New Zealand, Fiji and the Colonial Office 1900-1902
Author(s)
Fieldhouse, D. K.
Abstract
R. J. Seddon, prime minister of New Zealand, attempted to have his government given control of Fiji by the imperial government. Despite the categorical refusal of the Colonial Office, which distrusted Seddon and New Zealand’s capacity to govern Fiji, Seddon agitated for reforms in Fiji. Chamberlain checked Seddon at the 1902 Colonial Conference, stating that colonies were a British and not a Dominion responsibility. Nevertheless Seddon’s agitation made it necessary for the Colonial Office to hear Dominion views and introduce native participation in Fiji affairs.
