DEFENCE OF FIJI

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 December 1938, Page 5

DEFENCE OF FIJI

AIR BASE BEING PREPARED. VISIT OF NEW ZEALAND OFFICIALS. The visit of army, naval and air chiefs from New Zealand has given rise to many rumours concerning defence precautions to be taken in Fiji in the immediate future. Although officials are very reticent, it is commonly believed that the protection of the cable and wireless stations lies behind the, proposal to give Fiji some defence against raiding ships. It is believed that sites for gun emplacements near Suva have been selected, and that two six-inch guns will be mounted.

Work is proceeding at Nadi, on the north coast, on a site for an aerodrome. Part of the land which is being utilised is freehold property, which the Government proposes to take over. Most of it is sugar cane land and growing crops were destroyed in the process of levelling the ground. It is rumoured that bombing aeroplanes are to be stationed at Nadi, but no official statement has been made by the Government.

Something in the nature of a hint was dropped by the Colonial Secretary when officiating at a school prizegiving function recently. Referring to the stability of the times when he went to school, and comparing it with the instability of today, he remarked that soon aeroplanes might be flying over Fiji, and the importance of the colony would be realised. It may be assumed that the Colonial Secretary was referring to the possibility of Fiji being a landing-place in the British service across the Pacific.

Whether it is for commercial or military purposes, it is very evident that developments are proceeding, and the recent visit of the defence chiefs would seem to indicate that the importance of Fiji as a strategical base is not being overlooked.