LOYALTY OF FIJI

Hokitika Guardian, 7 March 1922, Page 3

LOYALTY OF FIJI

GIFT TO THE “BIG CHIEF.”

SUVA, Feb. 21

In Fiji in the old days, when fire or hurricane destroyed the dwelling of an important chief, all hands joined in erecting a new home for him. So when his Excellency’s home —Government

House—was burned last year, after being struck by lightning, the leading chiefs of Fiji decided to build a new bouse or bure l'or the “big chief,” in ' the person of bis Majesty’s representative. After months of labour the completed edifice was formally handed over to the Acting-Governor, Air T. F. Fell, on February 14th. Tiie house stands majestically on the bill alongside the official office (all that was saved of the old building)'. It is built on a raised foundaton protected by a double row of balabala ((fern! tree) posts, and resembles in style of architecture the old heathen tempfes. It is about 50ft by 21ft in area. The side walls are 12in high, and from them rise the high-pitched gable roof for 40ft. The building is a noble specinfen of Fijian architecture, and represents the best of their workmanship. The main posts are of massive Fijian hardwoods, and the sennet (coconut coir) decorations will be the admiration and envy of all who see them. The builders have covered all the beams with sennet of many colours: white, black, and chocolate predominating, and the designs include tTie squares, circles, and triangles so dear to the heart of the Fijian.

Inside the bure, seated on. the floor in native custom, at 2 o’clock, were all the principal chiefs and headmen, with the officers of ceremony dressed in their ancient attire of many coloured strips of tapa round the waist, bare oil-covered bodies, and many with their high, frizzy hair decorated with flowers. The stage being thus set, his Excellency entered with due formality, accompanied by officials, legislators, clergy, and the members of the visiting Indian Commission. First came the qaloqalovi or presentation of talmas of welcome (whales’ teeth), followed by the Yagona drinking ceremony. Then the. house was formally handed over by Ratu Pape, a grandson-of old King Cakabau, with the usual talma presentation. Mis Excellency, in the course of his speech in I'leplv, referred to the event as “an | occasion that is both unique and in--1 toresting, an occasion which for you and for me must remain long memorable. I regard the house as a link between the Government and the people of Fiji. May it ever remain a beautiful mark of the cordial relations between the Government on the one hand, and the chiefs and people on the oilier. This house that von have erected will remain a token m goodwill, sympathy, and loyalty.” The speech was acknowledged by a reply by Ratu Mnsau, a Bauaii chief. Then came the presentation of over a hundred tahun in acceptance of the house by the Acting-Governor, and other ceremonial courtesies. The party adjourned to the terrace, and from there enjoyed a spledid view of the mokes, or dancers, on the level stretches of Government House grounds. Tile scene was an attractive and most interesting one. In waiting groups were the mcke warriors, with clubs and spears, in all their savage finery. Grouped in a wide circle were many hundreds of natives in bright gala attire, and many more hundreds of Indians in brighter-lined garments. Very few' Europeans were present, as for some reason the white community had been ignored by the Government in the invitations. The dances were carried out in splendid style by 140 Tailluu men and by 100 dancers from Nakelo, besides the “band” from Tokatoka.

The Fijians had a great feast that night, when two oxen, many pigs, and great mountains of taro and other foodstuffs, were consumed amid general revelry. The event will become historical in Fijian history.—Auckland “Herald’s” correspondent.