SUPPORT FOR MR BERKLEY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11500, 5 February 1903, Page 5

SUPPORT FOR MR BERKLEY.

STRONG CHARGES AG.AJINST OFFICIALS. (Received February sth, 12.28 a.m.) SYDNEY, February 4. In the course of an interview, Mr JS. Magnus, well known in connection -with Fiji, declared that Mr Berkley'K charges were only too true. Sir E. Barton's declaration that there was no feeling in favour of annexation displayed wonderful ignorance on the subject, especially in view of the fact that Mr Berkley had taken Home a petition bearing thousands of signatures asking the King io redtess the grievances of the Fijians. Europeans had also eigned the petition. Aβ regards the talk about annexation to New Zealand, there was some misapprehension on the point. The natives wish to amalgamate with anyone who would change the present lamentable state of slavery. Why New Zealand was mentioned co -prominently was because the idea got abroad that the Commonwealth did nob want to have anything to do with 'black people. Another cause wae that New Zealand was much closer, and there was a better chance of trade. New Zealand also was used to (ruling natives, and the Fijians fwould be gladly placed under similar rule as the Maoris. Mr Magnus declares the charges have a good foundation. Traversing Mr Altaidrce's staitementts, he says the question of the incidence of taxation b on* of the strongest grounds of complaint embodied in the petition. H* alleges that the natives are denied trial by jury, and are forced to serve in the nailitary and police. If they refuse they can be sentenced to long terms of imprisonment. As things exist at present a Fijian native ac little better than a slave. If he attempie to leave the colony he can be gaoled for a, lengthy period, and if he stays at home he is put in gaol if he does not work for no-thing. It is ft w«B----known fact that Government officials hare only one side of the etory to tell. They know very well they are having a good time undex iihe presoot regime, and if a change is made they will be found out. There is great, hope, however, from the admiimtiration of the new Governor, Sir U. M. Jackson. (PBES3 ASSOCIATION TEtEOBAM.) WELLINGTON, February 4. Mr Seddon has received a communication through the Governor, stating that the new Governor of Fiji, Sir Henry Jackson, has been asked to' report on the question of giving more effective representation on the ,Council to European icek'tnta and natives. Consideration would be given to Mr S«ddon's suggestions in regard to constructing roads and bridges. The BecrdUwy of State eavs lie Loped Mr Seddon would appreciate tbo necessity for dealing cautiously with matters of importance in Fiji. His suggestions wojld reocivo careful consideration.