NEW ZEALAND AND FIJI.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11937, 10 January 1901, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND AND FIJI.

Press Association-By Telegraph-Copyright. SYDNEY, January 9, (Received Jan. 9, at 9.31 a.m.) The Telegraph says that the alleged threat to deport a Fiji missionary for advocating federation with New Zealand calls imperatively for investigation. Tlie question involved is far more important than merely one of whether the missionary had exceeded his privileges. A determined attack had been made by a reputable person on the Crown colony system, and if (hat system ivas being mahidministered in Fiji, then no time should be lost in putting it on a basis that was more humane and more consistent in its intention. Another reason for the investigation of the political condition of those islands generally is that the High Commissioner had recently made a speech attacking the colonial governing system, and thus he himself would seem to have exceeded his functions. The missionary charges represent a further indication that the governing state of the islands is not what it should be.> (Received January 9, at 9.5 a.m.) Mr Seddon, on being interviewed in reference to the Fiji trouble, said that in Sydney there was great apathy in regard to the matter. The people did not understand how closely the general question lay to the Commonwealth of Australia. He could scarcely believe that the Governor of Fiji could go to the extreme course indicated, because the act under which he is working is obsolete, and,was -passed at a time when the conditions in Fiji were altogether different from now. To apply it now to a man like Mr flade was absolutely improper. He intended to send a remonstrance to the Colonial Office.,