A BALANCED BUDGET IN FIJI

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21710, 18 February 1936, Page 10

A BALANCED BUDGET IN FIJI

SEVERAL REASONS FOR RECOVERY BENEFITS FROM TOURISTS AND : GOLD-MINING [THE PRESS Special Service.] AUCKLAND, February 17. “Fiji is in the happy condition of being solvent, and has been able to balance its budget,” said Sir Henry Scott, K.C., who arrived by the Aorangi on a short visit to the Dominion, during which he will fish' both at Russell and Taupo. Sir Henry, who is a member of both the Executive and Legislative Councils of Fiji, is joining Lady Scott, who has been in Auckland for some time. ■/ Several factors were playing their part :n the present recovery of the colony, Sir Henry said. The recent discovery of gold and the development of mining had naturally benefited local trade. The industry had now reached the stage when good mines were reaching the profitable phase, while those that were not good would go out. The improvement of copra prices had also been extremely welcome, especially as coconut growing was still one of the basic industries. The rapidly increasing tourist traffic had received still further impetus from the building of a road round the main island. This road, which was upward of 200 miles, in length, ■ would shortly be completed, and would provide visitors with every opportunity of seeing the true beauties of typical Fijian scenery. “The colony is at present deeply interested in the sugar negotiations ‘ being conducted in Britain,” Sir Henry said. “With sugar forming the principal product of Fiji, any reduction in output would be a serious thing for us. Every drop of 10;000 tons out of the normal yield of up to 150,000 tons would be a serious thing, especially under the prevailing, system of tenant growers, who sell their cane to the main company.” «