On January 14 1970, The Fiji Times noted that Fiji’s Chief Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara had been tasked with the responsibility of reporting to the Council of Chiefs on a proposal to establish an Upper House in the legislature, under the new constitution of 1970.
This was announced in a statement issued after the latest series of talks between leaders of the Alliance and National Federation Party in preparation for a constitutional conference in London.
The statement touched on the possibility of the Council of Chiefs being represented in the chamber.
It added: “that it was agreed that the Chief Minister report to the Council of Chiefs the views which have been expressed in the recommendation for an Upper Chamber.”
Ratu Mara was also asked to report to the council the sincere sympathy of the National Federation Party in regard to the safeguarding of Fijian interests.
“He would also convey the hope that there should be accommodation for the continuing safeguard of these interests under the new constitution such as could be provided by representation of the Council of Chiefs in the Upper Chamber,” the statement said.
“No concrete proposal for membership of the Upper House will be made until the views of the Council of Chiefs are first made known.”
The NFP had submitted a paper on legislative representation which was discussed by political leaders.
However, full discussion on this had been deferred for the presentation of a paper of the composition of the legislature by the Alliance Party.
This was submitted to the next meeting of political parties.
