THE TROUBLE IN FIJI

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1920, Page 1

THE TROUBLE IN FIJI

TUTANEKAI’S mission.

WELLINGTON, Feb. 3.

I here is nothing new to record in regard to the:Fiji strike. An attempt has been made to make a sensation out of the departure of the Tutanekai with a small armed force of Suva, hut the measure is purely- a precautionary one, and no doubt Australia lias also been asked to assist in the same direction. The force wil Ibe under the command of Major Putick D. 5.0., and will comprise about fifty men, who leave by train for Auckland to-night. A few-more maylie taken from the Auckland garrison. In addition to one or two small guns, the Tutanekai will have a few machineguns on board. This sudden call for asistanco from Fiji, in. which New Zealanders have cohsderablo interest, emphasises the need for one or two cruisers in these wafers. Such ships would he useful on many- occasions. A cruiser has been already promised to New Zealand, but she will not be here for some time.

STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER

WELLINGTON, Feb. 3.

A further short statement as to the despatching of tho _Tutanekai to Fiji was. made, by the Primo Minister to-day.

“The request for the Tutanekai, together with arms and ammunition,” said Mr Massey, “came from the Governor of Fiji, who was impressed with the necessity of doing something to show that the European settlers wore not altogether unprepared for an emergency. My own opinion, howevei, is that there will be no necessity for the Force, for from what I'saw of the Fijians during my short visit to the group, [ believe the natives of tho Islands will be only too pleased to act with tlio British authorities and the European-popu-lation, generally, in the ease of an outbreak by the resident Indians. So far as tin* latter are concerned, too, I was much impressed with the peaceable demeanour of those I had the opportunity of seeing.”