Fiji Development Fund

Grows—and Grows

TF collections and withdrawals

from the Fijian Develop

ment Fund (made up of com

pulsory deductions from the price

received from each ton of copra

produced by Fijians) proceed at

the present pace there should be half a million in the Fund by June 30, 1955.

FIGURES just released show that £133,411 was added to the Fund in the year ending June 30, 1954. Only £19,639 was withdrawn in the period. There were, in addition to the compulsory “cess”, about £725 in what are called “vol untary contributions.”

The fund at June 30, was £383,444 —about £120,000 more than at the corresponding period last year.

Largest contribution in the year just ended was from Cakaudrove Province, with £46,000; Lau was second with £35,000.

The fund is designed to provide permanent improvements for the Fijian community—village water supplies, health and education ser vices, etc. It was felt that if all the money that Fijians are getting

for their copra were left in their hands, much of it would be frittered away on non-essentials.

U There is much regret expressed throughout the New Guinea High lands at the decision of Mr. Ray Harris to “fold up” his TAL (Terri tories Airlines Ltd) and accept the important post of Chief Examiner

of Airmen in the Department Civil Aviation in P-NG. Mr. Han a very competent pilot, has operat four Dragons in and around t Highlands for some time, and 1 given magnificent—as well as wi ing and cheerful—service to t various isolated communities. It understood that TAL aircraft a equipment will be sold.