MISSIONS IN FIJI

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12602, 4 March 1903, Page 5

MISSIONS IN FIJI

REPORT BY THE SECRETARY OF

METHODIST MISSIONS.

Press Association—By Telegrapli—Copyright.

SYDNEY, March 3. (Received March 4, at 0.47 a.m.) Tho Rev.' Mr Brown, general secretary of the missions, made a lengthy statement with regard to clnircli affairs in Fiji. He said that amongst the chief points for consideration were the aggressive character and work of the Roman Catholic Bishop and missionaries aud the Seventh Day Adventists, the large and ever-increasing influx of Indians, and the political unrest amongst the natives caused in a great measure hy tho agitation in favour of federation with New Zealand. There was a desire for more self-government by the people, and there was a growing desire in tho minds of Fijians for higher education. Another grievance was the poll tax. Did the conference wonder that somo of them felt strongly on that matter and wanted to bring it to the attention of the Fijian authorities, or, if necessary, to tho notice of the British House of Commons? His opinion was that as at prosent levied it a cruel injustice. He appealed for an increase of the missionary staff amongst tho Indians. During the discussion the Rov. Mr Carruthers asked if it was ;t fact that on the occasion of the swearing-in of the Governor the Catholic bishop was given the first place at tho function, while the Wesleyaa chairman, who virtually is Bishop of Fiji, was relegated to an inferior position. The Rev. Mr Brown replied that it did occur.