Fiji And Samoa

General Effect of the War

rE thickly populated territories of Fiji and Samoa are virtually in the fr ont line, since Japan began her thrust southwards through the Pacific and all the usual precautions have been taken there against attack, and for carrying on normal activities under wartime conditions.

In an important statement broadcast from Suva on February 16, the Governor of Fiji (Sir Harry Luke) outlined Fiji’s position and plans in relation to the war.

The Governor strongly urged all four communities to increase their plantings of food crops (rice, dalo, tapioca, kumera yams, maize, dhall, chillies, etc.). The slaughter of Fiji cattle has increased greatly since oversea supplies were cut off, causing the Government to fear the depletion of the herds; so the Governor announced a 25 per cent, reduction in slaughtering, and a rationing scheme, by which butchers’ shops will be closed on Mondays and Wednesdays. Matches have been rationed.

A series of committees have been set up to take care of civil defence, ARP, first aid and medical services, and other matters which would arise out of an attack.

The Governor said that compulsory evacuation of women and children is not considered necessary, but he urged that all women and children who could do so should ease the local situation by taking advantage of any transport avail able. All schools on the Suva peninsula had been closed, and all children from other parts of the Colony should return to their homes.

His Excellency’s references to such commercial subjects as the new copra price and war risk insurance are reported elsewhere. He stated, with regret, that .he could announce nothing, as yet, regarding the marketing of this year’s sugar crop.

Western Samoa

IN Samoa the Administrator (Mr. Turn bull) requested the co-operation of the people in certain directions—by screening all lights which could be seen from the sea; by reducing transport facilities to the utmost, so as to conserve stocks of liquid fuel; by rationing im ported foodstuffs and encouraging every one to grow their own foodstuffs.

Evacuation has not been made compul sory: but people are urged to stay out of the town of Apia, and women and children who are able to leave Samoa have been requested to do so.