Pacific's Richest

Territory

Remarkable Growth of Fiji

THE following facts are taken from the official address, delivered to the Fiji Legislative Council, by the new Governor Sir Arthur Richards, on September 24.

Incidentally, the Governor has made an excellent impression. He has taken hold of his administrative job in a busi nesslike way; he apparently is taking the long view in developmental activities and he already has handled two “ticklish’’’ problems (Public Service reorganisation and the Indian political situation) with firmness and tact.

In 1936 revenue was £796.630 and ex penditure £677,152. A deficit of £l5 000 was budgeted for: but the year gave a surplus of £119.478. The Colony’s accu mulated surplus is £472,894. The half year's figures, to June 30 last, gave an other surplus of £70,064.

All industries, especially sugar, copra M mi ’ ■ flourishi “S- Exports, £2,135,281; imports, £1.501,854 Rewa bridge is finished. The Suva Sign, toka road will be completed in a few £lso*ooo ■ A u bl ° Cl l ot offlces ’ t 0 cost £150,000, is being built in Suva New water supply schemes are under consideration for Suva, Nausori, Ba and Sigatoka. and new wharves for Suva and Lautoka. The policy of building develop mental works is justifying itself A new vessel, to replace the Govern ment yacht Pioneer , probably will be built in Hong Kong.

Native Fijian coconut-planters have now installed about 80 small driers and nre producing a good grade of kiln copra. *l.ll is producing increasing quantities or rice and cotton. Dairy farming has been improved and extended Special steps are to be taken to protect and adequately utilise the Colony’s large and valuable natural forests.

The pineapple-canning industry is be ing established by the C.S.R. Co.

It is estimated that in 1938 Fiji will £645 000 86 ’ 000 OUnCBS ° f g ° ld ’ WOrth Is it any wonder that there exists a popular belief that rich uncles come from

R Iji ?