Departure from Fiji Expected

Sir Murchison Fletcher

IT is reported that Sir Murchison ■ Fletcher, who has occupied the dual position of Governor of Fiji and High Commissioner for the Western Pacific during the past six years, is about to move on to another field of activity. He has just returned to Suva after a visit to London.

The news will be received with regret in the Central Pacific. Although the term of his governorship has included some of the most difficult years in the economic history of the world. Sir Mur chison Fletcher’s work in Fiji and the allied territories has been consistently praised. He may not always have pleased the people; but there has not been heard, directed against him, one charge of un fairness, injustice, or tyrannical conduct.

That is a rather remarkable record, for the High Commission for the Western Pacific has extraordinary powers.

During his term of office he has had to deal with two problems of peculiar dif ficulty—the demand of the Indian com munity in Fiji for the common roll, and the sudden flare-up of the gold industry in Fiji. In both cases, he has handled the situation in a way that has won pre sent commendation and probably will be praised by future generations.