Significant Move

Forces Against Disorder

By Fijians In Fiji

By a Staff Writer

There are clear and growing

signs that the Fiji community,

believing that the Fiji Govern

ment has failed to protect

the Colony against “irrespon

sibles”, is preparing to provide

its own protection. r[E Fiji community (Europeans, Fijians, Indians, Chinese, Euronesians) in recent months has seen these things— o Riots last December, caused by mishandling of a strike called by irresponsible young labour-union leaders. Much damage was done in Suva. • Deadlock in the sugar industry, extending over months, caused by a small group of Indians apparently motivated by hatred and prejudice, and some of whom are suspected of subversive associations. • Strong attempt made at end of August by youthful union-leaders to call a general strike, “in protest against the despatch of Police and Army detachments” to the sugar areas. (The attempt failed—rank and file of workers ignored the call).

Demonstration of Loyalty A significant thing happened late in August, A meeting of ex-servicemen was called in Suva, to celebrate some thing or other. A couple of hundred were expected—but no less than 2,000 Fijians, with some Europeans and Euronesians assembled from all over Fiji, and gave an im pressive demonstration of loyalty to the country’s Government, and hatred of disorder.

There also have been some private demonstrations.

The Governor has been told repeatedly, by the Fijian leaders, that he has only to say the word, and he can have all the men hfe

wants to cut sugar cane, or to protect the cutters.

Early in September, there were reports current of the formation among Fijians of a new political party, to take a larger share in the government, and in the maintenance of order.

It is said that this movement is among the younger Fijians, but that it is being approved by the chiefs and the older Fijians, who

hitherto have given their support to the Fijian Administration, rather than the Central Government.

Position of the Indians This new spirit and political activity among the Fijians is, to some extent, anti-Indian. In the view of some old hands here, it cculd extend far and dangerously.

That development is to be deplored. Although Indian agitators held the centre of the stage during the long sugar deadlock, they did not represent Indians generally.

The great majority of Indians, both rural and urban, are as much opposed to disorder and violence as the other communities. But they do lack leadership, and a voice in affairs.

There is no reason why the majority of Indians should not be aligned with Europeans and Fijians in orderly and progessive govern ment. It is mainly a matter of wisdom at the top, and suitable constitutional machinery in be tween.