Indian and Fijian.

Letter to the Editor THE letter, under the caption of “A A Problem and a Curse,” that appeared in your February number, by “John Bull,” is vexatious and slanderous. It is one sided and contains gross misrepresenta tion of facts.

“John Bull” betrays bitter animus when he says that “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. Corruption is rampant.”

This statement which is nothing less than sedition, is entirely and utterly incorrect and unfounded. Sedition and corruption are unknown in Fiji.

The Fiji Government does its level best to protect and assist the native Fijian. It is not true that the Indian is pampered and spoon-fed both by Governor and Council. The Indian, as a matter of fact, does not receive the treatment meted out to others. It is equally untrue that the Indian preaches sedition and that his crimes are overlooked in many cases.

“John Bull” betrays a strange ignor ance of fact when he says “the Indian is becoming arrogant. He defies any one, and he considers the European as an in terloper.” This silly statement does not contain an iota of truth. I can only sup pose that this is pabulum for the Euro peans living in Fiji, in order to paint the Fiji Indians black and thus create an agitation against them.

The European and Indian subjects of His Majesty King George in Fiji live in mutual concord and harmony, maintain ing, not merely the material glory of an Empire more glorious than history has ever recorded, but sustaining its moral and spiritual basis in the interests of the great Britannic Commonwealth of Nations.

Satirically, “John Bull,” as a tirade on the Fiji Indians, says that “The Indians in Fiji are a problem and a curse . . .

Fiji in a few years cannot and will not be able to support them. India does not want them back. Where will they go?”

From this it is quite clear that “John Bull” is not aware and does not know that the Indians were brought out to this Colony for permanent colonization and have their permanent stake in the Colony.

I am quite at a loss to understand how on earth “John Bull” knows that India does not want them back. By such silly remarks, he exhibits his malevolent nature.

The statement that the native Fijian has been betrayed by the British Govern ment is palpably absurd. The native Fijian is very nicely treated by the Fiji Government, and he is given every op portunity in life to improve himself.

It is true that the Indians were origin ally brought out to this Colony under indenture, but that is a thing of the past.

Now we live in Fiji as free settlers. Our stay in Fiji is not beneficial to us alone, but the Colony and the Government de rive equal benefit. The Government, the European, and the native Fijian benefit to a very great extent from the man power of the Indian community. It is admitted, on all hands, that without this the Colony would be doomed to destruc tion.

I am, etc.,

J. A. Kirpal.

Suva, Fiji, 14/3/’34.