Workers' Compensation

Act in Fiji Not Applicable to Agriculturists

ALTHOUGH there is a large industrial population in Fiji, the workers there hitherto have not had the advantage of a Workmen’s Compensa tion Act, which is now an essential part of the industrial machinery of most countries of the British Empire.

Late in May, however, the Fiji Legis lative Council passed a Workmen’s Com pensation Act, which is to come into operation forthwith. It is provided that the Act will not apply to industries classed under the headings of “agricul ture” or “coconut plantations”.

Thus, presumably, while the mining company or the transport company must pay compensation to workers injured or killed in its employ, a company grow ing sugar or coconuts is free from that obligation. It is a surprising distinc tion. Are the limbs or life of a man engaged in sugar or coconut production less valuable than those of a miner or sailor?

The Act provides that the minimum claim, in the event of death, will be £lOO, and the maximum £6OO.

Interest in this legislation will be felt in New Guinea, where there has been lately a good deal of discussion con cerning an adequate Workers’ Compen sation Act.