How The Silsoe Report Originated

Some mystery attends the origin of the Silsoe report on Fiji’s copra industry.

When British Colonial Office Top Brass were examining conditions in Fiji a few months ago, there appeared to be some squabbling between the Vanua Levu copra-planters and the Suva millers. It then was sug gested that the industry might be examined in the same way — and, per haps, with the same happy result—as the sugar industry was examined and reported on, a couple of years ago.

The question arose at once: Who should make the survey? Someone said: “If only Sir Trustram Eve {who then was not Lord Silsoe) would do the job!”

Top Brass treated the suggestion seriously. “Why not ask him ”

Forthwith, an enquiry was cabled to London and, to everyone’s surprise Sir Trustram Eve said he would be happy to oblige—and was in a position to come quickly.

But, for reasons that need not be elaborated upon here, neither the British Colonial Office or the Fiji Governor was willing to issue a Com mission for the enquiry, as had been done in the sugar case.

The copra planters and the copra millers were invited to issue a formal request for a survey by the man who had now become Lord Silsoe. But neither was prepared to take the responsibility suggested.

While everyone still was dithering, Lord Silsoe arrived in the Colony and marched straight into action. He commanded public goodwill, made a thorough survey, and lost no time in formulating his report and recom mendations.

But right up to this day, no one knows exactly for whom he is acting.

His report is not addressed to anyone in particular—it is accepted as being a report for the assistance of the Government and the various copra interests concerned. Usually, such documents are addressed to the Governor.

All that is known officially is that the Government of Fiji is paying the costs of the survey and of the printing—reported to be about £B,OOO.

The report was printed in both English and Fijian, before being issued.

There is no doubt that it becomes an official document — presumably, it goes before the Executive Council and the Legislative Council when the necessary formalities are concluded, and the Fiji Copra Board will have official status and authority similar to the board now happily in control of the Fiji sugar industry.