Indians Create Hotel Problem

In Fiji

Letter to the Editor YOU would have been interested had you been staying at one of Fiji’s country villages over a January week-end, when the Commissioner for India paid a visit.

Flags were flying and the shops or verandahs were decorated with coconut palms. All the white-collar Indians were there to greet him —a visit from the Gov ernor would not have caused half the excitement and preparation. Several meetings were held—on what subject is not quite clear. It may become clear, later on, when he has completed his tour of all the Indian settlements. Maybe, more demands from the Indians will be made on the Government —possibly, more important positions for the Indians in Fiji.

It is not quite clear what exactly is the position of the Commissioner: but, from the Fijian point of view, it is simply to cause trouble. There has been quite a lot of mumbling amongst the Fijians for some time past, and they view the visit of the Commissioner with concern.

One other aspect which presents itself is the question of accommodation for Mr.

Waiz and his followers —who. of course, had to be taken in by the hotels en route.

This may be all right so far as the Com missioner is concerned but it is not for anyone whom he may bring along, such as car drivers and others who may be in cluded in the party. Indians should use their own hotels. European hotel ac commodation is quite a problem, particu larly in country centres, and after a visit from these Indian tourists it must be very difficult for the hotel management, when asked by European clients if the rooms they are going to occupy have had Indians using them.

There are many Indians in Fiji who own good homes —better in many cases than those owned by Europeans—and they prefer their Indian visitors to stay at Indian hotels, if possible, rather than have their friends marching through their places at any old time. Further, the staffs of the European hotels generally object to giving attendance to low-class Indians.

Surely the wealthy Indians could very well look after their own people, rather than upset the routine of the all-too-few hotels we have in the Colony. The In dians who have made money in Fiji are very boastful of what they have; but they do not build suitable places to accommo date their own class.

It is useless to try and develop a tourist trade in Fiji if a few Indians can cause trouble by seeking accommodation in this way. Travelling Europeans will not stay at hotels where Indians have stayed, or are staying.

I am. etc.,

Fiji. 24/1/49

Hotel Guest.'