AFFAIRS IN FIJI

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 831, 4 March 1903, Page 2

AFFAIRS IN FIJI

RELIGIOUS TROUBLES.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 12.47 a.m., March 4. Sydney, March 3.

Tho Methodist Conference decided to appoint a married minister for Norfolk Island and proclaim it a circuit. Tho Rev. Mr Brown, General Secretary of Missions, in a lengthy statement regarding church affairs in Fiji, said that amongst tho chief points of consideration were the aggressive character of the work of the Roman Catholio Bishop and missionaries arid tho Seventh Day Adventists, and tho large increase in tho influx of Indians. Tho political unrest amongst the natives was caused in a great measure by tho agitution in favor of federation with New Zealand ; there was a desire for rnoro self-government by tho people. There was a growing desire in tho minds of Fijians for higher education. Another grievance was tho poll-tax. Did Conference wonder that some of them folt Btrongly in tho matter, and wanted to bring it to tho attention of tho Fijian authorities, or if necessary to the notico of tho British House of Commons 'l His opinion was that as at prosent levied it was a cruel injustice. He appoalod for an increase of the missionary staff amongst the Indians.

During the discussion tho Rev. Mr Carruthers asked if it was a fact that on tho occasion of the swearing in of the Governor the Catholic Bishop was given first place at tho function, while the Wesleyan Chairman, who was virtually Bishop of Fiji, was relegated to an inferior position.

Mr Brown replied that it did occur,