The Case for Elective System
pp. 67-68 · Read in the full issue
Letter to the Editor. franchise question in Fiji actually A is simple and easy of solution. The matter resolves itself into this and nothing else: “Who is going to control the destiny of the Colony of Fiji?” The answer is: “The British”—not the Fijians, the half-castes, the Chinese or the Indians. They come under the protec tion of Great Britain, as subject people, and have no legitimate rights to interfere with the internal or domestic affairs of Fiji.
The'King’s representative, the Governor, wielding almost autocratic power, has succumbed to the influence of local pluto crats, who have instituted a policy of fear, holding aloft with apprehensive shudder ings such ridiculous bogeys as “common roll and Indian domination.’’ To prevent which they insist, erroneously, of course, that nomination by His Excellency, of
specially chosen representatives, for elevation to the Legislative Council, is the one and only safeguard.
The propounders of the nominative scheme have failed to adduce one sound argument in support of their theory “that the electors of the Colony are in capable of even assisting to solve the admittedly momentous questions, relating to general economic conditions, special political perplexities, complex financial intricacies, and the question exciting the present agitation—racial adjustments.”
The people of the Colony think dif ferently, and very rightly demand the re tention of the all-too-limited voice they have been privileged to use per medium of the ballot box for over 30 years in the political counsels of the Colony. To rob the electors of this privilege is an act of flagrant political dishonesty.
Nomination has very truthfully been defined as Domination. The trial of
strength, as it stands at present, is a struggle between Autocracy plus Pluto cracy versus Democracy, The democratic power, invincible in its potency, must in the end triumph over all obstacles. The whole subject is under careful, honest review by the Secretary of State for the Colonies. Citizens of Fiji need have no fear. British justice, supporting truth, honesty and fair treatment, will prevail.
I am, etc.,
A. S. Mcleod,
Hon. Sec.,
V.L.P. Association, Fiji.
March 9, 1936.
Rev. and Mrs. H. L. Schlencker returned to the London Missionary Society’s station at Daru, Western Papua, in May. Their marriage took place recently in Brisbane, the bride being Miss Nancy Binns, of Adelaide.