'A Fiji Incident'

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 27, 2 July 1903, Page 3

'A Fiji Incident'

To the Editor.

Sir, — From the tenor of your article upon the above subject published in your issue of the 11th inst., some of your readers may conclude that the New Zealand Parliamentary party were blameable for the regrettable mismanagement which entailed the yet more regrettable discourtesy to Father Rougier and his confreres at Naililili. The explanation proving the New Zealanders blameless is a simple one, being as follows :—: —

The New Zealand party were invited by the citizens of Suva to a picnic up the Rewa River ; as to what place or places on the river to be visited, we, New Zealanders, were entirely ignorant : that was entirely in the hands of our entertainers. When we reached Naililih (later in the day than had been anticipated) w« expected^ we were to land and g,reet the Rev. Fathers and to explore this beatotiful and interesting spot. We noted that extensive preparations had been made for our reception, and when the discovery was made that we weie to pass on and stay upon our return I am certain the disappointment among most, if not all, of our party equalled the chagrin of the Rev. Fathers at their ready and generous hospitality being so flouted. The incident caused much comment among a number of us, but, as the guests of the Suvan citizens, our mouths were obviously closed. When returning from Nauvosu the steamer colled at the Mission Station and we were landed. This time there were no flags flying or band playing, the smiling faces of the Rev. Fathers and the na-

tives to welcome us were missing, and only someFijians who came from a distance with a view of selling some almost valueless island curios met us with clamor to buy their wares. By chance Messrs. O'Meara, McCarthy, Woods, McLaughlin, and myself met one of the Rev. Fathers, and to our sorrow and regret learnt from, him hbw hurt the Rev. Father Rougier felt at the wanton discourtesy exhibited towards himself and his coreligionists. We had no, opportunity of calling upon the Rev. Father to express to him our personal regret and annoyance, as the captain's call to embark was imperative, the "river and lagoon navigation at night being difficult and dangerous. The above statements will, I am certain, be borne out by every member of the party, including the Suvan townspeople in whose hands we were, and whose bountiful hospitality we had accepted. Save for this unfortunate blunder the day would have proved the most pleasant experienced during the whole journey. — I am, yours, etc., Hawera, June 22.

C. E. MAJOR