BIG BUILDING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 177, 28 July 1934, Page 7

BIG BUILDING.

FIJI UNDISMAYED.

NEW GOVERNMENT OFFICES.

ATTACKING THE DEPRESSION.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

SUVA, July 22,

The best way to beat a superior force is to carry the war into the enemy's camp. The Fiji Government, seemingly not dismayed by the world depression, nor by the low price of copra, which seems to be paralysing a large section of the colony's white population, has decided upon a bold policy of expenditure, which will establish public confidence to some extent, and provide a considerable amount of employment for the many workless men and lads. The movement has a dual aspect, so far as the building of the proposed new Government offices is concerned. It has been decided, according to reliable report, to build the offices, at a cost of over £105,000, on the site of Suva's eyesore, Nangangi, well known to all visitors to the colony's capital. The place consists of a number of small buildings, which are not a credit to an up-to-date city. Their abolition will greatly improve the general appearance of Suva. While this first aspect must appeal to the townsmen, it will mean the removal of the Government offices a further half-mile from the city's business centre, which must prove a great inconvenience. . At the last meeting of the Suva Municipal Council the town clerk laid before the meeting the accounts for the eix months ended June 30, showing excellent condition of affairs. a lie general fund income exceeded the Istimate by £544, and the expenditure was £306 under the estimate. The electricity accounts ehowed a credit balance of £806 on revenue, and a total credit balance of £2114. It was decided to reduce again the cost of lighting current to 6Jd net. Originally the rate was 9d, but it has been steadily reduced owing to the regular profits of the undertaking. Power charges have been reduced from 4d per unit to 2d and Id.