§ 40. Mr. BANFIELDasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the municipal referendum at Suva on the question of abolishing the electoral principle and substituting nomination in the appointment of the legislative council; and whether, as 80 per cent. of the voters opposed the suggested alteration in the constitution, he will consult the European and Indian populations of Fiji, either by a referendum or by a general election, before acceding to the request made in the legislative council for such an alteration?
Mr. THOMASI can only assume that the hon. Member is confusing two distinct matters. I am not aware of any referendum having taken place with regard to appointments to the Fiji Legislative Council. During October last a referendum was conducted by the Mayor of Suva concerning certain changes affecting the Municipal Council which had been enacted by Ordinance of the Legislative Council. The question was again raised in the Legislative Council during November, when a motion for postponing the operation of the Ordinance was rejected.
§ 47. Mr. MORGAN JONESasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the chief justice of Fiji, who is at present on leave in this country, has had his attention directed to the circumstances under which certain civil proceedings against the chief justice were settled out of court; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
Mr. THOMASI am in communication with the Governor of Fiji on the matter, but I am not in a position to make a further statement.
§ Mr. JONESWill the right hon. Gentleman examine the papers which I am prepared to show him in relation to this case?