5 JUNE 1982, Page 20

Don't sneer at Fiji

Sir: May I add my comments to those of Michael Scott (Letters, 22 May)? When the Fiji units in Malaya were disbanded, a number of Fijis took up the option to con- tinue to serve in British units. There were several in the regiment in which I brieflY served, the Royal Ulster Rifles. Not only were they excellent soldiers, but more-than- excellent rugby footballers. At one point the whole battalion seven-a-side team was Fijian. As they strode on to the pitch black, but wearing a shamrock on their shirts — one member of the crowd was heard to mutter: 'Where the hell is Ulster, anyway?'

Patrick Scrivenor

99 Mildmay Road, London NI