Indian Land Leases In Fiji

From Our N.Z. Correspondent..

Auckland, June 12.

AFTER a month’s visit to Fiji in the interests of Indians resident there, the Rev. C. P. Andrew’s noted religious mystic, author, and friend of the Indian people, returned to New Zealand by the Aorangi on June 8.

Mr. Andrews said a remarkable improve ment had taken place in conditions for In dians in Fiji since his previous visits.

The abolition of indentured labour had al lowed the Indians to become peasant pro prietors. They had proved themselves good cultivators of sugar, and the Colonial Sugar Refining Co. had done wisely in making them its chief farmers.

The main problem he had been con fronted with had been the renewal of Fijian leases held by Indians, which were now expiring. This had caused a critical situation, involving endless bargaining and the expenditure of large sums of money, since the Indians had to make presents to the leading members of the tribe, the land being held by the tribe as a whole. The process was leading to great demoralisa tion. He was now working on the problem of a just and simple method of lease re newal.

His inquiries into the education of In dians had revealed that remarkable pro gress had been made. The third question, that of the abolition of the franchise for the Legislative Council, was in his opinion a mistake, and he gave his view as strongly in favour of it being retained.