Threat Of A Sugar

Uncertainty In The North-West

Threat Of A Sugar Strike In Fiji

A degree of resentment that was close to blazing fury was to be seen in Suva and Lautoka during the November 29 week-end, when it be came known that the Lakshman- O’Neil trade-union hierarchy planned a sugar strike for De cember 2.

THE indignation of Government officials, directors of industry and the more responsible sections of people can be understood when it is remembered — • Because of drought and hurri canes, there have been serious de creases in the production of copra and bananas. • Decreased exports are reflected in serious shrinkage in overseas funds, which in turn is causing diminution of imports, fall-off in trade and a minor recession. • Reduction in governmental revenues had resulted in the an nouncement only the previous week of sharp increases in certain taxes. • The one thing that is temper ing the financial troubles of the Colony is the hope of a continued good sugar crop and a continuance of a guaranteed sugar market.

Any dislocation of cane crushing would reduce the quantity of sugar exports, and add further to Fiji’s financial troubles.

Last year, the then Lakshman led sugar workers made certain demands, backed by a strike or strikes; and when settlement was effected a solemn agreement was entered into between the parties, part of which was an undertaking not to strike for a time.

Mr. Lakshman's Boast Some weeks ago, Mr. Lakshman boasted that there would be another strike before Christmas. The reason for the threat was not clear—it appeared that Mr. Lakshman con sidered he was not being taken suf ficiently into the confidence of the Government and the CSR Co. in planning the administrative and industrial activities of the country Wages were settled by last year’s agreement. It does not appear that workers have any new grievance.

The announcement of the strike was greeted by such a burst of in dignation by all classes that, by Sunday, Mr. Lakshman appeared to be making a virtue of necessity and had stated privately that there will be no strike”.

But the state of uncertainty re mained and will remain while Mr.

Lakshman tries to find his particular level in the public life of Fiji Mr. Lakshman is the problem child of the Northwest.