FIJI STRIKE.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 February 1920, Page 1

FIJI STRIKE.

OFFICIAL MESSAGES.

WELLINGTON, February 19. The Governor-General has received die following telegram from the Governor of Fiji in regard to the strike ot Indians: “The Commission appointed by me to inquire into the cost of living and rate of wages adjourned on February 10th, in order to await the arrival of the Hon. Badri Bahray, a member of the Legislative Council, who was unable to arrive in time for the first sittings. Some useful evidence lias been taken already. Meanwhile Air S. Chowia, who was nominated by the strike leaders as an additional Indian member of the Commission, has issued the following appeal: “ ‘I appeal to my countrymen to resume work on or before Monday next. The Commission is sitting, and a hope is expressed that good results "ill follow, from its deliberations. I have seen many of your leaders, and they agree •with me that you should take the course I am suggesting. Failing acceptance of my advice, and returning to work on Monday, I shall feel that I shall have to consider whether I should resign my position as your representative on the Commission.’ ” Another message received by the broveminent from the Governor of Fijidated February 17th,"is as follows: ‘•Considerable numbers of Indians re. turned to work at Suva and ®ewa yesterday and to-day. The only affray since the two already reported by me, occurred on February 14th when the police had to disperse a crowd which bad been damaging the bridges between ‘Suva and RyWa. The tfront . rank made a baton charge, but was in danger 0 f being overwhelmed, whereupon the rear rank fired a few revolver shots Three Indians were wounded, of whom one afterwards succumbed, despite prompt medical attention. A MagisLi,vl is beini! held. The d.Bcultv of the police in effecting bloodless dispersals has been greatly enhanced owing to a report sedulously spread by agitators that I bad issued instructions that there was to be no firing m any circumstances whatever. ihe non. Badri Mabray has arrived, and M s dered excellent service by' ° meetings and warning tile In < against mischievous and seditious propaganda, which has nothing to do with the stated grievances, namdy The cost of living and rates of wages. * is a strong suspicion as to the identity Of the ringleaders, hut investigations are not complete. I have appointed a political officer to act in conjunction with the Defence Force, with a view o affording Indians in the d ' s . nfteC ' * * every facility for approaching the Government. There are no developments • 16 regards the northern and western districts, but I hope that the restoration of order here may Imve a good effect there.” . The. Governor-General has received the following telegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies: “I should he glad if your Excellency would inform your Government that the Imperial Government greatly appre- = ciato their action in sending, prompt assistance to Fiji, by the despatch of men and anus from New Zealand.”