J.T.C

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.

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.

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On Tuesday, 5th November, the examination for Certificate "A," Parts I and II, took place at School. The high percentage of successful candidates reflects well upon the efficiency of the Officers and N.C.O.'s, and all concerned are to be congratulated.

The following candidates were successful :— Cert. "A," Part I—Individual.

Cdts. Bird, Burkitt, Calvert, (Dennis, Hall, Hannon, Hawksby, Knowlson, Masser, Myers, Parker, Temple, Thomas, Thompson (E. G.), Varley (J. C.), Walter, Watson (R. D.), Speight. Cert. "A," Part II—Section Leading.

Cdts. Addey, Amos (J. H.), Atkinson, Booth (R. M.), Brown, Burgess, Carr, Chilton ; Cpl. Clement ; Cdts. Frank, Goode ; L/Cpl. Graham (J. M.) ; Cdts. Graham (W.), Grainger, Greetham, Harrison (K. G.), Harrison (N.B.), Rayner, Ryder (C. D.) ; L/Cpl. Slegg ; Cdts. Tate, Walker, Waters, Welch.

Towards the end of term a Map Reading Test was held, points being awarded for the flag to the winning platoon. Sgt. Sykes, with Rise Platoon, was successful, being first home with his scout.

On Thursday, 5th December, a party of N.C.O.'s and post-Cert. "A" cadets paid a very interesting visit to the depot of 609 Coy. R.A.S.C. Much information was gained concerning methods of transport and the maintenance of Army vehicles. Afterwards several cadets expressed a wish that they themselves might be drafted to the R.A.S.C. on their entry of the Army.

On Thursday, 12th December, the flag was presented to Sgt. Dench and Temple Platoon by Lt.-General Sir A. E. H. Christison (Bart.), K.B., K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O., M.C., General Officer Commanderin-Chief, Northern Command After congratulating Sgt. Dench and his platoon, General Christison took the salute at the march past and was greatly impressed by the turn-out and bearing on parade of the contingent. He especially congratulated the Band on their performance.

Throughout the term films, both training films and those of general interest, have been shown and have been greatly appreciated.

Results of the term's Flag Competition :- 1st—Temple Platoon, 89.5 points. 2nd—School House Platoon, 85.4 points. 3rd—Rise Platoon, 81.1 points. 4th—Manor Platoon, 79.8 points. 35

To be C.S.M.---F. J. Chadwick.

To be Drum Major—J. C. M. Rayson.

To be A/c. Q.M.S.—C. C. Clement, Cpl.

School House Platoon.

Sgt. L. D. Edinger ; Cpl. P. J. Shardlow ; L/Cpls. D. F. Ringrose, C. K. Hudson, G. A. Radford, T. M. A. Griffiths, E C. d'o Lees.

Rise Platoon.

Sgt. P. R. Sykes ; Cpls. K. W. Wilson, G. M. Dodgson, M. A. J. Rignall, G. R. Claybourn ; L/Cpls. H. L. Dixon, G. W. Smith.

Temple Platoon.

Sgt. J. D. Dench ; Cpl. D. Hardisty ; L/Cpls. F. N. Newdick, P. G. Matthews, A. L. Pavis.

Manor Platoon.

Sgt. J. M. L. Dook ; Cpl. R. L. Hutchinson ; L/Cpla. R. Dobson, D. J. Oliver, F. R. Bown, D. J. Pallant. The following promotions took effect from the dates given :17th October, 1946. To be L/Sergeant : Cpls. Hutchinson and Wilson. To be Corporal : L/Cpls. Radford and Hudson. To be L/Cpl. : Cdts. Hallas (Assistant Storeman), Welch, Graham (J. M.), Graham (W.), Slegg.

11th November, 1946.

Signals Platoon : To be Cpl. i/c : L/Cpl. J. M. Graham. To be L/Cpl. 2nd i/c : Cdt. J. H. Amos. To be L/Cpl. : Cdts. Tate, Chilton. 19th November, 1946. To be C.Q.M.S. : Cpl. Clement. To be L/Sgt. : Cpl. D. Hardisty. To be Corporal : L/Cpls. Newdick, Matthews, Pavis, Ringrose, Oliver, Bown. To be L/Cpls. : Cdts. Waters, Harrison (K. G.), Walker, Blake (Signal Storeman).

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