barrier to trade and the shipments are negligible. Previously, owing to the imposition by the Commonwealth Government, in 1921, of a prohibitive duty on imported bananas, the export of this fruit was entirely confined to the New Zealand Market. A number of trial shipments of bananas to Canada were made in 1934, and this market, in 1937, took 21,996 bunches valued at 5,4321. The The export of fruit consists almost entirely of bananas, pineapples, and citrus fruits. Exports of the produce of the Colony increased in value from 2,023,4961. in 1936 to 2,121,920. in 1937. principal exports were sugar, copra, gold, and bananas. The quantities and value exported in 1937 were as follows:-Sugar, 129,692 tons, value 1,388,6811.; Copra, 30,001 tons, value 407,3541.; Gold, 21,407 Oz8., value 166,1157.; Bananas, 326,777 bunches, value 80,0711. The other principal exports in 1937 consisted of :Molasses 19,673 tons, value 19,6731.; Trochas Shell 144 tons, value 12,7231.; Biscuits, plain, 180,332 lbs., value 3,8841.; Cotton 24,589 lbs., value 1,1612.; Fruit, fresh (other than bananas), value 5,1917.; Gum 7,594 cwt., value 9,5681.; Hides 5,429 hides, value 4,2201.; Oil, coconut, 147 tons, 4,3371.; Vegetables, fresh, 15,807 cwt., 7,3091.; Soap, plain, 4,370 cwt., value 6,0021. The rice crop is insufficient for local demands and the importation of this commodity was 3,258 tons in 1936 and 2,980 tons in 1937. Dairying is an established industry and only 10 lbs. of fresh butter were imported in 1937. There are established in Suva a Soap Factory and a Biscuit Factory which supply a considerable proportion of the local requirements and as will be seen from the export figures above, enjoy an increasing trade with other groups in the Pacific. Many parts of the Colony seem admirably adapted for cattle and sheep raising. The Customs Tariff is, in general, on an ad valorem basis, duty being assessed on the value of goods at the port of shipment. Practically all products of the British Empire receive preferential treatment, provided that British Empire material and labour represent not less than 25 per cent. of the value of the goods, and that the final processes of manufacture are performed within the British Empire. A few special items require 50 per cent. or 75 per cent. Empire content. The total trade of the Colony in 1937 was 3,974,4011. (c) To other countries in the Postal Union: First are All letters for Great Britain, India and other Empire countries served by the Australia-England and the England-South Africa air routes despatched by sea to Australia to be sent forward by air as far as the service permits. Similarly, Great Britain and these Empire countries forward all letters for Fiji by air to Australia. The normal transit time of letter mails from Fiji to Great Britain is approximately eighteen days. A Parcels Post with the United Kingdom was established in June, 1890. There is also a Parcels Post with the Australian States, New Zealand, Tonga, India, Canada and the United States of America. The rates of postage are as follows :— Great Britain and Northern Ireland : (a) Via Canada: 3 lbs. 38. 3d.; 7 lbs. 58. 10d.; 11 lbs. 88. 6d. (b) Via New Zealand: 3 lbs. 28. 9d.; 7 lbs. 48. 5d.; 11 lbs. 6s. 2d. Australia and Tonga: 1 lb. 8d.; every additional New Zealand: 3 lbs. 2s.; 7 lbs. 38. 4d.; 11 lbs. 4s. 9d The Colony entered the Postal Union in 1891. A wireless telegraphy service is operated in the Colony. There are stations at Suva and Lautoka in the island of Viti Levu, at Lambasa and Savusavu in the island of Vanua Levu and at Waiyevo (Taveuni), Levuka (Ovalau) and Rotuma. Telephone Exchanges have been established at Suva, Nausori, Lautoka, Ba, Nandi, Tavua, Vatukoula, Navua, FIJI. Levuka, Savu Savu and Taveuni. Suva is connected by telephone line to Nausori, Vunidawa, Tailevu, Navua and Nandroga. Suva is directly connected by submarine cable with New Zealand, Australia and Canada. An external wireless service linking the Colony directly with Australia is operated by the Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia) Limited. There is no railway in the Colony. The Colonial Sugar Refining Co. owns various tramlines connecting with estates, and these tramlines are in An all-weather certain cases open to public use. motor road, connecting Suva with Tailevu, Tavua, Mba, Lautoka, Nandi and Singatoka, has been in use for some years, and the final link between Singatoka and Šuva, a distance of approximately 85 The total miles, was completed in June, 1938. distance by road round the island of Viti Levu is 322 miles, the distance to Lautoko via Ra, Tavua and Mba being 168 miles, and the distance via Navua and Singatoka being 154 miles. The Colonial Secretary. The Attorney-General. The Financial Secretary and Colonial Treasurer. The Secretary for Indian Affairs. Clerk, P. H. Nightingale. The Governor. Legislative Council. Ex-Officio Members :— C. J. J. T. Barton, C.M.G., O.B.E., Colonial Secretary. E. E. Jenkins, Attorney-General. J. Craig, Financial Secretary and Colonial Treasurer. Official Members : Dr. V. W. T. McGusty, O.B.E., Director of Medical H. W. Jack, M.B.E., Director of Agriculture. Lt. Col. J. E. Workman, Commissioner of Police. W. F. Hayward, Postmaster-General. E. L. Baker, Senior District Commissioner. A. W. L. Savage, Accountant-General and Deputy Dr. D. W. Hoodless, Principal, Central Medical Year. From U.K. From British Possessions. From Elsewhere. £ £ £ 1928 404,718 891,397 187,054 1,483, 169 1929 418,570 869,568 180,471 1,468,609 1930 373,694 668,809 176,681 1,219,184 1931 258,171 1932 250,748 538,464 488,954 117,644 132,879 929,514 1933 366,151 1934 362,763 1935 495,992 532,160 204,458 1936 526,690 725,509 220,479 1937 602,904 848,191 274,115 562,192 140,923 427,935 204,506 T. T. Russell, Chief Police Magistrate. European Elected Members : Mr. T. W. A. Barker. Mr. H. H. Ragg. European Nominated Members :— Mr. H. King Irving. Mr. R. F. Pickering. Native Nominated Members : Ratu J. L. V. Sukuna. Ratu I. Tawake. Ratu G. Tuisa wau. Ratu G. W. Lalabalavu. One Vacant. Indian Elected Members :Mr. C. Chattur Singh. Mr. Vishnu Deo. Mr. Tularam. Indian Nominated Members :Mr. Said Hasan. Mr. K. B. Singh." Clerk, P. H. Nightingale. Administrative Officers, Grade 1, 8801.-1,000%. Administrative Officers, Grade II, E. L. Baker, C. E. Pennefather, A. J. Armstrong, Commander W. Burrows (R.N. retd.), R. N. Caldwell, A. E. S. Howard, Ratu J. L. V. Sukuna (also Chief Assistant, Native Lands Commission), J. Judd, J. E. Windrum, C. V. Caldwell, C. S. Reay, C. R. H. Nott, J. W. Gittins, P. H. Nightingale, A. F. J. White, C. C. Legge, K. V. Macquire (350l. for 2 years, 4001. by 20l. to 500l. by 251. to (6001.) by 30l. to [7201.] by 30l. to 8401.). Cadets, N. J. Bradley, M. L. Bernacchi, R. A. F. Wallis, H. G. R. McAlpine, D. Collins, S. G. Marshall, J. W. Sykes, A. C. Reid, P. A. Snow. (Salary scale of Grade II Administrative Officers.) Eight Roko Tui, or Native Administrators of Provinces, one at 300l., one at 2701., four at 2501., one at 2001. and one at 150%. Four Native Assistant Commissioners, with salaries varying from 100l. to 2701. Male-Special Grade, 500l. by 251, to 6001. Grade A, 4251. by 251. to 500l. Veterinary Officers, H. T. B. Hall, B.V.Sc. (one vacant), 4001-7201. Senior Agricultural Officer (vacant), 7501.-8401. Agricultural Officers, H. R. Surridge, A.R.C.Sc. (Irel.), B.Sc.; B. E. V. Parham, M.A.; D. A. Donald, H.D.A. ; L. W. Harwood, H.D.A., (one vacant), 400l.-7201. Agricultural Assistants, S. E. H. Coster, W. L. Parham, J. J. C. Suckling, 2401-4001. Produce Inspector, A. B. Ackland, E.D.; 4001-6501. Grade A Clerk, J. S. Rennie. Comptroller of Customs, W. T. Martin, 1,050. 5001.-6001. Comparing Officer, C. S. St. Julian, 4001.-5001. Senior Customs Officer, Grade II, A. W. James. M. M. and Bar, C. E. Leembruggen, M. Gray. 4251.-5001. Commandant, Lieutenant-Colonel J. E. Workman Defence Department. (see Commissioner of Police). Adjutant, Major A. H. Stafford, E.D., 4501.-6007. Drill and Musketry Instructor, R.S.M. S. H. Elliot (Sergeant, The Cameronians), 3001.-4001. Bandmaster, (vacant), 300l.-3601. Education Department. Director of Education, J. Russell, M.C., 1,100%. Assistant Director of Education, A. H. Phillips, 700. (is also Chief Inspector of Schools). Inspector of Schools, A. W. McMillan, 650l. Headmaster, Boys' Grammar School, Suva, C. L Brock, B.A., Dip. of Ed., 3251.-3551. plus 60L grading allowance. Headmistress, Girls' Grammar School, Suva, Mrs. Headmasters, Government Provincial Schools, B. W. Judicial Department. Grade B, 1201. by 121. to (1807.) by 207. to [3001.] Chief Justice, O. C. K. Corrie, M.C., 1,2001. (also by 151. to 3907. by 10l. to 400l. Female Grade A, 3001. by 10l. to 3601. Grade B, 1201. by 127. to (1801.) by 107. to [2401.] by 10l. to 3001. 4001. as Chief Judicial Commissioner for the Western Pacific). Registrar of Supreme Court, B. St. J. Fisher, 750 (also Registrar-General). Resident Magistrates, T. T. Russell (also Assistant to Attorney-General), R. Townsend, 6007.-8407. Deputy Registrar of Supreme Court, B. L. Gregg. LL.B., 5001.-6001. (also Deputy Registrar-General). Lands and Survey Department. Director of Lands, Mines and Surveys, F. R. Charlton, O.B.E. (also Registrar of Titles, Chairman, Native Lands Commission and Chairman, Mining Board), 1,100. Assistant Director of Surveys, C. A. Leembruggen, 6901.-7501. Inspector of Mines, F. T. M. White, 6007.-8401. Land Officer and Deputy Registrar of Titles, J. J. Real, M.M., Barrister-at-Law (Queensland), 6001.7201. Surveyors, T. W. Wignall, R. V. Cole, C. Harlen, W. H. B. Buckhurst, W. L. Bygrave (one vacant), 4001.-6501. Chief Draughtsman, E. W. Simm, 4001.-5001. Legal Department. Attorney-General, E. E. Jenkins, 1,300l. Post and Telegraph Department. Postmaster-General, W. F. Hayward, 8501. Assistant Postmaster-General and Accountant, C. O. Taylor, 5001.-7001. Postmaster, Grade I (Suva), A. E. Beddows, 4251.-5001. Assistant Accountant and Officer in Charge of Telegraph Stores, A. E. Fuller, 3001.-4602. Postmaster, Grade II (Lautoka), M. H. Benjamin, 3001.-4601. Telephone Inspector, A. Alcock, 4001.-5001. Printing and Stationery Department. Government Printer, H. R. Craigie, 6001. Foreman Printer, G. W. Cockburn, 3001.-4601. Prisons Department. Superintendent of Prisons, N. B. Casey, M.B.E., 7001. Public Works Department. Legal Draughtsman, R. E. P. Diederich, LL.B., 500l.- Director of Public Works, W. Wise, O.B.E., B.Sc., 6001. Commissioner of Police, Lt.-Col. J. E. Workman, 1,000l. (is also Commandant, Fiji Defence Force, and Sheriff). Assistant Commissioner of Police (Special Duty), V. E. R. de Carteret, 5501. Deputy Commissioners of Police, E. A. Barnett, Magrane, Major J.P., 7001. Superintendents, G. Kermode, I. Lucchinelli, 6001.6502. Assistant Superintendents, M. MacLeod, G. A. Peck, B. F. Hooper, 3501.-5501. Inspectors, C. W. Tucker, J. Probert, S. F. Sanders, M.C., W. J. G. Holland, J. C. Munday, E. A. Meredith, P. M. Morris, G. D. Hill, H. Halstead, C. H. Hunt, 2401.-4001. Port and Marine Department. Hons. (London), M.Inst.C.E., A.C.G.I., M.Inst.M. & Cy.E., 1,2001. (also Commissioner of Roads). Assistant Director of Public Works, A. A. Ragg, A.M.Inst. C.E., M.I.Mech. E., 8401. Executive Engineers, H. E. Smythe, B.E. Hons. Office Superintendent, J. B. K. Taylor, 5001.-600l. Registrar-General's Department. Registrar-General, B. St. J. Fisher (see Registrar of Supreme Court). Deputy Registrar-General, B. L. Gregg, LL.B. (see Deputy Registrar of Supreme Court). China, Chia Tung Tsiang (Vice-Consul). Consuls and Consular Agents. Germany, W. G. Johnson (Consul). Harbourmaster, Suva, G. B. Nasmyth, Lieut. R.N.R. Norway, Major C. A. B. Joske, M.C., O.B.E. (Consul). (retd.), 6001. Sweden, Sir J. M. Hedstrom (Consul). Ecclesiastical. Church of England, Right Reverend L. S. Kemp. Wesleyan Methodist, Reverend W. Green, Chairman. THE GAMBIA. Situation and Area. The Gambia is a great river of Western Africa, falling into the Atlantic Ocean by a large estuary measuring in some parts nearly 27 miles across, but narrowing to 10 miles between Bird Island bank and Cape St. Mary, and to little more than two between Barra Point and the town of Bathurst on St. Mary's Island. There are 26 feet of water at the entrance of the river at low tide, and oceangoing steamers drawing not more than 13 feet can at present proceed without trouble to MacCarthy Island. There is no bar to the Gambia River. The seat of Government is Bathurst, 13° 27′ N. lat., 16° 34′ W. long., situated on St. Mary's Island, a sandbank about three and a half miles long and a mile and a quarter broad, separated from the mainland by a narrow channel called Oyster Creek. A large portion of the island is a swamp, the level of which is in many parts below that of the river. The Colony consists of the Island of St. Mary, British Kombo, Albreda, the Ceded Mile, the territories of Brefet and Bajana, and MacCarthy Island, situated between the Falls of Barraconda and Bathurst, and 158 miles distant from the latter. MacCarthy Island forms the line of demarcation between those portions of the river known as the Upper and Lower River. The total area of the Colony is about 69 square miles (equal to Jersey and Guernsey). The Protectorate extends on both banks of the river for 250 miles from its mouth. By Ordinance No. 7 of 1902 all parts of the Colony, except the Island of St. Mary, were placed under the Protectorate system of administration. This was confirmed by the subsequent Ordinances No. 30 of 1913, and No. 2 of 1935. The Island of St. Mary has an area of about 2,500 acres, the greater part of which is swampy, and a population of 14,370 (1931 Census). The area of the Protectorate, including that of the parts of the Colony administered as Protectorate, is 3,999 sq. miles, and the population is 180,972 (1936). A survey of the boundaries dividing the Gambia from Senegal was completed by the Anglo-French Boundary Commission in 1905. charter to Sir Robert Rich and other London merchants. Their enterprise was entitled "The Company of Adventurers of London trading in Africa," and Fort James was built by them on a small island 17 miles above the island of Banjols (now St. Mary's). About the year 1631 another British chartered company was formed, King Charles I. having granted a charter to Sir B. Young, Sir R. Digby and others. This venture was responsible for supplying British settlements in the West Indies with slaves for working on the estates. the In 1662 King Charles II. granted a charter to a third company, known as the "Royal Adventurers of England trading in Africa." A few years later this company exhausted its capital and surrendered its charter. In 1672 a fourth company was incorporated under the name of until 1752, after having in its early days reached Royal African Company," and it was not the highest point of commercial prosperity which had been touched by England in Africa, that it was superseded by the "Company of Merchants." The right of trade was abandoned to England by France under the treaty of Versailles, 1783, which guaranteed to the English their possession of Fort James and of the River Gambia, with the exception of a French factory established at Albreda on the north bank of the river. The same treaty gave the Senegal exclusive right to trade with the Arabs at Portendic river to the French, with the exception of an for gum, which was retained by England. The year 1807 saw the abolition of the slave trade, and though the "Company of Merchants" lingered between Great Britain and Gambia fell off till on with an annual subsidy, the general commerce 1816, in which year a new settlement was formed chants, who resided at Gorée and in Senegal on the island of Banjola by the English meruntil those places were given up to the French by the Treaty of Paris (1814). The island was re-named "St. Mary's," and the town which was laid out took its name from Lord Bathurst, Secretary of State at that time. The streets to be and his generals at Waterloo. inhabited first were named after Lord Wellington The settlement was subject to the Government of Sierra Leone, and was annexed to it by Act of From 1816 to 1822 a Parliament in 1821. Military Commandant, aided by a Board of the "Settlement court," Merchants, called administered the government. From 1822 to 1829 the Commandant governed alone. In December, 1829, the Secretary of State appointed Lieut.-Colonel Alex. Findlay, R.A.C. Corps, as Lieutenant-Governor (the first)" of the settlement of Bathurst and its dependencies in the Gambia." The laws of Sierra Leone remained in force, but the Lieutenant-Governor was not accountable to the officer administering the government there. The Gambia, in the year 1843, was created an independent Colony, with a Governor and Executive and Legislative Councils for the administration of its affairs. Captain H. P. Seagram, R.N., was the first Governor of the Colony. By the charter of 19th February, 1866, it became a portion of the Government of the West African Settlements, and continued to be so under the charter of the 19th December, 1874, until it was made a separate Government in 1888. |