in Fiji

Shortage of Labour in Fiji

Suva, Aug. 2.

AN interesting summary of the present labour position in Fiji, as seen by the average planter, was given me by Mr. Valen Tarte, a well-known land owner of Taveuni. His output is chiefly copra.

“Since 1942, wages have gone up from 2/- to 4/- per day—a gradual rise as labour became scarce. Some planters now are compelled to pay 5/- per day.

My own production costs are now close to £lO per ton —so it is, God save us if copra falls below £lO.

“The shortage of Fijian labour is due to the absence of so many men in the Fijian battalions; and, as they are de mobilised, the position should ease. I notice more and more Indian labour be coming available.

“There is no direct control over labour conditions in Fiji—it is purely a matter of supply and demand —private contract.

In some exceptional cases, 7/6 per day has been paid for labour.”

Mr. Tarte said that, in relation to labour, he was fortunate. His people, long ago, established on their plantation a colony of Indians —provided them with small houses, let them have land at a nominal rental, and gave them security.

There were now 200 of them there, and thus a dependable labour supply was available. This seemed to give a pointer to a possible solution of Fiji's growing labour problem. The Indians are in creasing rapidly in numbers, and they are most eager to get land.—R.W.R.

The civilian hostel in Port Moresby was housing about 28 civilians in early August. Mr. W. J. Lambden, first repre sentative of the new Provisional Govern ment, was there (he was in the former Murray Administration); and Mr. F. L. (“Snowy”) Clark, manager of Robinson River Plantations, Ltd., back from hos pital in Lae. The rest were missionaries and planters in transit to or from Aus tralia.