He made his

Death Of Vishnu Deo

He made his mark on Fiji

Mr. Vishnu Deo, veteran Fiji politician, who earned wide

respect throughout the colony,

died at Suva on May 7. He was 68.

Born at Navua, Fiji, and educated in Suva, Mr. Vishnu Deo was one of the first Indians elected to the Legislative Council when the Indian community was given the franchise in 1929.

He remained in the council till 1959, when failing health and eye sight led to his retirement.

In his younger days he was a rebel, but as time wore on he mellowed.

One of his first acts when he be came a member of the Legislative Council was to move for a common franchise. When his motion was de feated, he walked out and put in his resignation. He was re-elected at the subsequent election, and in his long years of valuable service in the coun cil eventually earned the title of “Father of the House”.

Continuous efforts

An example of the constant way he hammered on the official door to get his views accepted was his con tinued effort to have the marriageable age for Indians brought more into line with Indian religious beliefs.

The government brought down a bill in support of his representations in Mr. Vishnu Deo’s last term in the Legislative Council.

Outside politics, Mr. Vishnu Deo was an active leader of several Indian organisations and associations. He was a foundation member of the Indian Association of Fiji; he was also a founder of an Indian business concern, Vishal Bharteeya Co., and was associated with a move by Indian cane farmers to establish a mill in the Rewa region after the CSR Co. closed the Nausori mill in 1959.

In 1953, with Ratu George Cakobau and Mr. (now Sir) Maurice Scott, he represented Fiji at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth.

Two years later he was awarded the OBE for public service.

After he retired from politics his advice was still sought and accepted.

Mr. Vishnu Deo was a citizen of Fiji whose name will have an assured

place in the colony’s history.-

Hnb.