Constitution?

What Is Fiji’s Constitution?

What and where is the Constitution of the Colony of Fiji, and how can it be altered?

The beginning of the Constitution probably is the Deed of Cession of 1874 (under which the Fijians formally ceded Fiji to the British Crown) and any formal agreements with the Chiefs incidental to it. Thenceforth, the Crown became responsible for admini stration, and delegated its authority to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. That Minister then issued a series of decrees and instructions, outlining the requirements of the Crown, and passing on to the relevant institutions and officials the authority to make and administer laws.

These decrees and instructions are known as Letters Patent, and they presumably are on file in the Colonial Office, and the offices of the Attorney- General in Fiji—and they repre sent the Constitution of Fiji and framework of Government.

They have been altered and expanded from time to time, since 1874. They are altered by Royal Decree—that is, after the Crown has accepted advice by Secretary of State for Colonies.

Any changes in government agreed to in the future can be given effect to in only one way—by additions or alterations to the Letters Patent.