Extracts from some notes on the Fiji Islands. At Suva we shipped a little sugar and about 100 labourers for work at the outports. Left Suva on the 29th (October) to proceed round the Islands to load. As you will see from maps, these Islands are surrounded by reefs, so a pilot is carried. We go inside of the reefs for most of the distance. Nearly all the reef edges are marked with beacons, and with the sun in the right direction (behind you) it is possible to see the reefs themselves, as the water is very clear. We loaded first at Ellingtons, where there was a wharf about half the length of the ship. Here we shipped 3,000 tons in less than 48 hours, as work is continuous. From there we had about nine hours' run to Lambasa on the North side of the North island. We lay at anchor there to ship about 3,000 tons. We had great excitement one day, as the 2nd Officer hooked a shark ; all hands and the cook knocked off work to get it on board. It measured 9 ft. 4 ins. and had about 220 teeth arranged in four rows. On these Islands they have no snakes or other dangerous pests. They once had centipedes, but some time ago imported frogs ; now they have a great many of the latter but none of the former. The frogs, at least, hop out of your way and do not bite ! As far as we could see, the population of the Islands is Fijian, Chinese, Indian and White ; the Fijians and Indians being in about equal numbers. The natives appear to be a happy and contented crowd.
J.T.C. At the beginning of the term we welcomed to the Corps, Major Crews, who took over its command, thus relieving Capt. Rhodes from one of the many onerous burdens which he so willingly undertook during the war. We are glad to state, however, that Capt. Rhodes has not completely severed his connections with the Corps, as he still remains an officer attached. Shortly after the term started the Inter-Platoon Flag Competition was placed on an Inter-House basis, the Company being now divided into four House Platoons, and a Recruit Company consisting of two platoons. As was expected this innovation greatly increased the keenness of competition for the flag. The Signal Platoon has been in the capable hands of Major Piers, ably assisted by Sgt. Dyson, and much is expected of them in the Field Days of next term. The Band, after being sadly depleted in experienced bandsmen, has now regained its former high standard, thanks to the experience of Mr. Waine, who undertook its training. We should like here to record our thanks for all the hard work put in by both Major Piers and Mr. Waine in their respective spheres. 34
