Royals arrive
The Duke of York (later King George VI) and the Duchess of York (Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother) were welcomed by the Fijian people at Albert Park, Suva. Ratu Popi Seniloli, father of Ratu George Cakobau, presented a tabua to the royal delegation. The Fiji Times recorded that the “park pavilion was crowded while the ladies waved their handkerchiefs and the crowd cheered heartily”. The Duchess later told the mayor that “she had enjoyed every part of the day’s proceedings”.
These are some events that occurred between 1920 - 1929 April 22, 1920
A 21-gun salute blazed out from HMS Renown as the three pounders announced the arrival of the then Prince of Wales, Edward VIII to Fiji shores. Prince Edward later became King of the UK and the Dominions of the British Empire, and Emperor of India, on January 20, 1936 but abdicated later that year on December 11.
June 28, 1920
Electricity lights is turned on for the first time in Suva.
January 6, 1921
Suggestion is made for a band to play at the wharf of Suva when tourists dock in.
March 21, 1921
A thunderbolt struck the central portion of Government House which caused the building to catch fire.
January 14, 1922
Three tenders were received to build the new War Memorial Hospital.
February 10, 1923
Buildings in Cumming St in Suva were caught up in a blaze resulting in damages costing up to 40,000 pounds. The fire was alleged to have been started by a resident holding a light over a tin of benzene. A fire bell was used to sound the alarm over the town when the fire broke out.
August 14, 1924
The island of Wakaya, is sold to Mr Claude DeMouncey of Suva for 11,000 pounds.
June 8, 1928
Suva residents welcome the arrival of the Southern Cross plane and its captain Kingsford-Smith at Albert Park, Suva after a thrilling 3200 mile hop.