[?]runkenness Is

[?]ne of Fiji’s [?]outh Problems

RUNKENNESS among young [men and youths has become a grave problem in Fiji, as in br South Pacific territories. [r. E. Light, Suva Magistrate, [said that fines and short terms imprisonment apparently have e or no effect on the increasing hint of drunkenness among ng Fijians. More effective, he eight, would be the knowledge r those who consistently hded would be sent back to

I villages.

Surt action on these lines will bpported by the chief probation er (the Rev. N. H. Wright) and kcting Commissioner of Police, [only will the terms of proba [orders be strictly enforced, but peck will be kept so that nders sent away from Suva [be prevented from returning. [OTHER aspect of Fiji’s youth problem illustrates the need for a Borstal institution or (thing of the kind to train ig delinquents. equently stressed by magistrates probation officers, this point I up again when a youth of was convicted, at the Suva ‘t, of breaking and entering

larceny.

[. Wright said that because of lack of parental control, proba ;would be dangerous.

L Light, who has repeatedly tssed his dislike of sending g men to gaol to associate [hardened criminals, had no native but to impose a gaol ince. [said that at least the youth d have a year’s corrective ment under discipline and i be given a chance of ling a trade. He recommended the lad, who had an aptitude mechanical work, might be what limited opportunities 1 were in the gaol to engage aat work. fa has a reformatory school oung boys at Nasinu, but there Dthing to take care of the , but still young, offenders.

W. C. Dickinson, of Ferrier & nson Pty. Ltd., South Pacific s for the well-known Gardner ie diesel motors, left Sydney oumea and the New Hebrides d Polynesie early in September.

Dickinson planned to meet of the company’s customers, •nment, commercial and m, especially in the New des, during a six weeks’ stay i area.