"Fiji Guardian"

A New Weekly Newspaper

MEN prominently connected with the European Electors Association have organised “The Guardian”—a weekly newspaper which is expected to make its appearance in Suva fairly soon.

Machinery and premises are exceedingly scarce now; but those problems have been solved by bringing some printing equip ment from New Zealand, and installing it in Mr. J. H. Bayley’s building, around the corner from Mr. Noel Levy’s shop, near the main street.

“The Guardian,” which will be under the direct management of Mr. Furby, is expected to voice the policy of the EE A, which seeks “greater political control of their domestic affairs by the people of the Colony.” and “the long-avowed aim of the British colonial policy to advance the Colonies towards self-government.”

The new journal, however, will find that Fiji, with its curious mixture of races (10.000 Europeans, in charge; 117,000 Fijians, comparatively indifferent towards politics; and 120 000 Indians, avid for political power) presents an especially difficult problem.

This is the view taken of the British Colonial Office, as expressed by the Minister (Mr. A. Creech-Jones) on June 4: “The constitution of Fiii was amended in 1937 so as to increase Fijian and Indian representation, and to give equal repre sentation to the three communities while retaining an official majority of one.

“The overriding consideration must re main the obligation of his Majesty’s Government to the Fijians. I cannot accept the suggestion that this change was or is contrary to the wishes of a majority of the peonle. particularly when much responsible European opinion and Fijian opinion is opposed now to any change in the constitution.”