FIJIAN DEPORTED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 883, 29 January 1930, Page 16

FIJIAN DEPORTED

AVOLOSI FROWNED ON AGAIN EXILED TO ROTUMAH A Fijian who has caused the Government at Suva sufficient concern, Avolosi, has been exiled once more. Avolosi has had Ills activities watched by officialdom for many j ears. After deportation to isolated Rotumah Island, a considerable distance to the north of the Fiji Group, he was allowed to return to Fiji. His exile on Rotumah began shortly after the Great War and the term was for seven years. Avolosi had been suspected of seditious activities, and was believed to have been attempting to organise a, Viti na Viti (Fiji for the Fijians) movement; among his followers, much cn the same principle as the Samoa mo Samoa (Samoa for the Samoans) efforts. After his return to Fiji, he. lived and engaged in trading in the Yasawa Islands, off the north-west of Viti Levu. His headquarters, however, were at Nandi, on the western coast of Viti Levu. Deciding that Avolosi’s activities were becoming too pronounced, the Fijian Government has again ordered exile for the native. The Adi Bets, with Sub-Inspector Flower, was sent to Lautoka, up the coast from Nandi, and Avolosi was quietly arrested. He was brought to Suva on January 17 and sailed for Rotumah the same night on H.M.C.S. Pioneer. LONGER TERM

His exile this time is believed to be for a term of 10 years. Avolosi is a born leader, and has the ability to create a great deal of influence among his followers. During his previous exile on Rotumah, he was confined to the district of Motusa. On Rotumah, the natives are rather different from the Fijians, but many Fijian workmen live on the island. On his house there, Avolosi erected a sign bearing the name he is called by the natives—“Apolosi.” He is probably about 40 years of age now. The personality required tor leadership is undoubtedly his. New Zealand’s best instance of a native with wonderful ability for leadership was in Te Kooti, who although of obscure birth, managed to organise an escape of Maoris exiled on the Chatham Islands.