FIJI.

Manawatu Herald, 12 May 1903, Page 2

FIJI.

We have been favoured with » copy of the following correspondence which shows that the Premier s interest in Fiji has not been misplaced ; Steamship “ Tongariro, Teneriffe, Sept. 18,1902.

Sir,—The question of Fiji and the Pacific Islands not having been dealt with at the late Conference, I desire to call your attention to the decrease of the Fijian population, which the Census returns give as being over one thousand a year for the last twenty years, and the late census returns show no improvement, but quite the reverse. The European population in the Fiji islands is also less than it was twenty years ago. The islands are capable of great ’ development,, and whilst the Fijian will not work regularly, yet at certain employment, such as planting, fruit growing, &c., which is intermittent, he, like the Maori, would do this provided the opportunity offered, and his labours were fittingly requitted. The spreading out of the Maoris on new lauds, and with due regard to water supply and sanitation, has gone a long way to prevent their dying out, and they are now on the increase. The newly appointed Governor of the islands will, no doubt, give this matter his attention, and do his best to arrest the dying out of the Fijian race The New Zealand Parliament passed resolutions some time ago agreeing to the annexation of Biji to New Zealand, and in reply thereto the Secretary of State for the Colonies stated that the Fijians who had ceded the islands should be consulted. How, and in what way this was to be done has not yet been intimated to the Now Zealand Government. Petitions have been largely signed by the Fijians, but what has become of the same we do not know. From the present outlook, however, it will be some time before this matter will bo dealt with, add, pending a decision, and New Zealand being largely interested, I very respectfully urge that there should be some European and native members elected to the Executive Council. This has worked well in other similarly situated islands, and would, I feel sure, relieved the strained sjtuation in Fiji, besides being appreciated by both races. I also consider it imperative that a loan should be authorised for the purpose of road making, improving the beds of rivers for navigation, and water supply. Experiments should also ha made on a large scale in cotton growing. This would find employment for the natives, and tako the place of fruit growing, which has of late years, owing to ■ lessened markets, fallen off considerably; with the recent Commonwealth tariff on fruits, there will most likely be a still further falling off. The export of copra could also be largely increased, if extended planting obtained. At present the sugar growi ing industry seems to be the Alpha and Omega of Fiji. It is not wise to have all the eggs in one basket, and should changes eventuate iuimi-. cal to the sugar growing industry, Fiji would be in a very bad Condition. Beet-growing in New Zealand', or a change in our tariff withdrawing concessions now granted on raw sugar, would injuriously affect Fiji sugar growing, and seeing these are contingencies that may . arise, it is Well to further, especially in’the interests of the Fijians, the other industries for which the islands are eminently adapted. I am, &c;, e

R. J, Seddon.

Downing Street, 80th Sept., 1902. My Loan,—l have the honour to inform you that I have received from your Prime Minister a letter dated the 13th inst., in which be intakes certain suggestions with regard to the administration of Fiji. 2. I shall be glad if you will inform him in reply that Sir H: Jackson, the newly appointed Governor of Fiji, has already been asked to report on the question of giving more effective representation in the Council to the European residents; and that his attention will ha drawn: to the other points raised by Mr Beddon, and in particular to the desirability of improving by opening up the lower reaches of the rivers, and by a more extended construction of roads and bridges. "

8. Mr Seddoa will appreciate the fact that it is necessary to move cautiously in dealing with matters of such importance to the future of Fiji, but he may rest assured that his suggestions will receive full coir* sideraiion both from Sir H. Jackson and from myself. I have the honor to be, Your most humble servant, (Sd.) J. Chamberlain. j Governor, the Eight Hon. The Earl of Eanfurly, G.G.M.G.