138 INDIANS IN THE COLONIKS
stituted for the system of indenture should be allowed for a further period of five years, aud should cease as the end ol that period, . . The Secretary of State for India is anxious that the change of system should be brought about with as little disturbance as possible to the economic interests of the Colonies, and that he has made it clear that the existing system must be maintained until a properly safeguarded system has been devised."
Mr, Andrews haa been twitted for having referred to the five years' extension. Let his critics explain away Mr. Bonar Law's emphatic pronouncement published in the Fiji newspapers. What) with this offioial statement! and the Secretary of State for India's solioitude for the economic interests of the planters, our cause may easily be lost, if we are found unwatohful,
In the light of the Viceregal speech and Mr. Bonar Law's despatch, our duty seems feo be clear. We musb strengthen the Government's hands where necessary, and even stimulate their activity, so that this inter-depart* mautal oo mm it tea is not allowed bo frustrate our hopes. ID is a body wherein the influence of the Grown Colonies and the Colonial offioa will ha preponderant. la is a body which has to find a substitute which would be acceptable to us. As I hold, it will be a vain search, if the more well-being of the labourer is to be the primary considera- tion. But, if the planters can have their own way, we know that they will urge an impossible substitute, and, in the event of its rejection by us, they will, in accordance with Mr, Bonar L*w's despatch, claim continuance of recruiting under indenture. It must, therefore, be clearly understood thai* the onus of producing an acceptable sub- stitute rests with them and not with us. Tney have had more than a year already. Lord Hardinge's despatch, urging total abolition, is dated the 15th October, 19 15. The committee ia to sit in May next. This period for finding a substitute is long enough, in all conscience, Either
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