June 5 events in history

Thursday, June 5, 1958

Rairaiwaqa focal point of big Fijian ceremonies

Unique Fijian mourning ceremonies for Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna will start at Raiwaiwaqa, Suva at 9.30am tomorrow morning.

His body was due in Sydney last night, and is expected to reach Suva from Nadi airport at 3am tomorrow. The main hall at Rairaiwaqa, where the body will lie in state, has been specially fitted out. Davui blowing will start as soon as the cortege arrives in Suva.

Suva powerhouse to expand by end of October

The capacity of the Suva powerhouse, expected to increase from about 3800 kilowatts to about 6000 kilowatts by the end of October. The present site of the power station can be developed to produce a maximum of about 10,000 kilowatts by 1964. What happens after that is a matter of conjecture.

Wednesday, June 5, 1963 YWCA forging ahead despite problems In the two years during which the Young Women's Christian Association has been established in Fiji, it has made remarkable growth. Though its history in Fiji is short, a pattern of achievement is already apparent. Today, there are approximately 650 members.

Requiem mass for the Pope

The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Suva was crowded when a solemn requiem mass was sung for the Pope John in the presence of the Vicar Apostolic of Fiji (the Rt. Rev. Bishop V.Foley) who, at the end of the mass, gave the solemn absolutions.

In front of the altar, at the head of the nave, was a symbolic catafalque flanked by lit candles.

Saturday, June 5, 1976

Stiff penalties for race law breaches

Amendments to the Public Order Ordinance published by the Government will make it an offence punishable by a year's gaol and or $500 fine for anyone convicted of 'inciting racial dislike and hatred'.

The bill follows an announcement by the Attorney-General at the Alliance Party's national council meeting at Labasa last month that the Government has been planning a race relations law.

Fish rotting in Taiwan ship

About 20 tons of fish on board the Taiwanese fishing vessel Chuan Lun Tsai, which is aground near Toberua Island, is rotting in the holds because of trouble with the ship's refrigerator unit. A spokesman for the Pacific Fishing Co. at Levuka said yesterday that his company would not accept fish in the ship's hold. The rotting fish would mean a loss of more than $16,000 to the ship's owners.

During the school holidays, five Labasa girls, acting on their own initiative, carried out odd jobs for members of their families and friends for a few.

They collected $1 pound and 16 shillings which they sent to the Fiji Crippled Children Society.

The girls were Julie Freeman, P.Rynd, Jenny, Elizabeth Robertson and Kathryn Roberts.