Fijians

Plantation School for Fijians Mr. C. G. O. Parr's Dreams Put Into Effect at Last

WHEN a “PIM” representative visited Levuka, Fiji, in September, 1945, Mr. C. G. O. Parr, then teaching at the local European school, spoke enthu siastically of the practical school for Fijians which he hoped some day to run.

His ideas, however, were regarded as impractical dreams by Authority and Mr. Parr had not got far with his plans.

Now, however, according to a recent issue of the “Crown Colonist,” his school is established and doing well.

The “Crown Colonist” does not say whether the school is being run privately or on behalf of the Government, but these details are given: “A new venture has been undertaken at Savusavu East by Mr. C. G. O. Parr, who has established a school for Fijians on a plantation. The course covers plant ing, copra-making, gardening, general farming, boat-building, carpentry, build ing and cement work. No fees are charged, and each boy receives 5/- a week, which is banked for him at a sav ings bank and cannot be withdrawn until the end of the course, which covers two to three years, when each will have about £37/10/-.

“Each boy receives 1/- a week pocket money. Bonuses for copra cutting are paid monthly in cash. Two hours daily are provided for schooling in arithmetic, bookkeeping, English and Fijian customs.

“The success of the scheme has already been demonstrated by the boys’ progress and their enthusiasm.”