Fiji Complains

Service By Shipping Line

r E quality of the service provided by the Canadian-Australasian Steam ship Line was criticised recently by the members of the Fiji Legislative Coun cil, and the Governor of Fiji undertook to discuss the matter with the Union S.S.

Co., before the contract to pay an annual subsidy of £5,000 is renewed next Sep tember.

Mr. Alport Barker introduced the sub ject. He pointed out that Fiji now is de pendent only on the C.A, Line, the Mat son Line, the “Matua” (running between Auckland and Central Pacific ports) and the cargo steamers; whereas, 20 or 30 years ago, half a dozen notable ship ping lines called at Suva, and gave direct connection with Australia, as well as with Europe, America and New Zealand.

Now, during certain periods of the year, it was very difficult to get passages from Suva to Auckland and Sydney; all the best accommodation was booked out be fore the liners reached Suva, and Fiji had to take the poorer berths that were left. He quoted an experience recently, when he was charged £75 for a return pas sage between Suva and Honolulu and then found, on the same ship, people travelling, also first class, between Auck land and Honolulu, for £57 return.

Mr. Barker said that this was not only a severe inconvenience to Fiji people—it represented an economic loss, as it was clear that prospective tourists would not go to Fiji owing to the doubt about get

ting suitable berths on the return trip.

Messrs. H. B. Gibson, H. H. Ragg. J.

Trotter, K. B. Singh. Hasan and Vishnu Deo supported Mr. Barker’s plea for better treatment by the only British shipping company now serving Fiji.