Legislative Council
pp. 12-13 · Read in the full issue
National Service
In Fiji
Legislative Council Approves
THE Fiji Legislative Council, on August 26, unanimously approved the prin ciple of compulsory national service.
The Colonial Secretary said, in pro posing the motion, that, although the necessary legislative power already existed in Defence Regulations, it was thought that Council should have the opportunity of expressing its opinion on such an im portant matter. There was no intention of upsetting the labour market —quite the reverse—but it was necessary to have powers for directing the services of in dividuals wherever they were most needed.
Mr. Alport Barker seconded the motion.
He was of the opinion that if the measure did no more than ensure a constant sup ply of labour for copra, sugar and gold production, it would be justified.
Ratu J. L. V. Sukuna assured the Gov ernment of the support of the Fijian community, and Mr. Vishnu Deo expressed support on behalf of the Indians.
The motion was discussed at some length by members—from the points of view of foodstuffs production, labour con ditions, establishment of a Labour Corps, and the expressed wish of Indian mem bers that, if compulsory labour were in stituted, there should be no discrimination in pay and allowances to Indians.
The Governor thanked the members for their views. Criticisms and suggestions would be considered by either of the committees, the Executive Council or the War Council. Every possible precaution would be taken for the protection of labour in dangerous areas, and compen sation would be paid for anyone killed or wounded as a result of enemy action while so employed.
Details of Organisation Explained
AT a meeting of the Fiji Executive Council, held in Suva on August 4, it was decided that the Governor, with the Executive Council, will function also as the WaT Council of the Colony.
For convenience sake subjects directly connected with the war or arising out of it, have been classified, and committees and directors appointed to deal with them.
The classifications are as follows: — (1) The armed forces (military, naval and air), and liaison between Service Commanders and the Civil authority. As most of this business is of a highly secret nature it has been given into the per sonal charge of the Governor and the Colonial Secretary, who will act in his absence (2) Supply, Production, Finance, Cur rency, Import and Export Control. This is, in many respects, the most complicated, and has been further divided into four divisions: (a) Imports and Exports and reciprocal aid between the Colony and the United Kingdom and USA; (b) pro duction of foodstuffs and marketing— sub-committees will be formed to deal with industries; meat, fish and dairying; vege tables and fruit; (c) works, transport and communications, with sub-committees to deal with works; petrol, tyres and spares; communications; <d) prices and rents.
Four Controllers, one for each subject, together with the Financial Secretary, form the Board. (3) Civil Defence and Emergency Ser vices: Hon. Dr. McGusty, Secretary for Indian Affairs,-has been appointed to act as Director. He will be assisted by a Central Advisory Committee, a Central
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Executive Committee and District Com mittees. (4) Labour. (5) National Service and Allocation of Manpower.
As (4) and (5) are so closely related in actual operation, it is thought that the Committees may later be fused. Mr. S.
H. Ellis has become Director of Man power, and Mr. Pennefather is Director of Labour. Both will organise their own Advisory Committees, but in such a way that there will be the closest co-operation between them. (6) Conciliation, Industrial Appeal, National Service Appeal Tribunals: Mr.
R. Crompton has undertaken the chair manship of such conciliation matters, and also becomes Director of Propaganda and Publicity. (7) Drafting of Legislation, Regulations and Legal Advice. The Attorney-General will be responsible for all the legal aspects of the activities of the War Council.
It was expected that these measures would be put into force within the shortest possible time. Much depends upon the energy, ability and sense of the various committees and directors; but the people of the Colony generally appear to have an adequate realisation of their posi tion, and, like their Governor, are deter mined to “wage war.”