HC Deb 31 January 1930 vol 234 cc1382-4W
Mr. WINTERTON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the conditions laid down by Sir Arthur Gordon, the first governor of Fiji, with respect to the liquor traffic and the Fijians after the islands had been handed over to Great Britain?

Dr. SHIELS

An Ordinance was passed in 1875 which contained the following provisions:—I. No suit brought after the promulgation of this Ordinance for the recovery of any debt contracted in respect of any spirituous or intoxicating liquors sold furnished to or procured for any Native or Polynesian Immigrant by any Vendor or Dealer in such liquors shall be maintained in any Court of this Colony. II. If any person whosoever whether licensed or unlicensed shall supply to or procure for any Native or Polynesian Immigrant any spirituous or intoxicating liquor as aforesaid or mixed liquor part whereof is spirituous in any quantity whatever or any fermented liquor or mixed liquor part whereof is fermented in any quantity he shall for every such offence forfeit and pay (over and above any penalty which may be incurred for the sale of such liquor without a licence) a penalty not exceeding five pounds one-half of such fine to go to the informer. III. Provided always that it shall not be an offence under this Ordinance to supply-to or procure for any Native or Polynesian Immigrant for any reasonable cause or necessity and without recompense or remuneration any intoxicating liquor as aforesaid. IV. It shall be lawful for the Stipendiary-Magistrate of a District from time to time to grant permits to any natives resident in such District under such conditions as the Governor may from time to time prescribe exempting such natives from the operation of this Ordinance.

This Ordinance was replaced in 1881 by a more detailed Ordinance.