Lively Protest in Fiji

Petrol Price

Prom Our Own Correspondent

Suva. Jan. 1.

pETROL was increased 4d. per gallon, L to 2/5, in December, and the Fiji people are protesting strongly. They point out that petrol sells in Australian ports for 2/1, and Australian currency is 121 per cent, under Fijian.

At a Chamber of Commerce meeting, Mr. H. E. Snell (of Morris, Hedstrom, Ltd., agents for Vacuum) moved, arid Mr. John Trotter (of Burns, Philp, Ltd., agents for Shell) seconded, that the Chamber noted and regretted the in crease in price.

But Major C. Brewster led a lively and critical opposition; and, on his motion, an amendment was carried that the two companies be invited to submit data to the Chamber’s vice-presidents, to justify the increase.

In Australia, 7d. per gallon goes in taxation; in Fiji, taxation takes Bd. per gallon.