Isle Of Man: Pattern For Fiji ?

Fijian members of the Legislative Council in the last 12 months or » have stated in no uncertain terms that if there are to be constitutions changes in the Colony that they must be consulted first. They furthe insist that they must approve of any changes.

WHEN they met the Under secretary of State for the Colonies, Mr. Nigel Fisher, in Jan uary, they submitted that Fiji’s future constitutional status should be something similar to the links which bind Britain with the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man ( PIM , March, p. 15).

What are the political arrai merits on the Isle of Man? Here t are: In 1801, when Government b ness connected with the Colonies 1 transferred from the Secretary State, no change was made in resj of business concerning the Isle Man (and the Channel Islands). S business still rests with the He Secretary.

The United Kingdom is responsi for foreign relations and exter affairs, and it has also been foi convenient to apply such Uni Kingdom legislation as merch shipping, aerial navigation and po: services.

The Isle of Man has a bicamt system of government, and 1c government. In general the ish manages its own affairs, except matters mentioned above. But la though emanating from the isla depend for validity by Orders m; by the Queen-in-Council.

Thus, while in domestic affairs island is virtually an independ democracy, approval of the laws n with the Queen-in-Council, the Pr Council and the island’s assembly The island is headed by a Li tenant-Governor, who is the rep sentative of the Crown and cl executive officer. (At present Lieutenant-Governor is Sir Ron Garvey, KCMG, who was Goven of Fiji from 1952 to 1958, and tf retired from the Colonial Service The Lieutenant-Governor is sponsible for the finances of the isla and prepares the budget, thus termining the funds available for spending authorities, the Boards Tynwald. In addition he presides o the Legislative Council.

Tynwald, which is probably oldest legislature in the world, composed of two branches, the Hoi of Keys, with 24 members elected universal adult suffrage, and Legislative Council. In the Legislat; Council there are four ex-offii members, four members elected the Keys, and two nominated by t Lieutenant-Governor.

The two branches sit separat for detailed consideration of legis: tion, but together as Tynwald ; its final passage and for certain otH matters, such as the appointment members to the Boards of Tynwat