Analysis Of Grime In Fiji

Suva. Nov. 22.

PRESUMABLY because Indians can usually produce the cash to pay fines and Fijians cannot, many more Indians than Fijians were fined in 1947 and many more Fijians than Indians were sent to gaol.

The annual report of the Police De partment of Fiji shows that 698 Fijians were fined during the year and 366 were gaoled, while 1650 Indians were fined and 194 were gaoled.

Eighty Europeans were fined and 13 were sent to gaol, while 130 part-Eurc peans were fined and 27 were gaoled.

The report states that the total crime for the Colony (population, 126,000 Indians, 120,000 Fijians, 10.000 Euro peans) reached a new peak in 1947 and disclosed a general increase in the more nrevalent crimes and offences —housebreaking, assault, larceny, carnal know ledge, arson and fraud by false pretences predominating.

Murders, robberies and offences con nected with dangerous drugs and distilla tion showed a decrease.

Convicted of being drunk and disorderly the number of Indians increased by 66 per cent.; Fijians decreased by 10 per cent.; and part-Europeans increased by 50 per cent.

Of the 7,542 permits to consume liquor, on issue in 1947, 5,343 were held by Indians, and 2,199 by “Fijians and others.”

Labour situation in Solomons is slowly easing—recruit:rs report a better re sponse.