Mr. MORELasked the Under-Secretary of state for the Colonies what sums are allocated to education purposes in Fiji for Europeans, Fijians, and Indians, respectively; whether it is proposed to levy a poll or residential tax on all male persons between the ages of 16 and 60 years resident in Fiji; whether protests against. this proposed taxation have been received from Indian residents in Fiji on the ground of the poverty of the majority of the Indian colonists in view of the recent reduction of wages by the Colonial Sugar 1230W Refining Company; and whether he will take these representations into consideration?
§ Mr. ORMSBY - GOREThe Fiji Estimates for 1923 provided for an expenditure on education of £26,108. The statistics at my disposal do not enable me to distinguish the, expenditure on children of different races. A Bill is being introduced in the Legislative Council providing for a tax of £1. a year on all residents other than Fijians, who already pay direct taxation at a higher rate. I have received a resolution of protest from certain Indians, but the Bill reserves. power of exemption in case of destitution or other disabilities, and my Noble Friend secs no reason to interfere with the Colonial Legislature in the matter.