DUKE OF GLOUCESTER

Evening Star, Issue 21945, 4 February 1935, Page 11

DUKE OF GLOUCESTER

WARM RECEPTION IN FIJI WITNESSES FIRE-WALKING CEREMONY Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright SUVA, February 3. On Saturday the Duke of Gloucester was taken to the island of Ban, the ancient capital of Fiji, where he was given a royal Fijian welcome with all the ancient ceremonials, including native dances and feastng. Hp was taken in a Fijian canoe to a reef, where Fijians, men and women, showed him all their methods of fishing-line, spearing, and net and reed fences. However. the fishing expedition was unsuccessful, hut visiting pressmen described the visit as “ the best show of the lour.” In the afternoon the Duke returned to Suva, and in the evening attended a Government ball at the Grand Pacific Hotel. It was A brilliant function, at which 600 guests were present. The Duke was escorted from Government House by Fijian troops bearing flaming torches and running alongside his chr. This morning Prince Henry attended church, and afterwards left for the island of Beqa, twenty miles south of Suva, where a fire-walking ceremony was performed in his honour. He will return to Suva this evening. A GAME OF POLO. SUVA, February 4. (Received February 4, at 10.30 a.m.) Perfect weather is being experienced for the Duke of Gloucester’s visit, and His Royal Highness is evidently enjoying the festivities. In a game of polo at Albert Park the. Duke played with Captains Curtis and Schrieber against a local team (Joske, Godley, and Carew), Major-general Vyse acting as referee. The visitors won, 6-5, the Duke scoring two goals. The Duke attended service at the Anglican Church on Sunda^. This evening he will attend a private dance at Government House at which 100 guests will be present, and at 9 o’clock On Tuesday he is to play another game of polo. The Australia leaves for Apia at ,11.30 a.m. on Tuesday, arriving on Thursday.