THE TRADE OF FIJI.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 4577, 1 May 1922, Page 4

THE TRADE OF FIJI.

REVIVAL OF OPTIMISM. Suva, April 17. The recent visit of tho Indian Mission appears to have been the climax to a reign of pessimism which has for months held Fiji in its grip. The failure of the mission and its departure from the colony have tended to clear tho air. While the labour qiiestion remains unsolved tho colonists realise that the uncertainty of India's attitude to Fiji does not now dominate the situation. A considerable section of tho community is strongly in favour of white farmers for reasonably small areas being encouraged to settle in tho colony. Nothing can be done until the Government declares itself as agreeable to some such policy. Failing that, it is urged that the Government cease drifting and come forward with a definite series of proposals with the object of increasing the production of the colony. Business generally shows signs of revival, however. The wholesale drop in the prices of building material has revived schemes for building, and tho first two dwellings to be erected—for quite a long time—are now well under weigh. Messrs Hackshall and Company have a largo concrete biscuit factory about half completed. Tenders are out for two or three , large stores, and it is understood that the Pacific Gable Board intends erecting several residences for its staff. Timber that cost 80s per 100 ft lately is now being landed at 30s from Vancouver, and everything points to a considerable easing up shortly of tho house scarcity which has been very' acute for a year or two. The futuroj outlook can be regarded as brighter.! —Auckland Herald. 1