SPORT POPULAR

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22730, 4 October 1945, Page 6

SPORT POPULAR

NATIVES OF FIJI FOOTBALL IN BARE FEET Many of the pastimes enjoyed in outside countries have been introduced in Fiji, much to the delight of the local population there. In winter the Fijian loves his Rugby football, and in summer he is to be seen on the cricket ground. The natives are true sportsmen and the leading players in both these pastimes would find a place in any New Zealand provincial team. It was not so many years ago that New Zealand was visited by a Fijian football team, who impressed local critics with their fast and open plav. The men play this game without the assistance of boots, their feet having become accustomed to the hardships of nature as the result of a lifetime’s liberation from covering. During the war years, both the New Zealand Army and Air Force personnel stationed in Fiji entered teams in the Suva cricket competition. Any member of a New Zealand team will admit that as cricketers the natives of the colony are splendid sportsmen both on and off the field. Seemingly possessed with a beautiful eye for batting, the men are terrific hitters, and obtain their greatest delight in hoisting the ball right out of the ground. The bowling is also well up to New Zealand cricket standard, so it will be realised that New Zealanders had to be at their peak of their form to make the game interesting for their native opponents. Humid Summer Conditions Although most people are under the* impression that the heat is most trying in the colony, the majority of reports are considerably exaggerated. It is a fact, however, that during the summer months conditions become very humid. Most of the shops and businesses in Suva are closed for about two hours during the hottest portion of the day. Suva is a town which compares somewhat in size with Nelson. The reason for the shops closing is for everyone to partake of a siesta. The port of Suva is not the only berthing place for overseas vessels visiting Fiji, as many of the cargo boats are accommodated at Lautoka, a small town on the northern coast of Viti Levu. Much of the sugar is shipped from this port, also cargoes of fruit and rice. Natives of India and Fiji comprise most of the population about this port, and also several smaller towns more inland, where rubber plantations are cared for. Prevalence of Insects Besides climatic inconveniences, Fiji also has another bugbear, and this is the prevalence of annoying insects, the chief offender in this direction being the mosquito. Rice flies are also annoying, and these two pests make sleeping under the protection of nets compulsory. It appears that toads were imported to the colony to deal with these insects, and these creatures have now overrun most of the districts, although they are doing splendid work in combating the mosquito menace. Malaria mosquitoes are scattered throughout the islands and are always a danger to the population. At one time snakes lurked in the undergrowth but the mongoose proved a successful means of eradicating these undesirable reptiles. The mongoose was imported for this specific purpose. Taking all aspects into consideration, however, the colony of Fiji appears certain to enter much more into world affairs in years to come, and her trade with overseas countries should soon assume considerably larger proportions.