Fiji's Education

Problems

Now Before a Special Committee

From Our Own Correspondent SUVA, October 29.

T AST year, Mr. A. I. Mayhew, C.M.G., AJ C.1.E., Joint Secretary to the Ad visory Committee on Education in the Colonies, visited Fiji and made an in vestigation of the educational system in vogue here. His report, a lengthy and interesting document, was considered and adopted in principle at the last meeting of the Legislative Council.

The report urged the need for the provision of educational facilities for those of mixed descent, especially in the isolated areas of Vanua Levu, and also dealt at some length with the education of Indians and Fijians, suggesting among other things a technical training centre for Indians.

The report was presented by the Direc tor of Education, Hon. J. Russell, who outlined a proposed four year plan of expansion, providing for progressive in creases and improvements to the educa tional system each year.

Some of the proposals came in for a good deal of criticism from Indian mem bers of the Council, who contended that not enough was being done for their community—rather a common complaint with these members throughout the ses sion of the Council, whatever was being discussed.

At the conclusion of the debate, when the report was adopted in principle, it was referred to a Select Committee com prised of the Director of Education (Chairman), the Secretary for Indian Affairs, Dr. V. W. T. McGusty, Hon. H.

King Irving, Hon. Ratu George Tuisawau, Hon. Vishnu Deo, and Hon. K. B. Singh.

That is one direction at least in which the Indian members cannot complain.

They have two of their own race and the Secretary for Indian Affairs on a com mittee of six.