INDIANS AT FIJI

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 232, 1 October 1925, Page 13

INDIANS AT FIJI

NEW ZEALAND'S MISSION.

An interesting article by the Rev. A. W. McJlillan appears in the October number of the "Xew Zealand Congregationalist" on Xew Zealand's mission in Fiji. Mr. McilillaD, who had spent many years in the mission field in India, has now for some time been working amongst the Hindus at i<ji. Concerning th-? position, Mr. llcilillan writes: "History is being made. The next ten years will probably decide whether New" Zealand has a peevish, discontented neighbour in the progressive Indian community in Fiji, or a loyal, co-operating friend. Commercial selfishness, the spread of alcoholism and race prejudice may all unite to produc conditions unfavourable to peace at our doors. The Indian community at Fiji is prospering, but it is merely material prosperity in which educative character-forming influences have been neglected by the Government, and the people may prove embarrassing."'

_ Later in the article the writer adds: 'The grpat race problem is at our doors. Arp su,-h weighty matters as the consumption of alcohol, cheap labour, the granting or withholding of the right type of education, the contact and clash of races, the political status of white and non-white citizens of the Empire, to be considered in the light of Christ's teachings or not? Upon that question depends the future peace of Fiji."