Tributes From Fiji

Legislative Council Says Good-bye to Sir Philip Mitchell

rIBUTES were paid to Sir Philip Mitchell, retiring Governor of Fiji, when the Fiji Legislative Council met on September 27. Sir Philip *md Lady Mitchell have left the Colony for Kenya, where Sir Philip has been ap pointed Governor.

Mr. H. H. Ragg, on behalf of elected members of the Council, said that feel ings were mixed at the news of His Excellency’s departure—while they re gretted the loss to Fiji, they were glad that Sir Philip’s abilities had been re cognised by his appointment to such an impprtant colony as Kenya. When Sir Philip first came to Fiji he had declared that while the war continued the waging of war would be his main objective. He was to be congratulated on the way he had carried out that promise. He had never spared himself and had inspired others with his energy and drive. The raising of the Fijian Battalions had been largely due to his leadership.

Despite the Governor’s many duties and the necessity of travelling overseas frequently on war missions he had given a great deal of attention to civil matters also. He had revolutionised the pro cedure of the Council by establishing a Finance Committee which gave unofficial members much of the responsibility pre viously borne by Government, Under the able chairmanship of the Financial Secretary, the Committee had worked well and was a distinct advance in the trans action of Government business. In 1943 the far-reaching Bill dealing with Fijian affairs had been passed. Soon after his

arrival in the Colony, the Governor had realised that the Fijian, if he were to save himself, would have to assume more responsibility. The new legislation paved the way for a new era in Fijian affairs.

MR. VISHNU DEO, on behalf of the Indian members, said he wished to second the remarks made by Mr Ragg. He congratulated the Governor on his appointment to the governorship of Kenya—a Colony of great, importance, and assured Sir Philip that his successor would be given all possible support bv the Indian members.

Ratu Tiale Vuiyasawa, speaking for Fiuian members, said that His Excellency’s departure, while greatly regretted, had not been unexpected by the Fijians, who had felt sure that his abilities would soon call him to a higher post. From the be ginning the Governor had shown keen interest in the welfare of the Fijian race and had encouraged them to take their part in the government of the country.

He thought His Excellency’s monument in Fiji would be found in the great spirit of harmony and co-operation he had introduced among the peoples represented in the Legislative Council.

Ratu Sukuna said that when the Governor arrived in the Colony it had been his privilege to interpret the speech he made at the welcome given him by the chiefs. It was a time, the Governor had said, not for lip service, but for action. Afterwards, one old chief had asked him what sort of a Governor did he think he was. He had replied that first of all His Excellency was a man; secondly, he was a realist; and, thirdly, he was a soldier. He had called the native members of Council to the work of reconstruction, and they would not fail to complete the edifice which he had begun.