed him. Then the father appeared, and Ratu Beni attacked him. But there was no fight. Ratu Tevita had absorbed tho wisdom of tho white man’s laws,_ and preferred to see what the magistrate had lo say about such an assault. Later there took place a pilgrimage to Nadurululu to report the incident. Ratu Beni accompanied the party so far, but then doubled back on his tracks. Later ho was sent to Suva gaol for three months on a charge of assault. CHARGE OF ARSON. Ratu Beni emerged not Jong ago and found that Lis rival had still another card to play, through tho police this time. Ho was summoned to appear to answer a <;liarge > of arson. When the day of tho trial arrived Ratu Beni's name was called three times, bub there was no appearance. Ho had decided to defy tho court. ‘‘Wha’ daur mocldlo wi’ me? ” was the Scottish motto ho had adopted in Fijian. And very few dared. Two Fijians, who bad risked £sl) each in bail,for tho old chief, stood an excellent chance of losing their money. They, a police sergeant, and two dorks of th lawyer who had defended him on tho first occasion, Air J. N. Lelcu, in company with an immense crowd of his own followers, bogged him on bended knbes lo comply with tho law. Bub uo! Jf the man had been a commoner the two Fijians would have brought him in by tho scruff of his neck, but a chief they dared not lay their bauds on. A plea by Air Leleu for the return of their money in the circumstances was successful j and the two Fijians each got their £SO back. A warrant was then issued for tho arrest of Ratu Beni, and when shown the warrant he gave no trouble, bub submitted _to arrest. Between two stalwart i'ijian constables the chid: stood in the dock white the acting Chief Justice, Air AV. K. Horne, reprimanded him for his contempt of court. “You were bound over at a. preliminary hearing fo appear in this court,’’ the judge said to Ilatu Beni. “1 am surprised that a. chief of your standing should behave as you have done and treat this court with contempt. Since the cession in 1874 the Jaw has protected the chiefs in their customary rights, and assured them of their position and the ownership of their lauds. One would expect in return, from the chiefs at least, a .higher example of respect for the law ’’ Tho chief’s own surety of £SO was estreated. It was the Attorney-General, in opening the case for tho Crown, who first enlightened tho court on. what liad happened after the'embittered ajid angry Ratu Beni had doubled back to ■ Verata. 'The chief had rushed back and had deliberately set fire to the bouse of his rival. Then followed a. night of feasting and vacona drinking in Ratu Beni’s house. The first ■witness called was Ratu Tevita himself. Ho claimed that lie was a high chief of a higher status Ulan Ratu Beni,, the old claim which has caused so much trouble in their lives. He was-nob*aware of any dispute on this point. This in dignified, hub very emphatic tones. A. study of the two men, ono in the dock and the other in tho witness box, revealed the enmity which existed between them._ The case was adjourned for a day in order that tho chief might bo medically examined. When tho court resumed tho judge sentenced him to four years’ penal servitude. His Honour suggested that compensation might be given tho rival chief whoso house had been destroyed, bub it was pointed out that if compensation had to be paid by Ratu Beni it would be the commoners wlio would suffer by having to find th© money.

Hatu Tevita now holds full sway in tho town of Ucnnivanua in the province of Tailcvn.