Fiji Indians

“A Problem and a Curse”

[The writer of the following “Letter to the Editor” is a little extreme in his views, and disrespectful of authority; but he knows Fiji in timately, and he deals trenchantly with a prob lem of growing seriousness. There is a strong feeling in some quarters that the Fiji Govern ment is giving too much attention to Indian clamour, and not enough to the needs of the native Fijians.] YOUR article in the November issue about the Indian problem in Fiji is only too true.

The Governor does not seem to have the power either to protect the native Fijian, or assist British enterprise in Fiji.

The Indian is pampered and spoon-fed both by Governor and Council. The Indian is assisted in every way, whether he breaks the law or preaches sedition. His crimes are overlooked in many cases. Cor ruption is rampant.

The Indian is becoming arrogant. He defies anyone, and he considers the Euro pean as an interloper. Moreover, the time is not far distant when serious trouble will take place. The only people the European can now depend upon are the half-castes and the Fijian natives, both of whom the Governor and Council seem to look upon as people of no consequence.

The native Fijian has been betrayed by the British Government. When Fiji was ceded to Queen Victoria, as a Protectorate, Queen Vcitoria handed the lands back to the Fijian natives. Now her descendants, through their representives, are betray ing the Fijians into the hands of a race which was brought to Fiji as coolie labor in the caneflelds.

The natives of Fiji are taxed more than the Indians, and they are jailed and fined for the least thing. They are treated as foreigners in their own native land.

The Wesleyan Mission blows its trum pets about what it has done and is doing:

now, at the present time, the Wesleyans have a good opportunity to bestir them selves and declare for Fiji for the Fijian.

But they lie low—their troubles about Fijian rights! Where is the British jus tice to be found—certainly not in Fiji at present!

According to the Governor’s doctrine, Fiji is not the place for the descendants of those early British pioneers of the Colony, who braved all in a hostile country to pave the way for British offi cials and their crowd of Indian coolies.

The descendants of these same pioneers are being calmly told by Sir Murchison Fletcher that there is no room for their children in Fiji, and they must look else where for work!

The Indians in Fiji are a problem and a curse. Australia and New Zealand are wise in preventing them from coming in.

They breed like rabbits, and Fiji in a few years cannot and will not be able to support them. India does not want them back. Where will they go?

I am, etc..

John Bull.

R.M.S. Aorangi, 16/12/’33.