Fijian Chiefs Would Hand Over Land to Government

Important Decisions at Bau Council Meeting

MATTERS of extreme importance to the Colony at large were discussed by Fijian members of the Council of Chiefs at Bau in September. The Coun cil carefully considered and debated at length many questions affecting the future welfare of the native race, and 30 resolutions were passed and forwarded to the Acting-Governor (Hon. Juxon Bar ton) for reply.

The most significant of these resolu tions was to the effect that all lands (in cluding leases) not required for the main tenance of the Fijian owners be opened for settlement; that a committee be appointed to determine the amount of land needed for the proper development of the native owners: and that all land (including leases) not so required be handed over to the Government to lease on behalf of the Fijians.

In reply, His Excellency said he was most grateful to receive evidence of the confidence and trust of the Chiefs in the Government. It was not a matter for a hasty decision: the chiefs must first ex plain carefully the resolution and its rea sons to their people. Pending the arrival of a new Governor, it would be premature for him to appoint a committee, he added.

Other major resolutions carried by the Council of Chiefs were as follows: Legislative Council: The following 10 Chiefs’ names were submitted to the Governor, who will choose five to be mem

bers of the Legislative Council: Ratu George Tuisawau, Ratu J. L. V. Sukuna, Ratu I. Tawake, Ratu Tiale Vuiyasawa, Ratu Deve Toganivalu, Ratu G. Lala, Ratu E. Mataitini, Ratu George Togani valu, Ratu P. Veli, Ratu Pope E. Cakobau. (The last-named Chief has since died.) Edward VlM.’s Coronation: The Council advised the Government to send eight leading Chiefs to England to attend the Coronation of His Majesty King Edward VIII., which is to be held in May, 1937.

The Acting-Governor said that the ar rangements for the King’s Coronation in 1937 will be similar to those made in 1911 for the Coronation of His late Majesty.

It is King Edward’s desire that it should be celebrated fully in each part of the Empire, and the Government feels it proper that on such an occasion Fijian Chiefs should be with their own people at that time.

Rockefeller Institute: The Fiji Govern ment was asked to convey to the Ameri can Rockefeller Institute the Council’s great appreciation of the health and medical work being done in the Colony and its hope that the Institute may long remain in the Pacific to carry on its Christian labours.

Goldmining Industry: Legal provision

should be made whereby Fijians employed in goldmines are insured against accident or death.

Agricultural Training: As agricultural training is in the best interests of the

native race, it is desirable that an Agri cultural School be established to educate selected youths. This project could be financed from Crown Lands Schedule “B" funds, and be maintained by all the Pro vinces.

History of Fiji: The Government was asked to form a small committee to pre pare a History of Fiji. Replying. His Ex cellency said that while the Government

did not consider that any useful purpose would be served by appointing a commit tee, it was prepared to offer every facility and encouragement to historical research by any properly qualified person. The Government is now endeavouring to form a collection of useful books bearing on Fiji’s history.

Maintenance of Houses: The Acting Governor said he would refer to the Native Regulation Board for considera tion the Council’s request that a law be passed to enforce the proper maintenance of wood and iron houses in native towns.

Memorial to King George: The Council resolved that the Fijians should have a separate memorial for His late Majesty King George V.; and that it should take the form of a Native Nurses’ Training Institution, the cost to be borne by Crown Lands Schedule “B” funds, and such monies as the Provincial Councils may decide. His Excellency stated that the question of a memorial in which all races of the Colony could join w T as receiving consideration. He added that the import ance of the efficient training of nurses is fully realised.

Yasawa Islands: The proposal that the Yasawa Group of Islands should be made a separate province will be considered in connection with the general organisation of the Colony.

Banana Marketing: The Council asked that the Government might be pleased to undertake the duty of marketing Fijian owned bananas. This proposal would in volve considerable expenditure by the Government in the provision of additional staff, of floating stock and other equip ment, said the Hon. Juxon Barton, and it was impossible to reply until extensive enquiries had been made. The Director of Agriculture has been requested to report fully on the marketing of native crops.

Protection of Trees: A law or regula tion is needed to enforce the proper plant ing and protection of useful trees, such as Vesi, Damanu, Rosawa, Buabua, Sogale, Dilo, Kauvala, Yaka, etc. His Excellency pointed out that, though instructions will be issued to that effect, the active support of the Chiefs is necessary to secure the enforcement of any legislation on this matter.

Foreign Imports: The Acting Governor told the Council that he appreciated its motives in passing a resolution entreat ing the Government to make the importa tion of foreign goods into Fiji more dif ficult.

Sale of Produce: The Council requested that the sale of produce and curios in Suva streets be stopped and confined to the area on the wharf reclamation. The control of street hawkers, the Council was informed, was now receiving attention.