Colony's Leaders

"Facing Momenteous Decision"

Fiji’s Acting Governor, Mr. P. D.

Macdonald, said in October that the time was at hand for leaders in the Colony, particularly Fijian leaders, to make a momentous decision.

SPEAKING at Levuka to celebrate the 89th anniversary of the signing there of the Deed under which the Fijian chiefs ceded Fiji to Queen Victoria, he said: “In 1874, few of those present at the signing of the Deed of Cession could have imagined the spotlight of interest and controversy that was to be focused on these islands 90 years later.

“Today a Committee of the United Nations draws up documents about us; representatives of Afro- Asian nations and Iron Curtain countries pass resolutions upon us; the Russians write fables about us which portray the Government as wicked robber barons, the local inhabitants as the Babes in the Wood, and Mr. Khrushchev, presumably, as the Good Fairy.

“Here too in Fiji we have a constant stream of visitors eager to explore us in the flesh.”

After referring to the courage of Ratu Cakobau in deciding to sign the Deed of Cession, Mr. Macdonald went on: “Today the leaders in this Colony and particularly the Fijian leaders, are confronted with having to make another historic decision.

“One of our most important needs

today is for the unification of Fijian opinion, for only through this unification can Fijians hope to speak in the future to their own peoples and the world outside with one voice of real authority.

“Only in this manner can they lead the way, with a strong and representative front, through the difficult discussions and decisions of the next five years, and make their contribution to the future of their country.

“Even more important, inner unification must lead to requests for continued links with the United

Kingdom being treated by friends and enemies alike with the seriousness they deserve.

“Unless Fijians can claim to speak as a united body, these requests will continue to be vulnerable to the attacks of critics who will claim that they are simply the wishful thinking and self-seeking of a privileged leadership.

“I also appeal to those of all other races to support their leaders, who will have also to take a share in making this decision. For, if they are to be accepted, their authority must equal their responsibilities.”