FIJI NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 164, 11 July 1919, Page 7

FIJI NEWS.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. . _—— C SOME BIG QUESTIONS. ; THE LABOUR PROBLEM. . (Special to "Star." ) SUVA, June 28. The chief event of the week was the opening of the rir.-t session of the Legis- . lative Council for KM.). There was a large gathering of spectators, including Lady Kodwell, who was accompanied by Captain Ould (private secretary), the Acting-Chief Justice, and many planters. The Governor, who appeared in full uniform, delivered a lengthy inaugural address, which was, if anything, a rather depressing one. Only the barest ot mention was given to the two big questions facing Fiji to-day, the scarcity ot labour, and the great need of a progressive loan policy to provide roads or light railways to open up the country and inter-island steamer connection !>y which business be'ween the various centres could be promoted. First of all reference was made to the influenza epidemic, to the SOOO deaths caused thereby, and to the timely help ■riven by New Zealand and Australia, Now that the war was over, several matters which had been held in suspense were receiving attention, such as the establishment of a Government inter-in-ular line of steamers, and direct steam service- to the United Kingdom and India, the storage of coal and oil fuel in Suva Harbour, a new Colonial Hospital, the utilisation of seaplanes for postal and other services, the electric lighting scheme for Suva, the reorganisation of the Defence Force, providing land for returned soldiers, and the establishment of a war memorial. Reference was made to the way employers were facing the serious shortage of labour created by the suspension of immigration from" India. The situation was viewed with calmness and courage, and "when prejudices and misunderstandings were cleared away, the colony will resume its progress towards that prosperity which climatically, geologically, and geographically it may claim as its natural heritage. It is felt that the first aim should be to create a better understanding in responsible circles in India and a more favourable view of the conditions prevailing here, and of the prospects offered to Indian immigrants." A veterinary officer liad at last been appointed, and Lieut.-Colonel J. WRainey, 0.8.E;, of the Army Veterinary Corps, was on his way out, and it was hoped that liis presence would give a great impetus to cattle raising. A definite statement was made as to the Government attitude to the natives regarding their use of the land. During his recent visit to Kadavu and Beqa and other isands, his Excellency liad told the Roko's the chiefs must cultivate their land, and not allow it to remain idle- This policy would be enforced throughout the gr.oup. Of recent, years, especially since the payment of native taxes was allowed in cash instead of produce, native production had fallen to a negligible quantity, and the natives would neither use their lands nor in many cases lease it for others to use. '"The Government," said his Excellency, ''has taken measures with a view to the enforcement cf the provision in the native regulations by which natives are required j to cultivate sufficient land to yield a I specified quantity of produce." FINANCE AND INDUSTRIES. Reference to the financial and industrial position in the colony showed liow seriously the lack of labour lias affected production. The export of sugar had- '< fallen from 120,000 tons in 1916 to 97.000 tons in .1917, to 63,000 tons in 1918. The value of green fruit (chiefly bananas) had fallen from f205,000 'in 191 Cto £169,000 in 1917, and £132..000 in 1918. The export of copra,, however, tad risen from 13.000 tons in 1916 to 15.000 tons in 1917, to 19,000 tons in 1918. The actual revenue for 1918 was £371,000, against an expenditure of £342,000, leaving a credit surplus of £29,000. The total accumulated (surplus balances amounted on December 31 to £109.000, and the public debt, including what is owing on account of the Suva Harbour works, was £173,000. The colony's total indebtedness was therefore only £4000. The position was so satisfactory as to justify the inception of much-needed public works, but whether these should be provided from surplus balances or by means of a loan requires careful consideration. Reference was made to Fiji's splendid contributions to war funds through the local Red Cross branch amounting to no less than £07,000, under a committee under the presidency of Mrs. Eyre Hutson. " • PUBLIC WORKS POLICY. A large part of the opening day was occupied by.an unfinished debate by the elected members on a motion by Hon- J. M. Hedstrom that the colony pursue a vigorous loan policy of public works., As we have practically no roads in Fiji; the rich interior lands, especially of the larger islands, were practically untounched while tha scanty steamer services among the various islands greatly retarded progress and .production. TWO BIG QUESTIONS. The outlook of the colony depends upon two things chiefly—the question of securing a fresh supply of coolie labour and rthe pursuit of a vigorous works policy. The lands question must also soon demand attention. The ownership of practically all the land by the natives is greatly hindering the development of the colony. The native will only lease land when it suits him or when his liver is in order. He won't use it himself, he won't let anyone else use it, and so long as each community gets enough cash in rents to-supply its simple wants its members won't even work. The result is that the towns are full of idle natives, who are learning many lessons in mischief, while plantations are being hung up for lack of labour and the colony is kept back from the path of progress which nature and the times demand of it. BREAKING OF THE DROUGHT, i After a lengthy speil of unseasonable dry weather we are now getting good rains. LORD LIVERPOOL'S VISIT. During the week we are expecting a visit from Lord Liverpool (GovernorGeneral of New Zealand), and his Excellency is assured of a very hearty welcome. SENTENCED TO BE HANGED. At the Lantoka criminal sessions, before the Acting-Chief Justice, an Indian, Veukataram Chettv, was sentenced to be hanged for the murder of a woman of reputed looso character called Maria, whom he did to death in his store with a bar of iron.

An Indian named Chattar Singh, was charged with murdering a woman, Manei and two men, Mamaud and Rambali Tig parties were all sleeping in the one' hut and in the morning the three were found cut to death with a mattock. Accused was acquitted. , Murugappa Reddy was found "uiltv of the manslaughter of an Indian. "The attack occurred over a quarrel between their wives. He got off with six months lamaplya was sentenced to he hun°- for murdering his wife. ° FATAL ACCIDENT. i Mr. Egon yon Heydebrand. an old Island resident, lost his life while clrivins in, Apia with a friend in a native conveyance. The horse shied opposite the Toiaina Club. Apia, and Mr. Hevdebrand's head collided heavily -n-ith" an iron post. He was of a noted German famlv. The Hon. Roger Greene, M.L.C.. Regis-trar-General, ha? left the Fiji Civil Service after v long and valuable career, and has accepted the position of secretary to the High Commissioner of tlie Western r-aciiic vice Mr. A. L. Aytou, who has gone to England.