Nce Club’s ollar bills
According to Defence Club literature, from the 1920s to the early 1950s, bottled spirits of any kind were difficult to procure for commercial reasons, especially in Fiji.
Liquor, in those days, had to be ordered in bulk containers through agents like Burns Philip, Morris Hedstrom and later Carpenters, who imported the liquor from Australia, New Zealand and England.
The club secretary was required to test each consignment in order to obtain the specific gravity and ensure that each container was not tampered with.
"He would then dilute each container, if necessary, to obtain the desired profit margin required as directed by the President's Committee."
"To avoid contamination, the 1Gill (one quarter of a pint) taken from each container was not put back into the barrel. The secretary was allowed to drink this portion. This was known as the Angel's Share."
Hence, the secretary was often seen heavily intoxicated and staggering home early to sleep.
Another interesting thing worth checking out at the club are its array of military plagues. In keeping with its proud military history, the club keeps a considerable number of them.
Visiting military personnel would present their unit plaques to the club as a mark of respect for the gentlemen of Fiji's Defence Club. These military trophies can be spotted hanging prominently above the bar.
Then there are oddities, like two quaintlooking tills, an old leather bag and a wooden clock, old police helmets and caps, among other things.
Lyon signs the dollar bill iat the Defence Club n 1958.
KAMEA
Right: A colonial clock.