But some have doubts
p. 25 · Read in the full issue
A small section of well-in formed opinion is not happy about the “harmonious discus sions” which are proceeding in Fiji between Alliance and Federation Parties.
The Chief Minister has been under pressure by the Federa tion to accept, in the new Con situation, the common roll as the basis of Legislative Council elec tions, in place of the present communal roll system. The com mon roll would leave the Fijians open to Indian domination.
Some observers fear that the Federation is arguing that an Upper Chamber, with a large membership of Fijian Chiefs, would be a sufficient safeguard for Fiji interests, and thus they may persuade the Alliance to accept the common roll.
They believe that the common roll in Fiji would lead inevit ably to the racial strife, political confusion and economic loss, already experienced in similar circumstances in Mauritius and British Guiana, where immigrant Indians secured political control as soon as these British colonies were given independence.