January 1959
Tuesday morning instead of going straight into work, I detoured to the hospital. Â Today I hadnât made the arrangement to be late to work, I just took a chance, optimistic in my near future plans. Â
At this hospital there was a young man I knew who worked there. Â This X Ray technician was still burning a candle for one of my cousins. Â In the not-so-distant past, I had played courier pigeon for the two of them so he was only too happy to return a favor! Â
I found him and briefly explained what I was up to. Â He shared a broad smile with me, âI know exactly what you need.â Â In five minutes he had me back in the X Ray room and he clicked off precisely what was needed. Â
âCome back anytime after two this afternoon and your picture will be ready to pick-up. Â Best of luck and donât forget your mates back here on this little island!â
That was easy. Â I felt confident enough now that I wanted to just propel forward; so no, not to work yet. Â Next I went to the Suva police station to try and obtain the required âgood characterâ report.
I quickly found a cousin of mine -yes itâs true- who worked there. Â Again briefly, I explained my intentions and handed the paperwork from the consulateâs office to him. Â âI know whatâs needed here for you, Iâll get it done. Â Give me an hour and come back for it.â
Now that the police document and the X ray was tended to, I went over to my brother-in-lawâs garage to get the document of financial promise. Â While I waited there in the office, the letter was drafted and I obtained it quickly. Â
Guess Iâd better go to work?
And so I did. Â No one said anything to me about my late arrival. Â My brother is watching me though but I didnât think anything of it, save he was just being my watchful brother. Â
At lunchtime I went back to the police station and picked up my letter. Â I then caught the bus to the hospital to collect my X Ray and returned to work. Â
That evening I went straight home, it had been a very active day. Â Still I have told nobody in my immediate family about my plans. Â Thankfully I now have 3 of the 4 required items to go along with my already filled out application.
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