Sugar-Workers in Fiji

Belter Homes lor Indian Sugar-Workers in Fiji

Occasionally, from casual visitors to Fiji, one hears criticism of the conditions under which Indians are employed by the Colonial Sugar Refining Co. Here is the other side of the picture.

Sir Maynard Hedstrom, on his return from a visit to the North-Western dis tricts, informed the “Fiji Times” that he was very much impressed with the fine start which has been made by the C.S.R.

Co., Ltd., in providing better homes for their Indian workmen.

The old so-called “lines” have been the subject of much adverse comment during the past half-century, but there will in the future be no cause for complaint on that account.

Model workmen’s villages are being formed at all the mill centres. There are attractive new barracks for single men, whilst for married couples neat cottages are being built. They have all necessary conveniences, and sufficient land is pro vided for gardens, etc. Within half a mile of Lautoka township, there is one block of 50 cottages and others are being built at all the sugar centres as well as at the pineapple estate, sufficient to accommo date all the workmen, their wives and families.

There is great building activity every where, getting the new dwellings ready for their occupants, and when the whole plan is completed the employees of the C.S.R. Co. will be as well catered for in every respect, as even the Hawaiian labourers.

Mr. F. A. Rhodes sailed from Sydney for Guadalcanal, 8.5.1., by the last “Malaita” to take charge of Lavaro Plantation for Burns Philp (S.S.) Co., Ltd. Mr. Rhodes, who has been in Sydney recovering from ill-health, was previously in charge of Fatura Plantation on Ysabel Island.