Some Unity

In Suva's Union Club

Suva, Feb. 20.

AN interesting indication of the way in which the wiser men of this com munity are dealing with the growing problem of the four races in Fiji is seen in the establishment of the Union Club.

Some people have called it the CIF and E Club. The term is based on the well known story of the young Fijian clerk who was nuzzling over the frequently used commercial term, CIF and E (Costs, insurance, freight and exchange). “Ha!” said the youth, “I have it—Chinese, In dians, Fijians and Europeans!”

Well, that represents the Union Club.

Within its nicely fitted rooms there meet, on terms of racial and social equality, the Europeans, the Fijians, Indians and Chinese, who in ordinary circumstances are inclined to keep themselves jealously within their own communities.

Racial isolation inevitably will spell the ruin of the Colony. Racial union, if such a thing is possible, may solve the greatest problem before this territory.

Generally speaking, there is a reason ably pleasant relationship between Euro peans, Chinese and Fijians; but the In dians, clinging still to the traditions and ideas of their mother-country, are in clined to be distant, sour and unco-op erative. They will not face facts. They insist that if there is to be worth-while communication between them and other races regarding the future of Fiji, it must be on a basis of absolute equality —ignoring the clear facts of history in relation to Fijians, and the obligations of the Europeans.

However, in the Union Club, so far, a mlich happier atmosphere has been established. The Indians, like others, seem to have dropped their social inhibi tions and curious mental reservations, and the frank discussions that have taken place there, under the happy in fluences of cold beer, probably have done more to assist the future of Fiji than all the acidulated factional argument of the Legislative Council.

The Union Club was a good idea; it seems to have been soundly established; responsible men of all races are doing their best for it; and it promises to really be a success as a social club, rather than as an institution blessed by politi

cians.

Rwr.