FIJIAN AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12070, 13 September 1902, Page 3

FIJIAN AFFAIRS.

DR. FOX'S .MISSION TO ENGLAND. Dr.. Geobrh Fox, the delegate appointed to go to England and place the grievances cf the native Fijinns before tue Secretary of State for the Colonies, was; in Wellington last wee!;, and a representative of the New Zealand Times took occasion to see him on the subject of his mission to London. ' Dr. Fox, who was accompanied by Mr. Riemenschneider, chairman of the Fijian Federation League, willingly granted an interview. In reply to questions as to whether the condition of affairs-in Fiji had not improved recently, Dr. Fox said tilings were as baa a- ever. Tin's is all due. ho .-.aid, to Mr. Seddon's interference in Fijian affairs not having been backer! up by the Home Government. This, lie added, is exemplified by what has happened in Fiji during the past month. A cable was received in Suva to the effect that Mr. Chamberlain was not disposed to advocate the federation of Fiji with either New Zealand or the -Commonwealth at present." hi reply to a question as to what, he intended asking 'the Imperial authorities to do, Dr. Fox said: — Failing federation with New Zealand or the Commonwealth, we desire to have' an elective Legislative Council, and a Royal' Commission entirely-independent to inquire into the native regulation's";, and more particularly with regard to the •spee'ial jurisdiction which applies'"to natives apart from that obtainable in the ordinary courts of law. This system of judicature has, been, Hithertoconsidered by the Administration to justify them in confining natives, without t'ne usdal forms of constitutional law being complied with, and in direct contravention of the Habeas Corpus Act, the greatest safeguard' of the liberty of a British subject." Dr. Fox had an interview with Sir .Joseph "Ward, the -Acting-Premier. He (Dr. Fox) had made a full statement of the position of affairs in Fiji to the Acting-Premier, especially pointing to him that, seeing that the encouragement held out to iho natives of x'iji by tho Government of New Zealand in theso matters of reform of native administration so urgently desired by them has been the occasion of further oppression by the Fiji Government, it is clearly the duty of the Government of New Zealand to represent matters to Mr. Chamberlain in such a way that the Fijian?, shall be freed from punishment, for the only crime of which they have so far been guilty—that of signing a petition, for the federation of Fiji with New Zealand. Dr. Fox, accompanied by Mr. Rieiqensohneicler, -went on to Sydney by the YVestralia on Saturday last. The doctor will continue his journey to .England with as little delay as possible: but 'Mr. Rieinonschneider will remain in Sydney for some time, and hopes to see 'Mr. Seddon on his return, in order to place that gentleman in full possession of the latest facts regarding the treatment of the Fijians.