FIJI SUGUR INDUSTRY

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1921, Page 2

FIJI SUGUR INDUSTRY

F.FFKCTS OF Till-: STItIKF. (1 FTP FT MUCH RIAI'IXISHF.D. The bosom of the Australian sitells with pride when he* visits Fiji and sees th,. immense estahlislunents of the Colonial Sugar Refilling Company, the most live institution in that land and in many ways a mighty civilising force, writes the special commissioner of the ‘ Sydney Morning Herald’ . The sugar industry which overshadows everything in the island colony, was with the'strike of the Indians, brought practically to a stambtill. and all other industries there have more or less suffered. That strike was well organised and fraught, it seems generally to he recognised, "ith deeper significance than the general run of industrial disturbances, being probably hut the 1‘

ginning of a sea of troubles that many think await the white race in those regions of the earth which tile coloured man may consider that nature primarily intends for him. I’m that as it may. the effect of the strike upon this year’s sugar operations lias hem very serious. The output of nil (ills has been much diminished, and as the strike has extended over this year’s planting season. next year’s output will he aft feted also. No extensions have been possible all plantations have gone hack for want of cultivation and what little cane has been planted, and which has had to be paid for at high wages will be required for seed purposes. Tilts menus that the mills will have to be kept going practically on rations .-done. I*or all the companies both a Melbourne and a Vancouver company operate in Fiji as well as the C.S.R. there is a certain loss ahead for this year unless a high price for sugar be still maintained in .lava, which controls the Pacific markets. In lliat country the planters are now in a very strong position, with an ample supply of cheap labour, iUld the Fiji sugar has to meet theirs in open competition in New Zealand and elsewhere.