The Winter in Fiji

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 227, 8 September 1936, Page 8

The Winter in Fiji

TIME FOR HOLIDAY Hastings Man’s Visit To Island Colony PROGRESS OF ROADING Having spent his pievious vacation in visiting various wellknown and popular scenic and other places in New Zealand, Mr. F. C. Wilkinson, of Hastings, decided this year to go further afield and he chose Fiji as the venue for an extended holiday. He has returned to Hastings with many pleasant memories of this interesting British Crown colony. This was his first visit to the islands, he told a reporter in an interview this morning, and he can recommend tho months of July and August to |New Zealanders as the best time to make a visit for the reason that winter in Fiji is very similar to our midsummer. , “In one respect I was very disappoiiited and that was with the beaches,” said Mr. Wilkinson. “I always had the idea that the islands were full of beautiful sandy, beaches, or coves, but at Fiji they have nothing to compare with the average New Zealand beach. It is hurd to find a sandy beach, tho foreshore being mostly mangrove swamp and the reefs bordering the islands have the effect of stopping the action of the surf breaking on the shore. Certainly some of the beachea are quite picturesque under certain conditions, the effect. of the greenleaied mangroves on the still waters at sunset being particularly pleasing.” BEAUTIFUL SUVA Mr. Wilkinson was impressed with Suva and its harbour, which is capable of berthing several largo boats at the one time. Once the vessels are through the reef they are protected' in all weathers. The city itself was a delightful place, being rich in tropical growth and the residents in a great many instances have set themselves out to make the most of what Nature has provided them with in the laying out of their homes and gardens. “My impression was that there were about as many Indians as there were Fijians,” said Mr. Wilkinson. ‘‘l was given to understand that the Indian element is rapidly increasing. Except for the two large mercantile firms that operate in every port throughout the group, it seemed to me that for the most part the Indians and Chinese vied with each other for supremacy of the stores.” Taxi rides in Fiji proved cheaper than in New Zealand, and there are many, ear and bus services, the majority being Indian-owned. Since the Government’s progressive reading policy had been put into force it was possible now to enjoy a car drive of about 250 miles. It is expected that the complete reading scheme will make it possible for a motor trip to be taken completely round the whole island. It is possible now to make the round trip, but not by car. It is an enjoyable one, the tourist passing through thousands of acres of sugar canes. It was harvesting time when Mr. Wilkinson made his visit and he was very interested in the mode of transport ot the crops. The company provides portable tramway lines into the harvesting districts and these services connect up with the company’s extensive railway service. There are five sugar mills on the island. UNIQUE DISTINCTION •‘Fiji is unique in one respect, I understand,” said Mr. Wilkinson. “It has the only free passenger railway service in the world. This js provided by the sugar company, who run a free passenger train on one day in every week.” Inquiries made concerning educational facilities in the island revealed to Mr. Wilkinson that there is a very progressive and sound Education D«partment, which co-operates with the authorities in New Zealand. He was fortunate in meeting headmasters who hailed originally, from New Zealand, and included was an ex-Hawke’s Bay man, Mr. Hickling. The village school* were conducted by native teachers.

Probably the most pleasant and instructive part of his visit to the island was his tour of the gold mines. “1 wa s amazed at the large settlement and buildings that are ihe result of only about three years development,” he said.

The Emperor Mine, he found, was steadily providing 1000 ounces of gold every month and there was now- being erected a new cyanide plant to produce 12 times that output. Fijian labour was the only labour allowed by the Government and the rate of pay was 2/- per day for surface workers and an extra 6d. per day for underground workers.

‘‘The Fijian is quite a likeable fellow,” said Mr Wilkinson in conclusion. “They live verv simply and appear to be a healthy race. And a happy race, too, judging from their chorus singing, which was delightful to listen to and quite a revelation. Under the present Government they are being given every opportunity to maintain their status, for the land policy of the Government is such that it is not possible to buy the freehold of any native land, tho idea being to keep Fiji for the Fijians.”