In 1982 Fiji’s only surviving drua or doubled hulled canoe underwent major restoration works at the Fiji Museum.
The Fiji Times on Wednesday May 5, 1982 reported that an Arts graduate with an Honours degree from Victoria University in New Zealand, Susan Thorpe had been assigned to perform the restoration.
“Susan is working on the Drua while the Museum’s specialist conservator, Miss Gladys Fullman, is away studying in Australia,” the article read.
The canoe, the Ratu Finau, Tui Nayau, was presented to the Fiji Museum in November of 1981 by Mrs W.P. Ragg, the grand-daughter of the original owner Mr J.B. Turner.
Named after the far-seeing chief who commissioned her, the Drua was built in Fulaga, Lau under the directions of a master canoebuilder in 1914.
At a time when this type of craft was fast becoming a thing of the past, a deliberate effort was made by Ratu Alifereti Finau and Mr Turner to build and preserve a fine drua before it was too late.
“Concerned at the disappearance of this formerly vital support of Fijian life, Ratu Finau tried to gain government interest in funding restoration and preservation of a large derelict but was unsuccessful,” the report said.
“Hearing this, Mr Turner came forward and offered to finance the work and preserve the canoe thereafter.
“Unfortunately, by this time the derelict had rotted beyond repair.
“Undeterred, Ratu Finau’s canoe builder began working on a completely new but rather smaller canoe in its place – hence the Ratu Finau, Tui Nayau was born.”
When completed this canoe was reportedly sailed to Suva, and after repeated trials in the harbour she proved to be the fastest craft of her day, reaching phenomenal speeds of 17-18 knots.
According to the Fiji Heritage, a monthly museum publication, Ratu Finau, Tui Nayau probably sailed last in the 1920s when she was featured in an American film “The Adorable Outcast.”
Thereafter she was looked after by Turner and his descendants until 1981 when Mr Ragg presented it to the museum.
The Royal Fiji Military Forces took the delicate task of transferring the canoe from the Ragg’s old home in Nasese to the museum.
Safe in the main gallery, Susan Thorpe gave the Drua a thorough preliminary cleaning and proceeded with applying a consolidating epoxide resin to the interior and exterior which had been damaged by wood-eating insects.
“After this, a cosmetic application was done to fill up the holes and uneven surfaces. Sawdust mixed with epoxy will be used as a filler,” the article said.
“A final touch-up with light wood polish will give it, its once satin appearance.
“Apart from this a new sail and rigging gear will be made by traditional canoe builders from Fulaga Lau.
“Finally when all is done, dozens of white cowry shells will be lashed to the hull ends and on sides of the hut, denoting its status as a ‘waqa tabu’ or chiefly canoe and thus restoring Ratu Finau, Tui Nayau to its former glory.”
