FIJIANS AND THEIR HAND.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 78, 31 March 1908, Page 4

FIJIANS AND THEIR HAND.

A meeting of the Fijians took place" at Mr. Humphrey Berkeley's house in Suva recently, to discuss the best means to be taken to preserve the rights of the natives to their lands. This arose from the petition which has been presented by the Planters' Association to his Excellency the Governor to be forwarded to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Mr. Berkeley, in addressing the chiefs, said he had carefully read the planters' petition to the Secretary of State, and he did not think that the native owners of lands in Fiji had any reason to be disturbed in their minds on this account. There were chiefs present who had witnessed the cession of Fiji to Great Britain over 30. years ago. Their first Governor, Sir Arthur Gordon, had told them that he was charged by the Queen to say that the lands were theirs. Every one of his successors in office had recognised their claims to the lands. The Government at the present moment was recognising their rights. Why then should there be uneasiness? It might be as well, however, in order to strengthen (if possible) their position to present to his Excellency a counter petition. The Rev. Mr. Small, in addressing the chiefs, said that the planters' petition asked, among other things, for .a ruling with regard to what were called surplus lands (vanua liwa). He felt sure, however, that there would he no reversal of the policy hitherto followed by the Imperial authorities, with regard to the ownership of native lands in Fiji. It was clear they might confidently trust their interests to the King and his representatives. They should possess their souls in patience and return to their homes without misgiving. They|?i)uld always rely on the Mission helping them in all real trouble.

After some further discussion, it was resolved that a petition should be drawn up and presented to his Excellency the Governor praying him to. _a__gis_d_t___v, mte¥e__s_cf_2i«--IS|Hns s .