AFFAIRS OF FIJI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20563, 14 May 1930, Page 11

AFFAIRS OF FIJI.

REVIEW BY GOVERNOR.

OPENING OF SESSION,

(Hocoiv<id May 18. 5.5 p.m.) SUVA, May 13

Tho session of the Legislative Council of Fiji was opened to-day by the Governor, Sir Murchison Fletcher. The Governor in his address said the revenue in 1929 was £678,000, and the expenditure £642,000. There was a surplus balance of £194,000. Sir Murchison emphasised the need for economic development. The absence of malaria was an asset of incalculable value. He favoured extensive road development on Vililevu, and provision for tho inauguration of an inter-island air servico.

Tho new subsidy for the mail between Canada and Australia and New Zealand is to bo considered. The Governor referred to tho necessity that the steamers should remain for six hours of daylight.

His speech contained an exhaustive exposition of education for Indians, for whom he favours vocational training. It was stated that 5.63 per cent, of tho Indian population of Fiji were students, compared with 3.47 in India. Tho Governor eulogised tho achievement ol the Colonial Sugar Refining Company with its Indian tenants.

Regarding Indian representation on the Legislative Council, he said he was prepared to issue a writ, if any division desired representation.