Annetta Florence Ragg, an 85-year-old resident of Toorak in Suva, shared her memories of life in Fiji during a recent interview published by The Fiji Times. Reflecting on her upbringing, Mrs. Ragg spoke fondly of the community spirit that characterized the early days, describing it as a time when everyone supported each other like one big happy family.
Born in Na Tovu Tovu, Mrs. Ragg recalled how families had to create their own entertainment, often organizing picnics. She emphasized the traditional roles of women in her community, who dedicated themselves to home-making, cooking, and sewing while looking after each other, especially during childbirth, as there were often no doctors available in the rural areas.
During her childhood, she experienced the challenges of limited supplies, with ships arriving only a few times a year. She reminisced about how her mother would send her into the bush to collect long lemon grass and young lemon leaves for homemade lemon tea, highlighting the scarcity of fresh milk at that time. Her mother also had a small farm, raising cows and poultry, which became a significant loss during floods when she witnessed her livestock being washed away.
Mrs. Ragg’s father, Henry Augustus Smith, was a notable figure in Na Tovu Tovu, operating a hotel and store that served as a stop for travelers journeying from Levuka to Suva, a trip that once spanned two days. As the transportation methods evolved, her father transitioned into contracting work, specifically building reservoirs and tunnels across Fiji.
Education played a crucial role in her life; she began school with the Miss Robinsons before moving on to public schooling, where she became the first boarder at her school, noting that she was initially the only boarder until others gradually joined.
Married at the young age of 20 in Suva’s first Catholic church, Mrs. Ragg went on to have five children, showcasing her deep ties to her family and community. Active and vibrant well into her senior years, she remains involved in cooking, sewing, and gardening, preserving her connection to her roots.
Mrs. Ragg also shared a piece of historical significance in her garden, where three large round stones known as “god stones,” presented to her father by Fijians on Kadavu, symbolize an ancient tradition related to weather. These stones were once turned over to summon rain, a reflection of the cultural heritage that continues to resonate throughout Fiji.
Today, Mrs. Ragg’s memories serve as a testament to the resilience and communal spirit of Fijian life, illustrating how even through hardship, strong bonds were forged, nurturing a legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
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