SIR ARTHUR GORDON'S NATIVE POLICY.

Clutha Leader, Volume III, Issue 138, 2 March 1877, Page 6

SIR ARTHUR GORDON'S NATIVE POLICY.

♦ — ■ — • A political experiment of a most interesting* character is now being 1 made by the Governor of Fiji. His object seems to be to encourage habits of forethought and self-reliance amongst the native population, and thus gradually to prepare them for 'the freer political institutions which may be expected ultimately- to develop from the occupation of the islands by the English. To facilitate this end he has constituted a sort of Native Council of Advice, comprising amongst its representatives all the Roko Tuis of provinces, some of the native stipendiary magistrates,, a considerable number •" of the Buli's of districts, and others in high repute among the islanders. The council assembles once a year to debate all matters affecting native interests,- and submits its advice to His Excellency in the form of definite resolutions. Last year its deliberations were held in the native Protestant Church at Waikava, a little village in the province of Cakaudrovi. ft remained in session for upwards of three weeks, its proceedings being conducted in secret, as no white man was permitted to be present after Sir Arthur Gordon had opened the Council in person on November 23. It is satisfactory to observe, from what has since transpired, that the natives appear to appreciate the incipient political privileges accorded them, and that they discussed with gravity and earnestness important matters affecting their welfare. The subjects which engaged their attention included the boundaries ofthe provinces, the equitable division of the lands, the special and general rights of the chiefs and the people, the labour question, &c. On each of these, as well as on otherkindred subjects, resolutions were arrived at and submitted to Hi 3 Excellency for his approval as representing the view of the natives of Fiji. A section ofthe white population appears to regard these proceedings with undisguised jealousy. The advice tendered to the Governor is descried as not representing the view of the native population, but merely the ideas of a dominant class, whose sympathies and interests are opposed to those over whom . they still hold sway as chiefs. The rancour which the dissatisfied portion of the community exhibits naturally induces, impartial observers to receive their conclusions with considerable caution. Experience has taught us that the policy of recognising the claims ot the native population to some share in the government has proved beneficial in New Zealand, where representatives of the Maori race are even admitted to a voice in the Executive. It is to be hoped that similar success will result from the enlightened and humane policy now being pursued by Sir Arthur Gordon. — Australasian.