Wealth In Fiji's Soil

Good Work of Agricultural Department

THE comprehensive character and high quality of exhibits at the annual agri cultural show held in Suva on Octo ber, caused one competent observer to write enthusiastically of the good work that is being done by the Fiji Depart ment of Agriculture, and of the progress being made in settling the native Fijians on their own land, as peasant farmers.

It is pointed out that experiments and education are steadily expanding the crops which are being produced on the soil in Fiji. It is noted particularly that vegetables usually seen only in temper ate climates—such as cabbages, cauli flowers, etc.—are now being produced in certain parts of Viti Levu. Much good work also is being done in the introduc tion of new and suitable grasses—an im portant activity, in view of the steady expansion and growing importance of the pastoral industry in Fiji.

Mr. R. B. Howard, in a letter to the Fiji newspaper, declares that these de velopments are of great importance be cause in Fiji—as in most countries—the real and permanent wealth of the people is in the first foot or two of the soil upon which they live.