Annetta Florence Ragg, an 85-year-old resident of Toorak, recently shared her poignant memories of growing up in Fiji during an interview with *The Fiji Times* on February 3, 1962. Mrs. Ragg, who dedicated her life to the island nation, reflected on both the challenges and joys of her early years, painting a picture of a time when community relationships flourished.
Born in Na Tovu Tovu in Rewa, Mrs. Ragg fondly remembered a close-knit community where neighbors looked out for one another. “We had to make our own amusements, picnics and that sort of thing, but we enjoyed them very much,” she said, emphasizing the resourcefulness of the women in her community who found joy in cooking, sewing, and managing their households.
Healthcare was limited in her remote area, with childbirth care often provided by family and friends in lieu of medical facilities, which were scarce. Mrs. Ragg mentioned that ships would only arrive about four times a year, making essential goods like tea hard to come by.
In a nod to Fiji’s rich cultural heritage, she described three significant “god stones” in her garden, believed to have been used by Fijians on Kadavu to influence rainfall. These stones were given to her father in appreciation for his construction of a reservoir for their community.
Food scarcity marked her childhood, leading her mother to send her and her siblings into the bush to forage for ingredients for lemon tea, as fresh dairy products were nearly impossible to find. She reminisced about her mother’s tears when floods destroyed their livestock, underscoring the difficulties they faced.
Throughout her life, Mrs. Ragg witnessed profound changes in Fiji, including her father’s hotel and store becoming a crucial stop for travelers making the arduous two-day journey by boat between Levuka and Suva. She recounted the challenges of her education, which began with lessons from two sisters in a makeshift classroom and included crossing Nubukalou Creek in a boat to get to school.
After marrying at 20, Mrs. Ragg happily raised five children and continued to embrace life with energy, engaging in gardening, cooking, and sewing despite her advancing years. Her garden on Amy St became a vibrant symbol of her dedication, standing out in a changing landscape.
Mrs. Ragg’s life story offers not just a glimpse into Fiji’s past, but also serves as a testament to resilience, community spirit, and the enduring ties of family. Her experiences reflect a rich historical tapestry that continues to define and enrich the character of Fiji today.