Fiji-Indian Conditions

Rev. C. F. Andrews Investigates Fiji-Indian Conditions

From Our Own Correspondent

Suva, May 21.

ON a visit of investigation, Rev. C. P.

Andrews, friend of Mahatma Gandhi, and worker for the improvement of con ditions for Indians overseas, arrived in Fiji on May 5. He was enthusiastically welcomed by members of the Fiji Indian Association, and an extensive programme has been planned for him, including visits to practically all Indian settlements on Viti Levu.

His objective on this visit is to inquire into present political questions, with par ticular regard to the constitution and the vexed question of land leases. He has been requested to do this by the Imperial Indian Citizenship Association, and in due course will make a report to that body in India.

Mr. Andrews previously visited the Colony in 1915 and 1917, when his efforts were largely responsible for the abolition of the Indian indenture system. The visitor states that in his opinion the condition of the Indians has vastly improved since his previous visits. He attributes this to a large extent to the suspension of the in denture system, which at various times he has described as “virtual slavery.”

Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Peck left Suva for Auckland on leave by the May Monterey.

Mr. Peck is a Sub-Inspector in the Fiji Constabulary.

Rev. and Mrs. D. E. Ure, of the London Missionary Society, departed for Port Moresby, Papua, by the Montoro on May 6.

Mr. J. Twycross, inspector of Amalga mated Wireless (Australasia) Ltd.’s radio service in New Guinea, arrived in Syd ney from Rabaul on leave by the Nellore on May 21.