Hebrides
pp. 64-65 · Read in the full issue
Asiatics In The New
Letter to the Editor THE South Pacific Commission is spending a great deal of public money for the uplifting of natives, and their protection, but it seems to have very little interest in what is happening to natives in the New Hebrides, under the pre sent muddled administration. The public should be told about con ditions here in Santo.
The Tonkinese (ex-indentured labourers) who are now free agents, carry on an immense trade in sly grog selling, and nothing whatever is being done by the Authorities to check this. One Sunday morning I saw one Tonk going out in his jeep (many of them are running jeeps as taxis) along the main road, to some near plantation, with one case of trade rum, and one “damejeanne” of red wine.
It is a known fact that this trade is going on in a big way, and these people are making much money at the natives’ expense and health — without mentioning the disturbance of the peace. If you took a walk along the main road any Saturday or Sunday you would be amazed at the number of drunken natives.
Will you tell me what is the use of this South Pacific Commission?
Grog should be the first evil they should combat.
Another grave danger is the in troduction of Chinese. They are building new shops as fast as they can. They import mostly Chinese goods and only favour Australia, foi’ supplies, in a small way. The NH commerce will soon be, like Tahiti, entirely in the hands of the Chinese.
For all one knows they may be Communists.
The Europeans pioneered these Islands, paving the way for the Chinese. It is time something was done.
When will the British Govern ment decide to place responsible people in the position of District Agents, like the French do? Most of our officials are too young and inexperienced.
I am, etc.,
Old Resident.
Santo, NH.
Extreme fire hazard existed early October in the north-western parts; of Viti Levu Island, due to the: lengthy dry spell. On the Island of: Dreketi an entire village was burnt; to the ground when the villagers i were out on the reef fishing or inj the hills at their gardens.
The Lautoka (Fiji) Land Valua tions Appeal Court has granted the; Colonial Sugar Refining Co. a con siderable reduction in Land taxation/ respecting land owned by the com pany in the area. The reduction ini rating represents a loss to the Town/ Board, in taxation, of £1,929 for -1953.
There has been active building in Rabaul, New Guinea, in recent months.
ABOVE-New store taking shape, in August, for Messrs. Colyer Watson and Co., Ltd. BELOW-Another new store, almost complete, for the Carpenter interests.