Separate Fiji
p. 79 · Read in the full issue
No Plans' For A Separate Fiji
From a Suva Correspondent A delegation of three British MB’s from the UK branch of the Common wealth Parliamentary Association stopped off in Fiji for a few days in October en route to NZ, Australia and New Guinea. Also visiting, privately, was another MP, Mr. Brian Harrison. The delegation comprised Dame Patricia Hornsby-Smith, Mr.
Bryant Godman Irvine and Mr. Ellis Smith.
THE leader of the delegation was Conservative, titian-haired Dame Patricia, who said the matter of independence for Fiji had never been discussed in the House of Commons as far as she was aware. She fully accepted that the position in Fiji was not comparable with that in many African states.
Mr. Smith, Labour, said: “I have been very impressed by the large number of people of all races in every walk of life who have spoken to me, and expressed the desire that Fiji should continue working with Britain as closely as it possibly can.
When he was asked if the Fijians should be forced to sever their ties with Britain even if they did not wish to, Mr. Brian Harrison said Britain’s policy was to give self government to her territories when they were ready for it but one realised the need for very careful thinking “after seeing the cynical uncaring, thoughtless attitude of the UN in the case of New Guinea”.