Fiji Moslems

Prompt Response to Said Hasan's Good Advice

THE Hon. Said Hasan, a member of the Fiji Legislative Council, and barrister-at-law, who recently re turned from a visit to India, was extended a welcome by the Fiji Moslem League, on December 13.

The chairman of the League, and other members, paid tribute to Mr. Hasan for his untiring efforts on behalf of Fiji Moslems.

Mr. Hasan thanked the meeting for the welcome. He said that if they desired to be sincerely respected in the community, they must first endeavour to discard all dissensions among themselves. Until they had corrected themselves, and stood united, it was sheer waste of time to try to give them any assistance. He went on to say, further, that the Fiji Moslem community was very backward; and, to keep pace with the rapid progress that the world is making to-day, they would have to work unselfishly for the uplift of their people.

Mr. Hasan spoke of the great war effort that India is making—and, particularly, the part played there by the Moslems.

Four of his own kinsmen held com missions in the Indian Army. He was of the opinion that Fiji Moslems should come forward voluntarily and form a battalion of their own to assist the Colony’s war effort and not make service contingent upon monetary considerations.

A mercenary spirit was contrary to Islamic teachings and culture.

That the Fiji Indians —especially the Moslems —had many grievances against the Fiji Government was true enough, said Mr. Hasan —but this was no time to ask for redress. After the war, he would expect to see that they were given justice.

There was an immediate response to Mr. Hasan’s speech. Fifty Fiji Moslems placed themselves unconditionally in Mr, Hasan’s hands, to be directed in what ever manner he considered would best further the war effort of the Colony,