Governor demands hard work
THE following is the final part of His Excellency the Governor, Sir Arthur Gordon’s speech which was read to the chiefs at the meeting at Bau, in September 1875 after assuming his role as Governor. The speech was printed in The Fiji Times on Wednesday, November 10, 1875.
I tell you two things of great importance, energy and work, as the Vunivalu has said, “if the men will not work, then they will die”.
I confirm his expression. Work and obtain riches and be independent.
Respecting the interior, it will be the duty of each chief to rule his own district.
One will be appointed to go into the interior and help and lead them, and to be their teacher and to listen to them in all things.
It is my intention to divide the country, those that are living near the coast must follow the laws now in force, but with respect to the interior tribes I am able to give the magistrate appointed for that district special and increased powers entirely different to the rest.
Him that I have appointed for the interior work is well known to you dear chiefs, it would be otherwise if he was a man just arrived in Fiji.
I now request you all, you that are from Nadroga and Serua, I entreat earnestly that you give him your assistance. I have confidence in him, therefore you must listen to him.
There is a matter affecting some of you chiefs, namely, your liabilities which press heavily upon you. I have enacted a law to prevent you being summoned before any court.
It is my intention to inquire into all claims against you, and ascertain the justice therefore. This will give you peace of mind.
Respecting unhappy marriages and adultery, a law will be enacted very shortly, therefore wait patiently a little while longer.
Respecting Christianity and education I shall not enlarge upon. You have your teachers who can tell you the advantages thereof.
But I do say that Christianity is of vital importance to us all, but compulsion must not be used to any man, Christianity is spiritual, respecting which each of us shall be judged hereafter before the judgement seat of God.
Respecting education, let the children attend school every day, and you chiefs pay all due respect to the teachers and assist them.
It is now right and proper that I should tell you my mind respecting the Vunivalu, formerly he was only respected in Fiji, but now he is respected in every country.
He gave Fiji that his people might live in peace and quietness. He did not regard himself in the matter.
I have a great admiration for him and it is my great desire that he and I should be of one mind in everything. You also must respect him, listen to him and follow his teachings.
My speech is now ended, take it into your minds, may you dwell with God and have his blessing.
This my speech to you chiefs is ended.