Plea for European Settlement

Letter to the Editor

article entitled “Indian Problem in Fiji” is most interesting and will he endorsed by most European residents.

It is, as you say, useless and foolish of correspondents to indulge in vituperative and coarse language. All they may desire to say could be expressed in moderate terms, and would be more likely to attract consideration.

The majority of your readers will agree that unless some means are devised to arrest Indian invasion, the Colony will eventually be wholly “Indian.” In this connection it may be pointed out that the British Government, at the time Fiji was conceded to them, gave a solemn pledge to protect the Fijians in every way, and it was this pledge that mostly influenced the Fijians to agree to the concession.

In view of this and present conditions, it is held by many that the present attitude of allowing the Indians not only to settle in the Colony, but to assist them in doing so, is in a great measure repudiating the pledge given and is also betraying the Fijians.

In the writer’s opinion, although late in the day, it is not altogether too late to remedy matters to a considerable extent, and the quickest and most practicable way would be to amend drastically the existing land policy, making it attractive enough to induce an influx of European settlers.

In a recent address to the members of the Legislative Council, the Governor pointed out that at present all our eggs were in one basket—viz., sugar—and that it was most desirable and. in fact, neces sary that something should be done to pro mote other industries. This statement the Europeans will readily endorse. However, like abusive language, words will get us nowhere. It should be pointed out that no steps are being taken by the authorities in this direction.

The present land policy could be amended in more than one way to bring about the desired result, and at the same time preserve the rights of the Fijians.

In fact, it is thought they would be in a much better position than at present, both financially and otherwise.

Some 12 or more years since, the late Mr. P. W. Faddy, when a member of the Legislative Council, brought this matter prominently to the notice of the Govern ment in a very able speech, but he was treated in a most cavalier fashion by the nominated section of the Council and, of course, no heed was given to his proposi tion. It is a common complaint that our Government is autocratic and intolerant and turns down any suggestion made by an outsider, no matter how commonsense and practical it may be. But, should it emanate from within the charmed circle of public officials, it is welcomed. The writer could quote more than one instance m which suggestions were made through the columns of the local press. At the

time, no notice whatsoever was taken of them by the authorities. Years later these very suggestions were acted upon and credit given to some public official and he usually was commended for his perspi cacity.

The road at present being constructed around the Island of Viti Levu is an in stance of this. The road was first sug gested many years ago, and consistently and persistently advocated through the columns of the local newspaper. Now, at long last, it is being built; but Instead of following the route suggested the authori ties, in their wisdom, started the other way round and have only just discovered their error. Now the route originally recom mended is to be followed. Had this action been taken in the first instance a large amount of money would have been saved, as the distance is much shorter, with very much less engineering difficulties, besides which it would have served exactly the same purpose.

Several other instances could be quoted.

W e are in hopes that our gold mining industry may prove sufficiently attractive to induce a good many Europeans to come here. But it is noticed that the Govern ment already has put an obstacle in the way by making the export duty on any gold won 7/6 per oz. It would seem the policy is to keep Europeans from settling in the country.

It is generally conceded Fiji will have to rely mainly on primary industries for any future progress. We certainly have a Department and Director of Agriculture; but, so far as one can see, outside of sugar (with which the Department has nothing whatsoever to do, nor would its inter vention be tolerated) there is not a vestige of any agriculture worthy of the name to be seen. It is these dud Departments which absorb so much of our revenue.

It is generally recognised that our Ad ministrator has to follow instructions issued from Downing Street. Neverthe

less, it surely is open to him to represent vigorously the condition of the Colony and to call attention to the danger of Indian domination. Should this not prove effec tive, then it would be well for the Euro pean residents to send a deputation to headquarters to discuss the matter openly.

I am, etc..

Richard B. Howard.

Navua, Fiji. 12/7/34.