PROGRESS IN FIJI

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22346, 18 February 1936, Page 15

PROGRESS IN FIJI

IMPROVED BUSINESS TONE SIR HENRY SCOTT'S VIEWS " Fiji is in the happy condition of being solvent, and has been able to balance its Budget," said Sir Henry Scott, K.C., who arrived yesterday by the Aorangi on a short holiday visit to the Dominion, during which he will fish both at Russell and Taupo. Sir Henry, who is a member of both the Executive and Legislative Councils of Fiji, is joining Lady Scott, who has been in Auckland for some time.

A number of factors wero playing their part in the present recovery in the colony, Sir Henry stated. The recent discovery of gold and the development of mining had naturally benefited local trade. The industry had now reached the stage who# the good mines were reaching the profitable phase, while those that were not good would go out. The improvement of copra prices had also been extremely welcome, especially as coconut growing was still one of the basic industries. The rapidlyincreasing tourist traffic had received a still further impetus from the building of the road round the main island. This road, which was upward of 200 miles in length, would shortly be completed, and would provide visitors with every opportunity of seeing the true beauties of the typical Fijian scenery. " The colony is at present deeply interested in the sugar negotiations conducted in Britain," Sir Henry said. " With sugar still forming the principal product of Fiji, any reduction in output would be a serious thing for us. Even a drop of 10,000 tons out of the normal yield of up to 150,000 tons would be a serious thing, especially under the prevailing system of tenant growers, who sell their enne to the main company."