Fijian Chief’s Offer.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1921, Page 4

Fijian Chief’s Offer.

(* OVER NOR'S NATIVE HOUSE. SUVA, FIJI, June 19 Recently a number of the leading i chiefs of the colony met, and decided, j as is their custom when the house of a "high chief” is destroyed, to offer to build a large buree or native house, of such a size and appearance as would be ; suitable for the lodging of his Exccl--1 lencv the Governor and family. : The offer of the chiefs was accepted 1 in the same spirit as prompted it, and preparations to build are already under • way. The building of the buree has j been divided into five sections. The Taileva Province, under the leadership of Ratu Pape, Senilahi, Boko Tui (High Chief), Tnilevu, and hereditary King will build the sleeping vale or chamber, and the Rewa Province under Ratu .foni Matnitini will lmild the diningroom. The former will he a noble apartment, 72 feet long, and about 24 feet wide. Il will likely he subdivided into compartments. It will be commenced in ■1 uly. While the building is in course of erection, the workers have to he suitplied wifli food, and this will be paid for by contributions from eleven provinces. The offer is a fine example of the loyalty of the Fijian people, who can be congratulated on their promptness and zeal in thus supplying very necessary temporary quarters for the Governor or ‘‘High Chief” of the colony. The Governor and tnmily. whose ■ pretty home was recently burned down, will occupy this high chief’s buree when , he returns from England until the now j Government House is built. There is a | great and sincere affection among the , Fijian chiefs fop the Government. j