Fijians Speak Out
p. 97 · Read in the full issue
Frankly
To The Indians
From Our Own Correspondent
Suva. Nov. 22.
A REMARKABLE thing in Fiji to-day is the way in which the Fijians are at last speaking out in relation to public affairs —usually with moderation, fairness and good taste. The war had a lot to do with this new upsurge of Fijian self-reliance and (in the best sense of the word) independence.
“The “Fiji Times,” has been encourag ing the natives to express themselves.
The result has been surprising. Within the last week, for instance, Fijian cor respondents have written on such topics as the danger to health caused by the thick daily coating of dust which swirls over Fijian villages on the main highways in dry weather; the danger caused by the high growth of weeds along the high ways, often at points where the view of drivers is badly obscured; and (in a tone of justifiable indignation) dirty drinking water served to a Fijian in an Indian restaurant. (“This would not have been done to an Indian or a European.”) To an Indian who had had the temerity to write that “in addition to making Fiji a paradise, the Indians have civilised the savages” (“Fiji Times,” November 18), a Fijian replied: “I do not care to discuss the untruth that Indians brought ‘civilisation’ to my ancestors. Indentured Indians came to Fiji and found —for them —a Land of Canaan. Compared with their own country, Fiji was, and is, a land of milk and honey. But is there any sign of Indian gratitude for the benefits con
ferred on them by the British and the Fijians? ... I believe that the Indians in Fiji chose not to fight in the Second World War because of an instinctive knowledge that Fiji is not their land.”
In the same issue as this reply (No vember 20) a European wrote: “If the Indians were to prove that they are pre pared to accept responsibility and live as law-abiding citizens, fully prepared to play their part in the community and to shoulder their share of communal duties, we might be more tolerant of their aspirations. If they cannot —and past events have shown that they cannot and are not willing to try—then let them go back to India. In fact, let us assist them to go.”