THE FIJI CONSTITUTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12708, 10 November 1904, Page 4

THE FIJI CONSTITUTION.

"Illfllip'

The conciliatory statement officially made by the Governor of Fiji in his minute to the letters patent providing for .-the-future administration of the islands, should ensure to the new constitution the hearty goodwill of every loyal British subject. It is frankly stated that it is too late to make any alteration in the conditions set forth, as they have been very / carefully '■, considered by the Secretary of State and by the late Governor of the colony and his immediate advisers, and have been formally signed by His Majesty the , King. It goes on to say, however, that "I feel that should an adequately long experience of the conditions now to be tried prove : that further changes are desirable, such further changes will in due course be carefully considered by His Majesty the King and his advisers." Wei do not suppose that many? unprejudiced observers of Fijian affairs have retained great confidence -in the tact of " the late Governor and his immediate advisers,". but: a man may be [ very taction and yet thoroughly I honest and sincere in his desire to establish a practical constitution, and the British Secretary of State unquestionably desired to alleviate Fijian discontent. As we said when reviewing the very accurate forecast .of the constitution, ;it may not give every satisfaction, but it is a reasonable step in the right direction and i an attempt to deal with the difficulties that beset all mixed populations in which the British is a very small element. It is entitled to a full, fair and sufficient trial before any reasonable ?■ outcry can be raised against it. If this trial is not given it will help to convince many that Fiji is one of the places where even the most elementary voice in government cannot safely be accorded.