A “Township”
pp. 25-26 · Read in the full issue
The Indignation of Suva
SUVA, the busy capital of Fiji, is to lose the right to call itself a city.
Although residents have protested bit terly, the Government proposes to in troduce a bill abolishing the municipal council, which for years has managed local affairs (say “Sydney Morning Herald”).
Suva is to be officially described as a township, and, as such, will be controlled solely by the Governor through a town board of officials and two Europeans, two Fijians, and two Indians, all nominated by the Governor, whose word is final.
Levuka, at the same time, will cease to be a town, and will officially become a township.
Other proposed legislation which has aroused local indignation will allow the Governor to resume land for “a public purpose” without any right of appeal to either court or arbitrator. These bills will be carried by the official majority.
Mr. D. C. J. Hill, director and consult ing geologist of Nasivi (Fiji) Gold Syn dicate, N.L., departed from Sydney for Fiji by the Niagara on April 26. On arrival at Suva he proceeded to Tavua goldfield to look over certain properties in which his company is intei'ested.
Mr. and Mrs. S. Elliott-Smith, of Ioma, Papua, returned to Port Moresby by the Macdhui from Sydney on May 2, after spending a pleasant holiday at Bathurst, New South Wales, since February last.
Mr. Elliott-Smith is a Patrol Officer in the Papuan Administration service.