AFFAIRS IN FIJI.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 October 1921, Page 5

AFFAIRS IN FIJI.

INCREASE OF INDIANS. BUDGET SHOWS DEFICIT, NEW CUSTOMS TARIFF. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Oct. 27, 8.15 p.m. Suva, Oct. 27. The Legislative Council was opened this morning. " The Governor’s address expresses pleasure that the Indian strike has ended and that immigration of .Indian labor from India has been resumed. He refers to the direct steamship service to England ae benefiting the- colony and forging a closer link between the Mother Country and the Pacific colonies. Owing to the financial stringency the flying service will not be adopted for the present. The census shows a decrease in Fijians, while the Indian population has increased and shows that the disparity of sexes has nearly disappeared. The repatriation of Indians during 1921 cost £>134.443, and with the extra heavy cost of settling soldiers, etc., the colony faces a deficit of £217,000 at the end of the current year. The Secretary for State has agreed to lend the colony £2OO/100 at the bank rate. It is estimateci that expenditure will be £567.000. The Budget provides for increased revenue by a reduction of exemption under income tax and the revision of the customs tariff, including the re-imposition of a duty on foodstuffs, which was remitted at the beginning of this ye:T. The principle of preference to British goods is introduced for the first time. It is proposed to spend £40,000 on a new Government House. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.