THE FUTURE OF FIJI

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2443, 23 April 1915, Page 5

THE FUTURE OF FIJI

CROWN COLONY OR AUSTRALIAN

POSSESSION?

A RUMOUR DEBATED

QUESTION OF INDIAN IMMIGRATION

(By Telegraphs-Preps 'Assn.—Copyright.) Sydnay, April 22. The "Herald" publishes an interview with a gentleman who is thoroughly conversant with the position regarding the rumour that the Commonwealth is likely to secure the control of Fiji. He says: "Australia, will be well advised to leave matters stand' as the.v arc. The main advantages derivable from acquisition would be control of trade and the prevention,of atay menace to' 'Australia from arilnflus of coloured races to the Islands."

Tie paper points out that the'track already secured by Australia and Now Zealand by their geographical position and the prosperity and development of Fiji are wholly dependent on Indian immigration, and it is certain that injmediatelycontrol of the Islapds, passed .to the Commonwealth this immigration would be stopped by the Indian Government, with conneauent disaster to the colony. The Indian Government would never risk a repetition of the Natal troubles.

The influx of Indians to Fiji does not constitute any menace to - Australia, which has already sufficient trouble in regard to tropical developniont without adding to the list the complicated questions of dealing with Fijians and Indians. Another consideration is that a large amount of Australian capital has been invested in the group—over three million in the sugar, industry nJone, besides Very large sums in coconut, banana, and other plantations. A collapse might he expected if the supply of Indian labour suddenly ceased, rind this would he a serious blow to many in Australia. . ■ ■

A Melbotirno message published vwterda.y stated"Mr. Fisher, Federal Prime Minister, questioned vesnrdine a Fiji correspondent's statement that it was rumoured that Fiii was likely to lie brousht under the direct control of 'Australia, said he could pre 110 definite information, because'he had not received any. It was quite unlikely that anything would be done in the matter till the , ! end of the war. The '"paily Telegraph" points out that Mr; Fir,he- does not deny that a transfer is to he made, and adds: 'There are indurations that the .report is correct Fiii is a Crown colony, of w1"oh ,th<s High Commissioner for the Western Pacific is the Governor. .• PRESS COMMENT IN SYDNEY. THE WTTTTTC .AUSTRALIA PROBLEM. ' Sydney, April 22. The "Herald," commenting on the Fiji rumours, says: "There are substantial reasons in the actual development of the srroup for , assuming that." even if the British Government oould find time to debate thu question of its future, no chance could be made. The time "has not even come to discuss the future of Fiji. Britain's mind is so Allied with the war that she is not ready, and our duty to. stand by her is so YJaar that we mny dismiss the matter Without further, words." The "Daily Telegraph" says:' "If '(Australia, assumed' control of Fiii she. would .have to consent to a policy of importing Asiatic labour, or condemn the hulk of the trade and industry by ivhioh the white population in the pro up is now supported to destruction. To admit Fiji, as & coloured State to (i white Australia . would he politically impossible, even if the position of tlie Islands made, its inclusion geographically possible Tvhich it does not,. Xfntil it can be shown that we conld develop Fill better th.tn is being done under present conditions the advantaees of the proposed chance to anyone concerned will Temain undiscovered."

Roth papers discuss the question with ft view of pending changes in the Pacific which nre sure to arise as ft result of the war.