Plantation Discipline

How to Treat Natives Experienced Official’s Observations

Written for The Pacific Islands Monthly, hy W. J. Ewins, “Raiwai,” Suva.

I HAVE been much interested in the article published in your paper dated October 23, under the head ing “Undisciplined Natives,” emanat ing from Capt. Milton. As an old planter in Fiji, he has my sympathy; for the planters here have passed through similar trials regarding plan tation labourers.

When I arrived in Fiji, in the late seventies, the position between the Government, the planters and their labourers was much the same as it is at the present time in New Guinea; and a few remarks on the subject from me may not come amiss, for the guidance of planters in the latter place.

The remarks of Capt. Milton on the ineptitude of some young Aus tralians, when placed in positions of authority, applied equally to some of

the cadets sent out by the Colonial Office to Fiji. Much depends on the personality and breeding of the man and whether he has common sense in dealing with his fellow man, be he black or white. And to keep one’s temper is essential. The calm, delib erate man, who avoids impulsive action, always scores against his op ponent. A stoney eye is a most potent weapon.

Many planters in Fiji passed through the same disabilities as those complained of by Capt. Milton; and any unwarranted interference with labourers, and encouraging frivolous complaints, which might interfere with the authority of their masters, when reported to the proper authority in the administration of the Government, was promptly remedied —and the offence was not repeated.

Bumptious district officers got no sym pathy from the Governor, when the matter was promptly placed before him and a good case stated. He might not be removed —for policy and the Governor might not express his opinions to the planter on an over zealous young officer. But it would be found that the latter would, if he had any good sense, in future avoid repeating an indiscretion.

The planter, if he is to maintain discipline, must be to a certain extent, when dealing with a semi-savage or a low class of labourer, a law unto himself —and that applies to this day even in Fiji. But, as your informant states, the better disposed labourers who have been treated fairly will not support the scamp in giving informa tion that may injure a good master.

Patience, firmness, and discretion, will always carry the planter or overseer through, but nagging and indiscrim inate punishment will have the op posite effect. Properly-fed labourers are always amenable to discipline and they despise the rogue and the loafer, laughing at his discomfiture, for I have found that there is always a certain amount of chivalry, even among the people described in your paper, with whom we were fami liar in past days, when thousands of labourers were recruited from Melan esia and as far north as New Ireland.

Regarding Capt. Milton’s descrip tion of the garb and manners of some of the district officials in his part of New Guinea, and comparing them with the former German officials, I am in agreement with him in respect to the necessity of impressing the natives by appearances. A decently dressed official is regarded as a leader or chief, in their primitive minds, where they look with respect on trappings. Arrogance is not neces sary, and a firm, calm demeanour of personality gives an impression of a hidden force, which the native res pects. Kindly patronage the native likes, but vulgar familiarity, which may amuse him, secretly arouses his contempt, which among themselves they express. The steady, quiet pres sure of a strong man keeps them up to their required duties.

The foregoing observations have been the result of fifty years’ experi ence of an Australian, an overseer, and planter. When I sold my plant ing interests I was persuaded to give my services to the Government in the capacity of inspector of native plantations, and I finally retired as a district commissioner. This will serve to show that I am not advancing mere theories, but actual knowledge, gained through many dangers and difficulties, too numerous to enumer ate.

Primary production is the job of the man on the land; and a wise government will assist rather than retard the good work.