A significant amount of development has taken place in our beloved country during colonial times, particularly in the construction of various buildings, some of which have become landmarks. One such structure is a town hall established in 1901 in Suva, which was later named Taunolo.
In remembrance, the women of the British monarchy, specifically Queen Victoria, convened a meeting with the Suva municipal council to commemorate their contributions.
On October 4, 1902, a meeting was held where the community was asked to participate. By July 6, 1903, there were numerous proposals to establish a memorial for Queen Victoria, yet it remained unclear who had championed the building of the town hall.
By 1904, members of the Suva town council approached the Governor requesting a loan of 2,000 pounds for construction. This town hall also represented a vital community asset in Fiji. The town hall was officially inaugurated in 1905, honoring Queen Victoria, and has since been known as the Queen Victoria Memorial Hall.
In 1906, the town hall was close to the Pacific Cable Station or the telegraph office. A slight decline occurred for this town hall in 1916 due to significant events taking place; the Grand Pacific Hotel had opened, which began hosting countless large events. By 1919, part of the hall had been repurposed, and some property was transferred to the Fiji Museum.
On April 28, 1920, the town hall was visited by the Reverend of Wales. In 1950, the Suva Group Theatre, under the leadership of James Crawford, presented two acts inside the town hall: one named Black Velvet and the second was Easter Pacific.
In 1976, Christine Brain enhanced the hall’s connection to the sea and life around it, allowing it to become more vibrant. In 1980, the building underwent renovations, then cool rooms were installed in 1984.
By 1994, parts of the town hall were repurposed for facilities serving the Indo-Fijian community, alongside those providing basic facilities and voting.
In 2012, work began on the restoration of various historic buildings in Fiji, including the town hall, which has since gained significant recognition and is now widely known as the Vine Yard Palace.
In summary, the Taunolo, or Queen Victoria Memorial Hall, stands as a symbol of the historical evolution of Suva and Fiji as a whole. Its ongoing restoration reflects the commitment to preserving our heritage while adapting to contemporary needs. This repurposing of historic sites not only honors the past but also promises a vibrant future for the community.
The community’s dedication to recognizing and celebrating its history fosters hope and unity, ensuring that these landmarks continue to tell our stories for generations to come.
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