THE "FUZZY-WUZZIES."

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8779, 16 November 1906, Page 3

THE " FUZZY-WUZZIES."

ARRIVAL OF THE FIJIANS

Twenty-six splendid specimens of Inmanity marched through me Exhibition gat<*s ths morning and took possession of the large plot allotted to them bohind the Mines Department's ont-o.*-door exhibit, north of the grove of pinetrees. The Fijian* are tall, strong and strapping fellows. They seem to be of a very happy disposition, and evidently thoroughly enjoy the circumstances *n winch they hare been placed. Thea* faces are covered with smiles, and they are evidently bent on having as muuir fun as they can get. They are dressed hi « rather picturesque uniform, and they presented .a striking 6ight as they marched through the grounds, with their long spears and other weapons. ■JLiie men are dressed in blue cloth jumpers, whicn reach below their .kiiees, and groy loin cloths, and around vheir waists they have red sashes. Their feet, legs and heads are bare. This uniform was designed specially ior the Exhibition continent. The chi^f man, Ipireimi Qasivakatini (Ephraim Old-man-teii-times-over), has a white uniform, consisting of a jacket and a kind of skirt, which comes past his knees, arid has a- sort of diamond pattern at the bottom. This uniform belongs to inspectors of the native police in Fiji. Ephraim is one of the inspectors, and ho had the honour of being in charge of the contingent that went from Fiji to the King's coronation ceremonies'. The men talk English very well, and are Very willing to chat and to make themselves agreeable in every way. One of them, with a face that is always wr&athedi in smile© and a- name as long as his spear, informed a reporter that they had had a very pleasant voyage, and that they would sing and dance ©t iue Exhibition. They had brought all the materials for their houses, he added, and would commence building operations at once. His name is Tamanikairukurukuiovalau (Father of the Tribes of the Island of Ovalau).

The men have been selected from several different islands and tribe?. Mr W. A. Scott, Assistant Native Commissioner in Fiji, who has co'mo in charge of them, is attending to their comfort. They were met at Wellington by Mr Leslie E. Brown, Fijiian Commissioner at the Exhibition, and these gentlemen have conferred with Mr-M'lntyre.. Director of Exhibits, in regard to arrangements for housing accommodation.

Some time next week there will bo an official meeting between the Fijians and the Maoris, and welcomes will be given in the good old fashion.