Fijian Exchange.

Chance for Australia.

From Our Own Correspondent.

BA, Feb. 14.

THE 25 per cent. increase in the ex change rate has caused quite a stir among the business houses, and the Prices of all commodities are gradually increasing, and once again the cost of living will go up.

Some of the small stores, which have been in the habit of importing goods through the various commercial agencies have been heavily hit by the new rate, and there was quite a rush to cancel outstanding orders, It seems peculiar that, although Fiji is in one of the soundest financial posi tions in the world, our pound should be 25 per cent, under sterling and 40 per cent, odd below gold. No doubt the ways of the mighty are queer.

It now costs about 80 per cent. to land English goods, and now that Australia has the advantage, her merchants and manufacturers should try to recapture the island trade that they have been slowly losing through sheer neglect.