The bond between brothers is enduring and filled with unconditional love.
In the heart of Suva, within the serene Thurston Gardens, two monuments silently symbolize this deep connection. The Sunday Times team recently visited the gardens to remind the public of the clock tower and a nearby water fountain, both erected by Sir Henry Marks in memory of his late brother, Gabriel J Marks, the first Lord Mayor of Suva.
Thurston Gardens serves as a beloved escape for many, offering a tranquil setting for relaxation, picnics, or simply enjoying nature away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Established in 1881 as the Suva Botanical Gardens, it was renamed in 1976 to honor Sir John Bates Thurston, Colonial Fiji’s fifth Governor from 1888 to 1897. Governor Thurston was known for his passion for botany and had a deep appreciation for plants.
The gardens feature a variety of ornamental trees, orchids, ferns, and numerous flowers, some of which are native to Fiji. Groundskeeper Apenisa takes pleasure in his daily tasks, stating, “It’s peaceful here. While working, I enjoy the sounds of the birds, the scent of the flowers, and the warmth of the sun. It’s a unique experience.”
The clock tower and bandstand are located near the Fiji Museum at the gardens’ far end. A plaque commemorating Gabriel J Marks, the beloved first Mayor of Suva, is placed above the bandstand entrance. On May 23, 1940, Marks and his wife Marion tragically lost their lives when the RMS Empress of Ireland sank in the Saint Lawrence River, a loss that stunned the Suva community, with flags flown at half-mast in tribute.
Gabriel and Sir Henry were influential businessmen, and following his brother’s death, Sir Henry expanded their enterprise into what would become Henry Marks and Company Ltd, one of Suva’s wealthiest companies. Marks Street and Marks Park in Suva are named in their memory.
Sir Henry also served on the Legislative Council in 1914, the same year as his brother’s passing, and continued to manage their philanthropic efforts. The clock tower and bandstand were built in 1918 by Henry Marks & Company Ltd.
Australian tourists Christiana and David, visiting from the cruise ship Queen Elizabeth, found the history of the clock tower both touching and inspiring. “The architectural beauty of the tower reflects the love Sir Henry had for his brother,” Christiana remarked.
On the opposite side of the park lies a drinking fountain, also a gift from Sir Henry to the public, which reads, “Presented by Henry Marks for the use of the public visiting these gardens. January 1914.” Tourist Ed Davey from Somerset expressed disappointment that the fountain no longer dispenses water, noting its historical significance.
Nearby, a larger fountain featuring a dolphin sculpture has also run dry, leaving its ornamental beauty diminished. Despite these issues, Thurston Gardens remains an invaluable part of Suva’s and Fiji’s history, with the clock tower and bandstand designated as Grade A heritage buildings under the Suva City Scheme Statement of 1991.
Resident Maciu Salato, who hopes for renovations to restore the gardens, urged, “I do hope our Suva City Council and the government will allocate funds for the restoration of the clock tower, bandstand, and fountains.”
Even after 110 years, the clock tower stands as a lasting tribute to the unbreakable bond of brotherhood. Visitors to Thurston Gardens are encouraged to admire the structure and reflect on its meaningful history.