TROOPS IN FIJI

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23870, 22 January 1941, Page 6

TROOPS IN FIJI

NEW ZEALAND UNITS DEFENCE OF COLONY OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT Tn fulfilment of the Dominion's undertaking to accept a full share of responsibility for Empire defence, and in accordance with an arrangement readied between the Governments of Now Zealand and Fiji, units of the NewZealand Expeditionary Force have been stationed in Fiji. An official announcement of the establishment of Dominion troops there Ims now been made by the Government.

The defence of the Crown Colony of Fiji assumed fresh importance recently when the general question of home defence was closely studied in New Zealand. A detailed examination of the position in the South Pacific, and of possible developments, resulted in the inclusion of Fiji in a general scheme, and close collaboration is being maintained between the two Governments. Modern Fighting Force With the New Zealand troops' arrival, there occurred at Fiji a substantial influx of motor-vehicles. There are comparatively few motor-cars in the colony in times of peace, but the arrival of a modern fighting force, complete with motorised equipment, brought the total number of motor-vehicles to a new record figure.

The high standard of accommodation for troops set in Now Zealand when the large-scale establishment of nejv camps was begun on the outbreak of war. has been fully maintained in Fiji. There are several camps, built during a fineweather period, the. main one being a few miles from Suva. Huts and Tents Most of the men at the main camp are already quartered in wooden dormitories after the pattern of those built at the newer camps in the Dominion, with iron roofs and push-out shutters instead of windows. Some of the troops occupy bell tents, while at another camp the majority of the men are housed in tents of the New Zealand Public Works Department pattern. As a subsidiary to the main camp, there is a smaller establishment across the road to accommodate specialist units. Special attention was paid by the authorities to the adequate drainage of the areas on which the camps have been built, with a view to the maintenance of the highest possible standard of health. Tiled drains were laid throughout the main camp, and a special line was taken from the Suva reservoir to the camp, to provide an adequate water-supply. Shower-huts are provided, and the troops regularly have swimming parades at Suva Point. Entertainment Arranged New Zealand troops have been as well received in Fiji as they have in other parts of the world, and residents have given every hplp in the entertainment of the men. In addition the Colonial Sugar Refining Company, Limited, regularly invites detachments of all ranks to Nausori, where there is a golf course and clubhouse, and has arranged trips for parties of up to 200 men to neighbouring islands. Similar trips have been organised by W. P. Carpenter and Company, and other parties of men have visited various centres of interest, including goldmines. Organised sports were held at Albert Park. Suva, earlier this month, and sport is a regular feature of the troops ; life. As part of the Christmas and New Year celebrations, a sports gala that proved highly successful was held at one camp. Prior to their departure from New Zealand, the troops were farewelled by the Governor-General, Viscount Galway, and the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser. Further reference to the defence of Fiji appears on page 9.