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Hokitika Guardian, 14 September 1933, Page 6

BACK TO INDIA

FIJI INDIANS GO HOME. COLOURFUL WHARF SCENE. SUVA; September 1Once a year a ship comes, from India bringing Indian emigrants to Fiji and returning with Indians who-came out to the colony under the' old indenture system, or their descendants. These people are free to return to India at the Government.V expense,' but it is only a very small proportion of the Indians in the colony entitled to this privilege that’ take advantage of this offer, the Indian indeed being in much better circumstances in Fiji than in India.

The Indian ship loft for Tndia last Wednesday, taking 475 Indians, some of whom were taking advantage of the indenture privilege, hut the majority merely went on holiday. Tt is the ambition of most Indians to go to India some day, and many save their money with that prospect in view. It is estimated from the official lists that by these Indians who left last week approximately £24,000 was taken out of the colony. Most of it was in bank drafts, but £2250 wa s made up of money orders and postal notes. The total, however; does not include the sovereigns and half-sovereigns attached to neck and arm ornaments which in themselves must Fade* amounted to a considerable sum. To 'strike a. general average of the actual money taken, including children and babies in arms, it means that every person on hoard took an average of slightly over £sl. The scene at the ship’s side just prior to her departure was aMvery animated .one. In addition to the'depai'ting pas. «nngers the wharf was packed with Indians who had come-tm bid farewell to relatives and frichds. Tt'-wks '-'a ■ mixture of colour and a babel Tjf different

tongues. Hinclim. Sikhsf 'MiuVhssi's and Pun in bis rubbed shoulders/ while here and there could he seefr the keen .features am] hooked nose of the Path an. Indian-Boy Scouts • did"~their good deed for the day by assisting passengers with their luggage. Children and women wept copiously as they made their farewells* and in a babel of sound and amidst i a riot of qolour the Ganges drew out : into the stream and sailed with her; pilgrim passengers for Mother India.. - - - ■ - ••• ' ' •