IMPORTANT APPOINTMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21132, 15 March 1932, Page 10

IMPORTANT APPOINTMENT.

COMMISSIONER IN FIJI. DISTINGUISHED NATIVE CHEF. [FROsr ora own* correspondent.! SUVA. March 8. A function of considerable interest fo Fiji and, from tfie point of s view of the coronisation of the Empire, takes place this week, when Ratu Sukuna, or, to give him his full name. Ratu Joseva Lalabalavu Vanaaliali Sukuna. 8.A.(0x0n.), of the Middle Temple,< barrister at law, will be installed as District Commissioner of the Lau district, the furthermost portion of the Fiji Group. This is the first occasion on which a native Fijian has been appointed to such an office, and the experiment will be watched with interest. Ratu Sukuna is an interesting personality. An honorary aide de camp to the Governor, he holds the distinction of being the possessor of the Msdaille Militaire, ft decoration which he won while fighting during the war with the French Foreign Legion. A quiet and pleasing personality has made Sukuna a very popular figure in Suva, where his departure will be missed by many friends. He commenced service with the Government' in 1907 as a clerk in the Colonial Secretary's office, attaining to the position of Chief Assistant Native Lands Commissioner, an appointment which he now relinquishes to take over the more important duties of a district commissioner, with authority over all residents, European, native or Indian,- in his district.