FIJI AFFAIRS

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 817, 4 February 1903, Page 2

FIJI AFFAIRS

By Telegraph—Press Association—CopyrighJ Sydney, Feb. 3.

Mr Allardyco, of Fiji, who is on a visit hero, reiterated bis statement that tho predominant feeling of Fijian natives was to be left to themselves. They were happy and contended, and did net want annexing by Now Zealand, the Commonwealth or any other Power, but simply to go on their own quiet peaceful way unmolested. ft.

Feb. 2. Mr Humphrey Berkeley alleges that the Fijians aro subjected to official tyranny and crushing taxation, and urges tbo Colonial Office to appoint a Commission of Enquiry.

ALLAEDYCE AND BERKELEY. WHO TELLS THE TRUTH? By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 11.36 p.m., Feb. 3. Sydney, Feb. 3. . Mr Allardyce, interviewed, gave an unqualified denial to Mr Berkeley’s cable making allegations in reference to Fiji. He discounts their importance by counter injunctions on the score o£ political motives. In the absence of anything definite to answer Mr Allardyce contented himself with a general contradiction. He declared that there was no official tyranny on the Islands. Speaking broadly, he admitted there might be individual cases of injustice just as there are in all countries, but they were always remedied when brought to light. Further, he said thero had been no complaints re the incidence of taxation, and no ground for complaint, excepting in Berkeley’s imagination. There had been no public agitation and no unwillingness to pay the taxes imposed.