Changing principles of social organisation in the Exploring Islands of Northern Lau, Fiji

• Main Author: Walter, Michael A. H. B
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: The Australian National University 1971
• Subjects: Eta; Kolo; Heln; Aunela; Vilia; sami
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.25911/5d78d8bb1c844; https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/handle/1885/9979

My research was enabled by the grant of a scholarship at the Department of Anthropology and Sociology, the Australian National University, and I am particularly grateful to the University for the facilities which permitted me two field trips. Of the hospitality I received in Fiji I hold charming memories deserving far more than the formal thanks offered here. I mention by name (and in alphabetical order) those to whom I have had particular reason to feel grateful Tawake Apate and Kesayat Mr and Mrs Ray Baker, Filipe and Taufa Bole, Roi Dakuna and Elisabeti, Dr and Mrs Peter France, Mr and Mrs Gordon Mortimore, Vili Niumataiwalu and Mere, Sami Parrott and Asinate, Radike and Eta Qereqeretabua, Ratu cola Serufoama and Mate, Viliame Tukana, Jimi Vakaloloma and Tila and Laisa, Ratu Rupeni Vakacegu and Moala and Fani, Dr Lindsay Verrier, Anare vuiburetu and Leba, Vilia e Vuiburetu and Adi Luveluve, and Joeli Yaboni and Kolo. Most official were extremely patient and helpful in aiding my enquiries even to the extent of making available unrequested office space. Where it was not possible for me to see actual records, I was invariably supplied with the information that I was seeking. I should like to thank the officials of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of co-operatives, the Fijian Development Fund and the Fijian Development Bank for the substantial assistance they have rendered. I must reserve my greatest appreciation for the kindness and understanding shown to me by the members of the Native Lands commission Office- u bowl of 'grog', an office, and material from the archives willingly made available made it possible for me to secure a maximum return from the short time I had at my disposal. My debt to my wife, Elahe Fatimeh, has been great, in a sense much greater than I had ever expected. She very quickly adapted to village life and as quickly learned Fijian and proved herself an able, competent and full-time assistant to me in the field. Her assistance, however, extended beyond the field when at a critical time she voluntered to complete the task of typing the thesis. I wish to thank Paul Alexander, Professor J.A. Barnes, Professor A.L. Epstein, Dr T.S. Epstein and Dr A. Strathern for their comme11ts on earlier drafts of some of the chapters. The time and discussion which Dr G. Wijeyewardene has ever been ready to offer me has been much appreciated. Keith Mitchell drew the maps and sketch maps (apart from Map 1) and Helem Devrne and Max Rimoldi helped with the diagrams. Heln Devino, Qaiyum and Shafiqa Rafiqi, Max Rimoldi and Tony Vu.le all helped with the onerous work of proof-reading. Mrs Pamela Fox and Mrs Dorothy Aunela assisted in the typing of the thesis.