1. KEY HISTORICAL EVENTS 1970 to 1987

3. Fiji Before Independence
1643 - Dutch explorer Abel Tasman is the first European to visit the islands.
1830s - Western Christian missionaries begin to arrive.
1840s-50s - Christian convert chief Cakobau gains control of most of western Fiji, while another Christian convert, Ma'afu from Tonga, controls the east.
1868 - Cakobau sells Suva - the current capital of Fiji - to an Australian company.
1871 - European settlers at Levuka island organize a national government and name Cakobau king of Fiji following local disorder.

4. FIJI PROFILE TIMELINE
British Rule On 13th June 1873, British Parliament passed a resolution to take over Fiji, as it was request by Cakobua, because his government was near to collapse or Civil War was likely to break. Deed of Cession was signed at Levuka on 10 October British Crown Colony. Fiji became the British Colony.

5. Fijian Affair Board 1945

6. Administration under Native Affairs Ordinance 1876

7. Fijian Affairs Board
It was designed to be the link between the Legislative Council, the Council of Chiefs and the Executive Council.
The board’s duties were to make recommendations to the Governor for the benefit of the Fijian people and to consider any matters which the Governor might submit to it. It made laws called Fijian Affairs Regulations after 1948 dealing with Fijian life.

8. The Council of Chiefs
The Council of Chiefs existed since Gordon’s period and was reorganized in Its members were
Secretary for Fijian affairs, Chairperson
The Roko of the 14 provinces.
1 representative from each province
1 Fijian magistrate
1Fijian medical practitioner
6 chiefs nominated by the Governor
1 school teacher.
Council duties were to make recommendation and proposals for the benefit of the Fijian people and it was purely an advisory.

9. Provincial Councils
These councils were to carry out the business of the Fiji administration in the provinces. Its members were
The Secretary For Fijian Affairs, (Chairperson)
The District Commissioner
The Roko
The District officers
5 landowners
Fijian magistrates
Medical officers
Buli
3 representatives from each Tikina
The council made laws for carrying out the Fijian Regulations and for the levying of rates in the provinces.

10. The Tikina Councils
The Tikina Councils were those with which the people had most direct contact. Its members were
Buli
3 chiefs elected by the Tikina chiefs
The Fijian magistrate
Medical officers
3 Turaga-ni-Koro
1 representative from each village
Field assistant of the Tikina
The councils could make orders to be obeyed by all the inhabitants of the Tikina, and could make some programs for communal services as directed by the provincial Councils.

11. The Village Council
The Village Councils existed in many villages, although it was never an official body. But it could have a large amount of influence over village life.

12. Fiji History from
measles epidemic –one-third of native population wiped out.
Rebellion by hill tribes suppressed by British forces & Fijian chiefs
1879 – 1916 – 60,000+ Indian Indentured labourers brought to work in sugar plantations

13. Under Crown Colony, Governor controlled all aspects of government and there was no elected body which was representative of the people.
Legislative council of members were nominated by the Governor and Executive Council comprised of official members.
No major change made in the Constitution until 1904
1904- Legislative Council set up as advisors to British Governor; consist of elected European & nominated Fijian members

14. Fijian membership
The membership of Legislative Council was changed to consist of the Governor as President, then official members, 6 elected members and 2 native members.
These Fijian members were chosen from the list put forward by the Council of Chiefs and elected members were chosen by the voters who were engaged in agriculture or sugar production and whose wages were 120 Pound per year.

15. Indian membership
In 1910, 3 electoral divisions were set up for the legislative council, each with one European representative, in addition the 2 members for Suva and one for Levuka.
In 1914, the number of official members was raised to 11 and the number of elected members to 7.
In 1916, Legislative Council was enlarged upto 12 nominated official members , of whom one was an Indian. But neither Fijian or Indians had the right to elect representative to the Legislative Council.
The nominated Indian member was a person who was acceptable to the European interests, but he was not necessarily the leader of the Indian community.
It made Indians dissatisfied and they did not have the right to be a voter.

16. Changes in 1929: Indian membership in Legislative Council
The provision was made for the election of Indian representative in the Constitution in 1929.
Now legislative Council consist of the Governor, 13 nominated members, 6 European elected members, 3 Fijian members and 3 Indian elected members.
The Fijian members were again selected from the list presented by the Council of Chiefs.
Indian member Vishnu Deo moved that the Indian electors should be placed on the common roll along with other British subject but it was defeated and the Indian members resigned their seats

17. Changes in 1937: Legislative Council
In 1937, Legislative Council was again enlarged to the size which remained till 1963.
It consisted of the Governor, 16 official members, 5 European members (3 elected, 2 nominated), 5 Fijian members (chosen by the the Council of Chiefs) and 5 Indian members (3 elected & 2 nomiated).
In 1956, Ratu Sir Sukuna was appointed as First speaker and earlier the governor used to be the speaker.

18. Indenture Labour
1916- British Colonial Govt in India ceased recruitment of indentured laborers
1920- indenture system ends

19. New voters added in 1963 Major Changes happened in 1963
The membership of the Legislative Council was again enlarged to consist of the Speaker, 19 official members and 18 unofficial members.
These 18 unofficial members based on racial basis
4 Fijians, 4 elected Indian, 4 elected Europeans while 2 other Indians and Europeans nominated by the Governor and 2 Fijians by Council of Chiefs.

20. Changes in 1963 Second change was in voting system
First time the elections were to held in which Fijian people could elect their own representatives. Many Fijian migrated to Urban areas and started participating in trade unions and cooperative bodies.
Right to vote was also given to women
1963 –Mostly Fijian Alliance Party [AP] was set up

21. Membership system Introduced in 1964
Under this system, 3 members of the Legislative council appointed to the Executive departments with the title of Members, i.e Ratu K.K.T. Mara was appointed Member of Natural Resources and A.D. Patel took the post of Member for Social Services.
First time the elected members of the Legislative Council controlled important government department. But they were still responsible to the Government.

22. Changes after
As Ratu Sir Lalabalavu Sukuna believed that the purpose of the Fijian administration was to train chiefs and people in the ways of government so that they could take their place in democratic society.
He wanted changes should be made slowly.
But there was need modernization in 1966.

23. Tradition versus Progress, 1945-1966
Sukuna’s aim was to lead the Fijian people slowly towards democracy but it did not came because the Fijian’s traditional respect for the authority of chiefs.
Too much power in the administration was being left in the hands of few.
But more Fijians became educated and moved towards towns and away from village influence.
Demands were made for the Fijian members of the Legislative Council to be elected, not appointed by the Council of Chiefs

24. Reports Recommendation for Changes between 1956-1960
Many investigations were made into the Fijian way of life and Fijian administration and they suggested to make some changes. Most important report was made by Sir Alan Burns in Many changes were suggested on land tenure, rights, immigration and agriculture development.
Important Constitutional Change between was that Country’s Constitution was made
Now, Fijians gained the right to vote for members of the Legislative Council.
Women also got the right to vote for the first time.

25. Changes made in 1962
In 1962, the Governor, Sir Kenneth Maddocks, said the failure of the provinces to collect rates and warned the government could not increase the amount of money which it gave to the Fijian Administration.
Therefore Council of Chiefs made a special commission to resolve this problem, which recommended
Provincial Councils should be given more power, taking over many of the duties of the Fijian Affairs board. Like to make by laws and enforce them;
Have the majority of their members chosen by direct election by the residents of the provinces.
Be developed along the lines of rural local authorities
Replace the present provincial rates system with a system of land rates based on the unimproved value of Fijian owned land in the provinces.

26. Other Changes recommended
The control of Fijian magistrates should be shifted to the Judicial Department
The provincial Constabulary should be controlled by the Police Department.
The control of the village health inspectorate should be passed by the Health Department.
Main aim was to shift power away from the Fijian Affairs Board to the provinces. It wanted to bring the Fijian administration eventually into a nation- wide system of local government.

27. Common Role versus Communal role
There was a major issue of disagreement in the move towards the power to be granted to the people. Voting carried out in separate Common rolls.
Electors voted in their racial groups, with Fijians electing Fijians, Indian election Indians and European voting for Europeans.
Section of Indians felt dissatisfied with this and demanded that everybody should be placed on one common voting roll to vote for whichever candidate they chose, regardless of race. As Europeans being smallest group got more right to represent more in comparison to Indians or Fijians.

28. Changes in practice
In 1967, the Provincial Councils were chosen by general elections for the first time. 2 nominated members remained in each council as advisers only. Urban representatives were included
Provinces were grouped according to population. With the reorganization of the provinces, the old Tikina Councils disappeared, and with them went the Buli. The Roko remained and were now helped in their duties by Assistant Roko.

29. 1963- first elections
Political parties that contested- Alliance Party (led by Ratu Mara)and Federation Party (led by A.D.Patel)
1964- Membership System introduced- a step towards internal self-government
1965 – first Constitutional Conference in London- discussion on electoral system and constitution.
The purpose of this conference will be to work out a constitutional framework which will preserve a continuing link with Britain and within further progress can be made in the direction of internal self-government in Fiji.
There was deadlock when Federation party members insisted on the Common roll should be introduced while other remaining members wanted some sort of compromise.

30. Legislative Council
The council members increased to 36, where 12 were Indian members; 14 were Fijian Members;10 were Europeans and other races: called general members.
Among them 9 Fijians, 9 Indians and 7 general members were selected on separate communal rolls. While 2 Fijian members were elected by the Councils of Chiefs. The remaining 9 members were elected on a system of cross voting by which a compromise had been made in the question of common rolls.

31. Legislative Council
Under this system, the colony was divided into three large constituencies, in each of which electors voted for one Fijian, one Indian and one general representative.
Therefore all races voted for candidates of other races.
There were maximum 4 official members in the Legislative Council

32. Legislative Council in 1968.

33. Election of 1966
1966 elections-fought on party lines between Alliance and Federation Parties; ethnic polarization in parties.
Two Political parties contested, where Alliance gained the majority and official leader was Ratu K.K.T. Mara. But the system did not give the full responsible government as Governor still retained full powers in matter of defence, external affairs, internal security and public service.

34. The Bills of right was introduced where every person in Fiji regardless of race, origin, colour, religion, sex or political opinion were given the freedom to expression, assembly.
Self Government approaches, both parties worked together for introduction of ministerial system.
Constitution conferences were held and second held in 1970 and new constitution was introduced in 1970.

36. Ratu Mara A.D.Patel

37. Federation Party- stood for independence, self-government, common roll
Alliance Party stood for gradual political change, retention of communal roll
AP won with 22 seats and Federation nine.
1969-Denning Report- sugar cane contract favored cane growers (CSR ceased operations 1973)
April second London Conference which led to a compromise on electoral system and constitution

38. Fiji- Bicameral Legislature
Upper House- Senate - appointed members
Lower House – House of Representatives – elected members – 52 seats
A compromise reached and interim solution reached on election method for House of Representatives
1969- Fiji Education Commission set up to review education system and examine problem of Fijian education

39. Education Commission recommendation:
50% Government university scholarship reserved for Fijians, other ethnic groups competing for own allocated quota
Provision for 9years end of 6 years.
1976-review came into effect
1969-A.D.Patel passed away; NFP ranks led by Siddiq Koya (Muslim lawyer)
1970 - Fiji becomes independent with Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara of the AP as prime minister.
October 1970 – Fiji gained independence with a Constitution

40. Delegates to Fiji Constitutional Conference 1970

41. INDEPENDENCE FOR FIJI

42. Albert Park-Independence Day

43. Dedication Prayer

44. Sir Robert Forster-Colonial Governor & Prince Charles-1970

45. 1970- Bicameral Parliament – Senate- 22 seats; House of Representatives- 52 (27 communal; 25 national)
1975- Street Commission appointed to review & provide recommendation for electoral system
Recommended keep communal seats but also include common roll-opposed by AP
Mid 1970s- land issue resurfaced with Alliance Government reserving large areas of Crown land (1966-ALTO-30 years lease, extended contract)

46. 1975- Sakeasi Butadroka – Alliance Parliamentarian (assistant minister) advocated Fiji for the Fijians & repatriate Indians to India, was formerly expelled from AP.
Butadroka formed own party- Fijian Nationalist Party- support from underprivileged Fijian community.
Although NAP or National Alliance Party leader ruled Fiji since Independence (Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara), but he misjudege the feelings of voters. So lost the General Elections of April 1977
National Federation Party won 26 seats; Alliance- 24 seats (Butadroka’s party split Fijian votes)

47. NFP couldn’t immediately form a government
Because they could not agree on leadership of Siddiq M. Koya.
Governor General Ratu Sir George Cakobua re-appointed a minority government of national unity led by Ratu Mara
Rift within National Federation Party leadership ranks; emergence of Jai Ram Reddy
In 1981, the Western United Front (WUF) Party had been formed by disgruntled Fiji Pine plantation landowners and by western Fijian citizens upset with eastern Fiji Citizens domination of the government.

48. 1982 General Elections – new Western United Front (WUF) Party emerged (1981) led by Ratu Osea Gavidi which forged a coalition with NFP
NFP was now led by J.M. Reddy. There was a multi-racial party representing the interests of both Fijians and Fiji-Indians.

49. AP won with 28 seats; NFP-WUF coalition won 24 seats
Pattern of ethnic voting continued
1984- Jai Ram Reddy resigned from Parliament and Siddiq Koya resumed leadership of NFP
Early 1980s- trade union movement gained momentum with registration of 46 trade unions (Alliance Government wage freeze in 1984)
1985- Fiji Labour Party formed

50. Siddiq Koya Jai Ram Reddy

51. Fiji Labour Party formed in 1985
Formed out of Fiji Public Servants Association
Secretary-Mahendra Chaudhary
President-Dr Timoci Bavadra sets up the Fiji Labour Party with trade union support.
Appealed to majority of commoners-urban working class Fijians, some old NFP members & Youth Wing.
In 1986, the FLP won a majority on Suva City Council and 36 % votes in the Ba by-election for the Ba National Seat. FLP had wide support among urban voters and a Fijian born leader Dr. Timoci Bavadra. NFP had wide support among famers , so when the FLP and NFP merged in contest of 1987 election, Fiji was poised for a change.
Contested 1987 elections & won.
1987 April - Indian-dominated coalition led by Bavadra wins general election, ending 17 years of rule by the AP and Prime Minister Mara.

53. The end

54. References:
1. Prasad, B Lessons To Be Learnt Since Independence. Fiji Times Online, 5 October,2007.
2.Donelly,K; Quanchi, M and Kerr, G Fiji In The Pacific. Jacaranda Press. Australia.
3. Lal,B Broken Waves. Centre for Pacific Studies, University of Hawaii.
4.Lal,B & Fortune, K (eds), The Pacific Islands: an encyclopedia. University of Hawaii Press (AUSAID).

55. 5.http://epress.anu.edu.au/coup_coup/mobil e_devices/ch05.html6.

56. Tutorial Week 1-Movie-Independence For Fiji.
Questions:
1. The new Fiji flag still has the Union Jack appearing in the top left hand corner. Why?
2.What were main economic activities shown?
3. What was Prince Charles’ role and what symbolic action did he perform?
4. How does the movie depict de- colonization, self- governance and neo- colonialism?