FIJIAN KNIGHTED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 6, 8 January 1946, Page 4

FIJIAN KNIGHTED

OLD BOY OF WANGANUI COLLEGIATE SCHOOL A Fijian old boy of the Wanganui Collegiate School was among the recipients of a knighthood in the New Year Honours. He is Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, K.B.E. A profound scholar, efficient administrator and brilliant speaker, he is one of the most remarkable figures in the Pacific and holds in Fiji the key Civil Service post of head of the Native Office.

Born at Bau in Fiji, home and birthplace of the Fijian kings, he was educated at Wanganui Collegiate School, subsequently attending Oxford University, where he was an undergraduate when the first world war broke out.

On the outbreak of war in 1914 the young student endeavoured to enlku in the Imperial Forces, but was advised to return to Fiji. This did not suit his book, and lie crossed the Channel to enlist in the French Foreign. Sir Lala Sukuna served with, distinction in the Legion, but was eventually invalided out. He returned to Fiji and made a recovery in time to go overseas again with the Fijian Labour Company which operated first at the French Channel ports and subsequently in southern Italy. The war over, Sir Lala returned to Oxford and completed his M.A. He then stud.ed for the Bar and was eventually admitted as a barrister of the Inner Temple. Returning to Fiji, he entered the Civil Service and steadily advanced in seniority until his appointment some 18 months ago as adviser to the Governor on native affairs. During the war he acted as recruiting officer for the Fiji military forces, and by his great prestige as a paramount chief raised the manpower for the force. H e holds the ra<k of lieutenant-colonel. When in London as a representative of Fiji at the Coronation celebrations, Sir Lala attracted considerable attention, both by his splendid bearing and i by the excellence of his public spelk-A ing. He adheres in dress to native custom, wearing the sulu, or short scolloped kilt. Lady Maraia, his wife, also follows traditional custom. Well educated, speaking excellent English, and a jxjlished hostess, she rarely wears shoes, her hair is worn in the old style, and she frequently accompanies the other women on fishing excursions on the reef.