Restless Fijians

Bad Result of the War

ONE of the most serious aspects of wartime conditions in Fiji has been the drift of Fijians to Suva, where a large number are spending their time idly, and relying on relatives for food and lodging.

One of the first jobs undertaken by the newly-appointed Adviser on Native Af fairs, Ratu J. L. V. Sukuna, was to issue instructions to the following Fijians to leave the town and return to their villages:— (a) Young men and women who are un employed or who do not remain in constant employment. (b) Women employed by the military. (c) Old men and women who have come to Suva since the outbreak of the war. (d) Any other persons whom the Adviser on Native Affairs considers it desirable to evacuate.

In addition, it is intended to evacuate from Suva all wives and families of Fijian servicemen serving overseas, unless there is a good reason for their staying.

At present there is serious overcrowding in native homes in the town, caused mainly by young men and women whose proper place is in their villages, where they would be guided by their chiefs and parents according to the customs of their people.

The best advice ever given to the Fijians, says the “Fiji Times,” was when the Governor, Sir Philip Mitchell, told the Council of Chiefs to stay in their villages, look after their people, and encourage production.

This advice does not seem to have been followed, either by the Fijians or by the Fijian Government, and to-day most villages are denuded of men and most of the chiefs are in uniform. There have been many cases of hooliganism and, what is more serious, assault upon civilians.

Many European residents are of the opinion that many of the young uni formed natives, who are apparently getting out of hand, should be sent back to their villages.