FIJI TRAGEDY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 December 1943, Page 2

FIJI TRAGEDY

FOUR CHILDREN DROWNED AT BEACH PICNICBATHING IN DANGEROUS PLACE. TWO OF THE VICTIMS PUPILS OF SOLWAY COLLEGE. (Bv Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) SUVA, December 21. A tragedy which shocked the whole of Fiji occurred at Nukualofa, Tonga, recently, when four young residents of Fiji, two boys and two girls, lost their lives. They were members of a party of approximately 30 boys and girls returning home to Fiji for the Christmas holidays from school in New Zealand. Owing to the war, some of them were making their first trip in two years. The victims were: Pamela Corbett, aged 11 youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs C. F. Corbett, Suva; Patricia Brown, aged 13, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs L. M. Brown, Suva; Peter Gittins, aged 11, son of Mr and Mrs J. Gittins, Sigatoka, Fiji; and David Small, aged 9, son of Mr and Mrs A. Small, Navua, Fiji. On arrival at Nukualofa, where the vessel would be engaged in discharging and loading cargo, it seemed a happy thought on the part of those who organised the party to send the children on a picnic. Military vehicles were made available, hampers packed by the chief steward, and a gay party went off, accompanied by several adults, including some members of the ship’s company to assist with the food. When the party arrived at the beach the young people were warned not to bathe at a certain place, which was considered dangerous. However, while the adults were preparing lunch, some of the children went into the sea at that point and were immediately in difficulties, several being removed from the water. The body of Patricia Brown was recovered, but all attempts to recover the body of Pamela Corbett were unsuccessful. Both girls were good swimmers, and it is believed that the assistance they endeavoured to give to others contributed largely to their own deaths. Some little time after this tragedy it was discovered that Peter Gittins and David Small were also missing. Reports by the natives that the boys had been seen going into the bush held hopes that they were safe. Large forces of military and police units joined in the search, but without result. Clothing belonging to Peter Gittins was subsequently found, and it can only be assumed that they, too, were drowned. The funeral of Patricia Brown was held before the vessel sailed, officers acting as pall-bearers. Among the many beautiful wreaths sent was one from the Queen of Tonga. The two girls who lost their lives were pupils of Solway College, Masterton, and both were accompanied by a sister. Patricia Brown's sister was in the swimming party and was among those saved. Peter Gittins was formerly at St. Peter’s Cambridge, and latterly at King’s College, Auckland.