TROOPS FOR FIJI.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 February 1920, Page 5

TROOPS FOR FIJI.

A FORCE OF FIFTY MEN., i . REASON FOR THE EXPEDITIONBy Telegraph.—-Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. A statement as to the despatching of the Tutanekai for Fiji was made by the Prime 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 were not altogether unprepared for an emergency. My own opinion, however, is that there will be no necessity for the force, for from what I saw of the Fijians during my different short visits to the group, I believe the natives of the Islands will be only too pleased to act with the British authorities and the European population generally in the ease of an outbreak by resident Indians. ,So far as the later are concerned, too, I was much impressed with the peaceable demeanour of those I had an opportunity of seeing." The force, which will be under the command of Major E. Puttirk, D.5.0., will comprise fifty men. It leaves tonight 'by the Main Trunk express for Auckland, where it will embark on the Tutanekai.