Retort Effective

THE young Fijian clerk was not con ducting his business too satisfac torily with an American non-com., in one of the Army offices. Though the Fijian was patiently and painstakingly explaining his errand, the American soldier was inclined to argue. At last, patience exhausted, the Fijian youth burst forth in bitter accents, “God Save the King!” and departed indignantly— and with dignity!

Some people have been urging that, because they consume so much fuel oil, rubber, etc., and because gold is not likely to be wanted in the post-war world, any way, the Fiji gold-mines should be closed, for the duration. The liveliest defender of Fiji’s gold industry is Mr. Pat Costello, who makes out an excellent case in the “Fiji Times.” Few will quarrel with his dictum, which is based on historical facts and common sense: “Gold is the world’s yardstick and is sought after by all countries, more particularly by the teeming millions of India and China, and although its price may vary it will always remain the recognised token of exchange.”