interesting Early History

How Solomons Came To

Britain

Letter to the Editor YOUR article in April, about the future of the Solomons and Western Samoa, is of interest, and

Fine Types of Young Fijian

Athletes

Reading from left to right, the men are:— J. Frank (8 yards) came third in 120 yards Viti Handicap. He also was third in 100 yards Open Championship of Fiji.

Elaija, winner of 100 yards Open Champion ship of Fiji. His time was 10 1/5 secs. He won a cup presented by Mr. W. E. Goodsir.

L. Delaivuna, came second in 100 yards Open Championship of Fiji.

E. Bola (8 yards) was winner of 120 yards Viti Handicap. His time was 11 4/5 secs. He won a trophy presented by Messrs. Patton and Storck.

one awaits the result of the Pacific Defence Conference with more than cunosity.

The acquisition by Great Britain of the Solomon Islands, though perhaps hastened by Germany’s Pacific policy, was, in the main, due to Britain’s concern about the irregularities and abuses in the native labour trade.

The Protectorate Government, born in this atmosphere, has not gone far beyond the elementary duties of police and sanitation, and the primary obnect of protecting the natives against the encroachments of the European has at times unnecessarily hampered commercial progress.

The trade of the Group is fostered by, and is in the hands of Australian

agencies; and there probably has not been a more fitting time for the con summation of the British policy of the latter part of last century. This policy was definitely expressed by the Colonial Office as far back as 1899, when Mr. Joseph Chamberlain spoke of the probability of the Solomon Islands being taken over by the Com monwealth of Australia at no distant date.

Australia has proved her trust worthiness in New Guinea. To con solidate her position, she must, sooner or later, control her natural rampart in the Pacific.

I am, etc.,

A.M.

Sydney, April 26, 1939.