Indian Agitators.

Demand For Common Roll in Fiji.

SOME fears that the Government of Fiji may be inclined to accede in some degree to the ceaseless and insistent demand of the Indian population for “equal status with Europeans” is ex pressed in a letter which we have re ceived from a well-known resident of Viti Levu.

The position in Fiji, as is well-known, is that the Indian population is now nearly equal in numbers to the Fijians; that the Indians are allowed special rep resentatives (elected on a special roll) in the Legislative Council of Fiji and generally in connection with the Admin istration; and that the Indians —or rather a small section of them —carry on a constant agitation for what is called the “common roll,” which means that the Indians want the same voting power in Fiji as the Europeans.

There are a score of reasons—ethno graphical, social and political— why

equal status cannot be granted to the Indian population in any country where there is an Indian and a European popu lation; and it may be taken as quite de finite that the principle that has been established in other countries by the British Colonial Office will not be de parted from in Fiji.

All over the world, in East and South Africa, in Malaya, and wherever there is an immigrant Indian population, as well as in India itself, the British Administra tion seeks to give the fullest possible representation in governmental affairs, as well as strict justice, to the Indian people. But for obvious reasons, it is quite impossible to give the “common roll” to the Indians —and educated high caste Indians are the first to recognise the fact. The trouble comes, not from the mass of Indians, who are quite sat isfied with their treatment, but from semi-educated Hindus who appear to make themselves a nuisance, both to Europeans and to their own countrymen.

Our Fiji correspondent says: “The granting of the ‘common roll’ to the Fiji Indians would be the end of Fiji and a tragedy for the Europeans domi ciled here. The majority of the Indian working class in Fiji are quite happy and satisfied with their lot in life —it is the few half-educated agitators who are stirring up trouble. Many of the latter already are unbearable in their manner and behaviour now, so picture our lot if labourers could boast of equal status.

“At a recent Ram Lila here (a Ram Lila is an annual Indian festival that lasts a week or more), the following notice was posted up in English and Hindustani. No doubt the writer of the notice considers that he is an educated man and is a strong advocate for equal status.”

Notice.

This notice issued by RAM LILA members- So every body ought to see RAM LILA, with; satisfaction. But he should pay gratest atten tion to following objection otherwise he should sent to gail at once also proceeding action against by RAM LILA members. (1) Do not enter in boundry before taking: their shoes out. (2) Likor or other drink stiff without cava. (3) Any sort of religious talk also lecktures. (4) At using quarrel, fighting. (5) Badly song or shame ful music. (6) Eating selling with any kind of flesh. (7) Searching to heart some lady. (8) Enter on women group or looking with; badly sight. (9) Take permission if something used to sell. (10) Robbery or trying to do. (11) Stop this motor-cars where members ad vantage. (12) Do not sing music without permission. (13) Motor-cars should be drive slowly. (Signed) Manager RAM LIDA.