To March 29, 1972

broadcast time to independents for their campaign speeches. By not allowing independent candidates time on the radio the FBC was depriving voters of their political freedom.

March 22

SOME profit mark-ups on timber ranged between 25 per cent to 125 per cent of buying prices, the Minister for Commerce and Industry, Vijay R. Singh said. He announced the extension of price control to cover building materials. The move was another step towards combating inflation he said.

March 23

A SURVEY in the Lau Islands had found eight handicapped children who needed treatment in Suva. The principal of the Suva Crippled Children’s School, Frank Hilton, made the survey with a medical department officer, Dr Aisea Erasito. He said more than 20 children were seen and their handicaps were investigated.

March 24

QANTAS says the Fiji Airline Workers’ Union refused to continue talks about a pay claim made. The union seeks a basic rate of $40 a week, or 198 per cent more than the existing rate, the Qantas manager in Fiji, William Allen said Qantas offered an increase of 8c an hour

— a 25 per cent rise on the basic rate, which would bring it to 40c an hour.

March 25

A CASE in which the Banaban people of Rabi Island will sue the British Government and the British Phosphate Commission was to come to court in London. Preparations for the case were being made in London by the British lawyers engaged by the Banabans.

March 27

A HIGH school student died after a road accident at Bulileka. The victim was struck by a car while pushing his bicycle with a friend along the road. He was taken to the Labasa Hospital where he later died.

March 28

A YASAWA goat farmer looked for help to rebuild his bure that was destroyed by a fire. The farmer from Vuaki Village was having a bath near his home when his home was burned down.

March 29

THE Native Land Trust Board had approved the leasing of 10 acres of land to a New Zealander who planned to build a health clinic and motel units. The land at Baravi, Nadroga had been leased to Dr Cyril Phelps of Lower Hutt, New Zealand.