LIFE ON A TROPICAL ISLAND

Evening Star, Issue 24283, 26 August 1942, Page 6

LIFE ON A TROPICAL ISLAND

GARRISON DUTY IN FIJI The extraordinary differences in life in Fiji as compared with the . conditions in New Zealand, which is only three and a-half days distant were commented upon by Captain D. A. Solomon, speaking to a meeting of the Travel Club this morning. The island of Fiji has two distinct parts, the wot side and the dry side, he said. In the wet part conditions are extremely trying, and the vegetation is exotic with vivid flowers of every colour and an abundance of citrus fruits. When the rain comes down for days at a time, followed by a short period of brilliant sun, everything becomes musty, and a soldier’s life is an uncomfortable one The dry side of the island has a climate more like that of Central Otago. The population of Fiji consists of a few white people, 90,000 Fijians, and 90,000 Indians, originally brought over by the Colonial Sugar Company to work in its plantations. The Fijians are charming people, loyal, friendly, good soldiers, and great sports, but are 100 lazy to be valuable labour in a plantation. Captain Solomon concluded his talk by relating some interesting details of a 10 days’ trip round the group of islands near Fiji. Private Harold Robinson, who was a guest at the meeting, sang two delightful solos. Mrs F. Coomer, another visitor, was also welcomed by Mrs Richard Hudson.