ABSTRACT
The emigration of Indian indentured labourers to Fiji was a part of a larger process of labour migration from India, beginning with the abolition of slavery in 1834. The problem of labour supply proved more difficult. Commercial employment of Fijian labour was prohibited by Gordon, who reasoned, with good sense, that if the local population was suddenly exposed to the alien challenges of the plantation regime, they might decline disastrously like indigenous peoples elsewhere. In any event, the indentured labourers had little opportunity or time for contact with the outside world; for them the plantation remained the boundary of existence for five (or more) years. Unlike the Pacific Island labourers who were invariably fed by the masters throughout their period of indenture, the Indians had to provide their own food after six months. To protect the welfare of the labourers and to enquire periodically into the conditions on the plantation, the regulations provided for the appointment of Inspectors of Immigrants.
