Today in History Friday, January 2, 1976
Wednesday, January 2, 1957
Police officer resigns Assistant Superintendent, George Suguturaga, left the Fiji Police Force for farming.
The resignation, which becomes effective at the end of 52 days of retiring leave, brings to an end a colourful career extending over 18 years.
Thursday, January 2, 1964
Uncommonly sober New Year at Suva
The New Year came unusually quiet to Suva and though several people were injured in various ways, there were no serious accidents or incidents. Licensees reported that public bars at hotels were rather quiet for New Year’s Eve. Throughout the whole of Fiji, only two persons were arrested for offences connected with drinking.
Methodist Church in a new forum The new constitution of the Methodist Church in Fiji, under which the two sections, the Fiji-Fijian Church and the Fiji-Indian Church are amalgamated, became effective yesterday, through the Conference will not be formally inaugurated until July.
The Reverend, Setareki Tuilovoni, has assumed office as President-elect of the Methodist Church in Fiji, taking the place of the chairman of the Fiji-Fijian and Fiji-Indian Churches whose offices have now ceased to exist.
An unconscious man was taken to hospital
Following an assault at the corner of Marks Street and Renwick Rd, a Fijian man was taken to hospital in an unconscious condition.
Meanwhile, before F. G. Forster, at the Suva Magistrate’s Court, Rafaele Ravusali, a villager of Narukunibau, Namosi, was charged with assaulting Sakaia, occasioning him actual bodily harm.
Friday, January 2, 1976
Rural fire idea axed by Mayor
A proposal that the Suva City Council contribute to the cost of fire coverage for areas outside Suva and between Lami and Nausori has been rejected by the Mayor, Councillor Len Usher.
Suva’s Fire Chief, Harold Henderson, estimated that in order to provide interim coverage between Lami and Nausori, $23,000 would be needed.
Unlocked cars get stolen
Car owners should take precautions against theft, the Police Commissioner, John Kelland, warned.
A police spokesman said Mr Kelland had noted an increase in unlawful use of motor vehicles. He warned car owners to securely lock their vehicles, particularly at night to prevent their cars from being stolen.
Monday, January 2, 1984
Violent start greets 1984
The New Year was heralded in with a weekend of violence, ranging from the robbery with violence to the battering down of the front door at a Labasa Hotel by a group of disgruntled men who were not allowed entry at the annual New Year dance.
A bus driver was assaulted and robbed, a taxi driver was bashed and robbed when he went to drop passengers at Kinoya, two women were assaulted by four men at a Raiwaqa shop and robbed of $150 and a five-year-old boy was admitted to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital after being hit by a van.
Rowdy fined
Suva Court was crowded when 24 people appeared on charges of being drunk and disorderly during the Christmas weekend. Twenty-three of them were convicted and Magistrate Philp Evans imposed fines ranging from $10 to $30. The court was told the police arrested the largest group, 10 men after they were called to investigate complaints at the Suva Market.
Burglar gets 6 months
A 21-year-old goat farmer from Colo-iSuva who stole a $100 cassette player was jailed for six months by the Suva Court last week.
Seba Buatava pleaded guilty before Maurice Sheehan to a charge of burglary