from the Islands Press

STATEMENTS made by the Apostolic Delegate, Arch bishop Domenico Enrici, at Wairiki, [Fiji], underline the right of individual racial communities to preserve their identity in es sential matters . . .

The Archbishop’s reference to standardisation in the present-day world brings to mind the endeavours made at times in Fiji and elsewhere to propagate a theory that some kind of “national unity” can be achieved only by standardising racial groups in ways which would produce nothing better than a hideous jumble of mediocrity.

A reasonable amount of give and-take is essential in a country like Fiji. But in the last 80 years or so the Fijian people have too often been called on to make un necessary sacrifices in order to conform to alien ideas of what is best for everybody.

In its highest forms, Fijian ceremonial still has a significance that should be kept secure.— Editorial in “The Fiji Times”, Suva.

THE great success of last week’s festival of sports has almost certainly ensured that similar inter-island games will be a regular feature of the annual independence holidays [in Western Samoa]. The various sports events drew larger crowds of spectators than has ever been the case before; and the very high standards of per formance raised enthusiasm to a new peak among spectators and competitors alike.

As an inevitable result of in creased interest and more players in the various sports, the already meagre sports facilities available in this country will be more than ever inadequate for our own sportsmen and women. Any thought of conducting another in vitation tournament next year on a bigger scope is out of the question.

There can be no argument about the present disgraceful lack of sporting facilities. Facilities at the race course are so primitive and the course itself so dangerous that according to an experienced New Zealand jockey riding at the independence meeting, if the

course was in New Zealand it would be impossible to get any jockey to ride on it.

There is no tennis court of international standard in the ter ritory, and an admission was even forced out of a Tongan official, whose team proved to be the most sporting and accommodating of people, that facilities for athletes at Apia Park “could have been better”.

The aggravating thing to sports men and officials is that they have been pressing for years for as sistance from those who control the purse strings.— Editorial in “Samoana”, Apia.

ONLY a few years ago, people could proudly say that there was almost no juvenile delinquency in America Samoa. Now the story is very different. Teenage boys wander around in gangs, starting fights among themselves, insulting older people, and beating up in dividual outsiders when the mood strikes them. Many of these children seem destined to grow up into morally diseased adults.

Behind this problem are many causes, but they essentially amount to one thing, neglect on the part of parents. Many Samoan parents look upon 12-year-old children as adults. When their son gets drunk or starts a fight, they think he isn’t doing any harm . . . What they fail to undestand is that when children are not trained to show respect for others, they get worse as they grow older.— Editorial in the “Samoa Times”, Pago Pago.

WE would like to take this opportunity of drawing your attention to our circular concern ing “Christmas Orders for Turkeys, Ducks and Hams”, and point out that we will be unable to accept orders for these items after the end of June.— Wholesale Society advertisement in “Colony Infor mation Notes”, newsletter of the (far-flung) Gilbert and Ellice Islands.

HTHE [American Samoan] Gov- A ernment, and in particular the Department of Public Works, is to be commended for another achievement the bringing of electricity to Aunu’u Island.

[Aunu’u, an almost circular island of about one square mile, is about a mile from the south-eastern tip of the main island of Tutuila].

When the Governor pulled the switch that brought the elec tricity ... it marked a new era for the 700 people who live on the island. It means the end to the dangerous transfer of gas and kerosene for lights. The residents of Aunu’u may now have refri geration, watch television, and benefit from hundreds of other uses of electricity.— Editorial in “Samoa News”, Pago Pago.

WITH the sharp increase in the number of consumers draw ing upon the electricity supply [on Norfolk Island] the present generating plant is fully taxed at peak hours. Several blackouts have occurred through the system being overloaded at these times.

The risk of blackouts and their associated inconveniences can be minimised if all consumers co operate. Editorial notice in “Norfolk News”.

AT this critical moment when Fiji is passing through a serious political change, it is very important for the people of Fiji to have more mutual understand ing and goodwill among them selves.

The present situation demands from all the races of Fiji peace, tolerance and foresightedness, without which mutual understand ing and goodwill can’t be achieved.

If one race starts attacking another race and seizes their rights, then there will be a danger of enmity and racial tension.

There are some “opportunist” and “self-interested” leaders who are trying to injure the future of Fiji in this way. Some are threatening that they themselves will go away from the Colony, while others are being threatened they will be expelled by force.

Some papers are trying to put fat in the fire by praising one race and denouncing the other.

All this can’t be regarded as goodwill and mutual understand ing, but a way to push Fiji towards destruction.— Editorial in “Jagriti”, (Hindustani weekly), Nadi , Fiji.