FUTURE OF FIJI

Press, Volume C, Issue 29697, 15 December 1961, Page 20

FUTURE OF FIJI

Fijians Demand Control (NJZ. Press Association) SUVA, December 13. For the first time in Fiji’s history, Fijian chiefs and commoners in the Legislative Council today quietly but firmly demanded that when Britain ultimately relinquishes control Fiji should be handed back to the indigenous Fijian people. The paramount chief, Ratu George Cakobau, a direct descendant of King Cakobau, who, with high chiefs, voluntarily ceded the whole Fiji group to Queen Victoria in 1874, said: “When independence comes to Fiji, let the British Government return Fiji to the Fijians in the spirit in which the Fijians gave Fiji to Great Britain.” Ratu Penaia Ganilau, who for a time commanded Fijian troops in the Malaya campaign, said: “I would like it recorded here that when the time comes for the great change, the running of this colony must be handed over to the Fijians.” Ratu Penaia said Fijian members had asked for one extra seat in the Legislative Council in recognition of their special position by virtue ot the 1874 deed of cession. This request, he said, had been supported by the European members, but opposed by all but one Indian. He could only suppose the Indian attitude was due to fear.