^ ^ -^//o ^tllBRARYQr, ^.SOJIIVDJO'^ ,\WEUNIVERJ/^ ^vWSANCElf/^ o ^Xi]3DNVS0^^^ '%il3AINn-3WV -< '^^^'' ^^OFCALIFOMo ^ ^•^Aavaan-i'^ , \V^E UNIVERSyA I ^lOSANCElfj^ ^ 5 1-— to-' i I OFCALIFO% ^^,.OF•CAII vr f? ^ "^/saMiNa^uv^ ^c-AavaaiH^' ^om .KlOSASCEl£j> o ^ILIBRARYQ^ ^^ ^, ''^mmy\'is^ '^^a < ^sNlLIBRARY^^ .'-i ^li ■A. A JiilVJdU C>^ ^\\^EUNIVER% ^laDNV-SOl^"^ "^/^i ^lOSA^CElfj> ^/sa3AiNn]i\v^ ^^;OFCALIFO% ,s;OFCALIFO% C5 3^ >- ^WEUNlVERy//) .^VIIRRARY-9^ :> ^\^E lI^JIVfR,5'//, ^■lOSA^CFlfx^, ^Nj.MIBRARYOr ^ ^=3 -7^ ^(i/oinv3-jo^ o C «-f "^/saaAiNrtJUV ^. ;^ %jnv3jo^ ^ ^OF rAllFOI?^;, >- > VI PREFACE. In writing Fijian words I have endeavoured as far as possible to spell them as they are pronounced, the consonants being sounded as in English, and the vowels as in Italian. If in this undertaking, embarked upon with consider- able diffidence, and which, owing to the course of rapid events, has been less perfectly executed than I could wish, I have in any degree satisfied an immediate want or particular necessity, I shall feel amply rewarded. The Temple. London, 20th February, 1875. CONTENTS. Chap. Pagb Maps. Preface. I. Physical Aspect of the Islands 1 II. Climate 17 III. The Natives 23 rv. The Language 37 V. Manners and Customs 39 VI. Industries 62 Vn. Polity 67 \III. An Account of the various Proposals for the Cession OF Fiji 79 IX. The Annexation. 121 X. Productions 129 XI. Trade 143 XII. Labour 170 XIIL The White Population 183 XIV. Emigration 191 XV. Ethnology 204 XVI. Fauna 213 XVII. Historical Notice 219 viu CONTENTS. APPENDIX. PAGE Tonga Islands 279 An Act fob the REGrLATiON of Polynesian Laboureks . . . 283 A Statement by De. Macdonald containing : — (1) A Topographical Resume of the Places visited by the Expedition fob the Exploration of the River Rewa . 298 (2) A General Summary of Trees available as Timber . . 300 (3) A Zoological List 303 A Systematic List of all the Fijian Plants at present KNOWN . . 305 Index 325 ^ FIJI. CHAPTER I. PHYSICAL ASPECT OF THE ISLANDS. The Fijian Archipelago is situated in the South Pacific, witliin the tropics, between the meridians of 176° E. and 178° W. longitude, and the parallels of 15° and 20° S. latitude. The islands composing the group have been variously estimated as numbering from 200 to 255, and they are roughly computed to have a superficial area of 7403 square miles, which is about equal to that of Wales. Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are the two largest islands, the former having an area of 4112 square miles, and the latter an area of 2432^ miles. The areas here given can only be considered as approximately correct, as up to the present date no systematic trigonometrical survey of the lands has been made. The remaining islands are of lesser magnitude, the more important being included in the following statement : — Approximate Area, in English Statute Miles, of the Fiji Group. Viti Levu Vanua Levu .... Sq. Miles. . 4112 . 2432^ Brought forward . Windward Isles . . . Sq. Miles. . 6886^ 59 Taviuni . 2171 Angau 46 Kandavu . 124^ Ovalau Carried forward . 42^ Carried forward . . 68861 . 7034f FIJI. Approximate Area, Brought forward , Eabi in English Sq. Miles. . 7034 i 28 28 2G 24 18^ 13 13 13^ 12 11 11 . 7232i Statute Miles, dx. — conti Brought forward . Mango nued. Sq. Miles. . 7232^ 10 10 Moala Cicia . . . Nairai . . 10 Lonio Lonio .... Yatu Leie Goro . . . Laucala Kca . . . 571 9 Uiio 9 ]\Ibe"a .... Maitaruba Kanacia . Mokani . 9 Yedua 8 41 4 40 Lakemba . . Mbatiki , Other isles, Totoga probably . Total . . "i Carried forward . 4031 7403 square miles equal 4,738,350 acres. Owing to a more constant rainfall and plentiful moisture, the aspect of the weather side of these islands forms a remarkable contrast to the lee side. While the former in its innumerable creepers, thick jungles, forests, and luxuriant foliage exhibits all the characteristics of a tropical vegetation, the latter is, on the contrary, remark- able for its fertile undulating plains and valleys of the richest alluvial soil. Viewed from the sea, with their bold, broken, pictur- esque outlines yjrofusely adorned with the rich dark green foliage of teeming exotic growth, these islands present a very lovely scene. They are all more or less mountainous, rising abruptly from the sea, and otherwise indicating by their geological formation their volcanic origin. Many of the mountains attain a considerable height, several of them exceeding 3UU0 feet, and the highest, Voma, in Viti Levu, having an altitude of nearly 50UO feet. PHYSICAL ASPECT OF THE ISLANDS. o The glorious panoramic views displayed from the summits of many of these mountains may be more easily imagined than described, and rich is the reward of the climber of their tortuous heights. Picture to yourself a mass of luxuriant tropical foliage, extending for miles over hill and dale, interspersed here and there with patches of cultivation and majestic groves of cocoa-nut trees. Towns and villages perched upon apparently inaccessible cliffs overhanging picturesque and secluded valleys ; the broken and fantastic peaks of the various mountains towering against an azure sky, and fclie surrounding calm, blue, boundless sea dotted with in- numerable islands, each more interesting than another lor its own peculiar beauty ; and then the foamy reefs stretch - ing far beyond, fading imperceptibly away, until lost in the hazy distance. Though there are at present no active craters, earth- quakes are occasionally experienced, and in some of the islands hot springs are found, thus indicating that Fiji is not secure from volcanic disturbance. At the bay of Savu-savu, on the island of Vanua Levu, five of these hot springs, ' Waicama,' are clustered in a basin about fifty feet in diameter at some little distance from the beach. The water marks a heat of from 200° to 210°, and is frequently used by the natives for cooking their tares and yams. The water has a strong saline taste, and a faint smell of sulphur is perceptible. The mouths of the springs, which have been apparently en- larged by the natives, are from twelve to twenty-four inches in diameter. A small brook of fresh water flowing imme- diately in the vicinity unites with the waters of the springs at a little distance below the basin, and in the lower part of the bed of the united stream thus formed excavations B 2 4 FIJI. have been made, where the natives bathe their persons, no doubt with much benefit and satisfaction. The coasts of the larger islands are indented by numerous beautiful bays, having often good anchorage, and forming outlets for numerous rivers and streams. Some of the available harbours are enumerated in the following extract from the official report of Admiral Washington, Hydrographer to the Admiralty, dated March, 1859 :— Q. 2. Do the natural harbours now existing require much, if any, artificial development for naval purposes ? Whether such harbours are few or many ? A. 2. There are several roadsteads and harbours in the Fiji group, the principal of which is the extensive harbour of Levuka, on the eastern side of Ovalau ; this harbour has good holding ground, is easy of access, and has every facility for the supply of fruit, vegetables, wood, and water. Angau, on its western side, has a sheltered roadstead of large extent. Totoga is surrounded by a coral reef, within which is a spacious sheltered anchorage, with good holding ground and an entrance for shijis. All the above harbours have been thoroughly surveyed by order of the Admiralty, and plans of them on a large scale are available when required. These natural harbours will not require any artificial development for naval purposes. 3. Tliere is nothing unusual in the tides and currents around the Fiji group ; they depend chiefly on the prevailing winds ; nor are they of sufficient strength to render the entrance into or egress from the harbours dangerous. There is no present necessity for buoys, beacons, or lights ; but should trade greatly increase, or should mail-steamers call by night, a light would become necessary. The harbour of Goloa, in tlie island of Kandavu, has been selected as the port of anivul and departure of the steamers carrying the mails via San Francisco for the colonics of New South Wales and New Zealand. It is pleasantly situated, and the south-east trade- winds, to PHYSICAL ASPECT OP THE ISLANDS. which it is exposed, causes this island to be one of the healthiest in the group. The soil is very fertile, being capable of producing everything that requires a tropical climate, and accordingly, notwithstanding that it is hilly, is highly cultivated. Mbua Bay, the place from whence sandal-wood was formerly obtained, though interspersed with large reefs, offers ample space for safe anchorage. The form of the bay, into which several streams flow, is not unlike the figure of the larger segment of a circle, formed by Lecumba Point on the east, and on the west by the point of Naithombothombo, which is also supposed to be the starting-point for the future abode of departed spirits. In the immediate vicinity the land is low-lying, but as you go inland, gradually it becomes more undulating, until within a few miles of the bay it rises in lofty picturesque peaks, culminating in that of Corobato, which is distinguishable from the Viti Levu shore, and has an altitude of over 2000 feet. At the north-east extremity of the island Vanua Levu, Natewa Bay forms a fine harbour. The bay of Savu-savu is a fine sheet of water, and also affords good anchorage. It is about ten miles in length by five in breadth, and is well protected by an extensive reef, which (excepting one large opening) reaches from Savu-savu Point on the east to Kombelau on the west. The rivers, which afford a constant and unfailing water supply, are unusually large for the size of the islands, some of them varying from 50 feet to 120 feet in width, and navigable by small craft. The most important of the rivers yet explored is the Rewa, in Viti Levu, which was ascended by an expedition from H. M. S. Herald in 1856 for a distance of ninety-one miles. It is navigable for this 6 FIJI. distance ; sixty miles by vessels drawing from four to five feet of water, and the remainder by boats of lighter draufrht. The Rewa, otherwise termed Wai Levu, or great water, empties itself into the sea by four moutlis, and its deltas are fertile and cultivated. One of these is traversed by a canal, the Kele Musu, cut by the natives to join the channels, Wai-ni-Ki and Wai-ni-]Mbokasi, which saves a distance of nearly twenty miles between Kewa and ]\Ibau, and also a considerable distance between the latter place and the main channel of the river. It is about two miles long and sixty feet wide, and admits of the passage of the largest canoes. It is said to have been constructed for military purposes, but further, its origin or raison d'etre does not appear capable of elucidation. In any case it must be looked upon as a marvel in engineering, when we come to consider the means available for such an undertaking, namely : " staves to dig the ground, hands to shovel it up, and baskets to carry it away." At about twelve miles from its mouth the Kewa receives the Wai Manu at Navuso. This tributary takes its source in the neighbourhood of Namosi, and courses in an easterly direction through a thickly-populated district. It is navigable by boats for about ten miles. Here is a description of the scenery on the "Wai Manu by Mr. Mucdouald :— * " It is very beautiful on account of the great diversity of the surface and the richness of the forests. The distant mountains now and again jKJcped between the slopes of the hills, or, when we gained an elevation, stood up boldly against the horizon. " From the bank on which our canoe was hauled up, when the river * Extract from tlie prooeeflin|2:s of an Expedition for the Exploration of the River Kewa, coiiiiuuniciitod to the Koyal Geographical Society, June 22nd, 1857. 17tZe 'Journal R.G.S.'vol. xxvii. PHYSICAL ASPECT OF THE ISLANDS. 7 was no longer navigable, we followed a well-beaten path over a ridge or spur, leading to the high laud on which the town of Koroi stood. From this elevated spot the surrounding country presented the most charming aspect, enlivened by a narrow strip of the sea (our first glimpse of it for the space of six weeks), with the islands of Ovalau, Wakaya, Mbatiki, Nairai^' and Nyau spread upon its bosom. The forests in this district are exceedinglj'^ dense and stored with valuable timber. " The sedimentary rocks composing the height of Koroi abound in foraminifera. Fossil impressions, or rather casts of animal and vege- table structures, were everywhere to be seen, so case-hardencid, apparently by a superficial layer of the oxide of iron, that their forms stand out in bold relief on the large slabs of rock over which the natives continually walk, the surrounding material being worn away by their feet. The original organised structures have been completely substituted by the common materials of which the rocks are composed. We noticed in many places large masses of breccia, like that of Namosi or Ovalau, scattered about amongst the stratified rocks in the most unaccountable manner. The whole region is full of interest to the geologist, who may examine the layers of an ancient marine bed now elevated about four hundred feet above the level of the sea ; and abutting against mountain masses of breccia and conglomerate, consisting of fragments of close-grained jDrimary lavas, cemented together by minute detritus of the same materials." Ketracing our steps to Navuso, on the Wai Levu, we find that — "The banks of the Eewa here exhibit a richly ferruginous sandy basis, with a fine alluvial surface four to five feet in depth. The river runs at first nearly due north from Navuso to Kasavu, a distance of about three miles, and then winds suddenly to the westward, Mbau lying to the N.E. ' The banks on the right hand then passed rather abruptl}'- into rude hilly country. Continuing our course from Navuso, we noticed a few beautiful Niusawa trees (a species of areca) growing on the point opposite, Nakandi and every reach onward from this ex- hibited more loveliness and picturesque effect. * * * Naitasiri opened when we rounded a richly-wooded point of the river, called ' Wai-ni-Kumi,' literally water of the beard. A superstition connected with it exists among the people, that beardless boys may expedite the growth of their beard by bathing the chin in the water 8 FIJI. dripping from the rocks. The latter were of a sedimentary formation, presenting a nearly vertical face, over which a small stream of water was rushing down. This stream might possibly be much augmented after heavy rains, but it is the only approach to a waterfall occurring in the district. " Piich foliage embowered with creeping'plants, beauteous trees, ferns, and Niu Sawa trees everywhere met'tlie eye. All the intervening spaces, but more esi)ccially the immediate banks of the river, are covered with tall grass and humbler herbage. The river gradually closes from Wai-ni-Kumi towards Naitasiri, but widens out again at the latter place, the left bank in particular rising to a considerable height." After leaving Naitasiri, the country is described as becoming gradually more elevated, and at the branching of the llewa river into the smaller streams, Muna Ndonu, and Wai Ndina, the left bank is very precipitous, witli a stratified rock peering here and there through rich vegetation. Mr. Macdonald's party now ascended the Wai Ndina, taking its source in the mountains beyond the Namosi valley, and passing through the heart of Soloira, formerly a thickly-populated district, but then sadly decimated by the fierce intertribal wars. The waters of this stream have been so polluted with human gore that the natives call it ' the river of blood.' " The force of the rapids frequently checked our speed, and the river bed being continually subject to change by the action of the floods, the position of the channel was rendered exceedingly uncertain. The river also was very tortuous, though trending mainly to the westward, and shallows often extended quite across its course, so as to prevent the iwssibihty of navigation when the waters are low. After a more or less serpentine course for some distance the river suddenly turned to the southward, and when we got into position, with a bamboo Ibrest on rising land bearing east, the Mbuggi Levu range became visible, bearing west. " After this as we proceeded the mountains bore W. by S.W., and W. PHYSICAL ASPECT OF THE ISLANDS. 9 by N. successively * * * When we had proceeded about ten miles in a westerly direction, the river took a southerly sweep. The flood was coming down with great force, widening its way by under- mining the sides of the banks. A great mass of the right bank fell in just as we passed the spot, and we now and then observed trees rolling over and over, borne down with the body of water. In other places massive trees were torn up by the roots, and lying prostrate in the stream. The banks of the river here are composed of a basis of small rounded stones and pebbles, filled in with grit and sand, and overlaid with comparatively recent alluvial deposits, resembling those already alluded to. * * * Mr. Waterhouse and I went up a rather slippery path to the top of the nearest highland, from which we saw Mbuggi Levu about three miles distant, bearing W. N. W., and a range of mountains called Lutu was pointed out to us, bearing N. N. E., and appearing to be about thirty miles off, as the source of the river called Wai-ni-Mbuka, which opens into the Uluna Ndonu. The latter river flows through the heart of the country, arising in a N. N. W. direction * * * Here the vegetation was more beautiful than anything I could have conceived. We noticed a particularly remark- able species of Flagelaria, with a stem of about four inches in circum- ference, scaling the tallest trees by means of its prehensile leaves. Having left this place, we proceeded up the river to Vakandua, a rather small but well-inhabited town, most beautifully situated on elevated land, and surrounded with the river and forest scenery, * * * On the following morning after breakfast we resumed our journey, occasionally encountering a heavy shower of rain ; and after having 25assed several difBcult parts, and through numerous windings of the river, we arrived at the mouth of a tributary stream on the right hand, said to wind in a northerly direction to the base of Mbuggi Levu, and round along the eastern side of the range. We continued our course, however, up the main river, and ultimately reached the province of the Soloira tribe, ruled by Eoko Tui Wai Maro, whose friendship was of the greatest importance to us. * * * Taking advantage of a dry interval to see the country, we as- cended a hill near tbe town,* which is about two miles from Mbuggi Levu. This mountain bore N.W. by W., and the island of Ovalau was visible in the distance, the N.W., conical peak bearing N.E. The position of ^amosi was pointed out to us behind some remarkable looking peaks in a W. by S. direction. From this point of view * Vuni Mbua, the capital of the Soloira district. 10 FIJI. Mendrau-Suthu-na-Mbasanga, a part of the serrated Mbuggi Levu range, bearing resemblance to the female breasts, and supposed to have yielded nourishment to a twin deity, connected after the manner of the Siamese Twins, were concealed by Mbuggi Levu. This elevation commands a verv charming prospect of the surrounding country, more especially the mountain scenery. Mbuggi Levu rears its lofty head to the left, with many peaked and ragged mountain masses in the immediate vicinitj'. The winding bed of the river diversifies the hilly region through which it passes in the centre, and very distant mountains peer up, one behind the other, passing off by aerial perspec- tive into the tints of sky on the right. On looking upon the scope through which the floods roll at certain periods of the year, and the comparatively small portion of it now traversed by the river, it may be easil}^ conceived how the course of the latter, within certain boundaries, may vary with the casualties resulting from the action of the floods, breaking down existing banks, and filling up the previously open channels. ******* " After leaving the town of Nondo-Yavu-na-ta-Thaki we followed the winding of the river through the most charming mountain country, with occasional rapids and shallows, until we arrived at the town Na Seivau, famous for its hot springs. One of these was bubbling from the summit of an irregular mass of rock, apparently a portion of an ancient dyke, near the landing-place. The temperature of the water in this case was about 106°, and collecting in a wide recess in the rock below it, formed a very deliglitful natural bath. Some little distance farther on we visited another spring, with a temperature of 140°. Here also the water was gushing out from the summit of a very remarkable mass of rock; but the latter was very distinctly composed of a metamorphic breccia presenting a beautifully variegated surface. The natives stafe that the water occasionally emits a disagreeable odour, but this was not very apparent to us at the time of our visit. * * ♦ Fioia Ka Seivau we continued our course as far as it was possible to perform it by wattr. • "We found the river filled with large boulders, over and between which the water was rushing with incredible force, so that all our little canoes were necessarily hauled up on land, and the traps and movables distributed amongst our party ; and having got into marching order, we wended our way first through a deep mountain goi'ge of the most picturesque character, but afterwards through more open country, rei>eatedly crossing the stream, descending and climbing occasionally very precipitate banks." PHYSICAL ASrECT OF THE ISLANDS. 11 The party reached Namosi toward evening. " It lies on the right bank of the Wai Ndina in the luxuriant valley of Ono Mbaleanga, which trends nearly east and west between rugged and lofty mountains. The sublimity of the scenery cannot be faith- fully described." AVhile in this lovely valley various expeditions were made, one of which was to the Wai-ni Ura, where an individual named Harry — of whom more anon — imagined he had discovered the philosopher's stone. "We ascended a mouutain-ridge with precipitous sides, titoko* in hand, and having reached the top, commenced our descent into the next valley, through which the Wai-ni-Ura flows. The scenery was indeed very grand, but the footing was exceedingly difficult. Having selected some specimens of the rocks, and retreshed ourselves with a draught from the cool stream, two alternatives presented them- selves to us, namely, to descend the valley with the course of the river, stepping from one huge boulder to another, and scrambling along vertical cliffs over which the water now and then came tumbling down, or to re-ascend the ridge and retrace our steps. The former was chosen, and from the difficulty experienced we have no particular desire to visit Wai-ni-Ura again. The titoko was of the greatest service to us in descending slippery rocks and jumping from one to another. The rocks are spangled with iron pyrites, which makes its appearance whenever the surface is broken, but we were not f jrtunate enough to discover gold. ****** * if "Another interesting exjiedition was made to visit the celebrated Moti-vei-Tala, at the division of the two streamlets which respectively open into the Namosi and Navua rivers. Na Ulu Matua f and Harry accompanied us, and our walk through the vale of Ona Mbaleanga was very pleasing. We ascended a rich mountain valley to the left of Na- Ndela-ni-SoIia, and soon reached a clear bubbling stream, dividing into two smaller streamlets at a very acute angle, the left branch trending to the Namosi river (Wai Ndina), the right one wending its way to the river flowing to Navua on the south coast of Viti Levu. * A kind of native alpenstock, or stick. t The Chief of Namosi. 12 FIJI. " The natives say that a Moli (shaddock) tree formerly grew at this spot, and when the fruit of it fell into the last-mentioned stream, it might soon after be picked up at Navua in perfect condition ; but falling into the Namosi streamlet, it became rotten before reaching the sea at Rewa. This is in short language the story of the Moli-vei-Tala, so called, and it is often adduced by the natives to aflbrd an idea of the relative length of the two rivers. The distance of Nevua from this place by the river which leaves the valley of Nuku Tambua is computed to be about twenty miles, and it cannot be less than ninety-one from Rewa ; so the tale of ISIoli-vei-Tala is very likely to have been founded on fact." The party now returned to Naitasiri, where they formed another expedition to explore the Muna Ndonu ; but unfortunately the hostility of the natives (who were then at war) on both banks of the river prevented them from carrying out their object. Otherwise the complete success of the expedition is well evidenced in the copious appendix herewith annexed. The scenery on the Navua river is also very bold and fine, one of the most remarkable sights being the hundred waterfalls 'Na Savu Drau.' In the rainy season it is navigable by large boats, and during the remainder of the year by canoes. Levuka, which is situated in a quiet pleasant valley, surrounded by[a dense grove of cocoa-nut and bread-fruit- trees, on the north-east side of the island of Ovalau, is the most important town of the group, and the advantages of its central position and convenient anchorage, entirely sheltered by a reef, which runs nearly parallel with the shore, recommend it as the future capital of the colony. Built at the water's edge, it consists of one long narrow street of weatlier-boarded houses and stores, extending for upwards of half a mile, closely skirting the sea-beach, and ('(jiitains about 550 European inhabitants. Hotels there are many, both dubious and nondescript. PHYSICAL ASPECT OF THE ISLANDS, 13 the charges of which vary from 5s. to 7s. per diem, tout inelus. Mountains, thickly wooded to tlieir summits, rise abruptly at the back of the town to a height of over 2,000 feet, while on the lower spurs and terraces villa residences are fast springing up. There is perhaps a no more conclusive or characteristic testimony of the barbarism and mis- government of a country than the total absence of a system of conservancy or sanitary regulations, and Fiji in this respect forms no exception to the general rule. Notwithstanding tlie considerable facilities which at least two streams, taking their source in the neighbouring mountain gorges, afford for the conservancy of the town, and which Avill assuredly be taken advantage of under the new regime, yet its present condition is somewhat akin to a bad kind of Turkish village, and bears forcible evidence of the sad neglect and misrule which have been rampant. The Island of Ovalau, like most of the other islands, is of volcanic formation, and is about eight miles in length, by six in breadth. It is mountainous and rugged through- out, interspersed here and there with fertile and well- cultivated valleys. It possesses numerous safe and accessible harbours, which, like that of Levuka, are formed by coral reefs. The site next best adapted for a white settlement (it has been described as the best adapted) is at the harbour of Suva, which possesses the recommendation of being situated on the largest of the islands, Viti Levu. The harbour is also good, and easy of access, but it is not so central as Levuka. Mbau, the native capital, a straggling mass of reed huts, inverted canoes, and many other indescribable habi- 14 FIJI. tations, presents a strangely singular appearance. Con- spieuons amongst the native houses, arranged in curious narrow little streets, is the principal mhure or temple, which is overshadowed by a few surrounding trees, and the Mbure-ni-Sa or stranger's house, thus described by Captain Erskine : — "We came at last upon an irregular square, on which stood a building, probably 100 feet long, and about 100 feet in height, ' the stranger's house,' still occupied by the ^Ibutoni people,* and we entered by a door in the centre. The interior struck me at first as resembling the lower deck of a ship of war, there being a passage down the centre, and the families living in separate messes on either side, divided however from each other, in some cases, by imrtitious of coloured native cloth. We met the usual welcome from the people who happened to be there, and several of them followed our party out, through an opposite door to tliat by which we had entered, to a small level space between the back of the house and the hill, which rises somewhat abruptly behind." The king resides in a large native house, in front of which there is a fairly presentable grass lawn, planted with native shrubs and trees. The town is situated on and nearly covers a small island, which in one part attains an elevation of nearly 100 feet above the level of the sea, and is connected with Viti Levu, or the mainland, by a causeway of coral formation of nearly a mile in length, which during low water affords a ready means of communication, and is easily fordable at high tide. Rewa, which is the town of next importance in the group, is situated to the south of the bay formed by the embouchure of the river of that name, along the banks of wliich it extends for nearly a mile. It contains a large • Tills is a roving tribe, who spend much of their time at sea, and owe allegiance to Mbau, where at this time they had repaired for the purpose of paying tribute. PHYSICAL ASPECT OF THE ISLANDS. 15 number of habitations of various sizes and dimensions, from the barn-like residences of the chiefs and the k)fty mhures to the most rickety shanty and yam-house. The latter is a diminutive structure used for storing yams, and raised from the ground by four posts to protect them from the depredations of the rats. The town is everywhere intersected by narrow lanes bounded by high reed fences, and though its site is rather low, it has a characteristic and picturesque appearance. The town of JSi duri, the capital of the province of Mucuata, in Vanua Levu, though not so large as Rewa, resembles it much in style, and formerly was considered to be one of the best constructed towns of the group. Like Mbau and Rewa, it is unfortified, and very much exposed. Usually however the towns are fortified with a strong palisade, surrounded by a ditch, filled partly with water. Many of the tribes possess mountain fastnesses, into which they retreat when hard pressed, and which bear a striking resemblance to those of the Maoris in New Zealand. They are constructed with considerable skill and ingenuity, and not only afford a good defence against an attack practised according to the more primi- tive modes of aboriginal warfare, but likewise against musketry. Imagine a hill or rock as inaccessible as possible, with a small level space on the summit, surrounded by a stockade constructed of upright posts, at least six inches in diameter, and about eighteen inches apart, strongly bound together by wicker-work, either interwoven or lashed on the outside ; a ditch, where practicable, surrounding the whole, with a couple of narrow logs for a bridge ; as many entrances as may be necessary, over which are projecting platforms. 16 FIJI. from which the defenders guard the approaches by hurling spears, etc. ; various gates, which are made fast by sliding bars, and defended on either side by structures resembling bastions, made of tough wicker-work, placed at intervals of about four yards — and you have a fair idea of a Fijian stronghold: ( 17 ) CHAPTER II. CLIMATE. The climate is delightful, and notably salubrious. For three parts of the year the varied seasons mingle into one, and the bud, flower, and fruit may be truly said to " Drop, as breezes blow, a shower of bread And blossoms on the ground." The thermometer marks a mean temperature throughout the year, sixty feet above the level of the sea, ranging from 78*9° to 80°, and there is a perfect immunity from the fevers which generally prevail in other islands of the South Pacific. A much lower temperature of course prevails in the highlands, and the numerous mountains afford considerable facilities for Hill Stations and Sanitaria. The cold season obtains Irom May to October, during which period the rainfall is not so considerable as during the summer months, which as nearly as possible corre- spond to our winter months, from October to April. In 1865 the rainfall was 83-62; for the year 1872, 127-03 ; and in 1873 the total fall was 104- l|i Otherwise the dry and rainy seasons are not so marked as in most tropical climates. During the hot season the temperature is moderated by the north-east, and during the cold- weather season by the south-east trade-winds, which prevail. 18 FIJI. The following meteorological tables give the results of observations taken up to March, 1874, but from the fact of their not affording any data from which the difference, which is considerable, between the climate on the wind- ward and leeward sides of the islands can be accurately ascertained, and also owing to the fact of readings not having been taken at a greater altitude than sixty feet above the level of the sea, they cannot be considered satisfactory or complete. Table No, 1. — Copy of Meteorological Tuhlefroni Culverfs 'Fiji and Fijians,' talii'ii daily at Levuka in 18G5, at 9 a.m. 18G5. Thermometers. Winds. Raiufall. '5 > 1 l-r i a tt !& s ;s a s 1 g "ii 1 s 1 6 "o ^ S s s* s^ o C o H Iz;'^ January 93-6 79 85-0 9 3-04 S.E., S.W. 2-00 6-11 15 February 97-6 73 5 83-3 9 2 1-07 S.E., N.W. 3-90 13-45 18 i\Luvh . 95-0 70 82-5 8 5 1-08 E.N. 3-80 17-14 21 April . 87-7 72 81-5 9 2 1-10 S.E., E. 5-20 19-57 23 :\Iay . 89-3 70 5 80-7 9 2-00 S.E., N. 1-12 2-22 7 June . 87-0 67 79-0 8 1-09 S.E., N.E. 1-25 3-69 , . d 3 a ■3 a ii "a M £ 9 3 '3 S s s ^« ^ ^j"^ K January . 79-5 91-5 70-3 12-8 20-15 2-82 23 89 February . 79-9 91-8 71-7 13-9 17 31 2-30 21 80 March 79-8 94-2 69-3 14-G 16 52 2-52 22 88 AprLI . SO-0 92-2 69 3 15-4 11 38 1-83 20 30 May . 79-0 91-8 68-6 16-3 4 53 1-10 13 26 June . 76-2 90-0 60-3 lG-3 2 51 0-75 6 10 July . 77-6 90-0 62-8 17-7 4 71 1-35 14 23 August 75-9 89-5 60-8 15-9 8 10 2-03 11 41 September 78-0 92-8 66-6 15-7 1 47 0-36 12 7 October . 79-8 94-5 G8-0 15-5 7 07 2-10 16 33 November. 80-2 93-4 64-0 19-1 2 88 1-32 6 8 December. 81-4 93-8 71-2 16-1 7-51 1-40 17 35 ^^"^^1872 . 78-9 94-5 60-3 15-8 104-10 2-82 181 470 78-9 97-5 59-3 15-7 127-03 5-05 180 502 Table No. 3. — Constructed hy Surgeon 0. T. Corrie, of Her Majesty s Shi^ 'Pearl,' from Observations taken on board that ship by Navigating- lAeutenant Henry Hoskins, B.N., during the visit of the *■ PtarV to different parts ared like tomato sauce. The leaves of these three plants are wrapped round the bokola, as those of the taro are round pork, and baked with it on heated stones. Salt is not forgotten. " Besides these three plants some kinds of yams and taro are deemed fit accompaniments of a dish of bokola. The yams are hung up in the bure for a certain time, having previously being covered with turmeric, to preserve them, it would seem, from rapid decay, — our own sailors effecting the same end by white-washing the yams when taking them on board. A pecidiar kind of taro {Caladium esculentum, Schott. vur.), called ' kurilagi,' was pointed out as having been eaten with a whole tribe of jieople. The story sounds strange, but as a number of natives were present when it was told, several of whom MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 59 corroborated the various statements or corrected the proper names that occurred, its truth appears unimpeachable. In Viti Levu, about three miles N.N.E. from Namosi, there dwelt a tribe known by the name of Kai-na-loca, who in days of yore gave great offence to the ruling chief of the Namosi district, and as a punishment for their misdeeds the whole tribe was condemned to die. Every year the inmates of one house were baked and eaten, fire was set to the empty dwelling, and its foundation planted with kurilagi. In the following year, as soon as this taro was ripe, it became the signal for the destruction of the next house and its inhabitants, and the planting of a fresh field of taro. Thus house after house, family after family disappeared, until Butuibuna, the father of the present chief Kuruduadua, pardoned the remaining few, allowing them to die a natural death. In 1860 only one old woman, living at Cagina, was the sole survivor of the Na- loca people. Picture the feelings of these unfortunate wretches as they watched the growth of the ominous taro ! Throughout the dominions of the powerful chief whose authority they had insulted their lives were forfeited, and to escape into territories where they were strangers would in those days only have been to hasten the awful doom awaiting them in their own country. Nothing remained save to watch, watch, watch the rapid development of the kurilagi. As leaf after leaf unfolded, the tubers increased in size and substance, how their hearts must have trembled, their courage forsaken them ; and when at last the foliage began to turn yellow, the taro was ripe, what agonies they must have undergone ! What torture could have equalled theirs ? " Williams, in his 'Fiji and the Fijians,' states : — " The names of Tampakanthoro, Tanoa, Tuiveikoso, Tuikilakila, and others are famous in Fiji for the quantity of human flesh which they have individually eaten. But these are but insignificant cannibals in comparison with Ea Undreundre of Rakiraki. Even Fijians name him with wonder. Bodies procured for his consumption were desig- nated leive ni hi. The li is a circular fence or pond made to receive turtles when caught, which then becomes its lewena, " contents." Ra Undreundre was compared to such a receptacle, standing ever ready to receive human flesh. The fork used by this monster was honoured with a distinctive epithet. It was named Undroundro ; a word used to denote a small person or thing carrying a great burden. This fork was given by his son, Ra Vatu, to my respected friend the Rev. R. B. Lyth, in 1849. Ra Vatu then spoke freely of his father's propensity, and 60 FIJI. took Mr. Lyth nearly a mile beyond the precincts of tlie town, and showed liim the stones by which his father registered the number of bodies he had eaten " after his family had begun to grow up." Mr. Lyth found the line of stones to measure two hundred and thirty two paces. A teacher who accompanied him counted the stones, eight hundred and seventy-two. If those which had been removed were replaced, the whole would certainly have amounted to nine hundred. Ra Vatu asserted that his father ate all these persons himself, permitting no one to share them with him. A similar row of stones placed to mark the bodies eaten by Naungavuli contained forty-eight, when his becoming a Christian prevented any further addition. The whole family were cannibals extraordinary ; but Ea Vatu wished to exempt himself." Taken cum grano salts, or after any other fashion that we may wish, these figures are certainly big enough to speak for themselves, and we leave them to do so accordingly. The practice of anthropophagism appears to date from the earliest periods. It is mentioned in the ' Odyssey,' in the story of Polyphemus ; and Herodotus states that the Padai of India were in the habit of taking a shabby advantage of their relations, by killing and eating them when they fell ill. In the Middle Ages it became the fashion to bandy the accusation between enemies, and accordingly during the Crusades we find Christians asserting that not only were Saracens ordinary anthropophagi, but that they were par- ticularly fond of a sucking babe torn from the breast of, of course, a Christian mother. The Saracens, on the other hand, were not backward in attributing equally horrid practices to the Christians. Even friends were in the habit of distinguishing their particular heroes, by the quantity of infidel flesh they were supposed to have devoured, which will in a measure MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 61 account for the following lines, which we extract from the romance of ' Kichard Ctjeur de Lion : ' " King Eicliard shall warrant There is no flesh so nourissant Unto an English man, Partridge, plover, heron, ne swan. Cow ne ox, sheep ne swine, As the head of a Sarezyne." Why the ' SlotLfnl Knight ' should be made to prefer the head does not appear ; but it would certainly be interesting to know, as it happens to be one of those particular parts which the Fijian cannibal invariably rejects. Romances of this nature, and wild accounts of cannibalism, brought home by sailors in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and circulated by credulous writers, caused a good deal of scepticism as to the existence of this practice, which has been entirely dissipated in latter years. The origin of cannibalism remains yet to be accounted for ; so far, I believe, no satisfactory explanation of it has been given. ( 62 ) CHAPTER VI. INDUSTRIES. It may be accepted as a general maxim, that in a country where there is little incentive to work there is necessarily but little industry ; but when that country is peopled by savages who are not only immersed, in some respects, in the grossest barbarism, but whose lew and simple wants are so bounteously satisfied by nature, as to render laborious exertion absolutely unnecessary, its truth be- comes manifested in a very high degree. Under these circumstances it is indeed a matter of surprise, that the Fijian has not yielded to those influences arrayed against industry, somewhat more, and has not given himseK up to the penalty of the fall, somewhat less. For he does certainly possess some industries, and in this respect is much in advance of other Pacific Islanders. The people are expert canoe builders, and formerly drove a brisk trade in this industry with the Tongans. Their canoes are much superior to those of the other groups, and arc constructed with great ingenuity and skill. They are usually built double, and with the small exception that one of the canoes, w hich serves the purpose of an outrigger, is always shorter than the other, on somewhat the same principle, though not quite for the same object, as Captain Dicey's twin ship, the Castalia. The two canoes are united by beams, on which a platform INDUSTRIES. ■ 63 is laid, which is several feet in width, and extends beyond the sides. The bottom of the canoe is formed of one single plank, to which the sides are dovetailed, as well as being furtlier strengthened by lashings, while the joints throughout are made tight by gum. The depth of hold is usually about six feet, and they are often as much as 100 feet in length. When not sailing, they propel them by oars, about ten feet in length, with good broad blades. When rowing they stand up behind the oar, instead of sitting down to their work as we do. This method of propelling by oars or sculls is quite peculiar to the Fijians and the Tongans. In all the canoes there are small hatchways, with high combings at both ends, and when under way a man is continually employed in baling out the water. The canoes of the chiefs, with their immense white sails, made of tapa, with royal pennants streaming from the yards, and profusely ornamented with cyp'tea ovula shells, present a singularly graceful and striking appear- ance. They sail with an almost inconceivable velocity, and any one who has seen them, cannot fail to have been surprised at the adroitness with which they are managed. The employment next commanding consideration and respect is carpentery, an illustration of their proficiency in which, may be conveniently given by a description of one of their houses, which are constructed with considerable ingenuity. Though built of similar material, they differ from those of the other groups. The ordinary houses are usually of an oblong shape, about fifteen feet in height, and from twenty to thirty feet in length, by fifteen in breadth. The frames are made of bamboos, with two aper- tures, from three to four feet high, and as many broad, on opposite sides, which serve the double purpose of doors 64 FIJI. and windows. The roofs, which are very high-pitched, spring almost from the ground, and are serviceably thatched with grass or wild sugar-cane. The sides are neatly interwoven with cane, and mats are used for closing the doors. The exterior of these houses is not prepossessing, and is in decided contrast to the interiors, which are kej)t scrupulously neat and clean. The floors are sometimes strewn with mats, made of various kinds of grass or leaves, and at one or both ends there is a raised platform, which at night time is used for sleeping purposes, (for one of the peculiarities of these houses is, that there are no partitions,) and during the day as a dais, on which the master or chief alternately lounges and receives visitors, dignitaries, and friends. Every house is provided with a fire-place, which consists of a pit sunk in one of the corners, and concealed by sundry logs of wood, behind which the cooking is carried on. If a person desires to have a house, he informs the king or chief of his wish, accompanying the same with a suitable present. Thus pro2)itiated, the chief duly appoints a superintendent, who, if not dilatory in his commission, will run up a domicile, such as has been described, in an incredibly short time, which wdth care will last for at least twenty years. The workmen employed are also requisitioned by the chief, and their number varies, in a like ratio with the value of the present given, and the amount of work required. The mbure, or council-house, in which strangers are entertained, and which corresponds in many respects to our town-halls, is a conspicuous structure, in every village in which they keep their sacred ornaments. It is also used as a temple or spirit-house by the priests, in which they keep their sacred ornaments, and where they resort for the worship of their gods. It is built on a raised INDUSTEIES. 65 walled mound with a peaked roof, from twenty to thirty feet in height, with a base of not more than ten to fifteen feet. The ridge-pole, which projects several feet at either end, is decorated with numbers of ovula mjiyrssa (white shells), and it has two long spears crossing it, as nearly as possible at right angles. In other respects the Council House differs only from ordinary houses, in having the fire-place in the centre, tsnd the sleeping-place screened off. The following extract from Dr. Seemann's official report describes the favourite and lucrative occupation of plaiting sinnet : — " Fibre used for cordage is derived from three species of van (Faritiam tiliaceum, P. tricuspis, et F. purpurascens), the cocoa-nut palm, the yaka, or wayaka (^PachyrJiizus angulatus, Rich.), the kalakalauaisoD , {Hibiscus diversifolius, Jacq.), and the sinu mataiavi {Wikstrmmia Indica, Meyer). Plaiting cocoa-nut fibre into 'sinnet,' afterwards to be made into rope, or simply used for binding material, and as such a good article of exchange in the group, is a favourite occupation of the men, even of high chiefs, when sitting in bures and discussing politics or other topics of the day. According to Mr. Pritchard, none of the Polynesians produce so great a quantity of this article as the Fijians, though the Touguese excel them in colouring it. I have seen — he continues in the memorandum from which I quote — a ball of ' sinnet ' six feet high, and four feet in diameter. Some heathen temples, Bnrc- ni-Kalou, used to be entirely composed of such plaiting, and their completion must have been a task extending over a considerable period, since a model of them, four feet high, ordered for the Museum of Economic Botany at Kew, could not be finished in less time than six weeks, and at a cost of £5. The fibre of the yaka or wayaka (FacJiy- rhiziis angulatus, YMh.. = Dolichos hulhosiis,'Lmn.') \s, principally sought for fishing-nets, the floats of which are the square fruits of the vutu raka- raka (Bnrrinc/tonia speciosa, hmn.}. The sinu mataiavi (fFt/rs^ro?TOia Indica, Meyer), a sea-side shrub, perhaps identical with the Sinu-ni- vanua, serves the same purpose, its bark, like that of other Tliymeleo'. containing a readily-available fibre — a fact also known, according to Mr. Pritchard, in the Pamoan islands, where the plant is termed 'Mati. Only a limited use is made of the fibre of the kalakalauaisoni {Hibiscus F 66 FIJI. \^Ahehnoschiis'] diver sifolius, Jacq.), a plant abounding in swamps all over Fiji." Formerly tlie trade in cocoa-nut oil was one of the most important in the islands, and at the present time is only second to the trade in cotton. It will be of course under- stood that the large quantities exported in latter years have not been produced by the native process, which is of the most primitive description. A singular evidence of the quasi-civilisation of this peculiar people, is afforded in the manufacture of a rough species of native pottery, wliich amply suftices for their domestic necessities. It is carried on to a considerable extent, but is solely confined to the women. " The manufacture of native cloth is entireh^left to women of places not inhabited by great chiefs, probably because the noise caused by the beating out of the cloth is disliked by courtly ears. The rhythm of tapa-beating im])arts therefore as thoroughly a country air to a place in Fiji as that of thrashing corn does to our European villages. The masi- tree is jiropagated by cuttings, and grown about two or three feet apart in plantations resembling nurseries." * They also make their tapa from the paper mulberry, Broussonetia impjrifera, which is likewise cultivated with considerable attention and care. The art of manufacturing cloth from the bark of this tree is well known throughout Polynesia, but in Fiji oidy do we find any knowledge of printing it in different colours and patterns. Whence has this knowledge proceeded. Has it been obtained from China, where it is said to have been dis- covered in the middle of the tenth century, by one Foong- taon, a minister of state, but where it has probably been practised from the earliest times ; or is it of endemic growth ? * Vide Seeraann's Official ReporL ( C7 ) CHAPTER VII. POLITY. The people of Fiji consist of not less than forty different tribes, all more less or independent, and often hostile to each other ; of these Mbaii is the most powerful, and from its superior influence has been for many years the centre of political power, whilst its supremacy has been virtually acknowledged in all other parts of the group. Those next in importance are Eewa, Somo Somo, Verata, Naitasiri, Macuata, Mbua, and Lakemba. Each tribe is divided into five classes, which clearly denotes the marked dis- tinctions of rank which exist. They are, — 1, Kings ; 2, Chiefs ; 3, Warriors ; 4, Land- holders ; and 5, Dependents. The latter class, though nominally supposed to exercise a very minor degree of influence in the State, occasionally by force of numbers prevail, as was the case at Mbau not many years since, when the people rose eji masse, and deposed the ruling chiefs. The following statement gives a rough estimate of the native population of Fiji in March, 1874 : — Mbua 7,000 Macucata 7,000 Cakaudrove 15,000 Carried forward . . . 29,000 F 2 68 FIJI. Brought forward . . . 29,000 Lau 8,000 Kaudavu 10,000 Central 8,000 Tai Levu 10,000 Naitasiri and interior 20,000 Rewa 5,500 Serua 5,000 Namosi 7,000 Xadroga 20,000 Ea and Yasawas 18,000 Total native po2oulation . . . 140,500 Though in many instances the rule exercised by the chiefs is undoubtedly despotic, the real power of the state resides in the landowners, who on the death of a ruler must proceed to the election of a successor from among the various members of his family. So long as those thus elevated to chieftainship carry out the wishes and policy of the electors, they are loyally supported in their dignity ; but should a chief prove intractable and attempt to play the despot, he is generally brought to reason and a proper sense of his position, by a judicious stoppage of supplies.* Councils, which are composed of the influential persons of the tribe, and therefore representative, meet for de- liberation on questions of moment and importance, and the manner in which they are conducted is often marked by considerable intelligence and skill. In these assemblies an unsound argument or a crude suggestion, though made by a leading chief, would be at once ridiculed and rejected ; here knowledge and wisdom are appreciated and commended, whilst rank or jwsition of themselves wholly fail to command influence. It is therefore clearly * Vide ' IIuw about Fiji.' POLITY. 69 an error to suppose that the people live in a condition of absolute despotism, and are debarred from all voice in the state. Each tribe has its principal chief or Tui, or Turaga levu, to many of whom the theory and the advantages of divine right are not wholly unknown. The laws of succession in Fiji are not unlike those of ' the faithful,' laid down in JEl-Koran. On the decease of a chief he is succeeded by his next brother, and failing him by his eldest son, should the chief have no eldest son of his own to fill his place. This rule however is not always strictly followed, and there are various circum- stances, such as the rank of the mother, &c., which may cause a deviation from it. The ceremony of induction to regal ofSce, is initiated by copious libations of yaqonahj the king elect and the leading men of the tribe, and by a dash of red paint — in the absence of Sainte- Ampoule — the new-fledged monarch is anointed, and the coronation is complete. Amongst the numerous insignia of chieftainship, which include various ornaments, and a peculiar kind of staff, matana-hi-lagi (point-to-tlie-sky), is found the royal sun- shade, or umbrella, of African and Oriental nations. The administration of the government is carried on by the chiefs, assisted by various officials, of which perhaps the Mata-ni-vanuas (" the eyes " or face of the land) are the most important. " Tliey are the legitimate medium of communication between the chiefs aud their dependencies, and form a complete and effective agency. Taking the kingdom of Lakemba as an instance, the system is worked thus : in each island and town under the rule of Lakemba there is an authorized Muta-ki-Lakemba, ' Ambassador to Lakemba,' through whom all the business of that place aud the seat of government is transacted. 70 FIJI. "Then again at Lakemba there is a diplomatic corps, the official title of each individual of which contains the name of the place to which he is messenger, and to which all the king's commands are by him com- municated. When on duty these officials represent their chief, after the manner of more civilised courts, and are treated with great respect. " When they have to take several messages, or when one communica- tion consists of several important jiarts, they help memory by mnemoni- cal sticks or reeds, which are of various lengths. The mata having reached his destination, lays down one of these before him, and repeats the message of which it is the memorial. He then lays down another, ]iroceeding in the same way, until the sticks are transferred from his baud and lie in a row before him, each message having been accurately delivered. 1 have seen men of this class practise their lesson before setting out, and have heard them give the answers on their return. In some parts there is one of the matas who is more immediately attached to the person of the king, and is styled ona mata. It is his business to be in attendance when tribute or food is brought to the sovereign, and to go through the customary form of acknowledgment, to receive and answer reports of all kinds, doing so in the king's presence, and under his direction, and to officiate at the yaqona ring, with other similar duties. Besides the mata there are other officials of various duties and degrees of importance. All these, except in extreme cases, go about their duties most deliberately', as every appearance of haste in such matters is supposed to detract from true dignity. A careful observance of established forms is deemed very essential. In some parts of Fiji the mat of Xakcto. Komai Vunioise - - j Eatu Isikeli, \ Samisoui, - > of Vuava. Peta Paula, - J Tukana, of Notho. Lesembualala, of Kontuba. Tun d ran, of Dravo. Na Galu, of Nanuna. Dalea, of Kuku Yeti Leon. Eoko Tui Verkau, of Xaniam. Ko-mai Malaiovea, of Xauiaia. Magala, - ) ^ -rr „,. '^ ' > of V erata. Sewuloma,J Kuo Eamsa, of Nakalowca. PROPOSALS FOR THE CESSION OF FIJI. 89 Toro Druketi, of Totatska. Kono Koyawamalo, of Cautata. Geogi Nonoro, of Naprogo. Na Wagaleon, ) ^^ r,,,,,,^^!-^;. Tambavioe, - ) I do not here purpose, aided either by the light of after events or hostile criticisms, to enter upon any dis- cussion of the merits of Colonel Smythe's unfavourable Eeport, which was undoubtedly the cause of the ultimate rejection of the proffered cession ; and this more especially as I am aware that the gallant General has since not only himself acknowledged his mistaken views, but has stated his belief that the annexation of the islands would be favouralJe to Britis^h interests. Hence suffice it to say that this Report was directly opposed to the opitiions of those who were equally in a position and competent to judge, and was probably biassed by the non-annexation views imparted to Her Majesty's Commissioner in New Zealand, which was then opposed to the cession, and was moreover at that time involved in a Maori war.* Meanwliile various faithful and more encouraging- accounts had been published by Dr. Seemann and others, which gave a considerable impetus to Fijian immigration. Witli the increased influx of settlers came also an imperative necessity for the establishment of order and justice, and on a firmer and more satisfactory basis than could be possibly afforded by a consular jurisdiction, practically unsupported by other than moral force. This unsatisfactory state of affairs, notwithstanding several attempts to " establish the first principles of * New Zealand is now strongly in favour of the cession. 90 FIJI. governmeut," continued to 1869, when with the app'oval of the American Consul at Fiji, the following petition for annexation was made to the United States Government. Extracts are also given from the correspondence which consequently ensued with the Home Government, and which sufficiently explain its fate. The Eael of Belmore to the Eael Granville, E.G. " Government House, Sydneij, 2Zrd Novemher. " {lieceived 2dth January, 1870.) " I append an abstract from the ' Sydney Morning Herald ' of October 12, api:iarently copied from the ' Melbourne Argus,' in relation to the United States Government granting a protectorate over the Fiji Islands. " Fiji and the United States. " The INIelbourne papers publish the following ' Petition ' to the President of the United States, asking that the Fiji Islands may be annexed to or placed under the protection of the United States : — " ' Fiji, 1869. — To the Honourable the President of the United States of America. " ' Sir, — 1. You are aware of the political and social condition of the group of Fiji Islands, the residents of which, many of them American, but most of them British, begin to feel the want of the protection of some powerful nation, as well for the purpose of maintaining their position with the native authorities, as for outward security in their trade and commerce. 2. It has been mooted, in turn, that France, Prussia, and America contemplated annexations of these islands ; and the consequent excitement and doubt tend materially to retard our progress. 3. It is the desire of some of us to govern ourselves in conjunction with King Thakombau, under the sole protection of America, and of others under the joint protectorate of the three Powers above- named, and England. 4. The connection which has hitherto existed between the native authorities and America, although from the nature of its creation distasteful to the former from the anxieties it has caused, has nevertheless been advantageous, enabling King Thakombau, from the prestige attending your care of him, to keep down native dis- turbances. The period is, however, arriving when you will no longer on your own account require to keep an eye to the country. 5. We PEOPOSALS FOR THE CESSION OF FIJI. 91 therefore, the undersigned subscribers, being composed, firstly, of resi- dents in the group, and, secondly, of others who have identified our fortunes with it, earnestly pray that yoa will, at an early date, announce to the world your resolve to extend the protection of your flag to these islands and waters permanently. 6. The geographical position of the group in the South Pacific Ocean points to it as being a suitable naval and coaling station in American interests. 7. The line of steamers projected to run between San Francisco and Australia, on the opening of the railway from the former place to New York, will necessitate the creation of a coaling station near to Australia, and these islands possess the advantage of being equidistant from the latter place, in the direct track of the steamers, about the same number of miles as the Sandwich Islands are from San Francisco. 8. The exquisite climate of the Fijis, with their valuable productions, such as cotton (none finer in the world), sugar, cocoa-nut oil, &c., naturally leads reflecting and enterprising men to look forward to these islands as becoming a desirable residence for both Americans and Europeans ; and the opening up of extended commercial relations between the United States of America and Australia point to their political connection with the former as being likely to be beneficial to both. 9. We therefore again earnestly express the hope that the prayer of this petition for the protection of the American flag (under our own system of self-govern- ment) may be answered in the affirmative. — We have the honour to be. Sir, yom' most obedient servants.' " The United States consul at Fiji, in acknowledging the receipt of the petition, wrote : — ' Among the seventy petitioners whose names are thereunto attached, I recognise men of respectability and property, who are lonufide residents of the country, and who, I doubt not, have the general good of Fiji at heart. I sincerely hope that the boon you ask may be granted and permanently secured, and would hail such a con- summation of the eflbrts now being made by both the local government of Fiji and foreign residents as that most likely to consolidate the peace and progress of the social, commercial, and material interests of this countrv." The Colonial Office to the Foreign Office. "Downing Street, ith Fthruary, 1870. "Sir, — T am directed by Earl Granville to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st of December, respecting a petition addressed 92 FIJI. to the President of the United States, inviting the protectorate of the United States Government in the Fiji Islands. " Lord Granville desires me to request that you will inform Lord Clarendon that, in his opinion, it is not desirable for this country to take the responsibility of the government of the Fiji Islands. " I am desired to enclose a copy of a despatch from the Governor of Victoria, in which a transcript of the above petition (slightly altered) w-as lately communicated to this office." " I am, &c., "(Signed) Frederic Eogers. " The Under-Secretary of State, " Foreign Office.^'' " The Foreign Office to the Colonial Office. "Foreign Office, ICth March, 1870. " Sir, — With reference to my letter of the 31st December last, I am directed by the Earl of Clarendon to state to you, for the information of Earl Granville, that his Lordship has renson to believe that the United States Government have no intention to establish a protectorate over the Fiji Islands. " I am, &c., "(Signed) Charles Spring Rice. The Under-Secretary of State, " Colonial Office," Extract from a Despatch from the Earl of Granville, K.G., to the Viscount Canterbury, dated Downing Street, March 24:th, 1870. " With reference to your Lordship's Despatch, No. 192, of 8th Xovember, on the subject of a petition which had been addressed to the President of the United States by certain residents in the Fiji Islands, inviting the protectorate of the United States Government, I have to inform you that a Despatch has been received by the Earl of Clarendon from Mr. Thornton, stating that he has no reason to believe that the United States Government have any intention of acceding to the request. PROPOSALS FOR THE CESSION OF FIJI. 93 " Mr. Thornton adds, that Mr. Fish denies tliat tliere is any intention on tlie i)art of his Government to establish a protectorate of tlie Fiji Ishxnds." The possibility of Fiji falling into foreign hands, and the consequences thereof, had at this time fully engaged the attention of our Australasian Colonists, who expressed their appreciation of the position in the following re- solution, moved and adopted at a meeting of the Inter- colonial Conference at Melbourne, 20th June, 1S70 : — " Friday, July 1st, 1870. ******** " ' The question of the Fiji Islands was then discussed, and the members of the Conference agreed to the following determination : — " ' This conference, being of opinion that the geographical position of the Fiji Islands renders their protection of the very highest consider- ation as regards Australia and both British and Australian commerce, "'Resolves, that it is of the utmost importance to British interests that these islands should not form part of, or be under the guardianship of any other country than Great Britain, and that a respectful Address to this effect be prepared for transmission to the Imperial authorities.' " The subsequent endorsement of the above resolution by public opinion in Sydney and the New South Wales Cabinet, and the refusal of the Home Government to meet the views of the Colonists, is fully set out in the following correspondence, including some extracts from a petition by Dr. Lang : — The Viscount Canterbury to the Earl Granville, K.G. '• Government Offices, Melbourne, August \2tli, 1S70. ^'{Received, October 3rd, 1870.) " My Lord, — With reference to my Despatch, marked in the margir, in which a copy of the Report of the Intercolonial Conference, recently held here, was enclosed, I have the honour now to submit to your Lordship a copy (herein enclosed) of a Memorandum submitted to me by the Chief Secretary, on bihalf of himself and his colleagues, calling my attention to the resolution adopted at the Conference in favour of 94 FIJI. the establishment of a British Protectorate over 'the Fiji Islands,' and requesting me to bring this question under the earl}' and favourable consideration of Her Majesty's Government. " Your Lordship is well aware that, for some time past, the interest felt by the Australian Colonies in the development of the resources, and in the civilisation and security of the Fiji Islands, has been considerable and rapidly increasing, " And I should state to your Lordship that, within the last few months, or I might even say weeks, new symptoms have been apparent of largely- extended commercial intercourse with these islands. " I may state that, in addition to many smaller trading vessels recently despatched hence for Fiji, a steamer of considerable tonnage, with a larse cargo and numerous passengers, is about to be despatched thither; and the establishment by any foreign government of supreme authority there would naturally and necessarily be distasteful, and prejudical commercially in time of peace to the Australian Possessions of the Crown, and might be dangerous to them in time of war. " On the other hand, I beg to assure your Lordship that I am fully aware of, and that I believe that my Advisers also recognise, the fact that the establishment of a protectorate, such as that recommended in* the Chief Secretary's Memorandum, involves questions scarcely capable of a satisliictory solution by any one power without communication with others : and that while the subject, which I have the honour to bring under your Lordship's notice, is one on which the interests and wishes of the Australian Colonies are clear and defined, tliere may be difliculties in the way of providing immediately and completely for those interests, and of gratifying those wishes. " I have, &c. " (Signed) Cantekbury. " Tlic Ei'jld Hon. Earl Qranville, E.G., "etc. &c. (fee." " Memorandum /or Jlis Excellency the Governor. " Cldef Secretary'' s Office, Melbourne, llth August, 1870. " The Chief Secretary has the honour to invite your Excellency's attention to the following extract * from the proceedings of the Inter- colonial Conference, having reference to the establishment of a British Protectorate over the Islands of Fiji. Your Excellency will observe that the resolution contemplated tlie * See ante, page 93. PROPOSALS FOR THE CESSION OF FIJI. 95 preparation of an address to Her Majesty's Government ; but, owing to some accidental circumstance, the address was not drawn up. "It devolves, therefore, upon the Chief tSecretary to inform your Excellency that the members of the Conference were unanimously of opinion that, looking at the geographical position of the Fijis in con- nection with Her Majesty's Australasian possessions, and in view of their future commercial intercourse ; having regard also to the fact that numbers of Her Majesty's subjects, from these colonies, have already established themselves on the Islands ; it is, on every ground, and for obvious reasons, desirable that Her Majesty should be moved to extend her i)rotection over them. In that opinion your Excellency's advisers concur, and the Chief Secretary would therefore request your Excellency to be so good as to urge the subject upon the early consideration of Her Majesty's Imperial Government. " I have, &c., " (Signed) James McCullocii. ^^ His Excellency the Governor, " &c. &c. cfcc." The EarIj op Belmore to the Earl of Kimberley, dated Government House, Sydney, 7tJi September, 1870. (Beceived, 1th November, 1870.) " With reference to past correspondence on the subject of the Fijis, I enclose another article from the ' Herald ' of the same date, on the subject of absconding defaulters, and particularly to the asylum offered them by the Fijis in their present state." " ' Sydney Morning Herald,' 12>th August, 1870. " ' A very serious fact is becoming more distinct in our commercial and social risks, as well as affecting that sense of responsibility which is often the substitute for honesty of principle. Within the last few months a succession of defaulters, some liable to charges for embezzle- ment, and others for carrying off the pi'operty of their creditors, have escaped from the Colony. At the late conference propositions were made for adjusting the law to this new difficulty. "'With the aid of the telegraph, offenders could often be readily followed. Long before they arrived they would find waiting upon the 96 FIJI. wharf, or watching the boats, that very useful class of functionaries who bring malefactors to justice. But if legal formalities interpose to prevent arrest, they are unable to act, and meanwhile the foul bird escajDes. Had there been an electric telegraph, and a prompt power of arrest, it is extremely probable that the distinguished swindler, Miranda, who carried off 20,000Z., would have been brought to account. The possibility of escape has often suggested it. There is a large proportion of mankind whose rectitude of conduct requires the aid of necessity. They walk in a straight line only when the road is well fenced in. It thus becomes necessary to strengthen the law, not so much in the severity of punishment, as in facility for detection and pursuit, and in creating in every man's mind a moral certainty — not only that his crime will be found out, but that it will be punished. We may expect, therefore, that every colonial legislature will remedy, as far as the law can afford it, any defects in the means of arrest ; of course, under those responsibilities which prevent the wanton exercise of power. We hope, indeed, that there are few examples of hardship such as were recorded in this journal the other day, when two young men were carried back to Melbourne to answer the charge of obtaining goods, of no great value, imder false pretences. But supposing they themselves gave no reason to suspect the honesty of their intentions, the effect of hard cases would be rather to increase the formalities of a warrant for arrest than to withhold or abolish the power of detention. " ' Such an amendment of the law will not, however, meet the whole case so long as the Fijis are accessible. The dishonest creditor, or fraudulent employe, without much difficulty, can escape beyond the jurisdiction of the courts, and set up a new home within a few days' sail of the country he has quitted, and of the creditors he has jiillaged. We understand an increasing number of this class of men are becoming settlers at the Fijis. A warrant, of course, only runs within the dominions of a regular government, and even the practice of extradition is rarely carried beyond the arrest of persons charged with felonj\ There is therefore no remedy possible, so long as there is no recognised government. The late conference pointed out the danger from the con- tinuance of this condition of affairs. Not only does it im|X)se the necessity of inflicting penalties by illegal methods, not only does it favour the establishment of slaverj-, by which we understand labour enforced by corporal punishments, but in every relation of society and of nations it is sure to produce embarrassment, and some time or other more serious consequences. " ' There are three courses open to the British Covernmont and to the PROrOSALS FOR THE CESSION OF FIJI. 07 inhabitants of the Fijis, to accept the sovereignty of these islands, or some of them, and to recognise the sovereignty of the principal native Chief ; or to confer some charter of incorporation which may contain the power of self-government on the European population, and which will make them amenable to laws administered among themselves. The Consuls of Egypt exercise some such powers, although many in- conveniences are felt in this partition of authority between the Native Government and the representatives of foreign nations. At all events, this last method might be adopted without committing the English nation to any permanent occupation of the country, and thus a joower might be established which should enforce order and obedience to the recognised law of all civilised nations. " The difficulty in the Fijis is however only the beginning of such embarrassments. There are few persons who have any conception of the extent and importance of these islands of the Pacific. There are many indeed not at all adapted for Europeans, and i;nfortunately the new slave trade has disturbed that tranquillity which their special isolation once seemed to assure them. But there are many islands of great extent, capable of supporting large native populations, and of producing many articles of commerce constantly in demand by the trade of the world. As adventure and enterprise bring these within the circle of commercial operations, they will become asylums for l)ersons who evade justice or defraud their creditors. Some are con- venient places of abode, and enjoy salubrious climates. They will form an important appendage to the existing spheres of commercial adven- ture ; but they will also extend that very danger of which we have had recently such striking examples. " After all, modification in the universal system of trade is not unlikely to be enforced by the great changes which are everywhere transpiring. '.Ihe whole world is becoming an opening track. From every point there are means of communication, and therefore of escnjoe. Those who travel have no need to stop, and are therefore not easily overtaken. Every kind of property has its market, and may be turned into money. The swindler can choose from all the countries of the world a place of retreat, and carry with him his plunder ; and we fear that we have had examples of the promptitude with which dishonest men will cover the retreat of others without losing their position. Such men may be exjiected to go the same road, when they have sufficiently provided themselves with a full purse at the expense of their neighbours. 'J'he transactions of commerce are indeed increasingly hazardous, so far as they are dependent upon credit; but the improvement of communication H 98 FIJI. tends to shorten this credit, and in time will make cash transactions the rule rather than the exceptiou." " To the Honourable the Legislative Assenibly of New South Wales, in Parliament assembled : The Petition of Jons Dunmore Lang, Doctor of Divinity, "■ Humbly showeth, " 1. That the Fiji Islan.ls, cue of the groups of the Western Pacific Ocean, have for years past, but especially of late, been attracting much attention on the part of the inhabitants of the Australian Colonies, as being a peculiarly eligible field for commercial enterprises, as also for the settlement of a people of British origin, for the growth of inter- tropical productions, the land being exceedingly fertile and the climate highly salubrious. ****** »» " 5. That although the natives of these islands are generally well disposed towards white men residing among them, such a state of things as this condition of the islands implies must necessarily lead to occasional if not frequent acts of aggression, violence, and bloodshed, together with much lawlessness, social injustice, and irremediable wrong-doing, while it has actually given rise to an earnest desire, in both classes of the population, for the establishment of a regular govern- ment in the islands by some civilised nation. " 6. That Her Majesty's Government having declined, about ten years a'jo, although strongly solicited by the native chiefs, to annex the Fiji Islands as a British Colony, and being now still less likely to do so after the recent withdiawal of the Imperial troops from the Australian Colonies and New Zealand, these islands are liable at any moment to be seized and annexed by some sovereign power in Christendom other than Great Britain, proposals having been actually put forth by interested parties in the islands for their annexation either to the United States or to the North German Confederation. " '/. That the occupation of the Fiji Islands by any foreign power in Christendom »vould be exceedingly detrimental to British interests in the Pacific Ocean, as well as calamitous in a very high degree to this Colony, with which, from its geograi^hical position and vicinity, as well as from the common origin of their European inhabitants, these islands will always be intimately connected. ♦ •*•♦♦»■#. " 15. *l'hat the annexation of tlie.se islands to New South Wales, and PROPOSALS FOR THE CESSION OF FIJI. 99 the setting up of a regular government in the group under the Com- mission of 1787, wouki not only be a measure of great commercial importance, but one of equity and justice to this Colony, as it is only through the expenditure of British money in New South Wales for the last eighty years and upwards that the colonisation of any islands in the Pacific Ocean has been rendered at all practicable for any power in Christendom. " 16. That the waste lands of the Fiji Islands, if duly administered by a regular government assuming the right of pre-emption over all future purchases of lands from the natives, and establishing a court of competent jurisdiction to investigate and decide upon all alleged jjast purchases, besides insuring a sufficient extent of eligible land for the natives, and protecting them in the enjoyment of their possessions against the cupidity and chicanery of unprincipled Europeans, would form an eligible field for the settlement of tens of thousands of the redundant population of the mother country, and serve as an ample security for whatever funds might be required in the first instance for their importation. " 17. That, in the estimation of reputable persons well acquainted with the present condition and prospects of the Fiji Islands, we, European inhabitants of these islands, would be both willing and able to defray the whole expense of a regular government, so as not to subject this Colony to a single farthing of expense either for the construction of such government or for its future maintenance. " 18. That the natives of the Fiji Islands, being scattered for the most part over a number of moderately-sized islands, under their respective Chiefs, are incapable of combining, like the Maoris in New Zealand, in any common etibrt against Europeans, and that there is therefore no likelihood of any war with the natives, especially under a government that would do them justice and recognise and respect their rights. '* Trusting, therefore, that your Honourable House will take this matter of extreme urgency into immediate consideration, and do what- ever in your wisdom may facilitate the establishment of a regular government in the Fiji Islands, your petitioner, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c., &c., &c. " John Dunmoee Lang, D.D. " Sydney, September, 1870." H '1 100 FIJI. The Earl of Kimberley to the Viscount Canterbury. " Downing Street, IGth March, 1871. " My Lord, — Her Majesty's Government have had under their con- sideration your Lordship's Despatch, No. 132, of 12th August, enclosing: a I^Iemorandum submitted to you by the Chief Secretary on behalf of your Ministers, in which he calls attention to the Resolutions adopted at the intercolonial Conference in favour of the establishment of a British Protectorate over the Fiji Islands, and requests you to bring the question under the notice of the Home Government. " Her Majesty's Government have carefully considered the Memoran- dum of your advisers. The state of affairs in the Fijis appears to have so far changed since 1860, when, after a full inquiry by Colonel Smythe, who was sent out for the purpose, Her Majesty's Government determined not to annex the islands, that there is now in the islands a much larger Euroiyean community, and therefore able to protect itself, and to provide for its own government ;* but, otherwise, the same difficulties remain. " The islands are under the jurisdiction of several Chiefs ; and even if they all concurred in an act of cession to the Queen, the experience of other colonies shows that disputes would be sure afterwards to arise, especially as to the occupation of land by the settlers. It would be impossible for this country to undertake the responsibility of the government of the islands without a sufficient force to support its authority, and Her Majesty's Government are not prepared to station a military force for this purpose in the Fijis. On these gi'ounds Her Majestj-'s Government cannot depart from their former decision, not to extend British sovereignty over the islands. It is not very clear what is intended by the ])roposal that ' Her Majesty should extend her protection' over the Fijis ; but if by this is meant something short of direct annexation, it seems to Her Majesty's Government even more open to objection ; as, while it would not really diminish the responsi- bility this country would incur, it would 'weaken and embarrass the exercise of British authority, and would be certain after a period, more or less protracted, of uncertainty, and po-ssibly discredit, to end in annexation, in circumstances less favourable than the present. " Her Majesty's Government are, however, ready to give such aid as may be in their power, through the Consul, for the maintenance of * See Note, post, page lO.*!. PROPOSALS FOR THE CESSION OF FIJI. 101 order, until the EurojKcm community can establish a regular govern- ment, and they are considering measures with a view to increase the authority of the Consul over British subjects, by conferring on him magisterial 2:)0wers. " I have, &c., " (Signed) KlMBERLEY." " Govermeni House, Sydney, August 9th, 1871. " My Lobd, — Referring to yom: Lordship's Despatch, No. 24, of 18th March laat, in which was enclosed the copy of one to Lord Canterbury, dated 16th, on the subject of the renewal of the decision of Her Majesty's Government not to extend British sovereignty to Fiji, I have the honour to inform you that these papers have been submitted for the consideration of my responsible advisers, and I now forward the copy of a letter from the Attorney-General, containing the views held by his cabinet on the subject, which he requests me to communicate to your Lordship. "I see Sir James Martin estimates the European (by which term I think he means white) population in the Fiji group, as not exceeding 1500. Including American citizens, my own impression is that the white poi^ulation is, or was lately, about 3000. " I have, &c. " (Signed) Belmore, " The Earl of Kimberhy, '* &c., dc, &c." " Attorney- Generars Office, August 8th, 1871. " ' My Lord, — •The Cabinet have had under their consideration Lord Kimberley's Despatch of the 16th March last, addressed to his Excellency the Governor of Victoria, in which the grounds are set forth on which Her Majesty's Government adhere to their former decision, not to extend British sovereignty over the Fiji Islands. " ' 2. My colleagues and myself consider that the course which the Imperial Government has felt itself compelled to take in this matter is one very much to be regretted. By the Despatch in question it appears that Lord Kimberley and his colleagues are willing to recognise any regular government which the European community in the Fiji Islands may establish, but are not prepared, as British Ministers, to undertake the responsibility and incur the expense of converting 102 FIJI. these Islands into a British Colony or possession. We are not aware of any precedent for such an invitation as this, to a few Europeans resident in a part of the world where there is no government, to esta- blish a separate nationality for themselves. Hitherto the right of British subjects to throw off their allegiance, and either alone, or in conjunction with foreigners, to form themselves into an independent state, has not, so far as we are aware, been recognised. The number of the European population of the Fijis is not known with any degree of accuracy, but it cannot exceed 1500, and is probably not so large. To what country these Europeans respectively belong, how many of them are British subjects, how many Americans, how many citizens of other civilised communities, we cannot say ; but there can be no doubt that the white population of the Fijis is made up of persons representing several nationalities, British subjects being probably the most numerous. The establishment of a regular government by so small and heterogeneous a body of persons would in all probability soon lead to complications of such a character as to demand the interference either of the United States or of some European power. For although none of these powers might be prepared to assume the government of the Fijis, they would certainly interpose to protect their own subjects in those islands from the acts of local authorities not having the support of, or deriving their power from, a population sufficiently large and civilised to command or justify their recognition by other countries. Within the last few weeks the white residents in the Fijis have, acting it seems upon the views contained in Lord Kimberley's Despatch, framed a Constitution for those islands, or a part of them, and have commenced the transaction of some of the ordinary business of a government, with the concurrence of the most powerful native Chief. We are persuaded that this is a step which the British Government ought not to countenance in any way. The proposal of Lord Kimberley to increase the authority of the Consul over British subjects in the Fijis, by conferring on him magisterial powers, would, if carried out, be of no advantage. The conferring of such powers by the Imperial Parliament would itself be an act of sovereignty over the Fijis, and the exercise of such powers would be inconsi.stent with the recognition of the local authority now stated to be established. If Her Majesty's Im^xrial Government admit that the white inhabitants of Fiji have acted properly in establishing a govern- ment, they cannot, except by treaty with that government, give their Consul any jurisdiction in the new territory, but must leave their subjects resident in that territory amenable to the jurisdiction of its PROPOSALS FOR THE CESSION OF FIJI. 103 courts, in the same manner as they would be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of any other foreign country in which they njight reside. We venture to express the hope that the Imperial Government will not, by its refusal to interfere, leave British subjects and British property open to control of this description. " ' 3. We are aware, from unofficial but reliable sources, that Her Majesty's Ministers in England are anxious to have this Fijian question settled in some way or other without delay. We have been informed that powers would in all probability be conferred upon this Colony, if we desired it, to annex Fiji or take it under our protection. We cannot see how such a scheme could possibly be carried out. This Colony could not hope to control the inhabitants of the Fijis, native or European, without a considerable armed force to cause its authority to be obeyed, and there is no reason to believe that the expense necessary to maintain such a force would be incurred. This Colony can have no motive sufficient to warrant it in taking upon itself such a burden. The establishment of a government in the Fijis, with a legislature and courts, and all the appliances necessary to keep order, preserve property, and enforce rights, would be a convenience, no doubt, to the inhabitants of all these Colonies, but in such convenience persons in other countries also would largely participate. A new and attractive field for coloni- sation would be opened up, mainly for the benefit of the more populous communities of Europe, but in a very minor degree for the benefit of this or any of the neighbouring Colonies. " ' 4. The securing of such advantages is an Imperial question, and as such should, we think, be taken up by the Imperial Government, whose naval forces are already sufBciently powerful in these seas to protect, in its early stages of development, when alone such protection would be necessary, any government which under Imperial auspices might be created. Entertaining these views, we think it right to request that your Excellency will be pleased to communicate them to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in the hope that the dangers arising from the assumption in the Fijis of legislative and executive powers by persons who can have no right to exercise such powers may be avoided, and a splendid country may be secured, while there is yet time, as a field for British capital and enterprise. " ' I have, &c., " ' (Signed) James Martik. " ' His Excellency the Bight HonouraUe "'the Earl of Belmore.^ " 104 FIJI. " Downing Street, November, 3rd, 1871. "My Lord, — I have the honour to acknowledge j'our Lordship's Despatch, No. 128, of the 9th August, transmitting copy of a letter from tSir James Martin, embodying the views of your responsible advisers on the subject of the Fiji Islands. " Her Majesty's Government have attentively considered the arguments of Sir James Martin ; but they must decline to admit that, because a certain number of British subjects, proceeding for the most part from the Australian Colonies, have established themselves in the Fijis, the Imperial Government is called upon to extend British Sovereignty to these islands, in order to relieve such persons and their property from the risk which they may incur. " Sir James Martin is mistaken in supposing that the conferring uj)on the Consul magisterial powers over British subjects would be an act of sovereignty over the Fijis. In barbarous countries, where there is no regular government, such powers have not iinfrequently been conferred upon Consuls with the consent of the native Chiefs. " As regards the Government which has recently been set up bj^ the white settlers in the name of King Thakombau, I have in another Despatch informed you that as long as this newly-constituted Govern- ment exercises actual authority, you should deal with it as a de facto Government, so far as concerns the districts which may acknowledge its rule, but that Her Majesty's Government are not prepared to give any opinion as to the propriety of formally recognising it without much fuller information as to its character and prospects. "Sir James Martin adverts to the suggestion that the Fijis might be annexed to New South Wales ; and if the Colony were willing to undertake tho responsibility of providing for the government of the islands. Her Majesty's Government woulil not refuse to entertain such a proposal, if it met with the concurrence of the native Chiefs. " It is, of course, entirely for the Colony to determine whether such a scheme would be for its advantage ; but as Sir James Martin affirms that the establishment of a regular government in the Fijis would be mainly for the benefit of European communities,* and in a very minor degree for the benefit of New South Wales or any of the neighbouring Colonies, I must observe that if this correctly represents the general opinion in the Australasian Colonies, the interest of Her Majesty's (jovernment in the question would be greatly lessened, since in their * As a field for coloiiisatiou ; sec ante, page 103. PROPOSALS FOR THE CESSION OF FIJI. 105 view it is principally on account of the Australasian Colonies that the ali'airs of the Fiji Islands arc a matter uf concern to tliis country. " I have, &c., "(Signed) KiMBEKLEY. " The Earl of Brhnore, " die. t£'c. (C'c." During the period which elapsed between the rejection of the Petition for Annexation to the United States, and the date of the foregoing Despatch from Lord Kimberley to the Governor of New South Wales, the settlers in Fiji liad not been idle ; the necessities for the protection of life and property had not diminished ; the white popula- tion had increased. In this exigency they determined upon issuing the following Address, in which their case is stated with moderation and intelligence. Tne Earl of Belmore to the Earl Granville, K.G. ; dated Govern- ment House, Sydney, May 18lh, 1870. " (Received Jidy 15th, 1870.) " I enclose, for your Lordship's information, a pamphlet, addressed ' To the White Residents of Fiji,' by a number of settlers there? which has been forwarded to me by Mr. March, Her Majesty's Consul in Fiji. " ' To THE White Residents in Fiji. "' Gentlemen, — We, who hereafter subscribe ournames, are address- ing you on a subject the importance of which, with regard to the safety of your lives, and of your families and property, we hope to make clear to you in this circular, " ' In the first place, we call upon you to consider the security which you now hold for the protection of your rights, and do feel sure that any intelligent mind is capable of understanding its insignificance. " ' Secondly, we will ask you to consider what means we are able to adopt in order to increase this security, by depending upon the pro- tection of any European or American power, and to weigh well how small a chance there is of any of these powers bettering our position. " ' Thirdly, we will ask you to consider whether, relying upon our- selves, and trusting to the support which we can mutually accord to each other, we may not strengthen our position by forming an independency 106 FIJI. ■whose members will renounce their reliance on the protection of any other jx)wer, and will swear allegiance to the community proposed to be formed. This is the principal object of the circular, and of the meeting which we propose to convene in order to discuss the subject. " ' Fourth]}', we beg to give you some idea of the plan we recommend for the formation of the government of such a commimity, and for procuring the means to aflbrd protection to the white settlers who join the association. " ' Lastly, we will propose the day upon which shall be held this meeting, urging upon all of you who have the real interests of the white settlement in Fiji at heart to use your best endeavours to be present upon such an important occasion, and to deliver there, for the first and last time, the views which you hold and the measures which j^ou are ready to adopt. "* (1.) INIany offers have been made to the British Empire, soliciting it to add these fertile islands to its possessions. These have all been scouted. " ' It appears to us, who have tried to obtain the best information on the subject, that the policy of the British Government is to get rid of such of its dependencies as entail a cost to the Crown, and yet are able to dispose of their produce in any market the colonists may think fit. It holds that, whether countries are cultivated under their flag or not, they will equally come to the English markets, if such markets will pay best to the importers of produce. " ' It does not consider that any advantage is to be derived from in- terfering in colonial politics. " ' Such being the case, it is very unlikely that it will spend British money upon any new dependency, such as this would be. " ' The American Government holds Views very similar to the British Government, and though anxious to protect trade and enterprise of every legitimate kind, is unwilling to weaken itself by having to protect jTOsitions so far removed from the centre of its government. " 'The French have obtained j ossession of some of the most fertile islands in the South Seas, whose cohimercial and military ]iositions are un- rivalled, whose harbours cannot be surpassed for the use of warlike fleets, or ports for merchant shipping. Thus it is not likely that their Govern- ment will incur further expense by taking possession of these islands ; nor is it certain that it would be desirable that the strong, and perhaps arbitrary, measures adopted towards the natives and original holders of the soil in New Caledonia, would be such as would be most beneficial to a white population settling in Fiji. PROrOSALS FOR THE CESSION OF FIJI. 107 " ' The other Continental Governments, we know, have their hands full, and are not likely to be able to lend us any extraordinary assist- ance towards securing our properties in the group. " 'It must thus appear that we are in an excessively unprotected state, far from our native homes, having brought with us our families and fortunes ; and although we have made more roorn for those we have left behind, we not only receive no thanks, but we also receive no assistance in the somewhat perilous career which most of us have imdertaken. "'The Consuls have their hands tied by their Governments, and are thus unable to afford us any practical protection. The promise that they will see into any affair which may arise between ill-disposed savages and ourselves when a man-of-war arrives, is biit poor con- solation to the man whose wife has been assaulted, whose children have been injured, whose property has been destroyed, and who, after several years of labour in a tropical climate, for the good not only of himself and family, but of Europeans in general, finds himself injured, wounded, and penniless, and, to add to the sum of his evils, slighted by his Consul, and offered a passage home as a destitute subject. " ' On this head it is only necessary to add that the respect hitherto partially shown by natives towards white men is daily decreasing. The time has come \t'hen it behoves all of us to consider well our precarious position, and to take such steps as will enable us to offer a better security to all commercial people in the Colonies, and to secure for ourselves permanently the advantages and profits which must accrue from cultivating, under proper auspices, those lands which we have right- fully acquired. " * (2.) We can soon expect answers to the numerous petitions that have been sent to diilerent Governments ; and, considering their answers, find out whether we may not decline, with thanks, receiving any more of their insignificant protection ; and it will be well to ascertain whether foreign powers will not show more respect to us as an inde- pendent community, well regulated in its internal government, and observing justice to all natives and outsiders, and strictly looking into the commercial integrity of those trading in this group. " ' The public are informed, on fair authority, that the commanders of American war-vessels would recognit^e and respect any self-governed community professing the same principles of liberty and justice which are now respected in the United States ; and we have no doubt that, though the community proposed to be constituted will consist of the sons of many nations, the American eagle will spread its protecting wings over a body of honest, resolute, and enterprising men. 108 FIJI. " ' (3.) Under the third head we announce the most important part of the proposed plan, and begin by stating the probable result of advanced steps being taken by the community. We have been led to believe, and we hope rightly, that there are some 2300 white inhabitants of this group. We are sure that from this number 1000 can be found worthy of the name of men, in the highest acceptation of the word ; men who have come here bent upon making a pleasant but honest livelihood, and acquiring properties which they will be able to leave in a flourishing condition to their successors, and which they may I'eel sure shall be secured to them by their present toil and energies. Amongst this 1000 men we may hope to find persons suitable, and commanding zeal enough to be chosen to form a governing committee, uninfluenced by pecuniary motives, and for whom, having been duly elected, the community will show all allegiance and all proper obedience, Without allowing private affiiirs or personal jealousy to interfere. "'It such a committee, with a universally balloted-for president, were elected, should a wrong or an outrage then be committed upon anyone, who, relying upon the integrity of the community, has signed allegiance to its governing power, let him then appeal for protection and redress to that governing power; and it will, having satisfied itself of the facts of the case, call together a sufiScient number of the community, bounden to obey its orders, and proceed at once, at public expense, to redress the wrongs of the applicants. " ' The president, with the approval of the committee, will appoint a suitable person to take command of such an expedition, whose duty it will be to control those under his orders, at his own responsibility, and to inflict such punishment as he may deem fitting, after reviewing the nature of the offence on the ground where the outrage has been com- mitted. " ' Having so far, in this preliminary appeal to your assistance, stated the self-protectory object we have in view, we may give you our ideas of the capability of 50 or 100 men to punish any aggressor, be he a powerful or a petty Chief in Fiji. In all cases a large preponderance of natives will always be on our side ; and it is not to be doubted that, though a failure attended the principal attempt on the part of a small British force to avenge injuries sustained by their fellow-countrymen, fifty gentlemen conversant with the habit of Fijians, and acquainted with the manner of their tracks and fortifications, W'ould have no difficulty in expelling them from tlieir most secure strongholds. " ' Much also might be effected without violence by the mere presence of determined and well-armed white men. There can be no doubt also PROPOSALS FOR THE CESSION OF FIJI. 109 tkat less bloodslied would ensue by a strong; though inoftensive militia being always ready and at hand to support their own just rights, as well as those of the persons who will join with them in the cost and risk of self-protection. " ' (4.) It will be proposed to you at the general meeting that a capita- tion tax of 21. per annum be levied by this community to defray expenses. We believe that, taking into consideration the number of white residents, this subscrijition will be found amply sufficient to cover the cost of boats, munitions of war, stores, &c., necessary for use in order to (juell any disturbance which might arise, and to defray the expenses of calling and mustering the force required. It will also be understood that every person seeking the protection of this community will be bound to supply any boats or other articles wanted by the committee for an expedition of the sort alluded to above, the committee compensating the owner of such property at the current rate. " ' (5.) Lastly, we propose that Thursday, the 14th of Ajiril, 1870, be appointed the day for the general meeting to be held at Levuka, to which all people, whether desirous of furthering these views or not, are requested to attend, that men in different parts of the grou^i, who by peculiar amd extraordinary circumstances may be unable to be present, will authorize such of their friends (as they may think fit, and who are coming), by written and attested authority, to sign for them any document agreed to by the majority. As such a large gathering of white men might alarm the natives, who would not under- stand its object, we think it advisable that you bring with you your personal arms in as unostentatious a manner as possible. '"(Signed) * * * * ^^y Whether the meeting thus convened in tlie last para- graph of the preceding Address ever came to pass does not appear; but that it was not productive of unanimity of purpose, one of the good results expected and looked for, is evidenced from the following Charter, granted by Thakombau to the residents at LevuJca only. An opinion on this Charter by Sir James Martin, Q.C., then Attorney-General to the New South Wales Govern- ment, is also given : 110 FIJI. Her ^Iajesty's Consul, Fiji, to the Eakl of Belmore. " British Consulate, Fiji, Ovalau, Fehruary 2ith, 1871. " Dear Losd CELiio;iE, — A Charter, of which the eaclosed is a copy, has beea granted by the native Cliief, Thakombaii, to the European residents at Levuka, authorizing the formation of a ' Body Corporate,' to frame and pass ' police, municipal, and other regulations ; with power to levy and recover such taxes, imposts, &c., as may be necessary for the caiTying on of such corjwratiou.' "It is very probable that among the residents at Levuka many would resist the execution of these powers, and 1 should therefore feel extremely obliged to your Lordship if I could have the benefit of some advice on the bearing of the relations which would arise in such a case. *♦****»* . " I beg, &c., "(Signed) Edward Marcu. • " The Riyht Hon. the Earl Belmore, " &c. &c. &€., Sydriey." " Copy of KiXG Thakombau's Charter, granted by him to the European Residents at Levuha. " ' To all to whom these presents shall come, I, Epeniza Cakobau, King of the Bau Dominions, scud greeting : "'Whereas it has been represented to me that in consequence of the large number of European settlers in Levuka, which number is rapidly increasing, and for the preservation of the good feeling that has always existed between European settlers and my own subjects, the effecting of sanitary and other improvements for the public good, it would be advisable to confer some s^Dccial powers on the said European com- munity settled in Levuka : Now know ye that I, Epeniza Cakobau, King of t'lie said Bau dominions, do hereby authorize the said European community, inhabitants of Levuka, to elect annually seven house or landholders, by ballot or otlicrwise, to form a body corporate to frame and pass such police, municipal, and other regulations as may be deemed necessary and expedient for the public good ; and also tu pass, levy, sue for, and recover such rates, taxes, and other imposts as may l)e necessary for the carrying on such corporation, and any improve- ments by them deemed advisable; Provided always, that no regula- tion or re adations shall be lawful that may be antagonistic or PROPOSALS FOR THE CESSION OF FIjr. Ill contradictory to the spirit of the present constitution or any future amendment thereof. " ' In witness wliereof I have hereunto set iny hand and seal this the 21st day of November, 1870. " ' (Signed) Cakobau, x his mark. (Seal.) " ' Na Vuni Valu. " ' Signed, sealed, and delivered hy the said Epeniza Cakobau, in the presence of — " ' (Signed) F. Henxings. Joseph Nettleton. J. C. Smith. S. C BuuT. Th. G rover, G. L. Gkifeiths, G. E. B. TowsoN, Solicitor, Levuka.' " Lord Belmore to Her Majesty's Consul at Levuka. " Government House, Sydney, March, 31s<, 1871. " Dear Mr. March, — I have received your letter of the 24th February, 1871, enclosing a copy of a Charter vk^hich has been granted by the native Chief, Thakombau, to the European residents at Levuka, authorizing the formation of a body corporate for certain purposes, and requesting some legal advice on the bearing of the relations which might arise, should the execution of the powers conferred be resisted. " 2. At my request. Sir James Martin, Q.C., the present Attorney- General, has been kind enough to furnish me with an opinion, a copy of which 1 enclose. " 3. I propose to send another copy to the Secretary of State by the next Suez mail, for the information of Her Majesty's Government. " 1 have, &c., " E. March, Esq., " (Signed) Belmobe. " Her Majesty s Consul at Fiji and Tonga. "Opinion of Sir James Martin, Q.C, Attorney-General, with respect to the Charter granted by King Thakombau to the Euroijcan Residents at Levuka, " ' Attorney-GeneraVs Office, Sydney, March ZYst, 1871. " ' !My Lord, — In reference to your Excellency's inquiry touching the proposed incorporation of European residents at Levuka, in Fiji, by a 112 FIJI. Charter under the hand and seal of the native King or C^hief of that place, I have the honour to state it as my opinion that the right to enforce obedience to bye-laws or regulations of such an incorporated ' body is one which, cannot be maintained. There is nothing in the law of nations to prevent the aboriginal inhabitants of any of the islands in the Pacific Ocean establishing for themselves, or acquiescing, by general consent, in the adoption of any form of government whatever ; but foreign nations would not admit the coercive power of such governments over their subjects, unless there was that amount of fairness, force, and certainty which generally characterises the administration of aflairs in civilised communities. " ' Forty-three years ago, when the Act 9 Geo. 4, c. 83, commonly known as the New South Wales Act, was passed, the Imjjerial Parlia- ment did not consider that any of the islands in the Indian or Pacific Oceans which were not subject to any European State were capable of adopting or enforcing any form of government, for by that Act offences committed in such islands by British subjects were made triable in New South AVales. Some of these islands have since become British Colonies, some are subject to France, and some have bednme sufS- ciently civilised to establish regular governments of their own ; but most of them are still in much the same state, so far as their capacity for government is concerned, as they were in 1828. Where that is the case, any coercion amounting to assault or imprisonment, or the forcible seizure of property in any of these islands by British subjects resident there, would render such British subjects amenable to prosecution in the courts of this Colony, and I believe in the courts of any of the neighbouring British Colonies also. I am disposed to think that Fiji has not yet advanecd in civilisation to that state which would entitle the charters or decrees of any of its Chiefs, in the constitutions adojited by its inhabitants, to be recognised by other countries. It has not yet, I think, entitled itself to be enrolled in the family of nations, and British subjects taking the pro])erty, or restraining the freedom of any person under the authority of the laws promulgated by any Fijian Chieftain would, I think, be liable to ])rosecution under the Act to which 1 have referred. 1 do not luiow what steps Mr. March can take, beyond letting British subjects know, as far as he can, the position in which they may ]irobably jjlace themselves by joining in coercive acts under the authority of the Charter whicli King Thakombau has promulgated. " ' For any trifling exercise of autlioritj- under this Charter, which may be convenient fur the i)reservation of, the imblic peace, neither the PROPOSALS FOR CESSION OF FIJI. 113 action of the courts here nor the interference of the Naval authorities would, perhaps, be invoked. But any serious injury to individuals would, I think, compel the Naval authorities to interfere with a view to a prosecution in some one or other of the Australian Colonies. " * I have, &c., " ' (Signed) James Martin. " ' Uis Excellency the Right Honourable '"■ The Earl of Belmore:" At this period of the Colony's politico-governmental mishaps, it was given to a Mr. Woods, in combination with some other Fijian residents, to initiate both settlers and aborigines in arcana imijerii. Unfortunately, without that experience recently afforded to us at home, of the unadaptability of the British charac- ter to, at least one, of foreign institutions, these gentle- men, we are told, initiated their constitutional scheme by a coup d'etat. Under such inspirations as these a cabal was formed, which in turn developed itself into a Con- stitution and a Parliament, which sat in 1872 and 1873. Notwithstanding the auspices under which the govern- ment was thus established, it did not appear to enlist the sympatliies of either the whites or the natives, who gave a somewhat unconstitutional expression to their feelings by reserving to themselves the right of disowning, or dissolving, the government whenever they thought fit. The chief characteristic of this government is naively described by Her Majesty's Commissioners, as consisting in a " continued want oi frankness in financial matters on the part of the ministers." It appears that latterly, though, affairs have not been so mismanaged; nevertheless, a debt of 87,000?. — incurred in less than two years — and a strong feeling on the part of the Colonists that misera est servitus ubi jus est vagum aut incertum, still exist. I 114 FIJI. Fully indorsing the latter sentiment, tlie last proposal * to hand ' for the cession of Fiji is given without further preface. It is related of a great man, that, when overshadowed by the seriousness of death, he was heard to say, " Je vais querir un grand j^eni-etre " (I am going to resolve a great doubt). Well might King Thakombau have also similarly expressed himself — were, indeed, such a contemplation possible to his savage intellect — when in the act of dis- possessing himself of his kingdom. Of the resolution of Eabelais' doubt beyond the grave, we know nothing ; of the resolution of the ' grand peut-etre ' of Fiji, in the hands of Her Majesty's Ministers, we are assured that it will be satisfactory ! The Last Proposal for the Cession of Fiji, {Translation,') " On hoard Her Majesty^ s Ship ' Pearl,' Levuka, " March '21st, 1874. " To Commodore Goodenough ajid Consul Layard, the two Chiefs sent out by Her Britannic Majesty the Queen of Great Britain, to visit Fiji. " We, with the Chiefs of Fiji, have thought over your letter, which was brought to us by Mr. Thurston, on the 2nd day of the month of January ; and after thinking the matter over, I now say to you, Sirs, that it is our minds to give the Government of our kingdom to the Lady the Queen of Great Britain ; and let the document I told Mr. Thurston some time ago to prepare, be conformed to as document of promises to us. " This is the extent. Sirs, of my words to you. " I am, &c., " (Signed) Cakobau W. " (Signed) Henry S. Milne, Private Secretary. " John B. Tudeston." PROPOSALS FOR CESSION OF FIJI. 115 (Translation from the Fiji ' Gazette.') " The ' Pearl,' Levuka, March 21st, 1874. " To Commodore Goodenodgh and Mk. Consul Layard, the Com- missioners of the Queen of Britain. " We, and tlie Chiefs of Fiji. We have reconsidered your letter, which was brought, Sirs, to us by Mr. Thurston, on the 2nd of January last. And we now tell you. Sirs, that we desire to cede the Govern- ment of our kingdom to the Queen of Britain, and that the document which I formerly told Mr. Thurston to prepare, be the agreement of the cession. " This is all, Sirs, we have to say to you. " (Signed) Cakobau R. " (Countersigned) Hekry T. Milne, Private Secretary. " J. B. Thurston." " Chief Secretary's Department, Fiji, " April nth, 1874. " Gentlemen, — In accordance with the tenor of the King's letter to j'ou, signed on board Her Majesty's ship ' Pearl,' upon the 21st ultimo, and with his commands to me, I beg to inclose the conditions upon which His Majesty — for himself and people — offers to cede the govern- ment of his kingdom to Her Britannic Majesty. " I have, &c., " (Signed) John B. Thurston, " Commodore J. O. Goodenough, S.N., Chief Secretanj. " Commanding the Australian Station; " Edgar Leopold Layard, Esq., " Her Britannic Majesty's Consul, Fiji and Tonga.'" " Offered Cession of the Kingdom of Fiji to Her Britannic Majesty. " Conditions thereof. " ' Article 1. King Cakobau to retain for life the designation of Tui Viti, and a pension of 2,0007. sterling per annum, payable at such times annually as may be directed by Her Britannic Majesty's Government. " ' The said pension (but not the designation) to be continued to and during the life of the eldest of KingCakobau's three sons, Epeh, Timoci, and loseia, who may survive him (the King), and after the death of I 2 116 FIJI. such elder surviving son to the elder of the said remaining sons, or to either of them as may he then surviving, for his life ; and if, after the death of such last named of the King's sons, the youngest of the three shall still be living, then to such youngest son for his life. " ' On the day of cession Her Britannic Majesty's Government to give King Cakobau, or his survivor as above jn-ovided, the sum of 1000/. sterling for the purchase of a vessel. " ' Art. 2. The last Article not to be affected by the death of King Cakobau before Her Britannic Majesty acquires (if the offer of cession is accepted) the sovereignty of Fiji. " ' Art. 3. In the event of the death of King Cakobau before cession, his eldest son and heir, Ratu Epeli Nalatikaio, to be the Chief with whom Her Britannic Majesty shall conclude the cessiou of Fiji, as herewith offered. " ' Art. 4. The King's heir, Eatu Epeli Nalatikaio to be the chief native executive officer over the island of Viti Levu, and the adjacent islands of Kadavu and Yasawas, subject to such future arrangements or changes as may, from time to time, be found necessary, with an annual allowance of iOOl. sterling per annum. " 'Art. 5. Ratu Golea Tui Cakau to be the chief native executive officer over the islands of Vanua, Levu, Taviuni, and adjacent islands, subject to such future arrangemeiUs or changes as may, from time to time, be found necessary, with an annual allowance of 400Z. sterling per annum. " ' Art. 6. Ratu 1'evita-Ulu-i-Lakeba to be the chief native executive officer in the Province of Lau (as now defined), with an annual allowance of 3001. sterling per annum. " ' Art. 7. Ratu Savenaca to be the chief native executive officer in the Province of Central Fiji (as now defined), with an annual allowance of 300?. stei'ling per annum. " 'Art. 8. The following minor Ciiiefs to receive an annual allowance of 2007., and to be the subordinate executive officers in their respective distr cts : "' The Chief of Rewa. The Chief of Naitasiri. 1'he Chief of Nadroga. The Chief of Tai Levu. The Chief of Kadavu. The Chief of Rakiraki. 'J'lie Chief of lia and Yasawa. '1 he Chief of Biia. The Chief of Macuata, PROPOSALS FOR CESSION OF FIJI. 117 " ' The following Chiefs to receive 1001. annually : — 'J'he Chief of Namosi. The Chief of Serua. " 'Every Chief hereinbefore written to be succeeJed, upon death or removal from office, by his next of kin as hereafter provided. " * Art. 9. Ever}"- native executive officer to draw the aforesaid allow- ances contingent ujwn the actual performance, in respect to Fijians, of the duties confided to him. Should any high native officer be removed from his post, his place to be filled by the next man of liis family entitled to succeed him by Fijian law or customs. " ' Art. 10. The Government of Her Britannic Majesty to concede and preserve to the Chiefs and people of Fiji, under any form of British Government, an equitable share in the Councils of State ; and, in the event of Fiji becoming a Crown Colony, to appoint not less than four Fijian Chiefs to seats in the Executive Council. " ' The Government of Her Britannic Majesty to confirm to the heirs of Fijian Chiefs the succession to the emoluments and official rank of such Chiefs, jirovided always that such heirs are capabable of fulfiUmg the duties pertaining to such official rank. "'Art. 11. In the event of Her Britannic Majesty accepting the offered cession of Fiji, the Judges of the Supreme Court, holding commissions during good behaviour under His Fijian Majesty, to be com[iensated, according to the principles adopted in British Colonies in similar cases, for loss of position, and being so compensated to have no claim to office under Her Britannic Majesty, On the other hand, such functionaries or any of them shall not be bound to accept office if offered. In the event of accepting office the past services of such officers, under His Fijian Majesty, to be counted as service under Her Britannic Majesty's Government, and to be so reckoned in any future regulations for retiring allowances under British Colonial Government. " ' Art. 12. The Government of Her Britannic Majesty to assume the existing financial liabilities of Fiji, as stated in Schedule A. " ' Art. 13. The Charter granted by His Fijian Majesty, under the Order in Council, dated the 19th of August, 1873, to the Fiji Banking and Commercial Company, Limited, to be confirmed; and also all other contracts made or concluded by His Fijian Majesty, or his Government, excepting that with the Company known as the Poly- nesian Company of Melbourne, Victoria, the final settlement of which contract shall (in the event of cession) be assumed by Her Britannic Majesty's Government. " ' Art. 14. All Crown grants issued before the date of cession, to be of 118 FIJI. the same validity as grants of Her Britannic Majesty, or her repre- sentative, after cession. " ' Art. 15. The broad principle to be accepted, that the Fijian Chiefs and people, in changing their allegiance, retain all existing private rights, real and personal. " ' Art. 16. 'I he ruling Chief of every tribe to be recognised as the owner of the lands of his tribe, and guardian of their rii^hts and interests. " ' The peo2:)le of the tribe to be recognised as tenants of tribal lands, with hereditary right of occupation, subject always to rental obligations, which shall and may be accepted by the Chief in money, labour, or kind, as may be agreed between Chief and people. " 'Art. 17. The offer of King Cakobau herewith made to cede the kingdom of Fiji to Her Britannic Majesty, shall remain open for a period of twelve months from the date of the offer being made, but no longer. " ' Art. 18. In consideration of the acceptance by Her Britannic Majesty of the foregoing conditions, His Majesty King Cakobau ofiers to cede and transfer to Her Britannic Majesty the full and absolute sovereignty of Fiji, with all its rights and privileges, maritime and territorial. "'Art. 19. The Government of King Cakobau will transfer to Her Britannic Majesty the Crown lands and other assets, as set forth in Schedule B, " ' By command, " '(Signed) John B. Thurstox. " ' Compared with counterpart. " '(Signed) Charles St. Juliax, C.J., " ' Chancellor of Fiji.^ " Recognition of the Proposed Cession by Maafu. ''(English.) 'Pearl,' at LevuJca, Fiji, V2th March, 1874. "'it is my wish that the Chiefs of Fiji give up the government of Fiji to Great Britain.' " (Tonyuese.) " ' Ko ho ku loto ke foaki ki Beletania.' " (Fijian.) " ' Sa, zalogu mdra solia na vanna Ko Yiti Ko era na Luraga ni Viti, vei Peritania.' '"(Signed) Maafu. "'Witnesses: (Signed) \V. Wykham Pekcy, Secretary. E. Turner, Interprekr.' PROPOSALS FOR CESSION OF FIJI. 119 " ' Schedule" (A). £ s. cZ. ' Liabilities of the Fijian Government, as estimated by Messrs. Thomas Norton and Carl L. Sahl, upon 16th March, 1874 87,145 9 2 Deduct 1,291 1 4 £85,854 7 10 " Note by Commodore Goodenough. " ' The mortgage on the Levoni lands having been foreclosed, the sum of 1291Z. Is. M. has to be deducted from this debt. " ' Schedule (B). ^^ ^ Memorandum of National or Crown Lands in Fiji, estimated by Mb. Thurston at a Conference with the King, Chiefs, and Mr. R. S, Swanston. " ' Viria and Neighbourhood, with part of Tai Vugali 60,000 Upper Navua, Batiwai 10,000 Mogodro and Ba-i-colo 300,000 Wai-nu-nu-Vanua, Levu 30,000 Nadroga and Kadavu 10,000 Carkandrovi (at Natuva Bay) .... 10,000 South Viti Levu (west of Suva) . . . 20,000 Lau ■ 10,000 a i Total 450,000 " ' The Government buildings and the lands pertaining thereto at NasovaBay, Levuka, upon the Island of Ovalau ; " ' The Government printing plant ; " ' The provincial court-house, gaol, and the inclosed reserve, known as Totogo, situate within the municipality of Levuka ; " ' All vessels, boats, furniture, and material of every description, in use or possession of the Legislature, Judicial and Executive branches of the Government ; " ' All military stores as per return annexed. 120 FIJI. Pieturn of Arms, Ammunition, &c., in Use and in Store, April 9, 1874. Total Description, &c. In use. In store. Number or Estimated Value. Amount. £ s. d. I'erry rifles . at 20s. each 7 4 11 11 Spencer,, . „ 80s. „ 1 1 4 Snider ,, . . . „ 80s. „ ii? 5 24 96 Sharp's Carbines . „ 20s. „ 91 9 9 Vic. A. C. rifles . „ 20s. „ •4 34; 38 38 Henry „ „ 808. „ 1 1 4 p:nfield „ 50s. „ 100 11 111 277 10 Muoket, percussion „ 10s. „ 884 G6: 950 475 flint . . „ 2s. „ 189 189 18 18 Revolvers . „ 15s. „ 37 37 27 15 Terry carbines ,, 40s. „ 9 11 20 40 Ball cartridge „ 50s. per ICOO 35,000 35,000 87 10 Kntield „ „ 80s. „ 8,000 8,000 32 Terry „ „ 808. 1,700 1,700 6 16 P. F. revolver cartrid ge „ 1208. 4,500 4,500 27 (iunpowder . „ 3s. per lb. 182 lbs. 182 lbs. 27 6 Percussion caps . „ 5s. per 1000 52,000 52,000 13 Chinese frocks „ 5s. each 51 51 12 15 Iron pots . „ 15s. „ 28 1 29 21 15 Belts, pouches, &c. 380 ibs. 100 6 6 8 I.ead .... at 4(7. per lb. 380 "lbs. Scales .... Total . . „ U. 5s., 11. Is. 2pr. 2 pr. 6 1,341 11 8 " ' (Signed) Fred. P. Blackmore, " ' Captain Cummandiny. " ' Nusova, April Qth, 1874, "'(Signed) John B. Thurston, "* Chief Secretary.'' " ( rii ) CHAPTER IX. THE ANNEXATION. Since the last chapter was written the ' grand peut-etre' of Fiji has been solved — and let us hope satisfactorily — by the unanimous and unconditional cession of the group by the Chiefs to Her Majesty the Queen. Sir Hercules Robinson, to whom was intrusted the delicate mission of conveying to the Fijian Chiefs the wishes of Her Majesty's Government, arrived at Levuka on the 23rd of September, and was received in state by Thakombau on the following day. Business was not however entered upon until the 25th, when Thakombau returned Sir Hercules Robinson's visit on board H.M.S. Dido, where he was received by a royal salute of twenty-one guns. On this occasion His Ex- cellency explained that the conditions which accompanied the offer of cession, would, unless waived, render its acceptance impossible, and intimated that if the King was not prepared to trust in the generosity and justice of the Queen of England, the negotiation had better then terminate. In rej)ly to this the King said : — " True, true, the Queen is right ; it is not chief-like to make con- ditions. I was always opposed to it, but I was overruled. When the Commodore and Consul came here they took diflercnt ground to that 122 FIJI. which you have taken. They kept saying, ' Tell us what you want ? ' and pressing me to do so — hence the conditions attached to the offer of cession. If I give a chief a canoe, and he knows I expect something from him, I do not say, ' I give you this canoe on condition of your only sailing it on certain days, or yom* not letting such and such a man go in it, or your only using a particular kind of rojje with it,' but I give him the canoe right out, and trust to his generosity and good faith to make me the return which he knows I expect. If I were to attach those conditions he would probably say, ' Bother your canoe, I can do very well without it.' " Thus showing that in attaching these conditions to the offer of cession he had been acting under advice, and contrary to his own wishes, and that he well understood, it would be as impossible for the Queen of England to accept the oifer on such terms, as it little consorted with his own dignity to propose them. Having taken a day- to deliberate, the King informed Sir Hercules Kobinson, that personally he wished to cede his country unconditionally to Her Majesty, adding that he required peace and rest. " These," he said, " are our riches ; tumult and strife are poverty. * * * ^^y Fijian chief who refuses to cede cannot have much wisdom. If matters remain as they are, Fiji will become like a piece of driftwood on the sea, to be picked up by the first passer-by." With reference to the land question His Excellency in- formed Thakombau — " That all lands which can be shown to have been feirly and honestly acquired by whites shall" be secured to thera; that all lands that are now in the actual use or occupation of any Chief or tribe, and as much land as may be necessary for the probable future support and main- tenance of any Chief or tribe, shall be set ajiart for them ; and that all the residue of the land shall go to the Government, not for the jiersonal advantage of Her Majesty or the members of any Government, but for the general good, for the purjjoses of rule and order." THE ANNEXATION. 123 These provisions, which are virtually the same as some contained in a code of laws formerly framed by a confeder- ation of chiefs — called the Lau Confederacy — in the Wind- ward Islands, with whom Thakombau was once allied, gave the King great satisfaction, as they entirely accorded with his own views on the subject. Also as regards the financial liabilities, debts, and en- gagements entered into, or contracted since 1871, His Excellency gave assurance that they would be carefully investigated, and would be equitably dealt with, in ac- cordance with sound public policy, by Her Majesty's Government. During the different interviews, whatever Sir Hercules Robinson said was interpreted sentence by sentence to the King, who before the next clause was entered on, always signified that he had quite understood ths gist of His Excellency's previous observations. Throughout these negotiations, which continued for five days, Thakombau conducted himself with dignity and intelligence, and with a full knowledge of the important step he was taking. On the 28th, Thakombau held a council with the leading chiefs, and after a lengthy debate it was finally determined to surrender Fiji unreservedly to Her Majesty the Queen, reposing perfect faith in Her generosity and justice. On the 29th Thakombau publicly signed the deed of cession ; and the Chiefs, Eatu Abel, Tui Mbua, Ratu Savanaca, and Ratu Isikeli also attached their signatures. Sir Hercules Robinson then accepted the cession in the following terms : — " I accept in the Queen's name the cession in the spirit in which it has been otfered. I think that in this matter the King has acted the part of a great Chief in consulting as he has done only the interest of 124 FIJI. his country. From my heart I wish Fiji prosperity, and peace and happiness to her people." Having thus satisfactorily concluded the mission so far as Thakombau was concerned, Sir Hercules Robinson now })roceeded to Lomo Lomo, to receive the formal assent of ]\[aafu to the cession. On being apprised of the arrival of His Excellency, Maafu came on board H.M.S. Pearl, accompanied by Tui Cakau, Chief of Cakaudrove — who was on a visit with him — to pay his respects to the Queen's representative, and afterwards paid a visit to Thakombau, who was on board H.M.S. Dido. In course of conversation Maafu intimated to the King, that he was of one mind with him respecting the cession, and that he was perfectly willing and desirous to sign the deed. To this Thakombau replied, " If you and I are of one mind we need not ask a second chief in Fiji." On the following morning, 31st of September, Maafu and Tui Cakau met Sir Hercules Robinson and the King on board H.M.S. Pearl, and in their presence and that of the Commodore and the British Consul, and the members of His Excellency's suite, the deed of cession was fully interpreted to both chiefs. Having been questioned, they both said that they perfectly understood it, and concurred in its provisions ; whereupon Maafu wrote his own name, and affixed his seal to the document in a most businessdike fashion ; but Tui Cakau, less of a scribe, merely held the pen while his name was written. On the conclusion of this important ceremony the chiefs separated in a most friendly manner, having previously arranged to be present at the final cession of the islands at Levuka on the 10th of October. Meanwhile Sir Hercules Eobinson proceeded to Vanua THE ANNEXATION. 125 Levu, his object in making tliis trip to the different islands being to fully assure himself of the wishes of the principal chiefs as to the cession. Nduri, the chief town on the Macuata coast, was reached on the 4th of October, when Thakombau in- formed the chiefs of what had already taken place, and then added : — " I have but one object in view : I care neither for my position as a chief, nor for riches, European or Fijian. What I seek and greatly covet is the peace and welfare of my people and the firm establishment of a government in our land. Now I shake hands with you, and send you to your homes, try to carry out these principles. Have this as your object in all you do, and peace and prosperity will follow. I wish you all good-bye." On Saturday, the 10th of October, the final scene of the drama was played out, and amidst much ceremonial and legal formality the Fiji Islands were ceded to the British Crown. The proceedings were initiated by the King handing to Sir Hercules, as a present for Her Majesty the Queen, his favourite war-club, Na Vu-ni-valu, that is, 'the root of war,' covered with emblems of peace, in token of his friendly feelings to Her Majesty. This characteristic weapon, at once symbolical of the rule which has hitherto prevailed in those ishmds, and of the nature of its stalwart master, who has wielded it so often and so well, is now profusely adorned with silver ornaments, the handle being entwined with fern-leaves and doves in silver, and the top sur- mounted by a massive crown. Sir Hercules Robinson having signified that he would have much pleasure in conveying the club to Her Majesty, Thakombau then signed a duplicate of the instrument of cession, and Maafu, Ratu Abel (or 126 FIJI. Timothy), Tui Mbua, Savanaca, Koko Tui Dreketi, Ritova, Katonivere, Eatii Kini, Mataiiitobua, and Cagilevii also attached their signatures. The signatures of Tui Cakau and Isikeli, who were absent, were afterwards obtained. His Excellency having also signed the deed in duplicate, then delivered the following address: — " The legal forms for the transfer of the government of this countr\^ to the Queen have just been completed, and will be made public through the medium of the Gazette in the course of a few hours. It now therefore onlj^ remains for me to declare Fiji to be from this time forth a possession and a dependency of the British Crown. I ferventlj^ trust that this important step will tend to develop the great natural capabilities of these beautiful and fertile islands, and at the same time conduce largely to the contentment and happiness of all classes of the population. I hope too that past differences will lienceforth be forgotten, and that all local animosities will this day be buried at the foot of the staff on which we are now about to hoist the British flag." The ceremony was concluded by the royal standard of England being run up, amid the hearty cheers of those assembled, and a salute of twenty-one guns from H.M.S. Fearl. Until such time as Her Majesty's pleasure shall be made known regarding the constitution and permanent administration of the Colony, a provisional government has been established, with Sir Hercules Eobinson as Governor, Avith an executive Council consisting of the late British Consul, Mr. Layard, the Attorney-General of New South Wales, the late Premier, ]Mr. Thurston, Mr. T. Horton, and Mr. R. S. Swanston ; Mr. Layard to act as Vice-President of the Council and Administrator of the Government in the absence of the Governor. Thus after a period of fifteen years' continuous agitation, the leading incidents of which have been referred to in THE ANNEXATION. 127 the preceding chapter, Fiji has at length been in- corporated as a province of the British Empire. The richest and most extensive group of Western Poly- nesia, in which it is centrally situate, at a distance of 2000 miles north-east of Sydney, and 1200 miles north of Auckland in New Zealand, the political importance of Fiji, viewed in connection with our Australasian Colonies, cannot be lightly valued or esteemed. Capable of afford- ing shelter to the largest fleets, and offering a suitable place for coaling and taking supplies, its occupation by this country will be an essential set-off to the American and French possessions in the Pacific, which confer on those powers advantages which we hitherto have not possessed ; while it will at the same time afford us a convenient centre from which to control the labour traffic in the South Pacific* In 1859 Admiral Washington pointed out that while , Great Britain owned valuable possessions on either side of the Pacific Ocean — i.e. on the west coast of America and Australia — she did not possess an islet or a rock in the 7000 miles of ocean that separate them. Considered then from a strategical point of view, Fiji may be looked upon, from its close proximity to New South Wales, Queensland, and New Zealand, as a maritime outwork of these colonies, and the possession of which in naval warfare would be to them a matter of almost vital consequence. But while dwelling upon the various advantages which we may reasonably hope for and expect from our New Colony, we can also afford to cast a linger- ing regret at that policy which has permitted Fiji to lie for so many years, indeed " like a piece of driftwood on the sea," exposed to the ambition and cupidity of the first * Vide ' How about Fiji.' 128 FIJI. Power that might feel inclined to pick it up ; while its promoters, seeking to avoid the responsibility of rejecting previous overtures for cession,* made when Fiji was com- paratively free from, and untrammelled by, those financial engagements with which she is now beset, Avould also impose upon others the obligation of recognising the wisdom of such policy, even at that moment wben most fettered by its very infirmity. The importance of this que^^tion to our Australasian Colonies is undoubted ; and having regard to the consider- able interest which they have necessarily taken in it, the vicissitudes by which it has been so long surrounded, and the remarkable consensus of opinion by which the policy of annexation has now been confirmel, it cannot but be to them a source of relief and congratulation that it has been thus satisfactorily disposed of and finally set at rest. * Vule Letter, Nov. 3, 1871, ante, p. 104. from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Earl of Belmore, stating that while the Imperial Government did not care about extending British sovereignty to Fiji, there was no objection to New South Wales annexing the islands, should it so desire. ( 129 ) CHAPTER X. PRODUCTIONS. The principal articles of colonial produce are cotton, sngar-cane, coffee, tobacco, indigo, arrowroot, and various spices ; all spontaneous yields of the soil. Nearly fourteen years have now elapsed since the well- known naturalist Dr. Berthold Seemann reported on the great capacities of these islands for the production of cotton. He said, " If I understand cotton aright, the Fijis seem to be as if made for it ;" and again, " In fine, every condition required to favour the growth of this important production seems to be provided, and it is hardly possible to add anything more, in order to impress those best qualified to judge, with a better idea of Fiji as a first-rate cotton-growing country." Since this expression of opinion the excellence of the Fijian cotton has become a matter of history. All varieties of cotton grown in Fiji are perennial, not annual, as in America, where the plant is liable to be killed by frost, and otherwise injuriously acted upon by sudden variations of temperature. In Fiji, moreover, the plant bears ripe fruit without intermission throughout the year. Sea Island is the most valuable variety grown, and in E 130 FIJI. 1869 amounted to 95 per cent, of the total area then under cotton cultivation, viz. 5,000 acres. Extract from Consular Report for 1869. "Takinsi; into consideration the spontaneous growth of the cotton plant in Fiji, the imperfect system pursued in the cultivation, and the large tracts of land lying waste over the numerous islands comprising the group, it is not too much to say that the movement is yet unde- veloped, and that the cotton hitherto shipped is but an indication of the success which will follow upon a proper attention to the capacities of the soil." Cotton, nevertheless, is undoubtedly an introduced plant, and is not indigenous in any part of the group. ►Sugar-cane, of which there are several native va- rieties, also thrives well, and speedily j)romises to be- come an im]3ortant article of trade and industry. The coffee-plant, which takes three years to grow, has been spoken of in the highest terms by planters from Ceylon who have visited Fiji, and there can be no doubt that, under proper management, these plantations will yield rich and remunerative harvests. There is also an indigenous variety of tobacco, but of an inferior quality. It is pro- bable, however, that the numerous facilities which offer for growing good varieties will in future induce planters to turn their attention to its cultivation. Many of our so- called European vegetables are grown with success, and those which have hitherto failed would, in the cooler regions of the mountains, doubtless thrive well. Those generally cultivated are : the cabbage, the turnip, parsley, the shallot, and the tomato {Lycopersieum es- culentum), which latter, as a tropical vegetable, grows in great perfection. Potatoes have not yet been cul- tivated with much success. The pea-tree (Cajmius Indicus), the seeds of which when young iuruish a good PRODUCTIOXS. 131 substitute for green peas, has been introduced from the United States, and grows well. Indian corn also flourishes, though cultivated sparingly. Pumpkins, cu- cumbers, and large red capsicums grow in abundance. The indigenous kitchen vegetables are su[)plicd by an innumerable variety of both cultivated and wild jjlants, of which the following are mentioned by Seemann : — " The natives boil the leaves of several ferns, among them those of the Litohrochia sinuata, Brack., and in times of scarcity those of the bala- bdla (Ahophila excelsa, R. Br.) ; those of the ota (Angiopteris evecta, Hofim.), a species with gigantic loliage, are peculiarly tender, and their taste not unliiie that of spinach. The common bralce (Fteris aquilina, Linn., var. esculenta, Hook, til.), though plentiful, does not seem to be used as it is by the Polynesian tribes of New Zealand. The leaves of the boro ni yaloka in gata (i.e., serpent's-egg-boro), our Solanwm oleraceum, a spiny kind of herbaceous nightshade, serve as ' greens ' to both the natives and foreigners. The young shoots of the vaulo of Viti Levu (^Flagellaria indica, Linn.), known also, if I am not misinformed, by the names of tui, vico, turuka, and malava in different districts, after having been boiled, are eaten with taro and yams, but only by Fijians. Two kinds of purslane, termed ' Taukuku-ni-vuaka ' in Taviuni (^Portulaca oleracea, Linn., et Portulaca quadrifida, Linn.) are common weeds which, during my stay at Somo Homo, were frequently brought to table. The natives sometimes grow whole fields of the bete, or vauvau-ni-viti X/7i7j«sc2i\ Manlhot, Linn.), an erect shrub attaining six or eight feet in height, bearing yellow flowers and lobed leaves, which, especially if not quite developed, are tender eating, relished even by Europeans. The boro dina (Solarium anthropopha- gorum, Seem.), a straggling shrub with glabrous leaves and scarlet or yellow berries, possessing a faint aromatic smell, and resembling tomatos in shape, has also edible leaves and fruit." The bread-fruit tree flourishes in great perfection. There are at least thirteen different varieties, of which the two most common are iito dina and tifo hiico. Probably the largest and best tasting of these is the uto huco, whicli is an obovate obtuse fruit, apparently destitute of sced«„ and with a smooth even surface when ripe. lo2 FIJI. The uto dina variety, however, is considered by most botanists as typical of the species, the correctness of which is borne out by the fact that the natives invariably at- tached to it the adjective ' dina,' meaning genuine or true. These difiierent varieties yield fruit throughout the year, but it is most abundant in the months of March and April. There are various ways of preserving it, the commonest method being by burying it in pits underground, which when opened emit a most offensive odour, due to the fermentation of the fruit. When in this state the natives use it extensively for njaking ' madrai,' or native bread, as well as various sorts of puddings. Bananas and plantains also flourish throughout the islands. There are at least eighteen different kinds, of which that kind known as the vudi-ni-jpajpalagi, or foreign banana, is most esteemed. It is supposed to have been introduced into the Navigator Islands by the missionary John Williams — known as the Martyr of Eromanga — who brou'^ht it from the Duke of Devonshire's seat at Chats- worth. Having thus found its way to the South Seas, it was introduced into Fiji in the year 1848. These fruits are also spoiled by the natives, who pull them and bury them before they are ripe. " Other edible fruits, some of delicious flavour, are met with through- out the group, either perfectly wild or iu a state of cultivation. Most of them have been in Fiji from time immemorial, and only a few, such as the jjine-apple, the papaw, the custard-apple, and the Chinese banana, have been introduced of late years. The most prominent place among the native fruits undoubtedly belongs to the wi (Evia dulcis, Comm., = Sjiondias dulcis, Forst.). The tree ajipears to be self-sown, and is met with in abundance about towns and villages. It is often sixty feet high. The bark is smooth and whitish, the leaves pinnate, glabrous, and of a dark green, forming a fine contrast with the yellow ovaltoscoreaac?. phir.) ; Cassava plant or Tapioca (Ma/tihot Aijd, I'olil.) ; Niu soria or Sago (Ccelococcus Vitiensis, Wendl.). Sjiices. — Turmeric or Cago (^Curcuma longa, Linn.) ; Ginger or Beta {Zinyiber Zerumbef, Linn.) ; Kutmeg (Alyristica custaneaifolia, A. Gru}') ; iiird'-s-eye })ei)per (^Capsicuin frutcscens, Linn.). PRODUCTIONS. 130 Staple Food. EdibWBoots. — Yam or Uvi (Dioscorea alata, Linn.) ; Kawai (Dios- corea aculmta, Linn.) ; Tivoli (Dioscorea nummularia. Lam.) ; Kaile Hclmia lulhifera, Kunth) ; Taro or Dalo (Colocasia antiquorum, var. esculenta, Schott) ; Via mila (Alocasia Indica, Scholt.) ; Via Kau or Via Kana (Cyrtosperma edidis, Schott) ; 'DAigSi^Amorjihophcdlus sp.) ; Yoi?ito {Solarium tuberosum, Linn.) ; Sweet-potato or Kumara {Batatas edulis, Chois.) ; Masawe or Vasili Toga {Dracaena, sp.) ; Yal^a or \Va yaka {I'achyrhizus angidatus. Rich). Kitchen Vegetables. — Ota {Angiopteris evecta, Uoffm.) ; and other ferns. Boro ni galato ni gato {Solarium oleraceum. Dun.) ; Vaulo {Flagellaria Indica, Linn.) ; Taukuvu ni vuaka {Portulaca, sp. plur.) ; Bete or Vauvau na Viti {Hibiscus 3Ia7iihot, Linn.) ; Boro dina {Solan urn, plying the oil-mills with any quantity of nuts they may require. " Cocoa-nut 7'\'&re.— Cocoa-nut fibre can be supjilied in any quantity should the demand for it continue. Hitherto it has been uncertain. TRADE. 151 " Cotton. — The cultivation of cotton is at present occupying the at- tention of many in these islands, both native and European. Various sorts are grown, but that known as the ' kidney seed ' is the most common, although by no means the most profitable, but as hitherto the want of gins has caused the cotton to be exported in the seed, and as it was freely purchased in that state by the traders at the rate of eight cents per pound, the increased weight of the seed in the kidney cotton was believed by the sellers to compensate for any minor dis- advantages. " Sea Island Cotton. — Among the more intelligent growers the sea island is held in great favour, and found to flourish luxuriantly. It bears a far larger quantity of pure fibre in proportion to the age of the plant than any other variety. As compared with the kidney cotton, its value in this respect is as five to one. " The cotton-plant is here a perennial, and after the first outlay for cleaning and planting, the subsequent expense is trifling. " The island of Kandava, and the banks of the Rewa river, are the positions most in favour with the European planters. The facilities that both these places offer for transport and communication have caused this selection. The Eewa river, so disproportionate to the size of the island in which it rises, is navigable for boats of twenty tons for more than forty miles from its mouth, and for seventy miles of its course rafts and flat-bottomed boats could be used to transport the cotton from the upper country, without meeting with any obstacles in the shape of rocks, cascades, &c. " The fertility of the soil, the salubrity of the climate, and the supply of cheap labour that can be obtained will enable the cotton grower of Fiji to compete successfully with any other in the markets of Europe, as the quality of the fibre that can be produced here is considered by competent judges to be equal to any that can be supplied by the Southern States of America. "The high charge for freight to Sydney is the most serious drawback that the island traffic suffers. For cotton, in the badly-pressed state it leaves Fiji, the freight amounts to 9?. per ton. Until the quantity of cotton exported shall be sufficiently great to allow of a direct trade with Europe, there is no prospect of any reduction in these charges. " Tortoise-sJwU . — Tortoise-shell is at present little in demand, and at a reduced rate, which accounts for its falling off as an article of export. " Beche-de-mer. — Beche-de-mer has decreased from fifty tons, ex- ported in 1862, to five and twenty in the past year. This is to be 152 FIJI. attributed in the first place to the low demand for this article, and like- wise to the unsettled state of the Macuata coast, where the fish abounds. At present the demand is increasing, and slionld the people be allowed to fish peaceably, the exports of this article will increase considerably- next year. The price is cood, 1,200 dollars per picul of 140 lbs.; inferior, 1,000 dollars per picul. The firm of Hemmings Brothers, who may be regarded as the creators of Fijian commerce, is anxious to re- establish the trade in this article, once the principal export, as large orders have been received for it from Manila, and should the fishing districts be restored to order — which the mere presence of a foreign ship-of-war can effect at any time — there is a prospect of this branch of trade being further developed. "Sugar. — The sugar-cane is found throughout these islands, and the natives use it in their food. As yet no attempt has been made to cultivate it on an extended scale. " Coffee. — Coffee has been introduced here from Tonga, and there are at present 20,000 trees in a flourishing condition ; two-thirds of these will bear fruit next year. Hitherto the berries have been required for seed, as the trees so produced are found to be healthier and more pro- ductive than those imported. In the course of a few years we may hope that coffee will form an important export from the Fiji and Friendly Islands. In the latter group (Tonga) coffee-trees raised from seed will bear fruit the fourth year. "Arrowroot and Tapioca. — Arrowroot and tapioca are found as troublesome weeds throughout the South Sea Islands. The tedious operations necessary to prepare these articles for a European market prevents the traders from exporting them. In all the Pacific islands the supfily far exceeds the demand, and the price they fetch in the colonial markets seldom exceeds 2id. per pound. " Tobacco. — Tobacco grows well in these islands, but has hitherto received no attention from the European settlers, who arc content to use it prepared in the native maimer. A quantity sent to Sydney on trial was not ajiproved of, but the general impression here is that the mode of curing it is defective. 'J'he leaves are large and fine, and I doubt not that with the assistance of Manilla men experienced in the art, a manufacture of cigars for the colonial market would prove a profitable speculation in these islands. " Whaling Trade. — Throughout the year, but especially in the months of May, June, and July, large numbers of whales are found around the coasts of Fiji and Tonga. Spermaceti and humpbacks especially TRADE. 153 abound. Before the civil war broke out in the United States, Fiji was a favourite station for American whalers, as many as nine calling here in one season. They generally carried a variety of articles for native trade, and, if they had any spare room, filled up with beche-de- mer, cocoa-nut oil, pearl-shell, or anything that would find a sale in the markets of Europe. ^^ Minerals. — Up to the present time the only minerals that have been found in Fiji are some specimens of malachite and graphite, both of fine quality. When the interior of the larger islands is better known some additions will probably be made to this number. " Exports. — Quantity and Value of Exports during 1866, compared with the two preceding years : — 1864. 1863. 1866. Articles. Quantity Value. Quantity Value. Quantity Value. £ £ £ Cotton . cwts. 650 3,000 2,400 9,200 5,880 19,800 Cocoa-nut oil . tuns 600 13,200 500 11,000 459 9,000 Cocoa-nut fibre . cwts. 1,600 2,150 1,000 1,500 Beche-de-mer . piculs 350 960 500 1,200 300 600 Tortoise-shell . lbs. 500 250 750 375 2,000 1,000 Wool . . . lbs. 6,100 240 10,120 400 8,396 320 Provisions . Total Value fruit £ •• •• 500 250 19,800 24,176 30,970 " Imports. — The quantity of imports cannot be accurately ascertained on account of the irregular nature of the Island trade. The following is an approximate estimate of their value during 1866 : — £ " Manchester goods 10,000 Ironmongery, cutlery 7,000 Wine, beer, spirits 3,000 " Carried forward . . . £20,000 154 FIJI. " Brought forward . . £20,000 " Ship chandlery 1,500 Groceries, provisions 2,000 Wearing apparel 500 Tobacco 500 Machinery, agricultural implements . . 700 £25,200 " Shipping. — The following statement of the tonnage and shipping employed in the trade with Fiji during 1866 shows a slight increase on that of the preceding ye;ir : — Entered aggregate tonnage . Number of ships employed : British Foreign (Hamburgh) . 1865. 1866. 3,326 23 3 4,024 27 3 *' Report on the Navigation, Trade, and present Condition of THE Fiji Islands for the Year 1867. " There has been a slight decrease in the aggregate tonnage of shipping visiting the ports of Levuka and Rewa during the past year. " This can be partly accounted for by the withdrawal of one or two ships from the trade, and to their being replaced by vessels of less capacity, but better adapted for insular navigation. " The trade of this group is at present entirely carried on by British vessels sailing from ports in the adjoining colonies. " The following statement shows the number of ships and gross tonnage entered compared with last year : — British ships , Foreign „ Gross tonnage 27 3 4,024 24 1 3,797 TEADE. 155 " During the past year three small vessels have been built, measuring respectively 30, 40, 45 tons. " The number of small craft, belonging chiefly to British residents, occupied in island traffic amounts, at the present time, to eighteen, measuring in the aggregate about 350 tons. " As the cultivation of cotton and other products, now engaging the attention of the settlers, [irogresses, it will be necessary to build or purchase other small vessels for the purpose of collecting the various articles from outlying districts, where it would not be safe or expedient for a large ship to proceed. " There is a prospect of an enterprising Sydney firm despatching a ship direct I'rom this port to London or Liverpool during the coming year. Not having a recognised government at Fiji, there are no port charges, dues, on imports of any nature. " The navigation of the group is open with safety from April until December, during which time the south-east trade-winds prevail. From January until April the winds are variable, frequently blowing with great violence from the north and north-west, attended with heavy rains. " Commerce. " The following comparative Table will indicate the progress this group has made during the past year : — 1865. 1866. 1S67. Articles. j 1 Amount.' Value. Amount. Value. Amount. Value. 1 £ £ £ Cotton . . cwt. ! 2,400 9,300 5,88019,800 7,58634,004 Cocoa-nut oil . tuns' 50011,000 450: 9,000 150! 8,260 Beche-de-mer .piculs' 500 1,200! 300, 600, 880, 1,600 Wool . . . lbs. 10,120 400! 8,396! 320! 496 134 Tortoise-shell 750 375 2,000 1,000 1,700 812 Coir . . . . tons 50 500 Pigs, fruit, &c. » 500 250 i59 24,175 '30,970 39,960 " In addition to the above returns are cash remittances, the amount of which cannot be estimated. 56 FIJI. " The imports do not exceed, as far as I can ascertain, the estimate formed for the j'ear 1866. " However, during the past year many of the immiarants from the adjoining colonies are of a class possessing some means, and have imported a considerable amount of trade and barter on their own account. The total value of imports may approximate — by traders 26,000?., by settlers 3,000Z., making a total of 29,000?. " The satisfactory increase in the value of exports is owing to the success attending the cultivation of cotton. It will be observed by reference to the foregoing table that cocoa-nut oil, formerly the principal export, has in quantity fallen short of what might have been expected ; this however can be explained. " Cotton. — The expenses in shipping cotton to the Colonics is excessive, and has a depressing effect upon the planter, which can only be removed by direct communication with England. This effected, I venture to predict that Fiji will rapidly rise to a position of commercial importance. At the present time freight upon cotton to Sydney is from |r/. to Id. per pound, which is about the same rate charged for conveying it thence to England. " The expenses on this article for ginning, packing, freight, and brokerage, now consigned to England via Sidney, amounts to ^\d. per pound. " The varieties of cotton cultivated ia Fiji are three in number, viz.. Kidney, Egyptian, and Sea Island ; for the two former an average of 9d and IQd. per pound has been obtained at this port, and for the latter Is. per pound. " To the jjresent time no definite report has been made by the cotton brokers regarding the quality of Fijian cotton. " Private advices speak highly of tlieni, and place their value accord, ing to variety from Is. M. to 3s. Qd. \m- pound. " Oil. — The value of exports has been greatly reduced by the small amount of oil made compared with former years. Two years ago these islands suffered from a violent hurricane, the effect of which the cocoa-nut trees have not recovered. Intelligent natives state the trees require at least three years to regain their vigour after these severe stoiTns. " Beche-de-mer. — The b6chc-do-mcr fisheries have been extended during the past year, particularly upon the Mathuata coast, situated ujioti the north side of Vanua Levu ; the increase of value of export under this head has been large, and provided the exertions used to TRADE. 157 keep the petty chiefs from quarrelling are successful, will no doubt augment. The fish is sold here at per picuil, = 140 lbs., and at an average price of 36s. per picul. The market prices of this article fluctuate very mucli, being sometimes as high as 40s. per picul, and as low as 24s. during consecutive months. It is shipped to Sydney, and thence to China. " Wool. — This article as an export is becoming less every year ; sheep- farming has hitherto resulted in disappointment to its promoters, the flocks being carried off by some disease for which the owners are unable to account. Notwithstanding the want of success hitherto attending this pursuit, large tracts of land have lately been bought by some sheep-farmers from New Zealand, who intend im^jortiug their flocks next May. " The following Keturn will show the increase of a small flock of ewes, the increasing weight of fleece, and the gross weight of the clip during three years : — Year. Number of cf„t;„„ Sheep. Station. Weight of Fleece. WeiKht of Clip. 1863 . . 1864 . . 1865 . . 440 559 530 Nauanu . Island . Viti Levu . lbs. 2,625 2,826 3,400 lbs. 1,150 1,580 1,800 " Tortaise-shell. — Tortoise-shell is plentiful, the amount exportcdmight be increased threefold if the Fijiaus were at all industrious. The value of this article has fallen greatly. A few years since it was worth 20s. per poHud, now it brings in the colonial markets 9s. " tigs, Timber, Fruit, &c. — Very little has been exported under this head, owing to the influx of settlers during the year past. Every- thing the native producer could raise in the way of food, either animal or vegetable, has scarcely sufficed to meet their requirements. For the same reason no timber has been exported, the whole being used here for the numerous additions and improvements to the houses of the settlers. Some fruit has been exported, also maize ; the latter grows very finely here, and is consumed chiefly by the servants and labourers on the various plantations. 158 FIJI. " KErORT ON THE TkADE OF THE FlJI ISLANDS FOR THE YeAR 1868. " The aggregate tonnage of shipping entered at the Port of Levuka (luring the year 1868 has nearly doubled that of 1867, the comparative statement being as follows : — Nationality. 1867. 1868. British ships . Foreign „ ... Total Tons . . 24 1 48 3 3,797 7,101 " Under the head of shipping and navigation little can be added to the report of last year. The fact most worthy of record is the esta- blishment of a Marine Branch of the Pacific Insurance Company of Sydney, which has appointed H. Emberson and Co. its agents in Fiji. " Owing to the absence of any regular means of checking the annual exports and imports of this group of islands, it has always been a matter of some difficulty to arrive at conclusions approximating the truth. " With the influx of population, and the wider dispersion of settlers, these difficulties increase, and are further augmented by the fact that small vessels calling at the remoter parts of the group often ship thence to the colonics produce which otherwise would have arrived at Port Levuka. " The reports upon the commerce of Fiji must necessarily be regarded as approximations only, until the establishment of a civilised form of government will, through its proper departments, ensure the accuracy required to invest these returns with an exact value. " Up to the close of last year it was customary to include in the I'abulated Eeturn of exports all the cotton on hand baled ready for shipment. Thus the amount exported showed the amount produced during the year ; any cotton remaining appeared in the next year's account. This system, had the ixipulation of ports of sliipment re- mained numericallj'^ the same, might have been continued, but the rapid increase of settlers, and the cstabli-shment of numerous trading jw-sts and cotton deputs, render its continuance inexpedient. TRADE. 159 " In the following table quantities actually shipped before tlie date of this report are alone shown : — 1867. 1868. Articles. Amount. Value. Amount. Value. £ £ Cotton . . cwts. 7,586 34,004 5,488 30,975 Cocoanut oil tuns. 150 3,260 306 7,202 Beche-de-mer . . piculs. 880 1,600 575 1,030 Tortoise-shell . . . lbs. 1,700 612 1,023 512 Wool . . . 4i:9 134 Fruit . . . Total . • ?> •• 150 200 39,960 • 39,919 " It is quite impossible to state the value of imports during the present year. Every new settler, storekeeper, and trading-vessel increases the supplies, and of late the port has been so overstocked that prices generally have been reduced to a slight advance on Sydney rates." " Report on the Trade of the Fiji Islands for the Year 1869. " Shipping and Navigation. "Shipping Trade. — The following table gives the number of ships which have entered the Port of Levuka during 1869, as compared with the three previous years : — Nationality. Year. Vessels. Tonnage. British . 1866 26 4,024 1867 24 3,797 1868 49 5,830 1869 90 7,450 Foreign , 1866 3 290 1867 1 130 1868 8 730 1869 3 450 160 FIJI. " It will be seen from the above that the shipping movement con- tinues rapidly increasing, and that, with an exception scarcely worth noticing, it is confined to the British flag. " The small unregistered vessels built and trading in the group are not included in the foregoing table. They belong to British subjects, and measure in the aggregate about 400 tons. " Trade and Commerce. " Imports. — The imports consist chiefly of such articles as are required in a new settlement, where all but the bare necessaries of life are diffi- cult to obtain, and the system of barter is still in use. Bi:)irits of the worst description form a considerable item. Old muskets, bearing the Government mark of the Tower, are also sold in large numbers to the natives at the rate of 30s. each. Print, navy blue, cutlery, and hardware continue in demand, whilst machinery for purposes connected with cotton is beginning to swell the value of imports. " The average profit on the sale of wares is about 80 per cent. " The absence of all local supervision over vessels discharging their cargoes at points other than Ovalau renders it impossible to ascertain the quantities and value of the merchandise landed io the Fiji Islands. It is evident, however, that the trade has more than doubled within the last three years, and that the commercial relations between Fiji and the neighbouring colonies are becoming closer and more marked. " Exports. — The following comparative Table exhibits the relative value of the export trade (of which it will be seen that cotton is the staple article) during the last five years : — TRADE. 161 o ^ lO o o 10 cJ o <^ c- CO lO I-l lO ID iH (TQ t- OJ -* 10 o i o o o o O 10 o CO Tti O (M •^ lO (M o CO c o o lO CO 10 00 CO ■^ CD t o o CO O o o lO CO o o CJ ■— CO CM 1-H CD o d rf t~ '^ l> o- tH Tt< o o >* (M O) Ci cJ o CO o CO 1—1 CO ^"^„ OJ CO I-( CO tH c:i '^ t> MH CO iH Oi ^ CO CO to 00 "' M CO o o CO o .-. CD in C/J Ci o '-3 lO T— 1 CD '^ l^ • c »^ ■^ ^ t- 1-1 O* o o <-, o o q5 o o (^ C^J o 10 t- 3 =rt«=. o CO CO o IM Ci "3 > CI 05 1—1 to 1— 1 CO tt> £ o o <-5 CO <-, •r^ GO lO o o o 3 O" 00 'tl CO CO o • o o o o lO (-, IC o o o o o r^ t- =rt^„ o C-J Tfl CO 10 01 ^ r* o 1—1 rH CO s *-l OJ a rt ?^ O) (M CO — C i-H (M • • • • CO • (Ni-T ic »o -^ • OC O 'tl -^ I-l eo o CO — 05 00 i-H CO . . . . o • (M i-H rH • • • • i-H • ; rH ir^lM 1 1 c o H CO CO J> t^ t^ (M CO CO cq »0 I> .... CO . 00 TTi 1> i-H (M • • • • CO • irt lO ■* • ODOrfl T»H rl d S5 oooo C0 1-1 CO : : : : <^ : ; rH (M (M c o H <^ >« . . . . . t>rH !l 1 o i , " , N o to o .:C N ^3 • ® • a .5 2 3=^ 60 .2 d 6 o 6 .2 .^ c d rt o d r; .iS § •■^ Q p p fi 5 .-g p p :=,Q p g § :- n ppq iL, CD t- • CO .1-1 .T-K^ • • . rH I-l i-( • • • ... 2 1 ■ 1 § (MO CO o? l>GO d COO ; ; ; ;::::::::: July, 1872, to Juno, 1873. "3 I OOOCOCOC« O O'M'*! lOlM OlOCSOO Tj< • -co •.-+I .Ot> t> t^ I> I-l • • • «0 rH • 'ti Co" r-T 00 1 (M 00 O rt Ttl • -I-l • O) rH IM . (M rH C O S<) ■* >0 IM t-COCOOO "+1 . -CO .(MI>Tt< -Ot- (M lO t> I— 1 • • • lO I-l • rt* co'i-T d O |-~ O I-l ■*• • • r-i • CO I-l Cq • (M rH (MrH (M • • -I-l 1 1 ^ •rmn 00 t^ rtl iH d (M iH . . ; ::::;::::: i t-i O i ■ — " — - Sydney . . . . Auckland Labor Cruize IMelbouruc . Tonga, Lot u mail, . and Samoa Ditto .... San Francisco . New Caledonia . Clarence River . Labor Cruize Auckland Sydney . Labor Cruize Hamburgh . Norfolk Island . British . .. Do. . . . Do. . . . Do. . . . Do. . . . Danish . . British. . . Do. . . . Do. . . . Fijian . Do. . . . Do. . . . American . Datiish Fijian . . TRADE. 167 Thus have the small beginnings noted in the first pages of this chapter begotten results in the year 1873 of which the contemporaneous history of the group would seem well-nigh to warrant the impossibility. If then in these few years, under the obstructive in- fluences of barbarism and strife, in the total absence of settled government, limited capital and ill-managed exertion have been productive of such a truly marvellous increase of commercial prosi)erity, it will not be too much to say (though without desiring in anywise to strain at logical conclusions) that as a British Crown Colony we may expect much from Fiji. Communication between Fiji and the Australian colonies has hitherto been very uncertain and irregular. Those vessels engaged in the trade usually arrived about the same time, and during the remainder of the year the residents were dependent for the mails on any vessel that might touch there on her way to Samoa, Tahiti, &c. The average passage^jto Fiji from Sydney is twenty days' sail, but from I^i to Sydney, on account of the favour- able trade-winds, it seldom exceeds twelve days. This serious drawback is at the present moment to a certain extent removed by the establishment of a line of steamers between San Francisco and Australia, with Fiji for their port of call ; France is about to establish another line betAveen Tahiti and New Caledonia, also touching at Fiji ; and in the recently projected scheme for the de- velopment of trade in Polynesia — by Mr. Vogel, the present distinguished premier of New Zealand — another profitable opening will also, let us hope, be soon found for the com- mercial and trading industry of our new province. A cursory notice of some of the conditions of this enterprise, which has already received the sanction of the late 168 FIJI. Governor of New Zealand, Sir James Ferguson, and which if carried out is likely to exercise no small influence on the future of Fiji, is liere briefly deserving of notice. Mr. Vogel proposes the formation of a powerful trading association, under the style of ' The New Zealand and Polynesian Company,' with a guarantee of five per cent, for forty years on the share capital, subject to the control of a managing director, resident in New Zealand, and to be appointed by the Government. The object of the com- pany is the civilisation and opening up of profitable productions and trade connections with the South Sea Islands, which is proposed to be carried out by the establish- ment of factories, plantations, (tc, on the different islands ; a constant steam-communication between the same and New Zealand ; and also the establishment of at least one woollen factory, one cotton factory, and one sugar lactory in the latter colony, and with the final grand ultimate object of welding the numerous South Sea Islands into one great Pacific Dominion, with New Zealand as the ' head-centre.' These are a few of the most prominent outlines of the dazzling prospectus held out in Mr. Vogel's scheme. The advantages which would accrue from such an enterprise to New Zealand are undoubted, but in the absence of further information it would be difficult to estimate the precise effect of this proposed gigantic monopoly on the future prosperity of Fiji. Auckland in New Zealand has hitherto been the natural depot for tlie South Sea Island trade. It is one third of the distance nearer to Fiji than Sydney, and tlie prevailing winds are favourable to the transit both ways. Merchan- dise from Europe can be landed tliere at about the same cost as at Sydney, and while the outward voyage is not TRADE. 169 longer, the return voyage occupies a much shorter time. It is tlierefore to be hoped that in the interests of both colonies, and independently of all other considerations, a steam communication between New Zealand and Fiji will soon become an accomplished fact. ( 370 ) CHAPTER XII. LABOUK. With the constant advent of fresh settlers and increased capital, came also a more careful system of cultivation, over a more extended area of land, and therefore the necessity for an increased labour sii|)ply. Pi'ior to 1864, in whicli year it would appear that imjiortation of foreign labour first commenced, the planters had found it impossible to obtain a constant labour supply in Fiji. The Fijian, like his nigger cousin, the 'man and brother,' in his emancipated state, will only work to gratify some pressing desire or immediate want, which having satisfied, he speedily relapses into his normal state of idle dignity. On the whole lie may be said to be strongly of the opinion that " fleeting fast old time is only made for slaves." Under these circumstances, then, the settlers found it necessary to turn their attention to the importation of labour. This system, notwithstanding some flagrant abuses of it, which have unfortunately taken place (and which in one instance, yet recently, has un- happily resulted in a tragedy, the details of which are still fresh in the public mind — the murder of Bishop Patteson by the natives, Nuka[)U, in 1871), has on the whole worked well, and been attended with success. It is estimated that about seven-eighths of the imported LABOUR. 171 labourers are brought from the New Hebrides, which are situateci at a distance of 550 miles due west from Fiji. The remainder are imported from the Gilbert Islands, on the equator, and more distant than the Hebrides by 650 miles; but these do not bear such an industrious character as the more docile Hebrideans, and are con- sequently not held in such esteem. The wages they get vary per agreement from £2 to £6 per annum, and the term of service is from three to five years. The total number introduced into Fiji, and engaged as labourers up to December, 1870, amounted to 1649. There can be no doubt that the system appears not only capable of being placed on a perfectly sound and satisfactory footing, but is evidently replete with advan- tage both to employer and employe. That there exist ample facilities for inquiring into the honcl fides of the contracts made with the immigrants, ascertaining their treatment during tlie term of their service, and otherwise exercising a supervision over their interests, is abundantly evident from the following extracts : — * " The agreements between the labourers and planters is made in the first instance by the master of the vessel at the time of embarkation, the master thus acting as agent for the planters who have employed him. This is the usual way ; but it is satisfactory to note that in some cases the master's position is quite independent of both the owners of the vessel and the planters, and that his remuneration is in no manner made conditional on his obtaining the required labourers. An instance of this was yesterday under my notice. The schooner Lapwing, of 35 tons register, arrived at Port Levuka with forty-eight labourers from Tanna. The master reported himself at the consulate, and with the usual ship's papers deposited a list of the natives, and the agreement under which they had embarked. This agreement I have the honour to enclose. * Extract of letter from Consul March to the Earl of Clarendon, dated Fiji, December 17th, 18G9. 172 FIJI. " Every facility was then afforded me in case I wished to visit the ship or examine the men. Under present circumstances I confined my attention to the latter, and from the questions which I put to them through an interpreter, my impression is that the men had come of their own free will. They seemed contented and in excellent health. The master, apparently an intelligent man, assured me that he had no pecuniary interest whatever in the natives, that whether or not he succeeded in engaging them, his remuneration would in either case be the same, and that no force, deception, or other unfair means had been employed in procuriug the men. I mention -this to show the desire which I see is evinced to deal openly in this trade. " The means possessed by Her Majesty's consulate for ascertaining how these immigrants are treated are the following : — " On aiTival of the immigrants in Fiji they enter into an agreement with the planters, the nature of which is as follows : — " The natives on the one side agree to work for so many yam seasons, equivalent to years, and the employers on their part covenant to pay certain wages, to supply them with food, lodging, and medicine, and on the exj.'iration of the term of service, return them home free of expense. These conditions are explained through an interpreter, and there are but few instances in which consular intervention has been needed to have them carried out. I have the honour to inclose an agreement of this kind. For safe custody and ofScial information these documents are deposited with the consul. This appears to have been attended to by all settlers employing imported labour, iiTCspective of their nationality, upon the grounds that the natives, having been introduced in British vessels, are entitled to the protection of the consul. On one occasion a number of men were, by the above ruling, removed from the employment of an American citizen who had neglected his contract. "At the expiration of their agreements, the labourers have been usually paid off before the consul, who, in order that he may question them and satisfy himself, has been furnished with a list of the articles given by way of payment. " The persons importing and employing these labourers are chiefly British subjects. With five excej)tions, the whole number of immi- grants have been landed from British ships belonging to Sydney, Melbourne, and various ports in New Zealand. The exceptions were email vessels built in Fiji by British subjects, each averaging 25 tons, and not registered. They were employed by their owners in the first stage of the immigration ; and their size and the number of the crew LABOUR. 173 was so small that any attempt at kidnapping must have been effectually resented. " In the course of time an influx of settlers from the adjoining colonies, with the continued exertions of those already established in Fiji, produced an increased demand for labourers, and masters of various colonial vessels, varying from 60 to 140 tons burden, embarked in the trade. It is beyond doubt that some of these men have at times cajoled natives on board, and carried them away against their wishes ; but the only case of this sort substantiated was that of the Daphne, taken into Sydney by Her Majesty's ship Bosario. " I have the honour to enclose a return of the number of natives imjjorted to Fiji since the commencement of the movement.* " No guarantee appears to have been given by settlers to the British consul for the due performance of their contracts, because its acceptance might have been construed into official sanction of the traffic. Such supervision as Her Majesty's consulate has exercised in this matter has been with the view to prevent abuses as much as possible. Settlers have offered to deposit pecuniary security, and in some cases the title- deeds of their Fijian and colonial properties with the consul, who has declined accepting them, preferring to depend, until instructed by your Lordship, upon his influence over settlers generally, who show the greater readiness to submit to consular dicta. " From the archives of this office it is apparent that upon the whole good faith has been kept with the immigrants, so far as the planters are concerned. The worst feature in this trade is the absence of all control over the manner in which the natives are obtained. " Several natives from the New Hebrides speak Fijian or English sufficiently well to enable the consul to examine immigrants from that group of islands ; but he has no official interpreter to reply upon. " The manner in which the natives are treated while in Fiji can be ascertained in many ways. First, by the consul paying visits to the plantations during his official journeys through the various islands of liis [district. Secondly, by information given by missionaries, who consider themselves the guardians of all natives in the country. Thirdly, by natives themselves reporting their grievances to the consul, either personally or through any of their countrymen visiting Levuka. The majority of the settlers I have seen belong to a respectable class of men, and any cruel treatment would in all likelihood acquire notoriety." * See Appendix. 174 FIJI. These regulations,* drawn up by the British Consul, and evidently based on the ' Queensland Polynesian La- bourers' Act, 1868,' were productive of much good ; but inasmuch as Her Britannic Majesty's Consul had no legal authority to enforce them, submission by the planters was purely voluntary, and liable to be refused at any time. Hitherto the impotent and ultra vires character of these regulations has been the great drawback to the importation of Polynesian labour into Fiji. In Queensland, where a government exists capable of legally enacting and enforcing laws for the control of this traffic, no such difficulties have arisen, and there the system may be considered a success. Mr. Anthony Trollope, in his recent book, entitled * Australia and New Zealand,' devotes an interesting and impartial chapter to the question, of which here are some extracts deserving of consideration : — " Let us," he says, " have no slavery, in God's name. Be careful, guard the approaches. Defend the defenceless. Protect the poor dusky foreigner from the possible rapacity of the sugar-planter. But in doing this, know at any rate what you are doing, and be not led away by a rampant enthusiasm to do evil to all parties. Bcmember the bear who knocked out his friend's brains with the brick-bat when he strove to save him from the fly. An ill-conducted enthusiasm may not only debar Queensland from the labour which she requires, but debar also these poor savages from their best and nearest civilisation. "I have seen these islanders working under various masters and at various employments. No doubt their importance to Queensland mainly attaches to the growth and manufacture of sugar; but they are also engaged on wharves about the towns, in meat-preserving establishments, in some instances as shepherds, and occasionally as domestic servants. I have told how I was rowed up the river Mary * These regulations have been omitted, and the ' Queensland Polynesian Labourers' Act, 18C8,' — which now applies to Fiji— is included in the Appendix instead. LABOUR. 175 by a crew of these islanders. They are always clean, and bright, and pleasant to be seen. They work well, but they know their own position and importance. I never saw one ill-used. I never heard of such ill-usage. The question to my mind is whether they are not fostered too closely, wrapped up too warmly in the lamb's-wool of Government protection. Their dietary is one which an English rural labourer may well envy ; as he might also, if he knew it, the general immunity from the crushing cares of toil which these savages enjoy." This common-sense statement is not only valuable from its perfect disinterestedness, but also from the fact of its coming from one, who may be said to have devoted an observant lifetime to the eradication of abuses. But were any further confirmation of these views necessary, it is readily afforded in the subjoined official corre- spondence : — Copt of a Despatch from the Makquis of Normanby, Governor OF Queensland, to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Kimberlet. " (No. 69.) Government House, Brisbane, " 1st Se])tember, 1871. " (^Received 6th November, 1871.) " My Lord, — I have the honour, at the request of my Responsible Advisers, to forward to your Lordship the enclosed copy of an Execu- tive Minute, dated 24th August, 1871, in reference to the Circular Despatches, dated respectively the 20th and 29th April, 1871. " I have &c., " The Rigid Eon. Eurl Kimberley, " Normanby. " &c. &c. &c. " Extract from the Minutes of Proceedings of the Executive Council of Queensland; at the Government House, Brisbane, on 25th August, 1871. " * Present His Excellency the Governor in Council. " ' His Excellency the Governor, at the instance of the honourable the Colonial Secretary, submits, for the consideration of the Council, Circular Despatches, dated 20th and 29th April, 1871, addressed to the Governor of Queensland by the Secretary of State for the Colonies, respecting the costs of prosecutions in the Colonial courts of persons guilty of kidnapping natives from islands in the Pacific. 176 FIJI. " ' The Council deliberate. They are not aware, from anything that has transpired within their own knowledge, " that acts of violence and barbarity have been from time to time committed by British subjects, in various islands of the Pacific, which are calculated to bring discredit on the British name." " ' So far as Queensland is concerned, due precaution has been taken by the Government to check any abuses that might be supposed to exist amongst the South Sea Islands in connection with the introduction of Polynesian labourers, and the Council have reason to believe that the experiment of appointing paid agents to accompany ships employed in carrying such labourers between the islands and this colony lias been attended with great success, and has in a great measure disproved injurious statements as to the manner in which these islanders were formerly procured. " ' In further proof of the readiness of the Queensland Government to prevent the evils arisin^::; from kidnapping, or decoying natives by fraud from islands in the Pacific, the Council are prepared to recommend, if necessary, that a sum of money be placed on the estimates to defray the cost of prosecutions of persons guilty of such offences before the Supreme Court, and in the meantime thej' are prepared to defray expenses in cases brought with their concurrence (previously obtained in each case) before the Supreme Court, jirovided the case arises in a vessel conveying islanders to a Queensland port. " ' The Co.uncil advise that his Excellencj' the Marquis of Normanby be requested to transmit a copy of this Executive Minute to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. '"A. V. Drury, " ' Clerk of the Council.' " Extract from a Despatch from the Marquis of Normanby to i. The Kight Hon. The Earl of Kimberi.ey, da'I'ed Government House, Brisbane, 19th October, 1871. (Separate.) if * Hf » St: !|i N< " {Received 1st January, 1872.) " {Answered No. 1, lOth January, 1872.) " During niy tour I lost no opportunity of seeing, and as far as possible speaking to the Polynesians on the various ])lautations I visited. It is, I admit, generally difficult to make them understand, but there is usually one or more on each station who has a better knowledge of English than the rest, and who is able to act to some LABOUR. 177 extent as an interpreter. In no case could I make out that they made any complaints as to their treatment in Queensland, or as to the mode in which they were brought liere. Many of them had been sent back to their own islands, after having served their time, and had again enlisted for a second period ; while others expressed their intention of returning again as soon as they had visited their homes. They all seemed happy and contented, and are intelligent and quick at learning their work. Their masters uniformly spoke most favourably of their conduct, and assured me that they gave them no trouble whatever. They appear to be well supplied with food, and though I must confess that the amount of clothes that they wear is often somewhat scanty, tbis is caused, not from any want of clothes, which are sup[)lied by the masters, but in consequence of the disinclination of the men themselves to wear them. With the limited opportunity I have as yet had of personally examining into this question I am of course not in a position to contradict the various statements which have been made upon the subject of Polynesian labour. " It is quite possible that abuses may have been perpetrated by some of those who import these islanders, and there may have been cases where they have been ill-treated by their masters ; as yet however I have failed to detect anything that is objectionable, and it is satis- factory to me to state that neither from the men themselves, from their appearance, nor from the police-magistrates, who are bound to keep a strict watch over the condition of all Polynesian labourers, could I learn anything which would lead me to believe that they were otherwise than well-treated, contented, and happy ; and the best proof of this is, I think, the number who have already returned a second time to the colony. At the same time I can assure your Lordship that I shall not fail to keep a vigilant watch over the matter, and should any case of injustice come to my knowledge, I shall use mj^ best endeavour to have the question fully investigated, and the per- jjetrator brought to justice. The question is one of vital importance, at any rate to the northern portion of this colony, as without a certain amount of black labour of some kind I fear all the bright anticipations of future wealth and prosperity which are entertained must necessarily fall to the ground, and the whole of that large district must remain an uncultivated wilderness, only suitable for cattle stations ; as in that climate I believe that it is found quite impossible to grow sugar without the assistance of blacks ; white men being unable to bear the heat in the fields. At the same time the employment of blacks, so far from diminishing the demand for v/hite labour, positively creates it ; N 178 FIJI. as I found on each plantation a large proportion of white men (probably about one-third) engaged at very remunerative wages." * * * It * * « Copy of a Despatch from the Marquis of Normanby to the Eight Hon. The Earl of Kimberley. " (No. 83.) Government Bouse, Brisbane, " 2Uh October, 1871. " {Received 1st January, 1872.) " My Lord, — In reply to your Lordship's Despatch, No. 30, of 5th July, 1871, on the subject of the expenses of a commission proposed to be appointed for the purpose of examining into and reporting upon matters in connection with the introduction of Polynesian immigration, I have the honour to transmit, for your Lordship's information, a letter from the Colonial Secretary of Queensland, in which he states that he is unable to recommend that any provision should be made for the same out of the funds of this Colony ; but should your Lordship decide upon the appointment of such a commission, the Queensland Government will render every assistance in their power in promoting the object of the inquiry. " I have, &c., " (Signed) Normanby. " The Earl of Kimberley " &c. &c. tScc." " ' Colonial Secretary's Office, Brisbane, " ' 23rd October, 1871. " ' My Lord, — I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of a Despatch of the Hth July last, from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, having reference to a letter addressed by me, on the 11th April last, to the Administrator of the Government at that time, on the subject of the abuses alleged by the Aborigines Protection Society to have been practised in connection with the introduction of South Sea Islanders into Queensland. " ' In that letter I ventured to suggest the desirability of a commission being appointed by the Imperial Government for the purpose of examining into and reporting upon the whole subject of Polynesian immigration. " ' In allusion to this suggestion Lord Kimbt-rloy remarks, that if this LABOUR. 179 Government will make provision for the expenses, his Lordship would be willing to appoint such a commission. " ' I must however point out that the suggestion was made not from any misgiving on the part of mj'self or the Government as to thi; nature of the engagement or treatment in this Colony of Polynesian labourers, but to set the minds of the English public at rest, and to remove the misapprehension arising out of erroneous information that evidently existed at home on the subject ; and as the question appears to be one of Imperial interest, it is reasonable that the expenses of a commission appointed in connection therewith should be borne by tlu; Imperial Government, and I am unable therefore to recommend that any jarovision should be made for this purpose out of the funds of the Colony ; but I may add that in the event of his Lordship deciding upon the appointment of such a commission, this Government will render every assistance in their power in promoting the object of the inquiry. " ' I have, &c., " ' (Signed) A. H. Palmer, " ' Colonial Secretary. " ' His Excellency the Marquis of Normanhy, " ' &c. &c. &c: " Copy of a Despatch from the Marquis of Nobmanby to the Right Hon. The Earl of Kimbebley. "(No. 88.) Government House, Brisbane, 24:th November, 1871. " {Received 29th January, 1872.) "My Lord, — I have the honour to inform your Lordship that a few days since the schooner Lyttona, Captain Winshijo, having arrived with Polynesians, I went on board for the purpose of ascertaining by personal observation the state she was in and the condition of the men. I found the vessel clean, and the men seemed healthy and perfectly contented and happy, nor could I ascertain that they had any complaint to make either as regards their treatment on board or as to the manner in which they had been obtained. During my visit I had a lon^ con- versation with Mr. Gadsden, the Government Agent on board, who is an intelligent, and I believe very respectable man. He informed nie that they experienced no difficulty in obtaining the men they had on board, as they all came most willingly, and that many of them even swam off to the vessel for the purpose of engaging themselves. He at the same time, however, told me that there could be no doubt that a N 2 180 FIJI. system of kidnapping was being carried on among the islands, not by Queensland, but by Fiji vessels. " 2. He informed me that they had during their voyage met several vessels from Fiji, and especially mentioned one, a small cutter of 25 tons, called the Volunteer, belonging to a man of the name of Blair, which arrived on the 14th September while they were at anchor at Black Beach, in the Island of Tanna. This vessel had sixty men on board, ten being natives of Lifou, and the remainder from the northern islands. Mr. Gadsden told me that from Avhat he had heard he had no doubt that these men had been kidnapped. Blair has a plantation in Tanna, where he intended landing twenty -five men ; the remaining thirty-five men were to be taken to Fiji. The ten Lifou men were anxious to escape on board the Lyttona, but the Volunteer sailed before they were able to do so. " 3. From the conversation I had with Mr. Gadsden, and from other circumstances that have come to my knowledge of late, I think that there can be no doubt that the state of things among the islands is at present very bad, and that gross atrocities are being committed against the natives. At the same time I have every reason for hoping that the vessels belonging to this colony are in no way implicateJ. Every precaution is taken, not only by placing an agent on board each vessel, but also by strict investigation on her arrival in port, and I feel sure that not only my Government, but the employers of labour themselves, would be most anxious to check any irregularities, and to bring the perpetrators to justice. " 4. Your Lordship will however see that this colony has no power of interfering with the evil practices of the Fiji vessels, and that it is only by Her Majesty's Government stationing cruisers in those seas that these depredations can be put a slop to. " 5. Unless a certain amount of black labour of some description can be procured, I believe that the cultivation of sugar, which now promises to be one of the most important industries in this colony would, at any rate in the north, be impossible. At the same time if it be found that the employment of Polynesians cannot be carried on without giving encouragement to kidnapi)ing and outrages, that labour must be sought for in some other direction. I believe however that the presence of Her Majesty's cruisers in those seas would not only put a stop to the practices which now exist, but that it would secure the Queensland vessels from the imputations under which they now lie, and facilitate the engagements of labour by the legitimate trader. " 6. I would therefore venture to suggest to your Lordship whether LABOUE. 181 the time has not arrived when it would be desirable for Her Majesty's Governnieut to take steps to put a stop to any illegal practices which may be perpetrated, whether by Fiji or Queensland vessels. These islands are so numerous, and the area they cover is so great, that I ieai the presence of one man-of-war would be of little use ; but as no resist- ance need be anticipated, the service might very well be performed by gunboats, or even three or four small fast sailing-vessels, the expense of which would be less than that of one man-of-war, " I have, &c., (Signed) " Normanbv. " The Earl of Kimherley, " &c. &c. &c" Views such as these, considered in connection with the Act for the regulation of Polynesian labour in Queens- land,* will do much towards the dissipation of those fears indulged in by many of our benevolent fellow-country- men to whom humanity is so much indebted, and who with a vivid recollection of the uncontrolled abuses of the past, look askance on this immigration of labour. The considerations which attach to this question do not, un- fortunately, rest here. It is a fact deserving of notice that natural selection is rapidly fulfilling its part in other islands of the Pacific besides Fiji, and that uncontrollable depopulation is there proceeding at a rate which, though not calculated to cause fears for the present, may, if not attended to. prove a possible source of anxiety in the future. Without pretending in anywise to suggest a solution of this very important question, it may be safely indicated that the future labour mart of our colonial possessions in the tropics should he India. There all positive ciieeks to population, famine excepted, may be said to have ceased; those powerful depopulisers of all barbaric, and * Vide Appendix. 182 FIJI. semi-barbaric, and maladministered countries — viz., petty civil w;irs, criminal abortion, infanticide, the whole train of ordinary diseases and epidemics, and plague, may be said to have disappeared, and under the benign rule of the 'Competition-wallah,' the unbridled passions and procreative tendencies of the mild Hindoo run riot. Of the many causes that operate in the encouragement of prudential habits among the lower classes of all countries, the most effective next to civil liberty is unquestionably education. Without education, enlightened government can do but little to^check population, and direct legislation perhaps less. Uneducated, the people let the present go by unheeded, and do not think of the future, and though security of property and a pure administration of justice — the attendant benefits of enlightened rule — undoubtedly do exercise some influence, it must nevertheless be con- ceded that without education these benefits can be but very imperfectly understood, and still more lamely taken advantage of. Therefore as in this country it has seemed to many advantageous that the three R's should be varied by a technical education, so I also would urge that in India, and especially amongst the sixty-four swarming millions of Bengal, it may be found useful to supplement those rudimentary elements, by what might be appro- priately termed an emigrational education. For the rest, bearing in mind the very limited area in the South Seas with which we are here particularly interested, it will be reasonable and satisfactory to conclude, that on the question of labour we need have no present concern for Fiji. ( 183 ) CHAPTER XIII. THE WHITE POPULATION. The first settlers — if indeed they can be thus termed — in these islands were some desperadoes, who aj)pear to havQ escaped from the penal settlement of New South Wales in the year 1804. They are supposed to have numbered twenty-seven men on their arrival, but encounters with the natives and sanguinary quarrels amongst themselves speedily reduced their ranks, and in 1840 only two re- mained. The last survivor was one Paddy Connor, who, after leading a life of the greatest depravity and lawlessness, is stated in his latter days to have been only concerned about the rearing of his pigs and fowls, and the increasing of the number of his children from forty-eight to half-a-hundred. He had a hundred wives ! Commodore Wilkes saw him in 1840, when he visited Fiji. He says : — " One day, while at the Observatory, I was greatly surprised at seeing one whom I took to be a Fiji man enter my tent — a circumstance so inconsistent with the respect to our prescribed limits, of which I have spoken. His colour however struck me as lighter than that of any native I had yet seen. He was a short, wrinkled old man, but appeared to possess great vigour and activity ; he had a beard that reached to his middle, aud but little hair, of a reddish grey colour, on his head. He gave me no time for inquiry, but at once addressed me in broad Irish, 184 FIJI. with a rich Milesian brogue. In a few minutes he made me acquainted with his history, which by his own account was as follows : — " His name was Paddy Connel, but the natives called him Berry ; he was born in the County of Clare, in Ireland ; had run away from school when he was a little fellow, and after wandering about as a vagabond, was pressed into the army in the first Irish rebellion. " At the time the French landed in Ireland, the regiment to which he was attached marched at once against the enemy, and soon arrived on the field of battle, where they were brought to the charge. The first thing he knew or heard, the drums struck up a White Boy's tune, and his whole regiment went over and joined the French, with the exception of the officers, who had to fly. They were then marched against the British, and were soon defeated by Lord Cornwallis ; it was a hard fight, and Paddy found himself amongst the slain. When he thought the battle was over, and night come on, he crawled off and reached home. He was then taken up and tried for his life, but was acquitted ; he was however remanded to prison, and busied himself in eftectiug the escape of some of his comrades. On this being discovered he was confined in the black-hole, and soon after sent to Cork to be put on board a convict ship, bound to New South Wales. When he arrived there his name was not found on the books of the prisoners, consequently he had been transported by mistake, and was therefore set at liberty. He then worked about for several years and collected a small sum of money, but unfortunately fell into bad company, got drunk, and lost it all. Just about this time Captain Sartori, of the ship General Wellesley, arrived at Sydney. " Having lost a great part of his crew by sickness and desertion, he desired to procure hands for his ship, which was still at Sandalwood Bay, and obtained thirty-five men, one of whom was Paddy Connel. At the time they were ready to depfirt, a French privateer, Le Gloriant, Captain Uubardien, put into Sydney, when Captain Sartori engaged a passage for himself and his men to the Fijis. On their Avay they touched at Norfolk Island, where the ship struck, and damaged her keel so much that they were obliged to put into the Bay of Islands for repairs. Paddy asserts that a difficulty had occurred here between Captain Sartori and his men about their provisions, which was amicably settled. The Oloriant finally sailed from New Zealand for Tongataboo, where they arrived just after the capture of a vessel, which he supjiosed to have been the Port-au-Prince, as they had obtained many articles from the natives which had evidently belonged to some large vessel. Here they remained some mouths, and then THE WHITE POPULATION. 185 sailed for Sandalwood Bay, where the men, on account of their former quarrel with Captain Sartori, refused to go on board the General Wellesley ; some of them shipped on board the Gloriant, and others, with Paddy, determined to remain on shore with the natives. lie added that Captain Sartori was kind to him, and at parting; had given liim a pistol, cutlass, and an old good-for-nothing musket ; these, with his sea-chest and a few old clothes, were all that he possessed. He had now lived forty years among these savages." " After hearing his whole story, I told him I did not believe a word of it ; to which he answered that the main part of it was true, but he might have made some mistakes, as he had been so much in the habit of lying to the Fijians that he hardly now knew when he told the truth, adding that he had no desire to tell anything but the truth." Paddy was one of those whites who had early settled at Kewa, and had per force of powder and shot much con- tributed to the importance of that place. Charles Savage was to Mbau what Paddy Connel was to Rewa ; with this exception, that he appears to have possessed many redeeming qualities of which the other was void, and was acknowledged by his own companions as their representative and leader. He was originally a Swede, and did not belong to the convict gang from New South AValos, but was wrecked in Fiji in the American brig Eliza, in 1808. He appears to have been of a more ambitious turn of mind than Paddy, and lost no oppor- tunity of profiting by the favourable circumstances in which he found himself placed. He exacted all the honours paid to the most exalted chiefs, and numbered amongst his many wives women of the highest rank — daughters of the Fijian chiefs. As Savage's male off- spring by these women would have been ' vasus,' and would consequently have supplied him with a means of exercising an unlimited despotism of power, the natives deemed it politic that all Savage's children should be still-born, a determination which was rigidly persisted in, 186 FIJI. notwithstanding that Savage appears to have done every- thing to avoid it. He finally met his death in 1814 in an affray with the natives off Vauua Levu, who, having cooked and ate him, made sail-needles of his bones, which were distributed among the people in token of the event, and as a remembrance of the victory gained on the occasion. Of the various peculiar characters who from time to time have sought Fijian hospitality, one of the best known and most remarkable was an individual commonly known by the sobriquet of ' Harry the Jew ;' he was thus de- scribed by Dr. Macdonald, who saw him when exploring the Eiver Eewa, 1857 : — " When we arrived at the mbure-ui-sa of this town we saw the celebrated Harry, who from his long intercourse with savage life was evidently much embarrassed at seeing white faces once more. He was a small, thin, spare man, apparently in very ill-health, from the absence of those comforts which an Englishman's constitution demands. He wore a long beard, Fiji fashion, and until very lately, when he was enabled to obtain some clothing, he was obliged to adopt the masi, or native cloth." His story is full of adventure.* Born in London, he was early apprenticed to many trades, but failed in them all, and went to sea instead. In this manner he arrived in the South Pacific, where, finding the climate and the manner of living followed by the islanders not opposed to his peculiar tastes, he speedily came to a conclusion unfavourable to sailoriug and kicks and half-pence, and accordingly took an early opportunity of deserting his captain and his ship at Tongataboo. He thence made his way in a canoe to Fiji, where he no sooner landed than he was condemned to be baked ; but fortune was not uupropitious, and he succeeded in making good his * Vide Seemann. THE AVHITE POPULATION 1^7 escape to Eewa, in which place he remained some time with the other whites. Here however he soon got into trouble, and having artfully succeeded in ' palming off,' on his best friend, for valuable consideration, a watch that never went, except when carried, he decamped from Rewa on the strength and proceeds of the transaction, to which he afterwards owed his nickname. After other innumerable escapades and mishaps, during which he had in turn played with various success the part of lover, rogue, and fool, he awoke one morning to find himself an outcast among the newly-converted natives, for his nickname had been translated into Fiji, and they refused that hospitality which as heatliens they would not have denied him, because he " belonged to a people who had killed Christ." In this dire extremity he determined on proceeding to more heathen parts, and eventually found himself, with many misgivings, in the Nainosi valley, then a wild and unexplored region of the interior, and a very stronghold of cannibalism. Here again fortune extended her favours to our friend simple John Humphrey Danford, and smiled on him plenteously, in the shape of many wives and other native luxuries. When last ' interviewed,' he had been raised to the dignity of a ' brother,' and having lost all reckoning in the midst of so many comforts, could not say whether he had been surrounded by them for fifteen or twenty years. The only at all reliable infor- mation which could be then extracted from him was his decided objection to Christians, and a preference for Fiji. On the arrival of the first resident British Consul in Fiji, in 1857, the whites numbered thirty in Levuka, and ruffianism still prevailed. These lived with native women, and traded with the natives for beche-de-mer, tortoise- 188 FIJI. shell, cocoa-nut oil, &c., which they disposed of for barter to the American whalers and other vessels which chanced to visit the islands. In course of time some of the more industrious formed partnerships in trade, and in 1842 the leading firm was Messrs. Whippy, Simj)son, and Cusick. The head of the firm, David Whippy, an American, had then resided for upwards of twenty-years in Fiji, and had long been considered the principal man among the whites at Levuka; when Commodore Wilkes visited the group in 1840 he became acquainted with him, and testifies to his excellent character and prudence. Not long after this he was appointed to be the United States Vice-Consul at Fiji, a post which he has long creditably filled. In the year 1844 a calamitous event befell the com- munity of Ovalau. They had been induced in an unlucky moment to befriend one of the resident whites of Eewa, who had taken an active part against Thakombau in the wars which had raged between those states. Thakombau soon came to hear of it, and was so incensed that he de- termined upon ousting the whites from Ovalau. Tui Levuka had also found their supremacy irksome, and cordially joined with the Chief of Mbau in this oppressive measure, which, notwithstanding many eftbrts made to avert the disaster, soon resulted in their having to sacri- fice years of hard toil and striving, and commence the world afresh. Their new settlement was at Solevu, in Vanua Levu, but it not being either healthy or convenient for trade, they soon longed to be back again at Levuka. After an absence of five years, and many earnest pleadings and propitiatory offerings to those in authority, their wish was at length gratified, and in the year 1849 they once more found themselves in Ovalau, which ever since has continued to be the principal white settlement in Fiji. THE WHITE POPULATION. 189 In 1860 Colonel Smytlie states that the whites had augmented to about two hundred, principally by ' runa- ways ' from vessels visiting the islands, and their social status did not appear to have much improved. Since that date the white popuhition has steadily increased. In the year 1864 tlie white population of both sexes in Fiji amounted to about 300; in 1867 the,Consul re- ported : — " The white population is steadily increasiug ; the following state- ment shows the number of residents subject to civilised authority: — -2 ^ 2 i^ c ^3 ■a ■5 iX ■c s ^v. cs.2 Men , a s H a z 252 85 337 31 23 54 '10 Women . 45 63 108 1 21 22 1 ChildroQ . . Totals 114 90 204 6 57 73 2 4 LI 238 649 38 101 139 43 and again in 1868 : " The population has greatly increased during the present year, consisting chiefly of British settlers and their families from New Zealand. " The following table represents as nearly as possible the proportion of British residents to those of other nationalities : — u!. a „ n J. ja K . a "4 S -H-A £ = 1 lis *C s s^l H S >'A^ Men . . . R -5 < 491 95 586 42 26 68 50 Women . 89 65 154 ^^ 22 24 2 Children . . Totals 174 114 288 8 G4 4 754 274 1,028 52 112 164 56 190 FIJI. "The total British, American, and other subjects amenable to civilised law and authority is, as shown above, 1,288 souls, against 831 of last year." At the present time the population is estimated at 2,000, of whom 1,700 are British subjects, 70 American, 100 German, and the remainder of other nationalities. "The class of peof)le settling in Fiji has much improved of late years. They are chiefly British, and, as a body, bear a good reputa- tion. Many an-ive with capital of from 2,000Z. to 3,000Z., and it may be said all possess some means. Among the planters are some who have held commissions in the army and navy ; and a few of the officers who have served, or are now serving, on the Australian naval station, have invested capital in the country. Others again have held public offices in the Colonies, such as those of mayor, alderman, magistrate, and director of railways. There are also squatters, farmers, professional men, and tradespeople, who, in the absence of any recognised form of government, submit for consular adjudication all the disputes and claims arising among themselves."* Taking into consideration the great difficulties with which the settlers have had to contend hitherto in the total absence of any settled form of government, they may on the whole be said to be an orderly and respectable community. This statement gives the present white population in Fiji:- " Males beyond the municipality of Levuka . . 1,066 Women and children 150 Eatepayers within municipality 2'10 Women and children 150 Fluctuating population 160 "Total . . . .1,786" * Extract from Consular Report, dated Fiji, December 17th, 1869. ( 101 ) CHAPTER XIV. EMIGRATION. Fiji being now incorporated as an integral portion of the British Emj^ire, a certahi amount of curiosity in connection with that interesting fact must necessarily attach to the question of emigration. Land is still plentiful, notwithstanding that extensive tracts have already been sold, as well as many of the smaller islands, which were formerly in great request, from the fact of their natural limits rendering fencing un- necessary, and boundary disputes impossible. It has been officially reported that at the present time the lands not yet cleared include a great portion of the very finest soil both on the Rewa River and also on the Island of Taviuni, admirably fitted for sugar-plantations, and also other land well adapted for coffee and spices. The following table gives the approximate area of the lands in Fiji at present held or leased by settlers : — District. No. of Planta- tions Area of Holding. Area Cultivated. Area Uncultivated. Tai Levu .... Ba Korotubu .... Yasawas .... 24 27 29 11 Acres. 17,605 66,234 75,413 16,970 Acres. 727 829 586 250 Acres. 16,878 65,405 74,827 16,720 Carried forwiird 91 1 176.222 2,392 173,830 192 FIJI. Aprox iynate Area held or leaded by Settlers {continued). No. of Area of Area Area District. Planta- tions. Holding. Cultivated. Uncultivated. Acres. Acres. Acres. BrouL^ht forward . 91 176,222 2,392 173,830 Nadi and Vuda. 21 41,180 783 40,397 Naviia . 18 9,000 500 8,500 Nadroga . 38 34,315 502 33,813 Suva 79 15,490 366 15,124 Upper Eewa 58 20,697 1,234 19,463 Lower Rewa 36 9,363 85 9,278 Ovalau . 18 22,641 447 22,194 Savu Savu 60 54,105 795 53,310 Mbua 26 71,590 378 71,212 Dreketi . 25 42,753 156 42,597 Macuata 31 225,040 438 224,602 Natawa . 27 64,822 350 64,472 Taviuni . 68 42,804 3,353 39,451 Lau . 30 17,129 4,560 12,569 Kandavu 22 7,805 185 7,620 Totals 648 854,956 16,524 838,432 All sales were formerly registered at the British aud American Consulates, and those conveyances were held good, which were concurred in by the immediate owner as well as by the ruling chief; in this respect, however, material changes may be expected, for doubtless all future sales and purchases of land from the natives will assume the form of Crown grants, and will bo consequently ne- gotiable through the authorized government authorities only. A very few years ago the value of land was merely nominal, and was obtainable even for as small an equi\a- lent as a Xd. per acre, a price which was considered a full consideration, for such lands as the natives had no imme- diate use. Latterly, since the Fijis have become a field of EMIGRATION. 19o immigratioB, prices have risen considerably, varying from 6d. to 10s. per acre ; while as a fancy price lOZ. per acre has been oifered and refused ; and at Levuka frontages have realised as much as 4Z. per foot.* " The vnlue of land, and the security felt in regard to its tenure, is shown by the fact tiiat for two years past no land in Levuka can be purchased for less than 11. per foot. The last transaction occurring this year was the sale of the Criterion Hotel, a long, low, weather-board built house, with detached billiard-room, and having a frontage of 265 feet, and depth of 132 feet. These premises, namely, the house and ground only, sold for 2,550/., one-third cash, and bills at six and twelve months." All payments to the natives have hitherto been made by barter, the articles most in demand being : — " Fabrics. — Cotton prints, those known as navy blues, are preferred to all other ; blue dungaree, Turkey reds, unbleached calicoes, blankets (blue and red), red sei'ge shirts, red worsted, cotton thread. " Hardtvare. — Wedge axes, bench axes, hatchets, twelve and fifteen- inch butchers' knives, razors, scissors, muskets, flints, gunjoowder, lead, fish-hooks, needles, vermillion, beads (small white Venetian). " This includes every article that can be profitably sold among the natives of Fiji. It is a great mistake to enter into the trade without a knowledge of the particular caprices of the islanders. The neglect or ignorance of this fact has been the cause of serious losses to many em- barking in this traffic." The three great difSculties with which the Fijian planter has so far had to contend have been the absence of sufficient guarantees for the security of life and property, the want of adequate courts of justice, and the lack of a remunerative outlet or market for colonial produce: the labour question has been elsewhere treated on. The two former have of course, by virtue of the Cession, ipso facto, become elimi- nated, but the latter yet remains to be solved. Hitherto the exports have nearly all gone to the colonies (mostly to * Vide Keport of Consul March, dated 4th March, 1870. O 194 FIJI. Sydney), paying a freightage of at least 70s. per ton, besides additional high charges for storage, wharfoge, brokerage, &c. In this manner the settlers have been really at the mercy of Sydney traders, for produce sold on the spot has barely failed to secure remunerative prices, while returns from the home market, owing to the absence of a direct com- munication with England, have been tardy and small, and only realisable after the lapse of a considerable time from the period of the first outlay. There can be no doubt that now a settled government is established, the prosperity of the colony will be soon sufficient to warrant a direct trade with Europe, by which means it has been estimated that a saving of at least one half the cost of transmission will accrue to the colonial exporter, besides the consider- able advantage of obtaining imports at much lower rates. The want of roads has not yet made itself felt in Fiji, as up to the present time the settlers have been always able to find land of good quality and in a sufficiently large quantity, either on the sea-board or on the banks of the numerous navigable streams. In the year 1866 it was authoritatively stated that the rivers of Fiji woidd suffice for all purposes of trade and internal communication for some years to come ; but • having regard to the period which has elapsed since this view was expressed, and the comparatively small inter- course which then existed with the interior, it is clear that with the increased exigencies whirh in this respect must be imposed under the new re(jime, soxne more certain means must be soon applied for developing the resources and material prosperity of the colony. The value of facts and independent testimony will be a sufficient excuse for the following lengthy extracts from consular reports on agricultural prospects in Fiji : — EMIGRATION. 195 " AGRICULTURE. "The year 1864. " Cotton. — * • * Ya Fiji at present there are about one timdred acres planted with this staple : the princij^al difficulty is iu getting the native population to gather it in, but the interest has taken root in the country. " Coffee. — A few enterprising men have devoted their attention to the growth of this article ; 12,000 trees are under cultivation, half of which are expected to bear next year. " Tobacco. — Half a ton has been exported to Sydney, return not yet known ; the plant grows luxuriantly here. " Sugar. — The natives grow their cane for their own consumption, but there is one regular plantation ; the quality is good. "Arrowroot, Tapioca, &c. — A little island trade is done in these articles, but they are not cultivated to any extent. " Stoch. " Sheep. — Upwards of 1000 sheep have been safely landed from Australia this year, making in all 3000 now in Fiji ; their importation has been a decided success, and, generally, they are doing well. As the sheep are being introduced by men of capital, it is not improbable this interest will largely increase in a few years. " Swine.— KhoMi 5,000. " Cattle.— 10 head. " Horses.— IZ. " The year 1866. " With increased capital has come a more careful system of cultiva- tion, the introduction of a better description of food for the labourers, and likewise the assistance of steam power in ginning, cleaning, and pressing the cotton. The Brazilian seed has been superseded by the Sea Island and Egyptian, as these are found to jiroduce more rapidly and more profitably. " Cotton.— ThQ Sea Island being a low growing plant, the crop is readily picked by women and children ; the trees are planted 1000 to the acre, occupying each a space of six feet six inches square; each tree produces on an average one pound of clean cotton annually. A native labourer can attend to three acres, and his wages, with the cost of his food, &c., amount to about 6Z. sterling per annum. o 2 196 FIJI. "The TEAR 1867. " Three years back there were only two cotton gins and one wind- mill in all Fiji, at the present date there are about thirty gins and live steam-engines. " For short stapled cottons the !~aw-gins are preferred, and for the longer, knife-gins. " In the import of agricultural implements there is also an increase, several ploughs, harrows, and cultivators being now in use, for the working of which, and for breeding purposes, seven horses and thirty- five head of cattle have been imported within the last few months. **** **** " The coming year will no doubt see these islands advance steadily in the path of prosperity. Large sums of money have lately been invested by men possessing the means to enter extensively into agri- cultural pursuits. A company is in the course of formation for the purpose of cultivating sugar in the Island of Taviuni, the soil of which is peculiar in richness and fertility. From the high opinion competent judges entertain of the sugar-cane grown by the natives, no doubt can be entertained of the success that will attend the undertaking." Since the above was written the cultivation of the sugar- cane has received considerable impetus, and the present prospects of this industry would fully justify the predic- tion made by an honourable member of the Lower House not many weeks ago — " that an industry had sprung up which was likely to make Fiji the ]\Iauritius of the Southern Hemisphere." " * * * * In cotton more care is now taken in the selection of seed, in the preparation of the ground and cultivating the jjlant. The best season for planting cotton is from September to January. The months of July and August are generally dry, enabling the i)lanter to uproot and burn off the weeds upon his land, and jjrepare it for the general rains of September and October. In dry months the sun is likely to strike through the soil and injure the roots of the young plants, thus producing the disease known as ' sore-shin.' This retards the growth, or causes the death of the tree. If heavy rain falls soon e:migration. 197 after planting, the seed is very liable to rot in the ground, in many cases owing to unpropitious weather. Infinite trouble must be endured before the planter can obtain a stand of cotton. The plant appears about four days after sowing, and under favourable circumstances grows rapidly. " Sea Island cotton is generally planted in rows six feet by sis feet ; but some planters are drilling as in America, the rows being five feet, and the plants thirty inches apart. This variety grows much faster and arrives at maturity sooner than any other. I have observed the first blossoms upon a tree one month after planting, at the end of the second month the blossoms fell and the bolls appeared, at the end of the third month the bolls reached maturity, and the cotton was ready for gathering. I'he most experienced growers estimate each healthy tree will produce annually five pounds' weight of seed cotton. There are three crops of this variety during the year, the first in January or February, the second in May and June, the third in September and October. The vicissitudes of the seasons however will forward or retard the ripening of the crop by a month. In ginning this cotton loses two-thirds of its gross weight, 300 lbs. of seed cotton producing 100 lbs. of fibre. " Assuming that each tree would ]iroduce on an average three pounds of seed cotton, equal to one pound of clean fibre, at one shilling, and that an acre of land planted six feet by six feet carries 1031 trees, the gross value annually per acre would be 517. lis. " The demand for Sea Island cotton is limited, but the diminished production of this variety in America, owing to the disorganisation of labour, will probably afford the Fijian planter an opportunity of selling all he can produce at a remunerative figure for some time to come. " The Kidney and Egyptian cotton is of much Inrger growth, re- quiring to be planted twelve feet by twelve feet. It is sown in the same months as the Sea Island. The picking season is in July ; a second and lighter crop can be gathered in December. " The average yield of this cotton is 1,200 lbs. per acre, yielding about 350 lbs. of clean fibre, the value of whlcii in Fiji is about 157. sterling. All varieties of cotton in Fiji are perennial. " The number of bales leaving Fiji during the present season will be 2500, of which ninety will be Sea Island, thus the remainder, say 2400, will consist of the less valuable varieties, Egyptian, &c., &c. "A bale of cotton weighs 350 lbs., which, as stated above, is the produce of an acre. 198 FIJI. " I estimate the land at prcseut in cultivation by Europeans as follows : — " Acres in cotton = No. of bales of .350 lbs. . . 2,400 „ „ coftee, corn, beans, yams, and vegetables generally = ^ 800 Acres cleared and in course of cultivation . . 1,500 Total in cultivation . 4,700 Estimated area of land held by Europeans . 160,000 Uncultivated 155,300 " The cultivation is earned on by labourers obtained from the neigh- bouring islands.. The implements used are large knives and hoes. Like all Polynesian races, these people prefer sitting to standing whilst at any occupation, therefore they cannot be induced to work with hoes or spades, unless they be perfect toys. " Nevertheless, a fair amount of work is done, provided they are judiciously managed, well fed, and cared for. " The expenses in cultivating land at Fiji are the same as stated in the Report of 1866." " The yeak 1868. " The varieties of cotton grown in Fiji, and mode adopted for its cultivation, together with the weights yielded per acre, have been so fully discussed in former years that preceding reports may be referred to for information. " During the past year most satisfactory reports have been made by Liverpool and London brokers upon Fijian cotton. For ' Sea Island ' cotton shipped in February and March last, sales have been effected from 2,s. (id. to 3s. lid. per lb., the latter price having been received by Dr. 1. M. Brower, projirietor of the island ' Wakaya.' " There can be no doubt as to the capabilities of these islands for the production of either cotton, coffee, sugar, or tobacco. The greatest difhculty experienced by the planter is the want of sufficient and regular labour to cultivate a large area of ground. " At present labourers are to some extent introduced from neighbour- ing groups of islands, but whether it will be possible or permissible to continue their introduction in future years appears doubtful, unless some measures can be adopted for the protection of their rights and pensons. EMIGRATION. 199 " The quantity of land purchased during the year ending this day by settlers from the aboriginal proprietors is estimated to be 75,000 acres. Natives throughout the group are cultivating cotton to some extent, which with the increased area of land cultivated by Europeans it is hoped will swell the value of next year's exports in a proportionate degree. " Dated Port Levuka, Ovalau, December 31st, 1868." "The yeak 1869. " The extent of land planted with, cotton is estimated at 5000 acres. Previous to 1868 the crops consisted chiefly of Egyptian seed. This has been abandoned to the natives, and about ninety-five per cent, of the present produce is Sea Island cotton. " The plantations under cultivation vary in size from 80 to 200 acres- On some of these considerable ravages have been made by the grub, against which no remedy appears to have been discovered. The immunity from hurricanes and floods has enabled the planter to make good the losses he sustained in 1868. "The cultivation of cotton, as pursued in Fiji, is open to much improvement. There seems to be a great deficiency in practical knowledge, especially in the manner of cleaning and preparing the crop. The use of the saw gin injures the cotton, and lessens its value considerably in the English market. More attention should also be given to the descrij)tion of cotton best suited to the various localities, and to the time of the year for planting it. " Horse-labour is being gradually itnrodnced. It is supposed that the cultivation of the ground by the plough would nearly double the crop of cotton, and reduce the cost of production by one-half. " Taking into consideration the spontaneous growth of the cotton plant in Fiji, the imperfect system pursued in its cultivation, and the large tracts of land lying waste over the numerous islands composing the group, it is not too much to say that the movement is yet un- developed, and that the cotton hitherto shipped is but an indication of the success which will follow upon a proper attention to the capa- bilities of the soil. "The productions and resources of Fiji have been described in former 'reports. It is sufficient therefore to state that these islands, rich and fertile, yield an almost endless variety of vegetable treasures. They abound in edible roots, medicinal plants, scents, and perfumes, and timber of various descriptions ; whilst sugar, coflee, and tobacco grow 200 FIJI. most luxuriantly, and if cultivated would, I think, prove as remu- nerative as cotton. " Land. — It is difficult to ascertain the area of land owned by Europeans, of whom 90 per cent, are British subjects; but 550,000 acres is certainly not an exaggerated computation. " The value of land is increasing in proportion to the influx of settlers, and what a few years back could be had at two shillings (2s.) an acre, is now charged from seventeen to twenty shillings. At Levuka, the principal white settlement, the average price is eighteen shillings (18s.) per acre, and the Island of Ovalau may be said to have become the property of Englishmen." " General Eemarks. ^^Immigration. — The prevalent notion that some civilised govern- ment will sooner or later accept the protectorate of these islands is giving great impetus to immigration, and every vessel arriving from Australia and New Zealand brings a batch ©f new settlers, comprising entire families. With a few exceptions they are all British subjects. " The natives appear indifferent to the gradual absorption of their land by the white man, and as long as the latter abstains from domineering over them in too marked a manner, there is every proba-' bility of this period of transition passing over without a collision of the two races. Should troubles unfortunately supervene, the natives will not be found unprepared. It is a fact, however incredible it may appear, that the evils which have arisen in New Zealand from allowing the aboriginal inhabitants to become possessed of fire-arms and ammu- nition, have not deterred the settlers in Fiji from pursuing the same suicidal policy, and the evil continues, notwithstanding the protests of the more thinking and less selfish portion of tlic community." * ******* And in their report, dated Levnlca, Fiji, 13th of Apri], 1874, H. M. Commissioners, in describing the resources of the Islands, say — " A single sample of ten tons of sugar has been ] reduced and sent to Australia, and two mills are now being erected, three more having b(en ordered. Every planter is making an experiment of a small acreage of cane, of which there are several indigenous varieties of good qualit}^ ; and men who have experience of cane-izrowing in Queensland and in the West Indies have pronounced a very favourable opinion on the EMIGRATION. 201 quality of the Fijian cane. Tliere can be no doubt whatever that sugar will be the chief industry of the best lands of Viti Levu, 'J aviuni, and Vauua Levu, while cotton remains the staj)le produce of the Windward and smaller Islands. " We have been assured by representatives of jjood houses in Sydney that they are prepared to advance money to planters for tlie cultivation of sugar, and to erect crushing-mills immediately if it were known that the government would be taken by Her Mnjesty. On the other hand, we are assured by many planters that, if the country be not annexed, they will not obtain advances, and will be obliged to leave the Islands. " Your Lordship will observe that though a large area of land (854,956 acres) is owned by whites, yet only 1H,524 acres are under cultivation. This cultivation employs a population of 1500 whites, and therefore we may suppose that if the whole were under cultiva- tion, about 25,000 whites would be employed, and that the labourers, all or nearly ail of whom must be imported from other parts, would increase to 200,000 or 250,000." Altliongh. a description of the climate has been already given, the following extracts from an official repoit by Stafif-Surgeon A. B. Messer, dated Fiji, April, lb74, will have a special interest for the colonist : — "The habits of the people exposing them freely to rain, night-dews, and severe physical work, without the usual results of crippled joints and stiff muscles, as seen in the outdoor Avorking classes of England, is only another proof of the wonderful salubrity of Fiji." Also — " The first — viz. sunstroke — would be expected to be common, but although most of the Eurojieans are in the constant habit of working the whole day in the open air, exposed to a tropical sun, wearing only a straw hat and puggery, or occasionally a pith helmet, yet in no part of the group have I heard of any death from this affection occurring among the planters or others. Headache and sligliter forms of insola- tion of course sometimes happen, but this freedom from the severer attacks is attributable to the purity of the air, combined with the breeze which almost constantly blows, night and day, throughout most of the year over these Islands, keeping the air in motion, and 202 Fur. producing; evaporation from tlie surface of the body, and consequent decrease of its t(;mperature." And again, speaking of the supposed lowering effect of the climate, Dr. Messer says — " The fact that Englishmen fresh from liome are able to work nil day exposed to the sun without suffering clearly shows that where there is an object to be gained, men with healthy bodies and minds can suc- cessfully contend against this effect of the climate of the Fiji Islands." Hitherto cotton has been the product to which planters have chiefly turned their attention ; no doubt owing to the little difficulty experienced in its cultivation, and the certainty of a quick return. A cotton plantation after the first year should pay its own expenses, and with all working expenses deducted should give a clear profit of at least ten pounds per acre. Not being liable to any sudden or injurious changes of temperature, the plants will con- tinue to yield for several years, and without requiring any other attention or labour than keeping them free from weeds and creepers, and pruning them periodically. Sugar however promises to be the future staple product of tlie Fijian lowlands, while the highlands have been reported on by those most competent to judge, as offering ad- mirable facilities for the cultivation of tea and coffee. A colonist proceeding to Fiji should not possess less than 500Z. : with this capital he can purchase some hundreds of acres of valuable land, and still have sufficient to carry on the working of a plantation until it pays its own expenses. Among the settlers already established in Fiji there are many of education, character, means, and enterprise, and in a couu{ry of which it may be truly said, " that if you tickle her with a hoe she will smile with a harvest," such qualifications are elements of certain success. Under other circumstances, even in Fiji, the enterprise EMIGRATION. 203 of emigration is undoubtedly hazardous and uncertain ; the sole purpo.se wliioli should determine an emigrant to leave mother country — to forego tliose associations of home, friends, and relations to all of us so dear — is to procure a settlement in another on iar easier and more advantageous terms : under conditions other than these it may be safely laid down that emigration becomes a gamble — a chance fraught with the most doubtful con- sequences. Therefore I would say to such of my readers as may perchance have felt tempted by something chronicled in these pages to try his fortunes in these fair islands of the South, unless you can satisfactorily resolve your migratory intentions in the manner above indicated, " Don't go to Fiji." ( 204 ) CHAPTER XV. ETHNOLOGY. Perhaps one of the most interesting questions with which we might at the present moment concern ourselves in ethnology is that relating to the inhabitmts of Polynesia — including in the area thus termed, Easter Island as its farthest limit in the east, and excluding Australia and New Guinea, its natural boundary in the west. Are the people inhabiting the numerous islands dis- persed over the ocean within these limits a pure or a mixed race ? Whence did they come ? Have they any connection with the inhabitants of either of the great continents of Asia or America? All these are questions of the greatest interest, but also unfortunately of the greatest difficulty to solve, for from the fact of the people of this vast Pacific archipelago possessing no written language, and consequently no literature, we find our- selves deprived at the outset of elements of analysiH which in an investigation of such a nature are of inap- preciable importance. Thus circumstanced, the only mode feasible of further pursuing our inquiry must be, by first establishing certain facts, and thence, proceeding from the known to the unknown, endeavour out of many conjectures to build up a probable theory. The most ETHNOLOGY, '205 cursory examination of a map of Eastern Asia, Australia, and the Pacific, will not fail to impress the observer with the fact that the innumerable islands, which in some places absolutely crowd that ocean — while not a solitary rock is to be met \\ith during weeks of sail in the remainder of that wilderness of waters — all trend in a certain direction, and are mostly to be found witliin certain limits; they also rise, in nearly every instance, almost perpendicularly from the sea, affording no bottom within a very short distance from the shore, except at considerable depths. In short, from their position and general character, we cannot avoid coming to the con- clusion that when we are sailing among these countless islands of Polynesia, we are passing over a vast submarine continent, whose mountain tops yet appear above the waters, whilst its plains and valleys remain submerged beneath the waves. But was this always the condition of this continent ? We are inclined to think not. Naturally this submergence must have taken place at a very remote age, but the exact period of its occurrence is impossible even to conjecture. From whence did the inhabitants of these islands proceed? We are inclined to believe from the Asiatic side, and this in direct opposition to the prevailing notion, which is principally based on the knowledge, that the winds and currents of these oceans almost invariably travel from east to west. We are inclined to hold that in ages long gone by, this Polynesian continent was joined on to the Asiatic continent, and peopled by an Asiatic race, — a people then enjoying a far greater civilisation than that found to exist in Tahiti at the time of Cook's iirst visit to that island, — and that when these people were overtaken by the great flood or submergence (which 206 FIJI. we suppose to have taken place), a few were enabled to escape; and bavini^ taken refuge on those mountain tops which yet remained above the waters, they became the founders of the Polynesian races of the present day. In the absence of certain indicia, such as monuments and other historical remains, we find ourselves at the outset, in endeavouring to establish this hypothesis, confronted by difficulties of no ordinary nature. We find also among the people of Polynesia every variety of shade, from the clear fair olive — certainly not darker than the complexion of the inhabitants of Southern Europe — found in the central portions, to the sooty-black of the Fijians, in the west. In the Society Islands we find long, smooth, black glossy hair, which might be the envy of any European belle (and in some islands I am assured that even brown wavy hair is not unt'requently seen), while in the western portion of this archipelago we find the crisp, almost woolly hair of the Papuan, which, associated with his dark colour, would almost prompt the superficial, observer to pronounce him to be in every respect alike to the negro of West Africa. I was not however exactly correct, when I said we had no ancient monuments in Polynesia to guide us in our researches ; at Easter Island, which I have assumed as the extreme eastern limit of the su})posed continent, there exist some colossal statutes, the origin of which is completely unknown, and whose design, execation, and erection are infinitely bevond the capability of the most advanced among the Polynesians of the present day. Easter Island has an iron-bound coast, and being locky, barren, destitute of timber, fresh water, cattle, and other supplies, is but rarely visited; but from wiiat I have been able to gather, these statues whii-h are found near tlie sea- ETHNOLOGY. 207 shore, on the eastern coast, though of rude workmanship, are neither badly executed, nor are the features of the face ill-formed. They appear originally to have been erected on three platforms of stone, designed perhaps for temples, in the construction of which is dis})layed a very consider- able degree of art. Originally there were four statues to each of these temples or platforms, but at present there is only one temple which is thus intact ; of the remaining platforms there is also one on which three of the statues are yet standing, whilst on the others they lie prostrate and dismembered. They are of different heights and sizes, from fifteen to twenty-seven feet and more, and it must have required no small amount of mechanical knowledge and ingenuity to raise them to their stations on tlie jolatforms. They evidently date from a period when Easter Island formed a portion of a continent, inhabited by some In'gher and more civilised race, which never could have existed on so small and desolate a spot as this. Somewhat similar platforms, of even a higher type of structure, are to be found, I am told, in some of the more secluded valleys of • the Marquesas, where successive stages of almost Cyclo- pean stones are erected one over the other, without cement, in a pyramidical form, their planes facing the four cardinal points. Structures similar to these are also found elsewhere in Polynesia. Throughout Polynesia remains are not wanting (in the shape of erect stones, to which a form of worship is ren- dered by decorating them at stated times witli pieces of tapa and daubs of paint) of an ancient Phallic worship, which tends, like several other indications, to show that the Polynesians came originally from Asia, \\here from a 208 FLH. very remote period the Hamite descendants of Adam worshipped the universal Creator under a dejrraded mythical type, which became more degraded still, tlie farther it receded from the spot where it originally arose ; showing how the sublimest conceptions of religion may be debased and polluted, and are constantly so degraded by man in the present day. Together with remains of Phallic worship we have ample evidence of Ophidian worship, which also must have been introduced among them, or brought with them from the west. The worship of the serp'^nt seems to have pre- vailed at some one time or other throughuot the old world, and perhaps even in the new ; but though so universally distributed, it is not so easy of explanation as the other. AVe believe that it is by no means so ancient a type of religious sentiment, and while the other is a degraded form of the worship of the true God, the Creator, the Preserver, the Eternal ! — the adoration of the serpent is but the worship of the principle of evil — tlie worship of Moloch in another form; and we believe that it was selected as the symbol of this worship from the fact of the terror which most people entertain for these reptiles. Moloch was sacrificed to in order to avert his malevolence, and the most horrible offerings were made to propitiate his benevolence, if indeed there were any such quality in him. The serpent was, and is now, worshipped in Africa exactly on the same grounds, and for the same object ; and in Polynesia— in Fiji especially — their gods are made to inhabit the bodies of certain snakes, to whom a degree of reverence is shown. Another argument in favour of these people being of Asiatic descent may be deducted from the prevalent ETHNOLOGY. 209 growth of the bread-frnit-tree throughout the archipelago. Tliis tree, the Ariocarpus incisa of botanists, could not, like the cocoa-nut, have come iroin the American Continent, floating on the waves of the South Pacific as they do to the present day, even to the eastern shores of Australia, for on the continent of the ' New World ' it is nowhere to be found. It is true that the Artocarijus incisa is found only in Polynesia, and nowhere else, but its near, very near relative and congener, the Artocarpus integrifolia, is found in South Eastern Asia in abundant quantities. There are no currents which could have brought this fruit from the ' Old World ' to Polynesia, and even if such currents did exist, the fruit would soon perish by immersion in sea-water, being thus unlike the coco!i-nut> which will float for months on the ocean without injury. Ihit how are we to account for such different varieties and such oi)|)Osite characteristics being found in one race; con- siderable beauty and gentleness, combined with a com- parative degree of civilisation, as in Tahiti, on the one hand, and extreme ugliness and ferocity, associated witii barbarism, as met with in the western limits of this region on the other ? I believe that in Tahiti and the neighbouring islands, notably the Marquesas, we have as nearly as possible the pure descendants of that ancient people wlio once inhabited this now submerged continent of the Pacific. The emigration by which it was peopled was probably either ITamitic, and subsequent to the dispersion of the sons of Noah in Shinar, or possihli/ may be due to a con- tinued progression eastward of that still more ancient and antediluvian dispersion when — as we are informed in Genesis — Cain lied from the tents of Adam, and })lunging eastward into the wilderness, allied himsell' with the 210 FIJI. pre-Adamite savages which, inhabited those regions, and founded a nation. Whether descended from Ham or Cain, I woiikl chiim for the Polynesians an Adamic descent, and thus account for their capability for still greater progress, and their marked superiority over the savages of Australia and New Guinea, As we proceed westward the characteristic features of the pure Polynesian disappear by degrees, until finally in the Papuan they become extinct. This I attribute to a gradually increasing admixture of the savage luicivilisable pre-Adamite xVustraliau blood. The aboriginal Australian is perhaps the lowest type of any human being, as he is certainly the ugliest and most degraded. Notwithstanding the existence however of these de- cidedly objectionable characteristics in the western limits, we find in the hybrid Fijjans — for I hold that they are the result of an admixture of the Australian and Polynesian races, — a people even perhaps surpassing in quality the preferable of the two originois from which it has sprung, and i30ss(>ssing a considerable adaptability for improvement. The Taliitian has acquired vigour of mind and of body, while the Australian in a considerable degree has parted with his ugliness and ferocit}'-, and thus in the Fijian we find a quasi-new species — certainly a new variety, which 1 trust may be rescued both from the debasement of savagedom and tlie equally great dangers of civilisation. That judicious hybridisation and selection has constantly produced breeds superior to the original stocks (whether experimented on by nature herself in her regular course, or artificially by man), is a fact well known to naturalists and to physi(jlogists. It would indeed be difficult to find a better illustration of this fact than we possess in our ETHNOLOGY. 211 own Anglo-Saxon, or rather Celto-Teutonic race ; a race strictly hybrid, combining the energy, courage, and iron will of the Teuton, with the genius and the civilisability of the more elegant and brilliant Colt — in short a people unequalled for greatness and excellence of qualities, the leaders of civilisation in morals and in the arts. But when did this supposed submergence take place. and when were these remnants of its inhabitants cut off from communication with the ancient world ? As I have already said, this must have happened at a very remote age, and inasmuch as up to the present time we are wholly without any data, which in this respect would warrant definite conclusions, it becomes quite impossible to assign even an approximate date to this event. Thus we must be satisfied to wait until the geology of Eastern Asia, and of that vast archipelago extending from its shores to the South Pacific, is better known and more accurately decyphered, and especially until a more perfect knowledge of the terrestrial shells of those countries, both recent and fossil, is fully obtained. Negatively, we know that when Sanskrit was the lan- guage of a large portion of Southern Asia, the inhabitants of that part of the world were well accpiainted with the art of making an intoxioiting drink from the sap of the stem of the cocoa-nut palm (Cocas nucifera) called 'lade,' of which ' toddy ' is the Anglo-Indian corruption. Now nowhere throughout Polynesia, though palms of many kinds are abundant, and although the Polynesians are inordinately fond of intoxicating drinks, is there any knowledge of the art of manufacturing toddy. A nation so fond of fermented liquor as to endure drinking ' kava ' rather than be deprived of every stimulant, would never have lost the art (had they ever been acquainted with it) r 2 212 FIJI. of making an intoxicating drink out of the most abundant of all Polynesian plants. This fact I think shows that, at any rate, the ancestors of these Polynesians had separated themselves from their Asiatic relatives, before the art of making toddy had been acquired by them. We also are aware of the fact that the Sanskrit word iade is found in some of the most ancient manuscripts of that very ancient language, which had ceased to be spoken nearly 500 years before Christ, which, coupled with what has been already stated, would tend to show that whatever the exact period of the peopling of this continent may have been, at least 3000 years must have elapsed since they detached themselves from their parent Asiatic stock. ( 213 ) CHAPTER XVI. FAUNA. The only animals on these islands known to the early- navigators, appear to have been those which were domes- ticated among the aborigines, viz., the dog, the pig, the fowl, and the duck ; and considering the facilities afforded of late years for a thorough zoological examination of the group, our present knowledge of the fauna of Fiji cannot be said to be much more accurate or complete. The mammals of these islands cannot be termed numerous : they are the rat, five species of bats, of which two have tails, and three have not, and four cetaceous animals, viz., two kinds of porpoise and whale. Birds, on the contrary, are very well represented, and among the various different species may be enumerated : wild duck, teal, pigeons, bitterns, hawks, owls, and various kinds of paroquets. The natives distinguish the wild duck — which are found in considerable numbers on all the rivers — into two kinds, viz., the Nga ndamu (red), and Nga loa (black). The former is the rarer species of the two, and difficult to get at, but the latter are not so vvikl, and afford good sport. The scarlet plumage of a beautiful species of paroquet (CoripMlus soUtarius), found in the island of Taviuni, Avas formerly a source of irresistible attraction to the traders 214 FIJI. from the Friendly Islands who visited Fiji ; and so much were these paroquets coveted, and in request, that it was not an uncommon occurrence for the Tongan to exchange, pro temjjore, even the charms of his women in order to obtain possession of these pretty birds. There is also a goodly display of iish, both in species and quantity, many of which are very excellent eating. Of the twenty-three diflerent kinds mentioned by Dr. Macdonald, there are eleven different sorts which are peculiar to the fresh water, amongst which there is a species of shark (nggio), which infests some parts of the Kiver Rewa to an unpleasant extent. " These sharks are said never to attack the j\[bau people when they enter the river; so that it was not unusual in former times to hear those favoured individuals exclaim, ' Mai Ktimhuna,' — I am from Kumbuna, — one of the names of Mbau," There are twelve other species of fish known, which are found in fresh 'water, but are said also to exist in the sea. Many of these attain considerable sizes ; and one, of a species known by the natives as wailaniri — caufrht at Navuso, — is said to have measured as much as five feet in length and three feet in girth. The salt water sharks, of which nine species are known, are collectively termed ' qio,' and are much dreaded by the natives. The Fijians have tlie following curious tradition about a species of sole called ' davilai ' : — * " Mr. Davilai used to be the leader of the songs amongst the fishes, and one day, when all his band were together, and he was requested to commence the strain, he obstinately relused to comply. Enraged at such behaviour, the other fishes trod him under foot till he became flat ; and hence when a person refuses to sing a song, the proverb is, ' Oh, here is Mr. Davilai.' " ♦ Vide Seemann. FAUNA. 215 There is a large variety of sliells, many of ^vhich are peculiar to Fiji. The orange cowry {Cyp'xa Aurantium) is remarkable amongst these, and is much prized for ornamental purposes Ly the natives. Physne and cyrenae abound in the fresh water streams and pools, and occa- sionally attain a considerable size. There is also a good supply of oysters, of which there are several hinds, and tliere appears good prospect of the establishment of successful pearl fisheries in the' adjacent seas. Invertebrates. — These, with the exception of numerous varieties of sea-slugs, principally represented by beche- de-mer, are not different from the invertebrates usually found in these latitudes. There are three kinds of turtle, including the green turtle and that which yields the shell, and they are collectively termed by the natives ' vonu.' When caught they are kept, until required for use, in turtle-ponds, enclosed by stone or wooden fences. Here is an interesting description of the native manner of fishing for them : — " For this work nets are used made of sinnet, and very inferior ones of vau. 'i'hey shoidd not be less than sixty yards long ; the best are two hundred. Sixteen meshes, each seven or eight inches square, give a depth of about ten feet. " The floats are of light wood, about two feet long, and five feet ajiart ; pebbles or large trochus shells are used to weight the lower edge. This net. is carried out on a canoe into deep water, and let down just outside the reef; both ends are next brought close to the reef, or, should there be water enough, a little way upon it ; thus there is formed a semicircular fence, which intercepts the turtle on its way back from ieeding. If the animal tm-us from the net, it is frightened back by the fishermen, who shout, strike the water with poles, and stamp furiously on the deck of the canoe, until their prty becomes entangled by its attempts to pass through the net. " A plan not generally known is practised at night by some of the Malakis. The net is then said to be nursed ; that is, several persons, 216 FIJI. stationed at intervals along the net, which is fully stretched out, hold it gathered up in their arms. The approach of the turtle is then listened for, and the man towards whom it comes drops the net, and the animal is secured. But the most difficult part of the business — that of getting actual possession — yet remains. The men have to dive and seize their captive in an element where he is more at home than they. The struggle is sometimes violent, and the turtle, if large, requires the exertions of four or five men. The first diver aims to secure the extremity of the fox'e-fiu, it being thouglit that by depressing the fore- part of its body the turtle is made more eager to ascend : to lay hold of the body-joint of the fin would endanger a man's hand. If their captive is very troublesome, the men try to insert a finger and thumb in the sockets of the eyes, so as to insure a firmer hold. Finding resistance vain, the creature moves upward, and his enemies rise too, glad enough to leave the unnatural element which has been the scene of the conflict. On their aiipearance above water the men on the canoe help to drag the prize on board, where it is turned on its back, its flat buckler preventing its regaining its natural jDOsition. Loud blasts on the conch- shell announce the triumph of the fishermen."* Crustacea. — These are plentiful, and include lobsters, crabs, shrimps, prawns, &c. In some of the smaller islands a large species of land-crab is found, called ' ugavule,' which, being strong and fit^rce, should be avoided. They climb the most lofty palms in search of cocoa-nuts, from which they succeed in extracting the flesh in a remarkably expeditious manner. But the natives also relish their flesh, and not much caring to gratify their desires by disagreeable encounters on terra jirma, they take a watchful advantage of the nutting tendencies of the ■ ugavule,' and encompass his destruction when up a tree ; this is accomplished by securely binding a bundle of grass round the stem of the palm, about half way up : the ' ugavule ' naturally, true to its family instincts, comes down crab-fashion, and consequently not being in a position to see much for itself, fondly imagines on * Vide Calvert's ' Fiji and the Fijians.' FAUNA. 217 reaching this obstacle that it is at the bottom of the tree, and lettin<^ go its hold, falls forty or fifty foot instead. Thus stunned, a victim to its simple tastes, it becomes an easy capture. Reptilia. — There are comparatively few species of seipents in Fiji ; the * ngata yasi ' is the largest with which we are acquainted, and that never exceeds six feet in length. There is a snake called ' mbolo ' of a bluish black colour, which if seen by warriors before battle, or should it cross tlieir path, is considered an evil omen and a presager of misfortune. The Coluheridee species and some others inhabit trees, from which they may be seen dropping occasionally. There is a large lizard (the Chloroscartes fasciaius) which also inhabits trees ; its body is of a beautiful green colour, and is about twenty-four inches in length. There are four oth;"r species of this tribe, amongst which is found the chameleon. The insect tribe is well represented by a long list of butterflies, beetles, fire-flies, centipedes, scorpions, mos- quitoes, spiders, cockroaches, flies, fleas, &c. Amongst the irritants, the mosquitoes and the flies are the most annoying ; the latter particularly swarm in myriads, and during meal-times are an intolerable nuisance. Horses were first introduced in the year 1851, and appear to have been the cause of as great excitement and terror to the natives, as those brouglit to Mexico by Cortes were to the inhabitants of that country in 1518. But even yet greater appears to have been their dismay when they saw these strange animals surmounted by human forms ; trees, house-tops, anything seeming to offer protection was eagerly sought as a refuge from these ' papalangi ' monsters. 218 FIJI. Dr. Brower, tlie late American Consul, was the first to introduce sheep, which are stated to do well, althoujih it has been supposed that the climate is too warm for them. Cattle, goats, rabbits, cats, &c., have also been im- ported by tlie white settlers, and seem to thrive well. Civilised turkeys, fowls, &c., have also been introduced, the latter being a very decided improvement on the native breeds, which are not only diminutive to a degree, but have become perfectly wild in many of the districts. The domesticated porker of the aborigines has likewise numerously developed into the fierce Fijian jungle-boar, and it yet remains to be proved what sport he may not furnish to " saddle, spur, and spear." ( 1 219 ) CHAPTER XVII. HISTORICAL NOTICE. Fiji was discovered in the year 1643 by the celebrated Dutch navigator Abel Janson Tasmau, who conferred upon it the name of Prince William's Islands. Amongst other early navigators who afterwards verified this now important addition to geography, may be mentioned Captain Cook, Captain Bligh, of the ill-fated ship Bonnti/, and Captain Wilson, of the ship Duff, who nearly managed to lose his vessel and his life on the reef of Taviuni. These latter visits however, unfo)"tunately, in nowise helped to augment our previous information, which was practically nil, and it was not until nearly two centuries after Tasman's discovery, that accurate knowledge con- cerning the group began to accumulate. Captain Sir Edward Belcher explored Fiji in 1840, and the Islands were also visited about this time by the United States Exploring Expedition commanded by Commodore Wilkes. Otherwise, since our first acquaintance with the archi- pelago, its history may be summed up as being a series of intertribal strivings for supremacy, interlarded with occasional petty foreign wars, principally with their neighbours the Tongans, and a devotion to agricultural 220 FIJI. pursuits sufficient for the few exigencies of an existence, more bountifully provided for by nature tlian perhaps in any other part of the globe. Prior to 1857 Fiji had been included in the consular district of Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji, with the intermediate islands, and had been presided over by the Rev. ISlv. Pritehard, who was ap- pointed consul in 1825 by His Majesty George IV. Tahiti was the head-quarters of the consulate until 1845, when, in consequence of misunderstandings with the authorities of the French Government, which had as- sumed the protectorate of this island, they were removed to Samoa, and there continued until Mr. William T. Pritcbard's appointment as Her Britannic Majesty's Resident Consul at Fiji, 28th September, 1857. At this time the bad repute into which the natives had fallen through their abominable practice of cannibalism, their frequent outrages on the wdiites, and constant inter- tribal wars, had deterred visits of traders, and reduced the prospects of the Islands to the lowest ebb. The difficulties with which our Consul had to contend on his arrival were not few. The site of the now flourishing town of Levuka, was at that time a Wesleyau mission station of the most primitive description ; the only habitation in the place approaching in resemblance to a house, being a log-hut belonging to and occupied by the missionary in charge. The remainder of the inhabitants, aborigines and whites —of which latter there were about thirty^ — existed indis- criminately in native huts. As to means of upholding consular authority, there appears to have been absolutely none ; and ruffianism, social disturbance, and club-law were the order of the day. From this period dates the rapid development of the material prosperity and weli'are of Fiji. HISTOEICAL NOTICE. 221 Notwithstanding the deteriorating influence of wanton barbarism, and the repeated failures (owing to the in- difference of the people and the faitldessness of the chiefs) to introduce a civilised form of government, the prospects of industry and commerce have continued to surpass the most sanguine expectations. The greatest difficulty with which settlers had to contend in the establishment of a systematic form of administration, appears to have been due to the absence of a generally acknowledged ' principal chief.' Colonel Smythe reported in 1860 that there were not less than forty independent tribes, of which however twelve only exercised any influence in the government of the group. The names of these are Mbau, Mbena, Narua, Nadroga, Vudd, Mba, Eakeraki, Vura, Mbua, Mucuata, Cakadrove, and Lakemlja. It is true that Thakombau, or Cakobau, the Chief of Mbau, had long arrogated to himself the style of ' Tui Viti,' or King of Fiji, but it is clear that beyond being the most influential chief in the group he had no substantially valid claim to the title. At the date of the report on the cession of Fiji, 1874, by Commodore Groodenough and Mr. Consul Layard, the virtual sovereignty of Thakombau was limited to a total area of less than one half of Viti Levu, or a third of the entire group. Thakombau has, however, without doubt been duly recognised and acknowledged, by dif- ferent commanders of English, French, and American vessels of war as King of Fiji, and the French and American Governments have treaties with him as such. His dignity and influence have been further augmented, from the generally felt necessity of upholding his authority in the interests of order, and the welfare of the community. Much difference of opinion, how- ever, having prevailed regarding this supremacy, I 222 FIJI. quote the following extract * as bearing directly on the question : — " Cakobau calls himself ' Tui Viti/ or King of Fiji, and has a perfect right to it. True, Fiji is divided into a number of petty states, yet all of them acknowledge vassalage to Bau, by paying either a direct tribute to it, or being tributary to the state so circumstanced. It is highly probable however that at one time all Fijians were under one head, and formed perhaps a more compact nation than they do at present. Of course I am aware the title 'Tui Viti' has been revived only lately, owing, it is stated, to a letter which General Miller, formerlj' Her Britannic Majesty's Consul-General at the Hawaiian or Sandwich Islands, addressed to ' Tui Viti,' and which Cakobau, as the most power- ful chief of the leading state, thought it right to open ; but the title ' Tui Viti ' occurs in many ancient legends current in various groups of Polynesia, and could scarcely have originated with such close neigh- bours, who would rather be apt to detract than to magnify the power of a foreign nation already far above them in the exercise of various useful arts and manufactures. "Old traditions further state the Fijians to have been an unwnrlike people, until they had established a more intimate and frequent inter- course with the light-coloured races of the eastern groups, when sangui- nary intertribal quarrels became almost their normal condition. These traditions would be favoiu-able to the existence of a powerful monarchy in Fiji, such as legendary evidence represents it as being at one time, and also its ultimate extinction and remoulding by the growing power of petty chiefs skilful in new practices of war acquired whilst abroad. The hypothesis advanced derives additional strength from the fact of all Fijians, though scattered over a group of more than two hundred dif- ferent islands, speaking one language, having a powerfully developed sense of nationality, and feeling as one people. Ko ancient Koman could have pronounced the words ' Civis llomanus sum' with greater pride or dignity than a modern Fijian calls himself a ' Kai Viti,' a Fijian. AVe can scarcely conceive these sentiments to have taken hold of the popular mind with such force if the people had always been divided into petty states, as at present. "Away from the capital and Cakobau, some of the Fijian kinglets talk very boastfully of their total inde[)endence, and wish you to believe the suzerainty of Bau merely applies to certain inferior chieftains ; whilst the social supremacy is seldom disputed, and the court dialect is * Sc cmann's ' IMission to Viti.' p. 74. cl scq. HISTORICAL NOTICE. 223 understood by all the chiefs, even those living; in the remotest parts of the group, and it has therefore vei'y properly been adopted by the Wesleyan missionaries in their translation of the Bible." But ill order clearly to understand Thakornbau's claim to the title of Tui Viti, a short resume of Fijian history will be necessary. The first authentic knowledge which we possess on this subject dates from the commencement of this century, when of the seven principal districts composing the group, i.e., Mbau, Rewa, Mucuata, Sorao Somo, Naitasiri, Mbua, and Verata, the latter was in the ascendant. This town, which was then considered the principal city of the Fijis, was situated on the mainland, Viti Levu, about eight miles from Mbau, which was one of its tributaries, as was also Eewa. But in the year 1808 the brig Eliza, wrecked off the reef of Nairai, introduced powder and shot, a new element in Fijian schemes of supremacy and government, which hitherto had not entered into their calculations. The crew of the vessel who were saved joiiied the Mbau people, then ruled over by Na-Ulivf»u, and, under the leadership of Charley Savage, made such good use of their time and their muskets, that, in conjunction with the people of Mbau, they soon succeeded in completely sub- duing Verata and its dependencies. From this time the supremacy of Mbau was assured. Na-Ulivou, who succeeded his father Mbanuvi, was an energetic and brave chief, and was distinguished by the title of Na-vu-ni-valu (' The Hoot of War '), which has since been continued to his successors. In the early part of his reign a conspiracy was entered into against him, but it was discovered, and the rebels were expelled from Mbau. They again rallied, and col- lected a large fleet of canoes, and made other prepara- 224 FIJI. tions for a hostile expedition against the oapital, Imt they were again pursued, and being met at sea, they were com- pletely destroyed. Na-Ulivou's authority was now firmly established, and until his decease, in 1829, he reigned in peace. He was succeeded by his brother Tanoa, whose turbu- lent reign of twenty-three years was marked by constant disturbance and rebellion. Within four years indeed from his accession to his title and dignities, through conspiracy and intrigue, he found himself almost divested of regal power, and was obliged to flee from his capital for his life. After his expulsion by the rebels his brother Komaino-Karina Kula was installed as king, and reigned for five years. During this period Tanoa, who had sought refuge at Somo Somo, the capital of Taviuni, carried on with the aid of the chief of that place, and other faithful allies, an intermittent warfare with the rebels. Latterly he established himself at Rewa, where he was so successful in his intrigues, that within a short time he had gained over all the enemies' allies, and even many of the chiefs of Mbau. In 1837 afi'airs were considered sufficiently ripe for action, and accordingly a preconcerted attack was made on ]\[bau with such success that Tanoa foimd himself re-established on his throne after an exile of five years. " lie wlio is good is li;v}»py ! " We are told that poor Tanoa was not good, and there- fore we must not be surprised to learn that the remaining years of his reign were not happy, but embittered by domestic trouble and regal anxieties. He died on the 8th December, 1852, at a good old age, a heathen and a cannibal. HISTORICAL NOTICE. 225 His son Thakombau, who had been virtually supreme for some years, now succeeded to the title of Vunivalu, and was formally acknowledged ' Tui Viti,' by the other chiefs. Thakombau's inheritance was by no means a sinecure, and very speedily did he discover that " uneasy lies the head that wears a crown." In the competition for imperial supremacy, he soon found a dangerous rival in Maafu the Tongan, so much so that were it not for the judicious influence exercised from time to time by the resident Consuls, backed up by ships of war, there can be no doubt that ere now he would have been paramount in Fiji. This Chief first made his appearance in these islauds in 1847, having been exiled from his native country, a step which his royal relative, King George of Tonga, with a keen appreciation of Maafu's dangerously ambitious proclivities, wisely concluded to be most necessary. Prior to this date the history of the relations of the Tongans with the Fijians had been of an essentially pacific character. Inhabiting three groups of islands some 250 miles south-east of Fiji, they are justly styled the flower of the Polynesian race. Tall athletic men, of a light-brown complexion and intelligent features, they far surpass the Fijians in their good looks. From the beginning of this century their intercourse with the Fijians has gradually become more frequent. When visited by "Wilkes in 1840, they then looked up to the Fiji islanders as being more polished, a fact which was not only noticed from their conversation, but also evidenced in the deference they paid to the opinions of such of their countrymen as had visited the group, as well as by their adoption of Fijian manners and customs. When Cook visited Tonga, little was known of the Q 226 FIJI. Fijis; but thirty years afterwards Mariner tells us that intercourse bad become much more frequent. Tongan intercourse with Fiji, however, dates far back, and no doubt originated by their canoes being drifted by the prevailing easterly winds on the shores of Kandavu, Lakemba, and the other islands of the Windward group. The story of it is told in the legend of the Princess Vilivilitabuo, and in the Vasu Ki Lagi, and is also mentioned in other Fijian legends. From the Fijians they first obtained tlieir canoes, and learned the art of sailing and navigating them ; and lacking suitable timber in their own islands for building purposes, they were also on this account obliged to resort to Fiji. Many of the traders thus visiting Fiji established themselves per- manently in Lalccmba and in other of the eastern islands, settlements which in course of time developed into small colonies. Being of ready device and daring, their assist- ance was eagerly sought after by contending Fijian chiefs, who rewarded their services by grants of land, supplies, and other various privileges. IMaafu did not fail to avail himself of this state of affairs, and to such good purpose that the native chiefs soon learned that a victory gained with the aid of the Tongan chief and his followers, was indeed little pre- ferable to defeat, for they invariably found themselves heavily indebted to their mercenary ally, and completely at his mercy. The first exploit of this unscru])ulously ambitious savage took place at Lomo Lomo, wliore, having espoused the cause of the weaker of two Fijian chiefs then at war, the other side was s])(edily defeated, and Maafu made himself master of the whole of the groiiplet of Vanua Balavu. Having thus obtained a solid footing, his rise HISTORICAL NOTICE. 227 was now rapid, and one or two successes of a similar nature soon induced him to form the conception of subduing the entire group. With this object he set about buikh'ng a schooner of thirty-five tons, and making other preparations for immediate hostilities, when the unexpected arrival of Her Britannic Majesty's Consul, in the month of September, 1858, who had come to take up his permanent residence in the group, temporarily checked his schemes of conquest and violence. Within a short time, however, fortune again favoured his crafty designs, and the outbreak of hostilities between Eitova and IMbete, rival chiefs of the Macuata coast of Vanua Levu, gave liim an opportunity of insinuating his dangerous interference. Friendly messages were des- patched to Mbete and his ally, Tui Mbua, a chief of impor- tance on the south-western coast of Vanua Levu, which resulted iu a tri[)le alliance ; a combination which could not but excite grave apprehensions at Mbau. Operations now commenced, and not only was the entire province of Macuata conquered, but Solevu, a little district on the southern side of Vanua Levu, which acknowledged a sort of vassalage to Mbau, was likewise invaded, and suc- cumbed to the combined forces. The victorious chief next proceeded to dispose of tlie conquered territories, the distribution being conducted in such a manner, that the claims of Mbau on Solevu were altogether ignored ; those chiefs only being favoured who unconditionally agreed to pay a sti})ulated tribute to Maafu. Maafu's vaulting ambition, thus whetted by victory, did not rest, and another successful expedition was despatched against the island of Mbega (also subject to Mbau), the inhabitants of which surrendered at discre- tion. At this critical moment for Mbau, while its supremacy Q 2 228 FIJI. warn shattered and undermined and its very existence trembled in the balance, it unexpectedly found a "ray of hope, a crumb of comfort," in the opportune return of Mr. Pritchard from England, whither he had gone with the proffered cession of the Islands by Thakombau. Soon after his arrival a meeting of the chiefs took place, and they availed themselves of the opportunity to request Her Britannic Majesty's Consul's assistance in checking Maafu's designs.* Mr. Pritchard accordingly, backed up by Her Majesty's ship Elk, obtained Maafu's signature to the following instrument in the presence of all the chiefs assembled : " Know all men by these presents : " 1. That I, Maafu, a chief of and in Tonga, do hereby expressly and definitely state that I am in Fiji by the orders of George, King of Tonga, as his representative, and that I am here solely to manage and control the Tongnese in Fiji. 2. That I have, hold, exercise, and enjoy no position nor claim as a chief of or in Fiji. 3. That all Tonguese claims in or to Fiji are hereby renounced. 4. That no Tonguese in Fiji shall exact or demand anything whatever from any Fijian under any circumstances whatever, but they shall enjoy the privileges and rights accorded to other nations in Fiji. 5. That the lands and districts of Fiji which have been offered by various chiefs to me are not accepted and are not mine, nor are they Tonguese but wholly and solely Fijian. 6. That the cession of Fiji to England is hereby acknowledged. " In witness whereof I have hereto set my name, this fourteenth day of December, 1859, " Maafu." " We hereby certify that the foregoing Chief Maafu signed the abo\-e document in our presence this 14th day of December, 1859. " (Signed) William T. Pbitchard, Consul. "(Signed) H. Campion, " Commander R.N., H.M.S. Elk. * Founded on the sui)poBiti<)u tliut Fiji was already ceded to Her Majesty the Queen, and tiiat the foreigner, Mual'u. was in fact iutriguiug a;^ainst her authority. HISTORICAL NOTICE. 229 " We hereby certify that we translated the foreo;oing document to Maafu, a chief of Tonga, who has signed, and that he thorouglily under- stands its meaning. " (Signed) W. Coixis, " Wesleyan Training Master. "(Signed) E.P.Martin, " Wesleyan Mission Printer." His ambition thus curbed but not stamped out, Maafu exhibited little inclination to return to Tonga; but en- joined discretion on the part of his followers, long accus- tomed to regard Fiji in no other light save a fair field for lust and plunder ; for he had still a hope that England would reject the cession, and that the triumph of Tongan arms might yet become a reality. Eitova, since his loss of power, had repeatedly represented his case to Her Britannic Majesty's Consul, showing how treacherously he had been deprived of his estates by Maafu, and requesting permission, with the aid of friendly chiefs, to reinstate himself by force of arms. The proposition could not of course be acceded to, but the Consul having carefully gone into Kitova's case, in consultation with the chiefs of Vanua Levu (having due regard to the circumstance, that by removing all right of interference in Fijian aflfairs, Maafu's distribution of territory had become, ipso facto, null and void), he justly fame to the conclusion that Mbete, the usurper, should be deposed, and that Ritova should be restored to his lawful rights and patrimonial inheritance. This Mr. Pritchard was happily enabled to accomplish pacifically, and under the benign rule of its old chief, Macuata, this fairest province of Fiji, again began to revive. This turn of affairs was hardly pleasing to the Tongan leader, who once more had resort to intrigue and sedition, and troubles recommenced. 230 FIJI. At this juncture, Commodore Seymour, Her Majesty's Ship Pehrus, fortunately arrived at Fiji, and used his influence to such purpose, that the pending troubles were soon satisfactorily disposed of. The good results of this timely visit, which have endured to the present day, and have proved of much material benefit to Fiji, are fully stated in the following extracts from official corres- pondence : * Pelorus,^ Aucl-htnd, September 2, 1861. " Sir, — T HAVE the honour to report, for the inlbrniation of my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, tliat Her Majesty's ship under my command sailed from Coromandel Harbour, east coast of New Zealand, on the 8th July, and arrived at Levuka Harbour, island of Ovalu, Fiji group, on the 15th, after a favourable passage made under sail. " 2. I was glad to find that affairs in the Fiji group generally were progressing satisfactorily, and that the only complaints laid before me by British residents at Levuka were of a nature which it was more the province of an attorney to settle than for a naval officer to inter- fere in. * * * * "3. Having been informed by Mr. Pritchard that the trade in ' beche-de-mer ' and sandalwood on the north-west coast of Vanua Levu was entirely stopped in consequence of a war which was being carried on there between two rival chiefs, one of whom was supported by a body of Tongans, whose usual residence is on Lakemba, one of the Windward Islands, I decided on endeavouring to put a stop te a state of affairs so prejudicial to British interests ; and, in order that my measures should be backed by the highest native authority in Fiji, I requested Mr. Pritchard to propose to Thakombau, King of Mbau, and Maafu, the principal chief of the Tongans resident in Fiji, to accomjjany me to the Mathuata district in the Pehrus. " 4. This, after a little diplomatic shuffling, they consented to do ; and liaving received them, Mr. Pritchard, Her Britannic Majesty's Consul, and the Consulate Interpreter on board, we left Levuka on the morning of the I8th, entering the great reef which encircles Vanua Lgvu by a pass a little to the northward of the Nandi passage, after which our course lay through a very intricate channel formed by sunken reefs and patches of which no regular survey exists, but through which we were piloted in the most able manner by gue of the English HISTORICAL NOTICE. 231 residents at Ovalau, a person named Christopher Carr, the owner of a small ' beche-de-mer ' trader. Under his direction we. reached an anchorage off Levuta about 20 miles from onr destination, Mathuata, that evening, and the following morning, having weighed as soon as the sun was sufficiently high to enable us to distinguish the shoals, we anchored in Maduri Harbour, Mathuata Bay, about 1,500 yards from where some houses were visible on the beach, at 9.45 a.m. " 5. On sending on shore to ascertain the state of affairs, we found, as I had anticipated would be the case, that the combined force of Tongans and Fijians had driven their opponents off the main land, and that the latter had taken refuge on Kea Island, about 10 miles from our anchorage. Since their expulsion their enemies had committed great havoc amongst their plantations, had destroyed nearly all the large canoes for which this district was formerly famous, and almost daily put one or more persons to death whose only crime was being related to the vanquished party. In these outrages the Tongans were the most prominent actors, and I may here state my opinion that, in the event of Her Majesty's Government accepting the protectorate of the Fijis, it will be necessary, from the very first, to put a stop to the raids which the Tongans have for the last five years been in the habit of carrying into the various islands lying to the west of Lakemba. " 6. On the morning of the 20th I sent over to the Island of Kea for Ritova, the chief of the tribe which had been driven out of Mathuata, and in the afternoon he came on board in a cutter of the Felorus, followed by 15 canoes filled with his retainers. After he had had an hour's conversation with Thakombau and Maafu, we made a pre- concerted signal, on seeing which Wainiongolo, chief of the Tongans in Mathuata, but subject to Maafu, and two Fijian chiefs, came on board, and after they and their opponents had discussed matters for an hour, I told them, through the Consular Interpreter, that we had no wish to injure or interfere with either the Fijians or Tongans in any way, but that, owing to the senseless quarrels of the former, fomented by the latter, the interests of the white traders in Fiji were com- promised, and that I wag determined on putting a stop to a state of affairs which was equally prejudicial to their own and to British interests. I should therefore leave them to settle by what means they could arrange matters amongst themselves, and any advice I could give them was at their service. My observations were listened to with great attention by both parties of Fijians, but were evidently un- satisfactory to the Tongan chief, who, throughout the entire business, was less manageable than either his associates or his enemies. 232 FIJI. "7. The discussion, which terminated at sunset, was renewed the next day, when the following terms were agreed to by the chiefs of Fiji and Tonga present, being those which, with Mr. Pritchard's concurreuce, I had decided from the first on seeing carried out : " 1st. To forget all past grievances and causes of quarrel. " 2nd. To commence from this date an era of peace and friendship. "3rd. To receive and protect the teachers of the Christian religion. "4th. To encourage trade and commerce throughout the Mathuata territories and to protect all legitimate traders and settlers. " 5th. To dissolve all political connexion and to confine themselves to legitimate and friendly intercourse with the Tongans. "1st. That Maniongolo shall within 14 hours retire for ever from the Mathuata territories, and shall not again appear within the line of country from Katewa Bay on the one side, to Bua Bay on the other. " 2nd. That no Tongans shall visit the Mathuata territories or appear within the above-named limits for 12 months from this date. " 3rd. That Tongans in the service of the Wesleyan or other missions are exempted from the above restrictions. "4th. That if any of the above articles are infringed, Maafu agrees that Maniongolo shall be sent from Fiji to his native country. "The three last articles were inserted in the treaty at my recom- mendation, as I foresaw that, if the Tongans were allowed to remain on Vanua Levu, any good effect which might otherwise result from our visit would be completely done away with, and in compliance with them, at dawn on the morning of the 22nd of July, the two large double canoes, in which Mainiongolo and his followers had come to Mathuata, were launched, and by 8 a.m. were under weigh with a strong and fair wind for Lakemba; a more picturesque scene than their departure, as they crossed the Pelorus's bow, beating their drums and cheering most lustily, I have seldom witnessed. In the course of the same day Thakombau and Maafu quitted the ship, and sailed for Levuka in Thakombau's large canoe, and in the afternoon I landed at Mathuata, accompanied by Kitova, and saw him and many of his people re-established in their former habitations. "8. The Fijians in this district are still heathens, but at their earnest desire Mr. Calvert of the mission of Levuka, had promised to send some native teachers among them, and they were anxiously awaiting their arrival. As far as I could learn, there was a general feeling throughout the island in favour of their being taken under the protection of Great Britain, but though often asked, I studiously abstained from giving an opinion on the subject. There is no doubt that cotton of superior HISTORICAL NOTICE. 233 quality can be grown on the islands, but it is out of tbe question to expect native labour, and consequently we must look to the same source that supplies Demerara to furnish the requisite colonists for Fiji, should their protectorate be accei^ted by Great Britain. " 9. Having thus seen tranquillity re-established in Vanua Levu, I quitted Mathuata on the morning of the 23rd July, having Ritova and two of his retainers on board, they being desirous of seeing the working of the engines ; and on getting clear of the Mali passage we discharged them and Mr. Pritchard to the latter's schooner, after which we made sail, by noon were clear of Kea Island, and steering a course for Aneiteum. ' "10. I cannot conclude this letter without expressing the obligations I am under to Mr. Pritchard, whose manner with the native chiefs (being neither too deferential nor the reverse) seemed to me to be exactly what it should be. He speaks the language and is evidently liked by all parties of Fijians, and without his ready assistance and the presence of Thakombau and Maafu, it would have been impossible to have arrived at so speedy a settlement of affairs in the north-west of Fiji as our visit effected. " I have, &c., " (Signed) J. Beauchamp Seymour, " Commodore." Copy of a Letter from James Murray, Esq., to Sir Frederic Rogers, Babt. "Foreign Office, December Slst, 1861. "Sir, — With reference to your letter of the 16th instant, I am directed by Earl Russell to request that you will state to the Duke of Newcastle that his Lordship has leai'nt with satisfaction the steps taken hj Commodore Seymour for terminating the wars which have been raging between the Tongans and the Fijians. " I have, &c., " (Signed) James Murray. " Sir F. JRogers, Bart. " &c. cfcc." " The desire of power in excess caused the angels to fall," but not Maafu. Not even this signal discomfiture could make him forsake the land of his adoption, and he 234 FIJI. is at present tlie acknowledged chief of the Windward group of islands, and displays considerable ability in governing his people. He has forsaken his old ways and, although a foreigner, he is liked and respected by both natives and whites in his own district ; and this, notwith- standing the constant efforts to get rid of him made by the Fijian chiefs, who are yet jealous of his position and influence in their country. But Maafu was not the only chief with whom Thakombau had to contend in tlie fierce struggle for supremacy. From the year 1843 Mbau had been engaged in constant hostilities with the neighbouring state of Eewa, the history of which is thus related by Thokanauto (otherwise known as Mr. Philips) to Com- modore AVilkes : " By the aid of the whites Tambiavalu, father of Kania, was estab- lished as king upon the dethronement of the reigning flimily, of whom Vunivalu, the governor, is a descendant. Rewa at this time was of little consequence, comprising only the small town of Ndraketi, from which the king now derives his title. Tambiavalu governed with great firmness and wisdom. During his reign all criminals met with ex- emplary punishment. According to the Fiji custom he had many wives, the chief among whom was a descendant of the family of Mbatitombe, who reigned at Ambau before Bamiva, the father of Tauoa, succeeded in gaining the kingdom. Altliough considered the queen, and holding the title of Eamdini-Ndraketi, she was not the highest in rank. There was also among the wives of Tambiavalu a sister of Tanoa named Salaiwai, who was younger, and in consequence had not the station to which her rank entitled her. Philips gives Tambiavalu the credit of having had a hundred children by his numerous wives and concubines, a statement of which those best acquainted with Fiji history do not doubt the correctness. " Of this large progeny the children of the above two mentioned females are alone entitled to any rank. V>y tlie queen l\amdini-Kdraketi, he had four sons, named Mandonovi, Kania, Yalivuaka, Ngaraningiou. By Salaiwai, he had only two, Seru and Thokanauto (Mr. Philips). Of the six, Kania, Ngaraningiou, and Thokanauto are still living. Tambiavalu had a long and prosperous reign, and under him Eewa HISTOKICAL NOTICE. 235 assumed a rank among the chief cities of the Fcejees, having acquired much territory and among the rest the island of Katnavu. His eldest son, Koraitamano, was the child of a Katnavu woman of rank ; he was in consequence a vasu of the most important possessions of Rewa, and had many connections and friends throughout the country ; he had so ingratiated himself with the chiefs and people that he could have made himself king on the death of his father. " Eamdini-Ndraketi, the queen, who is represented as a most artful as well as unscrupulous woman, was fearful that his popularity might become disadvantageous to her children, and she determined to have him removed. She managed to instil into the king's mind suspicions that Koraitamano intended to seize upon the succession, which determined him to put his son to death. Koraitamano received a hint of his intentions, and was able to evade every attempt. On some occasions he was obliged to fiee to distant places, once to Ea, the western end of Viti Levu and another time to Mbenga, where he remained until a kind of reconciliation took place, when he was induced to return. He had not been long in Eewa belbre the queen recom- menced her machinations for his destruction, and his father also resumed his designs against him. Koraitamano was doubtful whether again to resort to flight or remain, when some chiefs who were hostile to the king represented to the young chief that the only method to secure his own safety effectually was to put his father to death, assuring him they would stand by him in the struggle. By their persuasions he was induced to accede to their designs. At night he set fire to a canoe house and, coming into his father's dwelling, he appjroached the place where he was sleeping, and cried out : " Do you lie here asleep, when your city is burning ! " Tambiavalu immediately started up and ran out ; Koraitamano following closely after him, watched an occasion, struck him with his club on the back of his head, and killed him on the spot, after which he retired to his own house, trusting to the promises of his friends and adherents that thej'' would protect and defend him. But the queen was more than an equal for his cunning, and her hatred caused her to go the greatest lengths in wreaking her vengeance upon him. She had the body brought to the house, where, observing that the external injury to the head was slight, she conceived the smgular plan of making the deed of the assassin and his friends recoil upon their own heads. She therefore at once raised a cry that the body showed signs of life, and that her husband was not dead. She then had the body conveyed to the farther end of his house, under the plea that he required to be removed from the noise. 236 FIJI. and no one suffered to approach the body but herself and a Tonga woman who was her confidante. She soon spread the report that the king had recovered his senses but was very weak, and called upon several chiefs in the king's name, saying that he required the instant death of Koraitamano. The chiefs convened a meeting to consider the course that ought to be pursued, but could come to no decision in con- sequence of the general opinion that the conduct of Koraitamano was justifiable, although, on the other hand, they feared the wrath of the king in case he should recover, particularly those who had advised and wished to uphold Koraitamano. " The queen becoming aware of their hesitation, on the following morning took some whales' teeth and other valuables, and presented them herself to the chiefs, saying they were sent by the king to purchase the death of his son. Fearing to hold out any longer, they went to Koraitamano and announced to him the fatal mandate, and he was immediately killed. They then proceeded to the king's house to report that the deed was done, and on approaching the couch of the king, the putrescent odour which proceeded from the corjase at once disclosed to them the deception that had been practised. " It was, however, too late to mend the matter, and Mandonovi, the eldest son of the queen, now succeeded his father without opposition. One of the first acts of Mandonovi was to build a nmbure over the spot where his father was murdered. " This succession deprived Seru and Thokanauto (Philips) of their right to the throne, and of course excited their hostility to the reign- ing chief, who was by no means so popular as his father, and did not govern to the satisfaction of his subjects. Seru, who was the eldest of the two malcontents, was a very tall and remarkably handsome man, and had great influence among the people, which excited the jealousy of the king. Such was his strength that it was said he could knock down a full-grown hog by a blow on the forehead, and would break a cocoa-nut by striking it on his elbow. "Mutual words of defiance liad passed between the two brothers, and they were living in daily expectation of some encounter that would bring on serious disturbances. "During the height of this feeling they met on the road, where the scene that was enacted was quite remarkable, and the narration of it by Philips equally so. " Seru had one of those short missile clubs (ula) in his girdle, which Feejee men usually wear stuck in behind. As Mandonovi approached, Seru placed his back against the fence without any design. The king HISTORICAL NOTICE. 237 had three shaddocks (molitive) in his hand, of which, as he came up to Seru, he held one up and called out in sport that he ' meant to throw it at him.' The thought then came into Seru's mind that, if the king threw and hit him, he would let him pass, but that if he missed, he would take the opportunity to put him to death. " He therefore replied to his brother, in the same jocose manner, ' Throw, but if you miss, then I'll try.' The king threw, but missed. He then drew nearer, and holding up another of the shaddocks, cried out, ' This time I will hit you.' To which Seru replied, ' Take care ; if you miss, then I'll try.' The king threw again, but Seru by a quick movement, avoided the missile. Mandonovi, then advanced to within two or three yards of Seru saying, ' This time I think I shall hit you,' Seru made himself ready to avoid it and, with his hands behind him, said, ' If you miss then I take my turn.' The king threw the third time and missed, for Seru stoojied, and the missile passed over his shoulder. Seru then drew himself up, flourished his club in the air, and exclaimed in tones of exulting mockery, " Aha, I think you did not see this ! " With that he hurled his weapon with so deadly an aim, that it crushed the skull of the king and killed him on the spot. " As soon as the event became known, the queen with her other sons fled to Ambau, leaving the supreme power in the hands of Seru, who, however, did not take the title of Ndraketi, but adopted that of Tui Sawan, after the chief town of Mbenga, on which he had made war and captured, and by which title he was thenceforth known. " He was not, however, long left to enjoy his authority. The exiled family made several unsuccessful attempts to destroy him, and at last induced Vendovi, by a large bribe, to undertake his destruction. " Vendovi managed to get to Kewa unobserved, and looking in at the door of Thokauauto's house, saw Tui Sawan lying on his mat eating. He immediately levelled his musket and shot him, four balls passed through his breast, but such was the strength of his constitution that he survived for eight days. This occurred in the year 1827. When it became known at Ambau that this fratricide had been com- mitted, the queen and her sous returned to Rewa, and Kania assumtd the direction of the government to the exclusion of Thokanauto." In 1846 the fortunes of the Eewa people received a serious blow in the death of their Vasu Eaivahta (whose mother was sister to Kania, King of Rewa), who had 238 FIJI. ensraf^'ed to kill his brother Thakombau on the condition that Rewa shoukl become tributary to Mbau on his assuming the reins of government. Thakombau received timely warning of this treachery, and Riavalita was put to death. Soon after this occurrence the Mbau people attacked Rewa, whose inhabitants were defeated with great slaughter, and Thokanauto, or Philips (who was Vasu Tauhei to l\Ibau, and had previously rendered considerable assistance to Tanoa), was named king. Mr. Philips, however, was soon overthrown by his brother Ratu Nggara, who, not- withstanding that his capital was again attacked by the Mbau peo})le in 18-17 and completely destroyed, became firmly established as chief of Rewa. Mr. Philips soon afterwards died at Nukui and was buried at Mban. Meanwhile the tide of fortune had turned against Thakombau, whose resources became ex- hausted, and in 1851 Ratu Nggara boldly declared it his fixed purpose to eat the Mbauan chief. However, in the following year, in the midst of warlike preparations, this much dreaded warrior sickened and died. Peace was now made for a short time. But Mara, the reputed brother of Thakombau, and Vasu to Lakemba, soon assumed the conduct of a new war, which he threatened would be one of extermination, for he calculated on the allegiance of the island of Ovalau and the white residents there. He also hoped to be successful in gaining over the powerful tribe of Lasikaus or fisherman at Mbau, while lie retained all those towns which had revolted from Thakombau's authority. At this crisis, whilst strufr""linfr fur life, sorely pressed by his enemies and revolutionary violence, King George of Tonga arrived in Fiji with thirty canoes on a visit to Thakombau. Fortunately for HISTORICAL NOTICE. 239 biin a cauoe which King George had sent to Ovalan, with letters to the French priests there, was fired on by the natives, an insult which he was bound to resent, and, malgre lid, he became involved in the war that was raging. To such good purpose did he become engaged that, before saying good-bye to Fiji and Thakombau, he had relieved him of most of his difficulties and his enemies. Seventy of the rebel towns again acknowledged the supremacy of Mbau, whilst Thakombau, in order further to confirm the peace now established and cement their allegiance, wisely exercised with effect his kingly prerogative of clemency, but hitherto little known in Fiji, and extended it to all who had taken part in the rebellion. Although King George took part in these hostilities almost entirely on his own account, and although his services were amply acknowledged by Thakombau, who made him many handsome presents before his departure from Fiji, we are told tliat this Christian monarch, and missionary pet, did not hesitate in 1858 to prefer a claim for 12,000Z. on Thakombau, as a subsidy for victorious war and losses of valuable men. This startling demand formally made, and the enmity that arose between the two powers, was a new difficulty and a great calamity in itself; but its greater evil was that those chiefs in Fiji who were slightly in subjection to Thakombau were thereby encouraged to be bold, defiant, and rebellious ; and the malcontents courted the Tongans, to whom they clung. But the heaviest and most difficult of all Thakombau's many grievous troubles has been the indemnity claimed from him by the United States Government. The amount of this demand was first adjudged by Captain Boutwell of the United States Navy, to be $30,000, i.e., 6000^., but was afterwards increased to $45,000, or 9000?., 240 FIJI. because of certain alleged difficulties thrown in the way by tlie English missionaries, this so-called interference being merely an attempt to obtain a fair investigation, and not, as has been suggested, to screen the guilty parties. Her Majesty's Commisioner, who reported in 1861 on the then proffered cession of the island, said : " From all I can learn, one third of the sum demanded by the United States Government would be amply sufficient, both as com- pensation lor the loss of property, and as a fine." This opinion is also further confirmed by Her Majesty's Commissioners in Paragraph 49 of their Eeport, dated, Levuka, Fiji, 13th April, 1874, in which they say : " We have nothing to add to the statements previously made to Her Majesty's Government, and published in England, on the subject of the claim of the United States against King Cakobau — a claim which was unfairly made and unfairly pressed, and which has led to speculations of a questionable character." And, in BlachwoocVs Magazine for July, 1869, the injus- tice of the claim is again strongly urged. The various circumstances connected with the origin of this demand are fully treated in the following extract, quoted from Parliamentary Return, dated May 1862, " Correspondence relative to the Fiji Islands " : — Extracts from a letter by Captain Thomas C. Dunn, of the barque Dragon, Salem. (From the New York Herald of November 9, 1856.) To the Editor of the New York Herald. " SaJem, November 2nd, 1856. " Having lately returned from a trading voyage to the Fiji Islands, my attention has been called to a communication, published in the columns of the Herald of the 16th February last, purporting to have been written at those Islands, and signed ' David Stuart,' giving a HISTOEICAL NOTICE. 241 long list of massacres and crimes committed by the natives against the whites residing there: and also charging the English Wesleyan missionaries with being accessory to and instigating many of the atrocities so minutely detailed. Feeling assured that such a communi- cation would never have found admission to the columns of your pajier had you been aware of the errors it contained, I take this the earliest opportunity afforded me of replying to it, and of vindicating the character of a body of noble-minded aud self-denying men. " I will now proceed to remark upon the style of investigation pursued by Commander Boutwell, in his recent examination of the claims of American citizens against the native chiefs, and which is so much lauded by your correspondent. Before doing this it will be necessary to state some particulars regarding the affairs at the islands. For some time previous to Commander Boutwell's arrival there had been, as your correspondent states, a sort of civil war existing between the several chiefs of Fiji ; but as the American public are probably very little interested in the contests of savages, I will confine myself to the recital of events in which the foreign white residents were concerned. " In 1849 the whites, to the number of about fifty, resided at the town of Lcvuka, upon the island of Ovalau, the Chief of which, Tui Levuka, was upon friendly terms with Thakombau, one of the principal chiefs engaged in the war. Though not actually subject to Thakombau, Tui Levuka frequently assisted him in his wars, and was considered throughout the Islands as being one of his party. The whites also very generally espoused the cause of Thakombau in opinion, although none of them took any active part in the war. The American Consul, John B. Williams, Esq., resided upon a small island, called Nukulau, which, I believe, he had purchased from Ngarrengeo, a chief of Rewa, who was the principal chief opposed to 'J'hakombau. Upon the 4th of July, 1849, while he was celebrating the day by firing cannon, the house of the Consul accidentally took fire, and was burned to the ground. During the progress of the fire a crowd of natives collected, and indulged their thievish propensities by seizing and carrying off what- ever they could lay their hands upon. In such a case it was of course impossible to say how much was stolen and how much destroyed by the fire. But as the natives were pretty expert in saving articles where there was such a prospect of their securing them for their own use, it is probable that a good deal was stolen. Soon after, in 1851, the United States ship St. Mary^s, Captain Magruder, visiting the R 242 FIJI. Islands, Mr. Wiiliams applied to that officer for compensation to be required of tlie chiefs, and handed in a schedule of goods stolen, amounting to 5001 dollars 38 cents (it seems singular that he could know the exact articles stolen, so as to charge such an exact account, even to the thirty-eight cents), the truth of which, that officer not being able (as his time was limited) to satisfy himself concerning its accuracy, left in the hands of the Eev. Mr. Calvert, one of the mission- aries, and Mr. David Whippy, United States Vice-commercial Agent, requesting them to examine Mr. Williams's claim, and also several other small claims preferred by Mr. Williams against native chiefs on behalf of American citizens ; to arbitrate upon the same, and to report to the commander of the next United States ship-of-war which should visit Fiji, and to the Secretary of State at Washington. Mr. Calvert accordingly wrote to Commander Boutwell, upon his arrival at Fiji, upon the subject. But as his report did not at all agree with the nf)tions of Mr. Consul Williams, being rather unfavourable to the justice of his claim, he was very coolly informed by that gentleman that,— " ' It was considered a piece of presumption for him to interfere in matters concerning American citizens or their interests, as he (Mr. Williams) and Commander Boutwell were fully competent to settle all such affairs without any of his assistance.' " In 1853 a boat belonging to some of the white residents of Levuka was taken and robbed by the natives of a place called Malaki. The three men composing her crew escaped in their dingy (a small boat), came to Levuka, and reported the outrage. The Avhites, exasperated at the story, determined to punish the offenders. They accordingly organised an expedition, and, accompanied by the chief of the town where they resided, with a number of his native warriors, went to the place, which they captured and burned ; and the native force which accompanied them killed a number of the people of the town, although no resistance was made. That the whites did right in this affair is unquestioned, as it was requisite for them to show the natives that they would not allow any of their number to be robbed with impunity. The people of the destroyed town were subject to the Chief of an island called Viwa. They carried complaint to him of the destruction of their town by the whites ; and it is asserted by the whites that he, the Viwa Chief, applied to Thakombau for permission to avenge himself by destroying Levuka. Although Thakombau positively denies all knowledge of the matter, rumours of the meditated burning of their town coming to the ears of the whites, they organised and kept a HISTORICAL NOTICE. 243 regular night-watch to guard against treachery. Notwithstanding this precaution, the town was fired in the niglit, and most of it reduced to ashes. As tliere was a native teacher helonging to Viwa living in the town at the time, the exasperated whites at once fixed npon him as the incendiary, for no other reason, so far as I have been able to ascei'tain, than that, being a native of Viwa, he must have been ordered by his chief to set fire to the town. Although at no subsequent investigation could any reliable proof be adduced to fix the fact upon him, the impression becoming general among the whites that Thakom- bau had authorized the destruction of their town, the Chief, Tui Levuka, declared against him, and was joined by all the whites. They imme- diately constructed a few tem])orary dwellings, around which they built a fence, which they fortified with several pieces of cannon against any anticipated attack of Thakombau. But he never went near them, although your correspondent states that several ineffectual attempts were made to carry the town. He sent several peaceful messages, assuring them that he had nothing to do with the burning of their town, that he was very sorry for the occurrence, and that he would do all in his power to discover and punish the perpetrators of the outrage. All this I state as facts. Having had considerable property in the hands of an agent living in the town, which was all destroyed by the fire, I have taken considerable pains to investigate the matter with a view 01 demanding indemnity, if the destruction could be traced to auy responsible party. But it is still shrouded in mystery ; the native teacher and the Viwa chief, who were charged with the act, having been killed a few days after by the mountain tribes of Ovalau. " It was right that Commander Boutwell should have endeavoured to examine into the matter, as considerable American property had been destroyed; but he should have done so in an impartial spirit, according to the instructions of Commodore Mervine, Commauder-m- Chief of the Pacific squadron, by whom he was despatched upon this business. I quote from those instructions : — ' You will not take it for granted that all the allegations against the supposed offenders are true, simply because claimants have filed their reports at the State Depart- ment. In prosecuting the important duty intrusted to your manage- ment and discretion, sound policy dictates that a close and thorough examination, upon the strictest principles of justice, should be made into every case presented for adjustment.' " To show how far these wise and equitable instructions of Com- modore Mervine were carried out by Commander Boutwell, I will hero insert some of the corresjiondence which passed between him and the K 2 244 FIJI. native chiefs npon the subject. The first is a letter from Commander Boutwell, dated a few days after his arrival at the Islands, and addressed to Thakomhau. I give it entire. " ' To Thakombau Tui Yiti, or the PnEsiDi>-G Chief in his Absence. "'I have been directed by the Government of the United States to visit the Fiji Islands in the United States ship John Adams, for the purpose of inquiring into and redressing the wrongs which American citizens have received at your hands. The great chief who has charged me with this mission presides over a country whose resources are inex- haustible, and whose jwwer to punish her enemies are beyond the comprehension of those who have never visited her empire. It is charged against you that you have caused American property to a very large amount, and valued at many thousands of dollars, to be taken from the island of Nuknlau and other places, and appropriated to your own purpose and to that of your friends. You have treated the persons who came here in ships bearing the same flag tliat you now see floating over the Jolin Adams in a m,anner that will not be submitted to by the Government of the United States of America. You are therefore required to restore that, or its value, with interest, to ask pardon of my nation, and to promise to respect its flag for the future. " ' E. B. T?0UTWELL, " ' Commanding U. S. Sliip John Adams.^ " The following day, and before any answer to the above had been received, another letter in the following style was sent, accompanied with the appended agreement for the Chiefs of Ban to sigu. " ' United States Ship John Adams, Lecuka, '" Ovalau, Sept. 21 tit, 1855. " I, Commander Boutwell, do, on behalf of the Government of the United States of America, demand of the Chief of Ban thirty thousand dollars, or that amount to be paid in fish, cocoa-nut oil, gum, pigs, and yams, within twelve months from this date ; the money or its equivalent to be paid into the hands of John B. Williams, Esq., United States commercial agent at the Fiji Islands, and to be dis- tributed in the following manner : — 15,000 dollars to John B. Williams, Esq., for the loss of property on the island of Nukulau ; 3,000 dollars to James H. Williams, Esq., for the loss of property on the island of HISTORICAL NOTICE. 245 Namuka ; 4000 dollars to Messrs. Chamberlain and Co. of Salem, for the loss of property at the burning of Levnka ; 4000 dollars to Mr. Whippy, United States Vice-Consul at Levuka, for the loss of his property at Ovalau ; 1500 dollars to Shattuck and M'Comber, each as compensation for the loss of their property, and for being clubbed by the natives of Namuka at the time they robbed Mr. Williams, of Sydney ; and 1000 dollars for the robbery of the barque Elizabeth, at Totonga. " ' As I have many claims on these and other islands to settle, and my time being limited, I must urge the authorities of Bau to act speedily, and not comj^el me to go after the so-called Tui Viti, or approach nearer Bau, as my powder is quick and my balls are round. " ' E. B. BouTWELL, Commander.' " Appended to this was the following document : — " ' Bau, Sept. 2Sth, 1855. '"We, the undersigned, Chiefs of Bau, admit the justice of John B. Williams' claim, as also that of the other American citizens, and promise on our part to pay the amount demanded by Commander Boutwell within twelve months from this date.' " Thakorabau, the principal chief of Bau, being absent from his town at the time the above letters were received, Yagodamu, the second chief, replied to the demand of Commander Boutwell by the following humble remonstrance against the unjust proceeding. " 'To E. B. BooTWELL, Esq., commanding U. S. Ship John Adams. " ' Bau, Sept. 29th, 1855. " ' Sib — I beg most respectfully to inform you that the claim now made on us by John B. Williams, Esq., is unjust : first, because we were not accessories in any degree whatever to the seizure of the property belonging to J. B. Williams, James H. Williams, and Messrs. Shattuck and M'Comber; secondly, because the jjlaco' where these outrages were committed, the islands of Nukulau and Namuka, were not included in our dominions at the time, neither are they now. In proof of this we refer to the statements of Commodore Wilkes, of the United States Exploring Expedition, in 1840, and of every commander in the nival and merchant service who have visited these parts. We refer to the record of the inquiry lately instituted on board H. B. M. Ship Herald, at which Mr. Whippy, United States Vice-Consul at Levuka, Ovalau, was present. We refer to those American citizens at 216 FIJI. Ovalau who are acquainted with the subject. Lastly, we refer to the clnims which John B. Williams himself made on Phillips, the late Chief of Rewa, and which that Chief admitted, and engaged to discharge. With reference to the claim of Messrs. Chamberlain and Co., we can only inforni you that the burning of Levuka is still involved in mystery. We maintain that we were not accessories, and would again most respectfully refer to the evidence given un the subject by the whites on board the Herald. " ' I am, ifec, " ' (Signed by a mark) Yagodamtt. " ' On behalf of himself and the other chiefs now present in Bau.' " To this letter of Yagodamu, Commander Boutwell, who ha;rsons tell their own story. (And your correspondent David Stuart, in his letter, gives us a pretty good idea what kind of a story that was.) Commander Boutwell, without inquiring into the truth of the charges from any but the avowed enemies of the Bau chiefs, immediately becomes 'assured in his own mind of the guilt of Thakombau,' and without giving him any opportunity of defending himself, demands compensation to the amount of thirty thousand dollars — fifteen thousand of which is awarded ' to John B. Williams, Esq., for the loss of property on the island of Nukulau,' when the original claim, as presented to Captain Magruder, two years after the fire, was only five thousand. The poor chiefs, not feeling quite so assured of their guilt, ventured to remonstrate against this summary proceeding, and to ask to be allowed opportunity to endeavour to justify themselves. But the gallant commander did not want any letters of explanation, but an ' acknow- ledgment of their indebtedness and willingness to pay ;' and though the 'brave never threaten,' yet he just intimates that his 'balls are round, and his powder quick.' He then goes on to say, ' I know,' ' I know,' 'I know,' this, that, and the other: and 'I therefore request that you will write me no more letters, but forthwith pay the money, or give me ample security that it will be paid in twelve months.' In their extremity, the chiefs applied to the Wesley an missionaries to write to Commander Boutwell on their behalf, which they did, but were politely informed by that gentleman that he could settle the matter without any of their assistance. At this juncture another 248 FIJI. American ship-of-war, the St. Mary's, Commander Bailey, arrived at Ovalau, to whom Mr. Calvert, the chairman of the Wesleyan Mission, addressed the following letter : — " ' Viica, Fiji, October mii, 1855. " ' Sir, — I hail with great pleasure your arrival in Fiji, which I deem most opportune, as intricate aliairs are now pending hetween Bau and J. B. Williams, Esq., United States Commercial Agent. Having been requested by Gr. A. Magruder, Esq., of the Uuited States Navy, to arbitrate, in connection with Mr. Whippy, respecting claims said to be due to J. B. Williams, Esq., and also respecting the barque Elizaheth, and after with reluctance (after objecting to do it) imder- takiug to do what I could in the complicated affairs, I thought it right to report what had been done in the matter to E, B. Boutwell, Esq., Commanding United States Ship JoJin Adams. " ' To my letter I have received two replies : one from Mr. Williams, who complains that my interference is uncalled for, &c. " ' A copy of my letter to Commander Boutwell, with the replies thereto, 1 enclose, begging you will peruse and consider the same, as I think it imfair that I should be represented to your Government as ' presumptuous,' after I had been requested to do what I have done by a naval officer in the United States service. Herewith I beg to inclose to you a copy of a letter addressed to the Honourable Secretary of State, Uuited States of America, respecting a levy which Mr. Whijipy and I, after due deliberation, in virtue of Commander Magruder's request, conjointly made, as being the only claim we could fairly make out for depredations on the property of the Elizabeth. " ' I forward this by the licv. Joseph Waterhouse, who has had the honour to be the first missionary at Bau, and who has been the means of bringing about a great change on that island. He was at Levuka at the time it was burnt : with reference to which I am shocked to find Commander Boutwell writes, — " I am well assured in my own mind that the native teacher set fire to the town." This is indeed a most grave implication, and which I hope Mr. AVatcrhousc will have the opportunity of proving is without foundation. " 'Hoping that these matters may now at length be fully investigated and properly settled, so that Fiji, after its wars, heathenism and cannibalism, may begin afresh, on better principles, and become enlightened, honourable, and religious, " ' I am, &c., " ' To Commander Bailey, " ' Jamks Calvert. " ' United States Ship St. Mary's.' " HISTORICAL NOTICE. 249 "A letter was also addressed by John B. Williams, Esq., to Com- mander Bailey, in the following style : — " ' To Commander Bailey, commanding United States Sld-p " ' St. Mary's. " ' United States Sliip John Adams, October Gth, 1855. "'Sir, — The United States Ship John Adams, Commander E. B, Boutwell, having arrived some weeks previous to yourself, and having made himself acquainted with the subjects of complaints of American citizens, and having made his demands on Ban and other places for indemnity, it may be safe to leave the affair in his hands, as they are now in a fair train for settlement. And in my opinion, any change in the demands or requirements made on them (the natives) by the commander of the John Adams might be injurious to American citizens. " ' I have, &c., " ' John B. Williams, " ' U. S. Commercial Agent,' "Commander Boutwell, hearing that Mr. Calvert had written to Commander Bailey, and that the latter gentleman was displeased with his (Commander Boutwell's) summary mode of procedure, wrote to Commander Bailey, requesting him to remain in Fiji and settle the affair himself; to which Commander Bailey replied, that as he (Commander Boutwell) appeared to be pursuing a course involving a deviation from his instructions, he should have felt compelled to remain and settle it himself, were it not that Mr. Williams, the principal claimant, and also, as United States Commercial Agent, representative of the other American claimants, had expressed a decided preference for his (Boutwell's) adjustment. He therefore left it in his hands, with a caution as to his deviating in the slightest degree from his original instructions, and an express order ' to afford the accused every opportunity upon all formal occasions to appear in person, as well as by respectable counsel, without regard to their nation or religion.' This order from Bailey, Boutwell, as junior, was bound to obey, but he chose to obey it after his own fashion. He sent a notice to Thakombau to appear on board his ship uj^on a certain day, to answer the charges preferred against him. He also notified the Eev. Joseph Waterhouse that he would be permitted to act as counsel for the accused, and appointed a board of arbitration, consisting of two of his own oiBcers, who had already made up their minds to decide upon 250 FIJI. the matter. On the day appointed, Mr, Waterhouse, with Thakombau, repaired on board, and was permitted to speak in his behalf; but he was treated with insult and contempt, and was not permitted to call in any witnesses as evidence against the allegations of John B. Williams. The board of arbitration therefore decided that all the claims were just, and Commander Bout well added on fifteen thousand dollars more, on account, as he informed Mr. Waterhouse, "of the interference of Commander Bailey and the representations of the Rev. Mr. Calvert." The award now stood thus : ' To John B. Williams, Esq., 18,331 dollars; Chamberlain and Co., 7300 dollars; David Whij^py, 6000 dollars ; owners of barque Elizaheth, 1,000 dollars ; owners of brig Tim Pickering, 2800 dollars ; Thomas Ryder, 1500 dollars ; Wilkin- son, Brothers, and Co., Sydney, 4000 dollars ; Messrs. Shattuck and M'Comber, 2,600 dollars. " Here, then, is the final decision of Commander Boutwell. The claim of John B. Williams, originally 5,000 dollars, has, through this beautiful system of investigation, grown to 18,331 dollars, upon what grounds we are not informed. Having arrived at this satisfactory conclusion, a paper was drawn up, which was called a treaty, and which Thakombau was compelled to sign — by which he agreed to discharge the sum in two years — under the heaviest threats if he refused to comply ; and the * promise, on the arrival of a ship of war belonging to the American nation, to resign the government of Bau, and to go voluntarily on board that ship, and submit to any punish- ment which it might be the pleasure of the Commander to inflict.' This was the prompt justice which your correspondent so much lauds. He says — ' Omnipotence had heard our prayers, and Commander Boutwell was the chosen one to give us aid.-' In my opinion David Stuart would be the one most largely benefited if the award of Commander Boutwell should be enforced by the American Government; but I cannot believe it will be. Our Government has always been just in its dealings with the Polynesian communities ; and the partial, harsh, and unjust proceedings related above will, I am persuaded, undergo a severe scrutiny at Washington. That there were claims which it was Commander Boutwcll's duty to examine and enforce was un- doubted. The loss of 7000 dollars of Messrs. Chamberlain and Co., of Salem, was real ; it was property left by me in the hands of an agent at Levuka, on their account, which was all destroyed by the fire. Other Americans residing at the place lost their all. It is not at present clear by what chief's orders the place was fired. This was a question for Commander Boutwell to inquire into ; but it would seem HISTORICAL NOTICE. 251 that Mr. Julm B. Williams took advantage of these real and just claims to introduce his original claim of 5000 dollars, now, by some species of mercantile legerdemain, increased to 18,000 dollars; and crushing all fair inquiry, by endeavouring to blacken the characters of the \Vesle\an missionaries, whose truthful testimony he feared might defeat his deep-laid plans to get Commander Boutwell to enforce the whole amount against Thakombau, who for some years has been the object of his special enmity. That Commander Boutwell listened to his tales, and imbibed that prejudice they would so naturally engender, is but too evident from his subsequent proceedings. " Immediately upon returning to Bau from the John Adarm, where he had been compelled to sign the so-called treaty, acknowledging the justice of the claims, and jiromising to pay the 45,000 dollars in two years, Thakombau addressed the following protest to the United States Consul at Sydney, New South Wales, requesting it might be forwarded to the Government of the United States. " ' Bau, Fiji, October 2mh, 1855. " ' I, Thakombau, the Vunivalu of Bau, Fiji, do humbly make known my protest against the oppressive conduct of Captain Boutwell. I do hereby declare and make known to you. Sir, the United States Consul nearest Fiji, that I did not sign the treaty with Captain Boutwell of my own accord, but under the greatest fear. He threatened to take me away to America, and stamped on the floor right in my face, because I objected to give my signature, and then I was afraid, and signed it. I make known that I now protest against that treaty, and declare it to be unrighteous, tyrannical, unwarrantable, and unworthy of the Government of America. It is not my deed. "*I also make known. Sir, that he told another chief that he would hang me ; but there is nothing for which he should hang me. I besought him to investigate the charges made against me by the whites of Ovalau, but he refused. "'I beseech you. Sir, to inform the Government of the United States of America of these transactions. I am continualh" in fear lest this Captain kill me, whilst I am innocent. I had hoped that my profession of Christianity would have prevented such arbitrary conduct. I cannot believe that it will be sustained by the American authorities. " '(Signed by a mark) Thakombau. " ' Witnesses — William Jloore and Joseph Waterhouse, Wesleyan missionaries.' 252 FIJI. "Copies of the above protest, duly authenticated, have been forwarded by the United States Consul at Sydney to the authorities at Washington, and also to the Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific squadron. 'Ihere is therefore no doubt that the affair will undergo a more thorough and just investigation by the orders of the American Government. " I have here given a true account of the proceedings of Commander Boutwell in relation to these affairs, taken from authenticated copies of all the correspondence that passed upon the subject, now in my possession. Your readers no doubt will be surprised, upon referring to the Herald of the 16th of February last, to find your corre- spondent, David Stuart, so highly applauding Commander Boutwell. He says, sj^eaking of the action of preceding commanders, ' This course has however been changed by Commander Boutwell; and the truly republican conduct of that officer, and his praiseworthy resistance of all attempts to iuduce him to abandon his comitrymen to the power of the English missionaries has, it is well known here, incurred the manifest displeasure of the missionaries"; but he has the consolation of knowing that he left us with the united and heartfelt thanks of our young islandic rejjublic ; and after the tedious and unpleasant task he has accomplished, he will return to a country and a people whose motto is " Liberty and Justice," and whose approbation will in this instance be no less deserving than just.' It is to be hoped that the Government of the ' people whose motto is " Liberty and Justice," ' will visit upon Commander Boutwell that censure and displeasure which his unjust and oppressive proceedings are so justly calculated to inspire. " Hoiking that you will not fail to give the above an early insertion in your paper, " I am, Sir, yours, &c., " Thomas C. Duxn." Copy of a Lettkr from Captain ]\Lvgruder. " United States Frigate ' Concfress,^ " Gibraltar, July 2Ath, 1856, " My dear Sir, — Your letter, dated at Sydney in January last, and directed to me at Washington City, has just reached me at this place. I have been attached to this squadron, as captain of the fleet, for a year past, which accounts for the delay in its receipt. I heartily con- gratulate you and your fellow-labourers in the success of your efforts HISTOEICAL NOTICE. 253 among the Fijis. I thought I saw indications of a favourable change when I had the pleasure to see you there; but the magnitude of the work you have described as accomplished I was by no means prepared for. I heartily wish you continued success. It is a work over which the Christian and philanthropist may rejoice with thanksgiving to the Most High. "I am soiTy to hear of farther difficulties between our agent Mr. Williams and the Chief of Mbau, and especially that it has resulted in the punishment of innocent people. I do not know what has happened since I investigated the claims of Mr. Williams against the Chief, but I well remember that I considered some of the claims preferred unjust, and thought Mr. Williams in the wrong, and so re- ported to the Government. My ofQcial letter is on record on the files of the Navy Department. It was dated, ' U. S. S. St. Mary's, Valparaiso, Sept. 28th, 1851,' and was addressed to Commodore Ch. S. M'Cauley, commanding Pacific squadron. In the letter I stated that ' I was sorry to find a bad state of feeling existing between our agent and the King. They had had business transactions together, in some of which I thought Mr. Williams in the wrong, and that it was unfortunate for our commercial interests that this state of things should exist.' " I did not state, in the report above referred' to, the particulars of my investigation of the claim of Mr. Williams ; but I well remember that in the inventory of articles said to have been stolen by the natives and not returned, charges were made in some instances for articles which it was ascertained afterwards had been received by Mr. Williams. " If it is necessary to refer to my letter in any investigation before the Department it can be easily done. Were I at home I would cheer- fully aid you in having the matter fully investigated, and justice done to any jiarties who may have been injured. " I am, my dear Sir, very truly yours, " G. A. Magbuder. " Bev. James Calvert, " Wesleyan Mission House, London.'^ At length, in the latter part of the year 1869, the atten- tion of the American Government having been called to the Diagazine article already mentioned, Captain Truxton was deputed to Fiji, duly " authorized to investigate and settle all unadjusted claims, either of long standing 254 FIJI. or more recent date," and Tliakombau was promised that "himself and his witnesses should receive a calm and patient hearing, and be treated with the courtesy and respect belonging to his high office and Christian pro- fession ; and he was assured that the Government would then, and at all times, treat himself and his subjects with all possible fairness and consideration." Captain Truxton, acting under these fair and ample in- structions, arrived in Fiji in the month of October of the same year, and immediately formed a Court of Inquiry or Arbitration, for investigating the various claims and awards. This was constituted of two officers of the Unifed States Ship Jamestown, and two American residents, one of \Ahom was a heavy claimant in Fiji, with Caj)tain Truxton as president. Firstly, the Court found an " unaccountable difference between the registered and allowed claims of Mr. Williams," late American Consul : " A total of $7,199 and 67 cents is all the amount of his claim sustained by tradition, or on the records of the consulate, and yet he stands on the list of awards as entitled to $19,365. There is no possible way of accounting for this great and strange discrepancy," i.e., $12,165. Secondly, the Court having proceeded to " most strenuously urge upon the Government of the United States the propriety of refunding to King Tha- kombau " tliis sum, goes on to say that by " this means tcardy justice will be done to King Tliakombau, who is now struggling to raise himself and his people from the depths of heathenism to the light of civilisation, and this long vexed and trouble- some question be finally and for ever put at rest in a manner creditable alike to the power and generosity of the Government of the United States of America. ******** " For twenty years these claims have been held over the head of this HISTORICAL NOTICE. 255 semi-barbarous and almost helpless king, who has been worried into the belief that we are determined never to be satisfied, while our 'Govern- ment is made to appear vacillating and ungenerous in the eyes of foreign nations. Great care has been taken to arrive at what is believed to be a just decision, and'it is to be hoped that nothing in the result of the labours of the ]iresent Court may be made the subject of a stringent magazine article by a captain of the British navy, who necessarily views all matters from an English stand-point." Ou the manner and result of this tardy inquiry Mr. Calvert makes the following interesting and pertinent observations : — " It is pleasing to see Captain Truxton styling Thakombau king in Fiji, and sympathising with him in his struggles and hel])lessuess, and in his strong wishes and efforts to set the matter at rest ; hut nothing now can repair the injury done to Thahomhau, it is irreparahle. Indeed the confusion must have been great on this occasion. The Chief was to have a ' calm and patient hearing,' &c., yet I am informed he was not allowed counsel or witnesses before the Court, though he asked for both. And one member of the Court was a claimant for $4600 or |6000. Mr. Williams' claim only was allowed to be re- opened, and a7id all the rest were to he fully paid, even their portion of the |15,000 saddled on Fiji, because of the ' interference ' of an American naval ofBcer, senior to the man who inilicted the levy. Why not examine these too ? Surely the state in which they found the Consul's account was an encouragement to look into the rest. And the claimant-member of the Court — whose long career in Fiji has been honourable, industrious, and influential for good on the whites, half-castes, and natives of his day — could have afforded ample in- formation and evidence to his fellow-jurors. And again, how is it that interest is allowed to the estate of Mr. Williams, and not claimed also on behalf of the others ? "Captain Truxton was evidently one with the upright officers that had preceded him, and it may be fairly concluded that had it not been for the difficulty of the Polynesian Company, he would have sifted the whole affair, and settled it. It never can be that reasonable men from such a nation as America can be guilty of injustice and opi)ressiou towards such a people as the Fijians." Meanwhile, in the preceding year, 18G8, some gentle- men from Melbourne, taking advantage of the pressure 256 FIJI. put ou Thakombau by the United States Government for a settlement of their claim, and the unsettled state of the Islands, projected an adventure, by which they were to obtain possession of 200,000 acres of the best lands, an unlimited sovereignty over the same, and various other important rights and concessions, the quid 2Jro ^-ho proposed for these trifling advantages being an annual allowance to Kin^: Thakombau of 200Z. — which was deemed sufficient for all regal necessities — together with an undertaking to relieve him of the responsibility of the American claim. Utterly prostrate, by the distracted state of affairs in his country, crushed by the American demand, which he was wholly unable to meet, and yearning for a deliverance by any means, the Chief gladly grasped at this distant gleam of hope, and eutere 1 into the proposed agreement, which, along with the various proceedings and certain official correspondenre in connection therewith, is fully set out as follows : — " Britiah Consulate, Fiji, 1st June, 1868. " Sir, — I beg to call your attention to the following matters : — " About the end of July last a Mr. Brewer, of Melbourne, Victoria, visited Fiji ; he represented himself as the agent of certain commercial men of that city, whose attention was directed to this group of islands. " I furnished Mr. Brewer, at his request, with a transcript of the last return (in a tabulated form) of the approximate imports and exports of Fiji. He visited this office once only during his stay in Levuka, and confined himself solely to commercial subjects. " Mr. Brewer had many interviews with the Chairman of the Wesleyan Mission, Mr. William Moore, the result of which was a scheme to form a V)anking and maritime insurance company ; this much of their inten- tions I learnt partly from report and partly from Mr. Moore. " After a short visit Mr. Bi-ewer returned to Victoria, to mature the plan, while Mr. Moore at once built a house in this port suitable for oiEces, and speculated largely in land. " My attention was next called to Mr. Brewer, by the reports in Melbourne newspapers, of a meeting held in that city, to consider tho HISTORICAL NOTICE. 257 l^ropriety of forming a company to trade with Fiji. The Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce presided. The promoters of the sclieme were Mr. Karl Yandamme, Mr. Cairns, and Mr. Brewer. Lengthy communications relative to Fiji were read by Mr. Vandamme; they were in disaccordance with fact, and highly calculated to mislead tlie Colonial public. *' Mr. Cairns spoke with the same prospective effect. ******* * "Mr, Brewer followed, and announced the 'principal feature of their scheme, viz., the liquidation of Thakombau's debt to the United States Government, and the acceptance by the Company of lands, &c. in security. " A resolution to form a company was finally moved, but no one being found to second it, the meeting broke up. I may here remark that, so far from ' approval,' I never heard of Mr. Brewer's designs ; had I been apprised of them, I should, for obvious reasons, have ex- pressed my disapproval. " Conceiving I had heard the last of Mr. Brewer and his adventure, I dismissed the matter from my attention. " On the 22nd ult., being at Bureta (south side of Ovalau), I received a note from Mr. Moore, to which I at once replied. My reason for prompt action was that Thakombau was in Levuka, and tlie arrival of a large steamer with Mr. Brewer and a colleague on board, together with their connection with ]\Ir. Moore, induced me to think that the opportunity of the Chief's visit would not be lost by these persons, who seemed determined to press forward a schema which would undoubtedly entail loss upon many too confiding persons in the neighbouring colonies, and in the future probably be productive of inconvenience to Her Majesty's Government. " Referring for a moment to the present American securities, certain islands in Bau territory, I beg. Sir, in part explanation of the steps I have taken, to submit to you that, if the United iStates Government sell these islands, I will place and keep the purchasers in possession. If this Victorian company advance Thakombau 10,O00Z. sterling to liquidate his debt, accepting his securities, it will do so under the impression that Her Majesty's Government will, if requisite, prtss any future claims likely to arise from Thakombau's habit of ignoring contracts. With this conclusion I cannot, in view of the past history of Fiji, concur. It is simply transferring for a questionable consideration the onus of an unpleasant procedure from American to British authorit}', amplified also by unprecedented conditions, containing the germs of S 258 FIJI. trouble and dissension, fatal to the future peace and prosperity of this group of islands. " I now proceed to the transaction which took place on hoard the steamer Albion ujwn the 23rd, and my subsequent action in relation thereto, which I venture to hope will meet with your approval. " In accordance with my note to Mr. Moore, I walked into Levuka, and arrived at my oflBce at 10.30 o'clock a.m., exi^ecting to meet Messrs. Brewer, Evans, and Moore, with the Chief Thakombau. My clerk however informed me the Chief, with four missionaries, had gone on board the Albion at 10 o'clock. Under the impression that hoisting Her Majesty's colours would acquaint the above-named persons with my presence in this office, or that courtesy would suggest the propriety of awaiting my arrival to an appointment requested bj' themselves, 1 remained disengaged until 2 o'clock p.m., and then gave my attention to other subjects. At noon I was informed that Tha- kombau was being treated with unbounded hospitality, that he had partaken of a champagne breakfast, and during the morning had consented, through the medium of Mr. Moore, to sign the document, the contents of which were known only to the parties thereto. " This information I found subsequently to be correct. " About 3 o'clock p.m. Thakombau came to my office, remained seated in silence for five minutes, and then left. " In my opinion the Chief was unfit for business of any description. In consequence of the strange rumours which reached me, 1 proceeded, at 7.30 o'clock p.m., on board the Albion, and discovered Thakombau had signed a document jirepared and drawn up in Melbourne jorior to the Albion^s departure. This instrument vested Messrs. Brewer and Evans, for the Companj-, with authority to rule and control all persons, native or foreiiin, within Thakombau's dominions, to levy taxes, dues, and imposts, as t])e said Comi)any might think fit, expedient, or proper; granted them a banking monopoly without limit of time, and many rights and privileges not in Thakombau's power to grant. In an annexed schedule Thakombau conveyed to them 200,000 acres of land, not an acre of which he has, in my opinion, any title to. " The original document, signed in blank by the Chief, was handed me for perusal, together with a printed copy thereof, which I beg to inclose for your infonnation. " In reply to a query, I declined at that time and place to give an opinion as to the worth of the document, but informed the delegates it was their duty to have submitted the document to me, prior to any negotiation with Thakombau, alfectiug, as it appeared to me, the HISTORICAL NOTICE. 259 commercial interests of a great body of Britisli subjects, both in ami out of Fiji, whose capital and industry had called the present trade of the group into existence ; also that it was utterly impossible for the Chief to form, in two hours, anything more than a faint conception of the tenor and meaning of the document he had signed. " On the 25th I addressed a protest to Thakombau, and caused a copy to be posted at this office. I also served on Messrs. Brewer and Evans an injunction to stay further action pending your arrival in Fiji. I acquainted the United States Consul of these facts. " Having drawn. Sir, your notice to the manner in which Thakom- bau's signature was obtained, I proceed to the document itself. " Passing a portion of the premises, I notice the clause or obligation on the part of the Company to well and truly aid and assist in upholding and defending Tiiakombau's kingdom. " The meaning of this is that the Company, having purchased the prerogative and power Thakombau may really enjoy, minus his responsibilities, is prepared to receive the Chiefs own statement as to the boundaries and limits of his kingdom, and, under the shadow of his name, to take it for themselves by any filibustering measures they may be able to command, or permitted to exercise. This design I learnt from the conversation on board the Albion, and that the delegates have held out hopes, flattering to the restless ambition of Thakombau, is beyond doubt. I beg to refer you to a letter from the Uev. Mr. Horsley to me. This part of the Company's design is, I conceive, contrary to the Act of GeorL,e III. relating to the engagement of Her Majesty's subjects to serve in a foreign service, and the fittinsi- out and equi]>ping in Her Majesty's dominions vessels for warlike purposes without Her Majesty's permission, " Eeferring to the authority vested in the Company, to ordain and make all laws, and to establish courts, and to appoint judges, magistratta, and other officers to administer such laws, I beg to observe Thakombau has never enjoyed the right of jurisdiction in any degree over British or other subjects of European Powers. He cannot therefore delegate to others powers he never possessed. Consul Pritchard, in 18C0, applied for and obtained similar powers, but received from Lord Russell a reprimand for so doing. Her Majesty's Commissioner to Fiji in 1860-61 distinctly states, Thakombau has no power to make other chiefs submit to his authority. In the present day the natives of Viti Levu would not submit to the rule of Messrs. Brewer and Evans, and Thakombau dare not attempt to enforce it. " The schedule granting 200,000 acres cf land is a document fraught s 2 260 FIJI. with mischief if permitted to continue, or recognised as valid. Tha- kombau does not own a rood of land within the described linnts. It is occupied and owned, with small exception, by independent tribes now in arms against the Chief of Ban. " Lavua River, north to the Waidina, is occupied by the important tribe of Kamosi, saving such parcels of land as they have sold to British and other subjects ; and I have no hesitation in stating this land, ere it can be held by any Europeans under title from Thakombau, must become the theatre of war and bloodshed. " Thakombait's position in this respect is virtually the same as stated to his Grace the Duke of -Newcastle by Colonel Smythe in 1801. Colonel Smythe says : 'He (Thakombau) could not convey to Her Majesty 200,000 acres of land, as consideration for the payment of those claims for him, as he does not possess them ; nor does he ac- knowledge to have offered more than his consent that lands to this extent might be acquired by Her Majesty's Government for public j)urposes in Fiji.' " In conclusion, I beg to inform you treaties with Thakombau were made some years ago by France and America, copies of which I shall endeavour to lay before you. The British population of Fiji at the present time amounts approximatively to 600 or 650 persons, and is increasing monthly. " Many British subjects have invested their labour and capital within the dominions of Thakombau in consequence of his promise to support and protect them, and preserve law and order within his territory. The laws of Bau were enacted in May, 1867, and copies thereof forwarded to the British and American Consulates. " In order that British settlers in the territories of Thakombau may not have their interests prejudiced by his capricious acts, or by the endeavours of occasional adventurers to obtain privileges opposed equally to law and the spirit of the age, I beg to suggest the propriety of making with Thakombau a treaty of peace and commerce, to remain in force for two years, or such other time as may seem to you sufficient to enable me to submit in detail the present condition of Fiji to Her Majesty's Government, and receive definite instructions. "1 have, &c., "(Signed) John B. TuuHbToN." " Commodore Lamhert, C.B., " Commandinfj the Australian Squadron." HISTORICAL NOTICE. 261 " Know all men by these presents that I, King Thakombau, of the Fiji grouiJ of Islands, in consideration of William Harry O'Halloran Brewer and John Lavington Evans of Melbourne, in the colony of Victoria, now on a visit to me as delegates and agents appointed for and on behalf of a certain Company about to be formed in the said Colony, under the 'Companies' Statute, 1864;' hereby undertaking for and on behalf of such Company, and, immediately after its forma- tion, to make suitable provision for the settlement of a claim of 10,000Z., or thereabouts, jireferred against me as such King, by or on behalf of the Government of the United States of America for losses said to have been sustained by certain American subjects who resided in my kingdom, owing to certain alleged depredations and acts of incendiarism committed and caused by my native subjects, and which said claim the said Government of the United States of America are now threatening to enforce, and also in consideration of the said William Henry O'Halloran Brewer and John Lavington Evans, as the delegates and agents of such intended Company further undertaking, after the formation of the said Company, to pay me, the said King, the annuity or yearly sum of 1,000 dollars : also in consideration of such delegates undertaking that the said Company will at all times, after its formation, well and truly aid, assist me in upholding and defending my said kingdom ; do by these presents for ever grant, cede, transfer, and set over unto the said William Harry O'Halloran Brewer and John Lavington' Evans, and also Andrew Lyell and Frederick Cook, of Melbourne aforesaid, gentlemen (hereinafter respectively called trustees, for and on behalf of the said intended Company, the several islands, parts of islands, and other territory in Fiji, forming part of my king- dom), which are respectively mentioned and set forth in the schedule hereinafter written, together with the soil or bed of all seas, rivers, and waters adjacent to or abutting on the said scheduled territory, or any part or parts thereof, and also harbours, seas, rivers, creeks, and inlets thereunto belonging or appertaining, or which the said trustees or the said intended Company may now or hereafter think necessary to the settlement and enjoyment of the said scheduled territory, or any part or parts thereof, and also all mines and minerals in or upon the same. And I, the said King, do hereby also grant and give unto tiie said Trustees, for and on behalf of the said intended Company, and the said intended Company, the sole and exclusive right to impose and levy such duties of custom as to them as may seem fit on the exportation from, or importa- tion into any part of my kingdom, of any goods, wans, or merchandise whatever, with full power to impose and levy wharfage and harbour dues, and also the sole and exclusive right to establisli in any part or 262 FIJI. parts of my kingdom banking institutions, and tlie sole and exclusive right to issue and circulate throughout all or any part of my kingdom, bank notes ; and I, the said King, do hereby pledge myself and my successors, not hereafter to sell, alienate, or cede to any person or persons whomsoever any part or parts of my territory without pre- viously offering the same to the said intended Company, and giving such Company the option and preferential privilege of acquiring the same. And I, the said King, do hereby grant and give unto the said intended Company full power and absolute authority from time to time to ordain and make all such laws for the good government and welfare of the natives, inhabitants, settlers, and people for the time being on the said scheduled lands, and any other portion of the land forming part of my kingdom which may hereafter be acquired as aforesaid, as such Company shall consider just, equitable, and right ; and also all such laws as the said intended Company may think necessary or proper, to regulate the trade and commerce of my said kingdom, or of such islands or other portion of my territory as now are, or hereafter may be inhabited by white population, or that of a mixed one, and to establish courts, and appoint judges and magistrates, and other officers to administer and execute such laws. And I, the said King, hereby solemnly pledge myself to uphold and defend such laws, and to protect the inhabitants and settlers for the time being of the lands belonging to the said intended Company, and the property and effects of such inhabitants and settlers, from native or other violence, molestation, or interference, attacks, pillage, and robberies, either from within or without. " In witness whereof, I, the said King, have hereunto set my hand and seal, the 23rd day of IMay, in the year of our Lord 1868. " (Signed) Ebenezer Thakombau, " Na Vuneralu, King of Fiji, his + mark. " Signed, sealed, and delivered hy King Thakombau, in the presence of "(Signed) Joux F. Hohsley, "Wesleyan Missionary. " Saul. W. Brooks, Wesleyan Missionary. " And we the undersigned, being the principal Chiefs under King '^I'hakombau, herel)y ratify and confirm in all respects the forgoing Charter. "(Signed) ]?atd Sahanaka Nauiirin, his + mark. "Eatu Elijah Korowaralo, his + mark. " Witnesses to signatures : "(Signed) John F. Hoksley, Wesleyan Missionary. "Saml. W. Urooks, Wesleyan Missionary. HISTORICAL NOTICE. 2G3 " The Schedule hereinhefore referred to. " Two hundred thousand acres, as specified below, including Suva Harbour, and including both banks of the Navua River, and running back to the large Rewa River, that is, all lands within the boundary not already sold, the remainder to be mutually arranged. "(Signed) Ebenezer Thakombau, his + mark. " Ratu Saranaka Naulirin, his + mark. " Elijah Raroiwaralo, his + mark, " Witnesses : "(Signed) William Moore. "J NO. F. HORSLEY. " This is to certify that the within writing was faithfully and truly explained to King Thakombau in the presence of the undersigned by the Rev. Wm. Moore, of Levuka, Ovalau, the 23rd day of May, 1868. " (Signed) Jno. F. Horsley. " Saml. W. Brooks." ^^ Marginal Notes. " Be it understood that all privileges, grants, concessions, &c., con- ferred in this Chnrter, with the exception of the banking monopoly, shall be understood only to refer to the land in the schedule annexed, or hereafter to be acquired by the Company. " After the words ' bank-notes,' read ' twenty-one years.' " (Sisned) W. H. O'H. Breweb. " J. L. Evans." " Know all mea by these presents that I, King Thakombau, of the Fiji group of Islands, in consideration of William Harry O'Hallorau Brewer and John Lavington Evans, of Melbourne, in the Colony of Victoria, now on a vit^it to me as delegates and agents, appointed for and on behalf of a certain Company about to be iormed in the said Colony, under the Company's Statute, 1864, hereby undertake for and on behalf of such Company, and immediately after its formation, to make suitable provision for the settlement of a claim for 9,000^. pre- ferred against me the said King for and on behalf of the Government of the United States of America, for losses said to have been sustained by certain American subjects who resided in my kingdom, owing to certain alleged depredations and acts of incendiarism committed and 264 FIJI. caused by native subjects, and which said claim the said Government of the United States of America are now threatening to enforce, do by these presents for ever grant, cede, transfer, and set over under the said William Harry O'Halloran Brewer and John Lavington Evans, and also Andrew Lyell and Frederick Cook, of Melbourne aforesaid, gentle- men, hereinafter called trustees, for and on behalf of the said intended Company, the several islands, jjarts of islands, and other territory in Fiji forming part of my kingdom, which are respectively mentioned and set forth in the schedule hereunder written, together with the soil or bed of all seas, rivers, and waters adjacent to, or abutting on the scheduled territory, or any part or parts thereof, and all harbours, seas, rivers, creeks, and inlets thereunto belonging or appertaining, or which the said trustees, or the said intended Company, may now or hereafter think necessary for the settlement or enjoyment of the said scheduled territory, or any part or jjarts thereof, and also all mines or minerals in or upon the same ; and in consideration of the Comjiany paying to me annually the sum of 1,000 dollars, I, on the part of mj'self and my successors for ever, grant to the said Company exemption from all taxation or imposts on the importation into or exportation from any of the lands, harbours, rivers, &-c., that now or hereafter shall form part of the said scheduled territory. "And I also grant to the said Comjmny sole and exclusive right for the term of twenty-one years to establish in anj' part or parts of my kingdom banking institutions, and the sole and exclusive right to issue and circulate throughout all or any part of my kingdom bank- notes. " And I, the said King, do hereby pledge myself and my successors not hereafter to sell, alienate, or cede any person or persons whomso- ever any part or parts of my territory within the following islands, viz., Viti Levu, Kovo, Kautaver, Ono Ongau, Laevai, Ambitiki, Vatu Sile, Motoviki, and Inbenga, without previously offering the same to the said Cornjiany, and giving such Company the oi>tion and preferential ])rivilege of acquiring tlie same. " And I, the said King, pledge myself to protect the inhabitants and settlers of the lauds of the Comjiany from native or other violence, molestation, interference, attacks, jjillage, and robberies, both from within and without. " In witness whereof, I, the said King, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this day of , in the year of our Lord 18G8." HISTORICAL NOTICE. 265 " Acting-Consul 'J'hurston to the King of Bau. ''British Conmlate, Fiji, 2T,th May, 1808. "'Sir, — "Whereas Mr. J. Lavingtoa Evans and Mr. W. H, O'H. Brewer, of Melbourne, Victoria-, agents and delegates to you from a certain Company about to be formed for the liquidation of your debts to the United States Government, having presented to me for perusal a certain Charter, dated 23rd May instant, granted and delivered by you to tbem in their representative capacity : " And whereas the said Charter doth grant and confirm unto the said Company rights and privileges of the gravest importance to yourself, your native subjects, and to European settlers generally residing within your dominions : " And whereas the said Charter, with its contained rights, privileges, monopolies, &c., was signed and delivered hastily, without the careful deliberation such an important matter demanded : "And whereas 200,000 acres of land upon Viti Levn, having a frontage extending from Suva to the Lavua river, including both banks of the latter, and extending inland to the Waidini River, hath been granted and cpnfirmed by you unto the said Company for ever : " And whereas the said included country in its entirety doth not now, or hath in times past been, subject to your authority and control, but is in most part the territory of independent tribes now in arms to prevent your invasion of the country : " And whereas the grant of this land is illegal by your Fijian laws and those of England, and would be certain to occasion serious complications between the agents of the said Company and the resident landowners : " And whereas the effect of the rights and power conferred by you upon the said Company for ever is to invest it with absolute and de- spotic control in your kingdom, enjoying the power and authority of your position, and leaving to you its responsibilities, with power to lock up your lands, absorb revenue, and enjoy interminably a perfect monopoly in all things relative to trade, commerce, and government, to the prejudice and ruin of every trader and settler residing in your dominions, and not being a shareholder in this said Company : " Now therefore I, John B. Thurston, Esq., Her Britannic Majesty's Acting Consul for Fiji and Tonga, in consideration of the premises, and by virtue of the authority in me vested for the protection and encouragement of British trade and commerce in Fiji and Tonga, hereby protest, and by these presents protest, against the said Charter, its grants, rights, privileges, and monopolies, premises, and habendum, and 266 FIJI. against all and every act or acts, matters, or things done, or about to be done, relating to the said Charter, pending the arrival in Fiji of Commodore Eowley Lambert, senior officer commanding Her Britannic Majesty's Australian squadron, who is expected about the end of June proximo. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my signature and official seal the day and date first before mentioned. " (Signed) John B. Thurston." " To Ehenezer Thakomhau, King of Buu, " cfec. fl ^ s s a '^ ' g " S >^ t> „ is ^ aj ^ ' o c _^ ^ o a c5 J 274 FIJI. Now Thakombau hoped to reap some of those doubtful benefits foreshadowed iu this agreement, and to obtain a peace and quiet., to which he had so long been a tranger. But happiness, the dusky monarch's end, was not found even here. From the outset he was sadly put about to find the land which was not liis to give, and disputes, claims, quarrels, and counter-claims soon arose, which did not fail to cause him sad disquiet. Old purchasers were ousted from estates previously conveyed to them, the whites not excepted, and club-law and disturbances soon prevailed to such an extent, as to make the Chief regret very bitterly his hasty bargaiii with the gentlemen from Melbourne. It is to be hoped that this ' Polynesian Company ' may not hereafter also prove a source of embarrassment to our own Government. There can be no doubt that had it not been for its existence in 186D, the American Commission, presided over by Captain Truxton, would have experienced less difficulty iu arbitrating on the matters brought before it, to the satisfaction of all parties, and finally putting the question at rest. Be this as it may, an adjudication has been arrived at, and however much we may deplore the manner of the inquiry and the lameness of its result, it is felt that any attempt now made to re-open the question would be fraught with difficulty, and would be both impolitic and injudicious. In 1854 Thakombau, smarting from constant reverses and defeat in war, at length yielded to the pious exhorta- tions of the missionaries and an earnest letter from King George of Tonga, and determined on renouncing the flesh* * T]iis was' literally the case, for up to tliat time lie had beeu a cannibal. HISTORICAL NOTICE. 275 and the devil. We are told the precise date of this solemn event was the 30th of A})ril, and that it was heralded by the beating of the death-drum, which but a few days previously had summoned the same people to a cannibal feast. The truth of the Italian proverb, Passato il jpericolo gabhato il santo (When the danger is past the saint is mocked), proved by the experience of ages, once more received a confirmation at the hands of Tui Viti, who, relieved temporaiily from his difficulties, again returned to his heathen ways. This relapse of Paganism did not long endure. As, fifteen hundred and sixty-one years since, a Csesar was convinced of the manifold benefits of Christianity, so now has this dusky potentate of Fiji become persuaded of the necessity and authority of a religion, which, founded on the sublime theory of the Gospel, diffuses among the people a pure, benevolent, and universal system of ethics, adapted to every duty and every condition of life. A fitting sequel to this reward of missionary labour took place three years later in the baptism of Thakombau and his chief queen, to whom he was then also joined in holy matrimony. She is described as being a stout, quiet woman, about five feet two inches in height. " I have only seen her once dressed, and that at the time of our first official interview about the cession. She then wore a neat bonnet, latest Parisian fashion, a coloured silk dress, and a black mantilla, trimmed with lace. I need scarcely add that the use of crinoline -was not unknown even in this remote quarter of the globe. The Queen, at the interview alluded to, was ratlier bashful, owing to a wish ex- pressed by the Consul that she should sit at her husband's side, instead of, as the rules of the country demanded, behind him. However, she comported herself very well indeed, but I daresay was very glad to get her clothes off as soon as the official interview was over." * * Vide ' Mission to Viti,' B. Seemann, T 2 276 FIJI. Here is a description by Captain Erskine of Thakombau himself : — "It was impossible not to admire the appearance of the Chief: of large, almost gioantic size, his limbs were beautifully formed and proportioned; his countenance, with far less of the negro cast 'than among the lower orders, agreeable and intelligent, while his immense head of hair, covered and concealed with gauze, smoke-dried and slightly tinged with brown, gave him altogether the appearance of an eastern sultan. No garment confined his magnificent chest and neck, or concealed the natural colour of the skin, a clear but decided black ; and in spite of his paucity of attire, the evident wealth that surrounded him showing that it was a matter of choice and not necessity, he looked every inch a king." Though perhaps in some respects slightly overdrawn, this is, in the main, a fairly good representation of His Fijian Majesty. In reality, there is nothing gigantic in his proportions ; at the outside he does not measure more than six feet in height, and neither does he appear to be physically developed in any unusual degree. That he is, however, a powerfully-built man one cannot fail to notice, and especially when he is divested of the uniform which he now always dons on holidays and state occasions. His bearing is dignified ; and no one being better aware of his good looks than himself, he feels much piqued that his portraits which are published are not flattering, nor do him justice. To this brief retrospect little else remains to be added. The idols and the temples overthrown, superstition and priestcraft nearly effaced, a period of savage licence and darkness is about to be succeeded by one of en- lightenment and civilisation. The wheel of fortune has accom})lislie(l a revolution, and the last relics of barbarism and strife will soon lie buried in a common irrave. APPENDIX. ( 279 ) APPENDIX. Tonga Islands.* The kingdom of Tonga is situated about 250 miles to the windward of Fiji, and is composed of some sixty islands, forming the three groups of Tonga, Haabai, and Vavau, running in a direction south-east and north-west, and distant from one another about one day's sail ; the number of inhabi- tants is 16,000, and the area of the three groups about 650 square miles. The trade is confined to Sydney and Samoa, the same vessels are employed as last yea;r, and their aggregate tonnage amounts to: — British, 2,200; foreign (German), 166. The exports of Tonga consist almost entirely of cocoa-nut oil, of which the following is the return for the past year ;• — Estimated Exports of the Friendly Islands, 1866. Exported by the Tongaii Government „ by the Wesleyan Misrion . „ by Private Traders . Total Tons Tons. 308 90 3()tJ 704 Galls. 144 lit At 2 U. per ton, equal . . . . £14,790 Provisions, Cofiee, Cotton, &c. . . 1,230 Total value of Exports . . £16,020 The manufacture of the oil is carried on in the rudest manner the nut is scraped and placed, mixed with a little sea water, in hollow logs, to putrefy. The oil disengages * Extract from Consulai-'Eeport for the year 1S06. 280 FIJI. itself, and is collected at the bottom of the troiigli. In the year 1850 an enterprising Ceylon house set up a steam oil mill in the Haahai gronp, bnt through the fault of the agent, a7Kl the irregular system adopted, it failed to answer the expectations formed, and caused its projectors to lose 15.000/. King George of Tf)nga has endeavoured, both by precept and example, to induce his people to pay attention to the cultivating of coffee, which is found to floiirish luxuriantly throughout the Friendly Islands. A Tongan law compels every householder to possess twenty coffee-trees, and some good has been effected by this regulation, as thirty tons of coffee were gathered during the past j^ear ; much of this, however, lost its value from the careless manner in which it was yticked and dried. An order was also given by the King, forcing each adult to plant 200 ctti m -trees ; but such is the indolence and indifference of the people, that the greater part of the crop was suffered to run to waste on the plant; and it required a second order on the part of the King, to indiicethe natives to gather it, which was done in so slovenly a manner tliat it remains unsaleable to the present time. The King, in endeavouring to force his people along the path of progress, receivfs little assistance from those in authority under him. Every innovation is regarded with dis- like or indifference. The history of Tongan progress hitherto has been the life of the King : whatcA^er has been done for the advancement of the country has been done by him, unaided, except by the advice of the resident W esleyan missicmaries. He is now an old man, upwards of seventy years of age, but he still possesses more sagacity, energy, and liberality than any man in his dominion. Three years ago a law was passed by the Tongan Govern- ment, that the poll-tax of IGs. paid hitherto in cash should, for the future, be paid in oil at the current price of one shilling per gallon ; by this step, the 'J'ongan Government in- creased their rt venue thirty per cent., but the resident traders were left without any occupation while this measure was in force. 1"he people also found it opja-eseive, as much time APPENDIX. 281 and oil were wasted in cariyin*; the latter to the district collector, waiting until these chose to measure the oil and give a receipt to the bearers. Many of the districts did not contain sufficient cocoa-nuts for the oil required, and the in- habitants were forced to go elsewhere to seek the means of paying their taxes, These circumstances induced King George to repeal the oil-tax and levy it in money as forinerly, the traders agreeing to purchase the oil from the natives, at the rate of five shillings for four gallons. They likewise under- take the risk and expense of collecting it from the villagers, and this, together with the cost of casks, 41. the tun of five, materially lessens their profits ; the present price of oil delivered on the beach is 211. per tun. Tonga was formerly governed by a m\mber of chiefs, who owned the land and the people on it. One of the first acts of King George on consolidating his authority was to emanci- pate the people, and make all lands the property of the state. A poll-tax of four dollars is levied on all males over sixteen years. From this revenue the dispossessed chiefs receive an annual stipend in addition to a small quit-rent from their former vassals. Each Tongan family can obtain at a nominal rent as much land as they choose to cultivate, estimated at twenty- five acres. The present quantity of food produced in Tonga is however much less than before the emancipation, and this may be accounted for — in addition to the love of indolence, common to all emancipated slaves — by the incon- venient and irregular manner in which the lands have been apportioned, the people are forced to remain in their old tribal villages, while their farms are man}' miles distant. These are neglected altogether, or only attended to once a week, the proprietor contenting himself with raising a bare sufficiency for himself and family, trusting that his neigh- bours will share with him their superabundance. Very fair roads have been made throughout the Islands, as they are all, with the exception of Vavau, perfectly level, and free from stone, the only labour required is clearing away the forest and brushwood ; but as yet no wheeled vehicles are in use, 282 FIJI. except by the Avhite traders. The toil of carrying such bulky articles as yams, or taro, under a tropical sun for several miles, is sufficiently severe to exhaust the energies of even a stronger frame than the Polynesian. Until the Friendly Islands can be brought into more immediate contact with civilisation they must continue in their present unprogressive state. The territory being small, land is not allowed to be sold to foreigners, a prudent regu- lation, although it has given great offence to the whites ; the King was willing to lease land at nominal rents, and some Europeans succeeded in securing farms on easy terms. Unfortunately for the' interest of the others. King George found himself so wearied with the constant and unreasonable demands of those to whom he had leased these lands, that he he is now disincHned to extend the privilege to others. The fertility of Tonga is such that a very small portion of land suffices for the support of each household ; large tracts lie neglected and abandonded, which, under the present regulations, must continue unoccupied. Kative labour is obtained with difficulty, even at the high rate of 2s. per diem. Here, as in Fiji, it will be necessary to import labour, which, at the present time, is not encouraged by the Tongan Govern- ment. The complete security of life and property in Tonga, the good police regulations, and the existence of fair roads in the Islands, would attract from the Australian colonies many men (of a class superior to the usual run of island settlers) who would hesitate to trust their families or property in the comparatively lawless district of Fiji, and whenever the Tongan Government proves liberal in granting leases to foreigners, and encouraging the importation of labour either from China or the Western Islands, there is reason to hojie that tlie influx of capital and po})ulation, will rouse again tlio dormant energies of the Tongueso, and force tliem to con- tinue the work of progress, whicli they entered on thirty years ago. Port Levulca, Fiji, December 2(jtJi, 1866. APPENDIX. 283 QUEENSLAND. An Act to Eegulate and Control the iNTRonucTioN AND Treatment of Polynesian Labourers. Assented to 4th Marcli, 1868. Whereas many persons have deemed it desirable and Preamble, necessary, in order to enable tbem to carry on their operations in tropical and semi-tropical agriculture, to introduce to the colony Polynesian labourers : And whereas it is necessary for the prevention of abuses and for securing to the labourers proper treatment and protection, as well as for securing to the employer the due fulfilment by the immigrant of his agreement, that an Act should be passed for the control of such immi- gration : Be it therefore enacted by the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly of Queensland in Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows : — 1. It shall not be lawful for any person or persons to Not lawful to in- introduce any Polynesian labourers into the Colony of ne°staifii!i»niers Queensland unless and except in accordance with the except according regulations contained in this Act and the forms there- unto attached. 2. Within four months from the passing of this Act Present em- all persons who have in their employment any Poly- ret'tuns witTihi^ nesian labourers shall make a return to the Immigration m^sinKof'AJr™ Agent, or other authorized agent, of all such labourers in their employment, setting forth the number and names of such labourers, the nature and duration of their agreements, together with all such particulars as may be required. 3. Any person employing any Polynesian labourers Penalty for who shall fail to make a return as required by the Jelurns!" °'''''*"^ foregoing clause shall, on conviction of the same before any two justices of the peace, be subject to a penalty not exceeding fifty pounds. 284 FIJI. I n>;ppctnrs to he :ip{)ointetl. Kijrm of appli- catuin. Act to apply to 4. The provisioiis of this Act shall so far as practi- hibourers at time able be applied to all Polynesian labourers introduced passing. ^^^^ ^1^^^ Colony before the passing of this Act and to their emi^loyers. 5. The Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, shall appoint from time to time such person or persons as shall be found requisite for the proper inspection of the said Polynesian labourers, and in- forcing the piTtvisions of this Act. 0. All persons desirous of importing labourers from the South Sea Islands shall make application to the Colonial Secretary at Brisbane, in the Form A appended hereto, stating the number required, and how they are to be employed, such application to be accompanied by a bond in Form K, signed by applicant and two sureties, to secure the return of the labourers to their native islands at the expiration of three years or thirty-nine moons from date of arrival. A licence in Form C, may then be issued authorizing the applicant to import the number required. 7. The owner or charterer of any vessel so licensed shall provide for the use of the passengers a supply of medicines, medical comforts, instruments, and other things proper and necessary for diseases and accidents incident to sea voyage, and for the medical treatment of the passengers during the voj^ago, including an adequate supply of disinfecting fluid or agent, together with printed or written directions for the use of the same respectively ; and such medicines, medical comforts, instruments, and other things, shall, in the judgment of the emigration officer at the port of clearance, be good in quality and sufficient in quantity for the ^srobable exigencies of the intended voyage, and shall be properly packed and placed under the charge of the medical practitioner, when there is one on board, to be used at his discretion. In case of non-compliance with any of the requirements of this section the master of the ship shall \'^ss(l to be X">roperly fouinl. rpnalty APPENDIX. 285 for each offence be liable to a penalty not exceeding fifty jDoxxnds, nor less than five pounds sterling. 8. The master of any vessel arriving with Polynesian M.aster of vessel labourers shall be bound to report on arrival at any of &c. the ports of Queensland the number of such labourers and the names of the employers to whom they have been or are to be indented, and shall not be loermitted to land any of the immigrants until he has received the certificate (Form L) of the Immigration Agent, or other officer of the Government emjiowered to grant same, that the following regulations have been complied with : — (1.) The production by the master of the vessel of Master of veesei a certificate in Form I, or certificates signed tmclte "'^° '*'^" by a consul, missionary, or other known person, that the labourers have voluntarily engaged themselves and entered into their agreements with a full knowledge and understanding of the nature and conditions of same, and that when they were embarked they were not known to be afflicted with any disease, and were neither maimed, halt, blind, deaf, dumb, idiotic, or insane. (2.) The production by the employers or parties Employers to to whom the labourers are, or are intended cite orimmj-*^' to be, indented of the certificate in Form C s^^""" ^s^nt. authorizing them to recruit. (3.) That proper means have been taken since the immigrants to arrival of the ship by the Immigration Agent or "atlTe of"fh«r other officer by explanations, questions, and '^sreements. inquiries amongst the labourers themselves to ascertain whether they have a proper under- standing of the conditions of the agreements, and did voluntarily enter into same : That the agreements have been signed in the form pre- scribed, and the employers bound to observe the rules laid down for the treatment and manage- ment of the labourers. 9. All agreements (Form D) shall be completed on Agreements to be 286 FIJI. completed on board ship where ]ir;icticable. I mini grants to be ri^gistered on arrival. Scale of rations. Register to be kept by em- ployer. Transfers how made. Df'ath.s or do- eertioTu to be board the ship if possible, and the immigrants taken from same by their employers ; and should there arise a necessity for taking any of the labourers to the Immigration Depot, their maintenance there shall in all cases be borne by the employer. 10. The arrival of the immigrants shall be registered in the Immigration Office, Brisbane, or at the Custom House in any other port, and in the latter case a copy of the register shall be forwarded by the Customs officer to the Immigration Office by following mail. 1 1 . The scale of rations and wages shown in Form G, and printed on the form of agreement, shall in no case be deviated from. 12. A register of hired Polynesian labourers shall be kept by each employer in Form E, which shall be oj^en for the inspection of any magistrate or other person apj)ointed by Government for the purjjose, who shall record his visit therein. No entry except the state of muster at the expiration of each quarter sliall be made in the register of the employer unless from a document of hiring, transfer, death, or desertion, counter- signed by the Immigration Agent or other authorized officer. 13. No transfer of an immigrant shall be made except with the full consent of the transferror, the immigrant, and the Government in Form F, and no immigrant shall be allowed to leave his emploj'ment under transfer until the same has been recorded in the books of the Immigration Office or other appointed office. All transfers shall be signed by the transferror and immigrant in presence of a magistrate, who shall before such signing explain to the immigrant the full meaning and effect of such transfer : l^rovided that every transforree shall enter into a bond similar to that of the transferror prior to any transfer being consented to. 14. All deaths or desertions shall bo immediately reported to the nearest bench of magistrates and to the APPENDIX. 287 Immigration Agent by the employer, and in case of rpportod im- death a medical certificate of the canse thereof shall be ™'^' '" '^ ^' forwarded if possible. 15. All masters of vessels about to proceed to the Masters of vessels South Sea Islands in order to obtain labourers there- p,iu"r to procee'd- from shall enter into a bond, in Form B, with two f,i^°^''^^^^'''- sufficient sureties for the prevention of kidnapping, and for the due observance of these regulations, so far as they are concerned. 16. No ship shall carry a greater number of jiassen- Number of pas- gers than in the proportion of one statute adult to (Fi:3e imperial every twelve clear superficial feet allotted to their use : vict.aslt!)^' Provided that the height between decks shall not be less than six feet six inches from deck to deck ; when the height of the 'tween decks exceeds six feet six inches an extra number of passengers may be taken, at the rate of one for every one hundred and forty- four cubic feet of space. Each ship must be fitted with open berths or sleeping places in not more than two tiers ; the lowest tier shall be raised six inches from the deck, and the interval between the two tiers of berths shall not be less than two feet six inches. All passengers shall be berthed between decks or in deck-houses. 17. But no ship, whatever her tonnage or superficial Proportion of pas- r. J 1 1 1 1 1 sengeis to deck space of passenger decks, shall carry a greater number area. of passengers on the whole than in the proportion of one statute adult to every five superficial feet clear for exercise on the upper deck or poop, or if secured and fitted on the top with a railing or guard to the satisfaction of the emigration officer at the port of clearance on any roundhouse or deckhouse. 18. The length of the voyage to or from the South Length of voyage. Sea Islands shall be computed at thirty days for sailing vessels and fifteen days for steamers. 19. Three quarts of water daily during the voyage Water on the shall be allowed to each adult exclusive of the quantity ^"^^s^- used for cooking purposes. 20. r revisions shall be issued to each statute adult voyit°°' °" "" 288 FIJI. during the voyage according to the following scale, namely : — Daily Provisions fok Statute Adult. lbs. oz. Yams 4 Or rice li Or maize meal IJ Bleat (pork or beef) 10 Tea 0^ Sugar 2 Tobacco (during good behaviour), per week, 1| The undermentioned clothing shall be sujiplied to each labourer, immediately on embarkation, in advance : — 1 Flannel Shirt, 1 Pair Trousers, 1 Blanket. Nominal return 21. Nominal rctnrns of labourers shall be made by expiration of each employers of South Sea Island labour to the Immigra- quarter. ^^^^ Agent at the expiration of each quarter in Form H. Returns to ije 22. At the end of each quarter the police magistrates CoionLf s-c're- or bench of magistrates in each district where South Sea tary eacii quarter, jgijjnd labourers are employed shall forward to the Colonial Secretary a return of all cases adjudicated upon in relation to Polynesian labourers emplo^'ed tinder these regulations, such returns to include the names of employers and labourers, and the nature of the offences. Penalty for bar- 23. All persons harbouring or employing Polynesian laboums"'"^''^ labourers otherwise than under these regulations, with out reporting the same to the nearest bench of magis- trates and to the Immigration Agent in Brisbane, shall be liable on conviction thereof to a penalty not exceed- ing twenty pounds. Breaches of regu- 24. All breaches of these regulations shall be punish- abicby'tuie." ' ^blo by fine, to be recovered in a summary manner before two justices of the peace ; for the first offence a fine not exceeding ten pounds, for second and subsequent offences not exceeding twenty pounds, nor less than five P'junds. APPENDIX. 289 25. All engagements made or to be made with Poly- EngaKomcnts nesian labourers already in the colony, or to arrive, noI'u. ""^ are hereby expressly declared to be siil)ject to the pro- visions of the Act twenty-five Victoria, number eleven. 26. A tax of twenty pounds per head for every Poly- Tax on vessels in IT • , i ^ , , ,1 . . ■'^ default of com- nesian labourer introduced contrary to the provisions of pUance. this Act shall be levied on all vessels in which such labourers may be brought to this colony, and in default of payment of such tax such vessel shall be absolutely forfeited to Her Majesty. 27. All expenses incurred by the Government in Kxpenses in- affording hospital relief to sick Polynesian labourers, emmentcharge- or by their detention in immigration depots, shall be Vicens^mcixti-s!'^ chargeable to the employers of such men, and may be recovered from them by summary process on the infor- mation of Immigration Agent or other authorized officer. 28. Any person who shall without the consent of the Labourers not u, labourer and the written permission of the Government of the colony , . , . Ill J. n without permis- remove or attempt to remove any such labourer out of sion or consent. the Colony of Queensland, except for the purpose of his return to his home, shall be liable to a penalty of twenty pounds for every such labourer so removed or attempted to be removed, and it shall be lawful for the Government in any case to prevent the removal of any such labourer except for the purpose of his return to his home as aforesaid. 29. Any person supplying Polynesian labourers with Polynesian ••j-inT_ '111 X j.*j.n /.labourers not to spirits sliali be punisliable as at present m tiie case oi be supplied witu aboriginals under fifty- first section of " Licensed Piih- iiJ!"urs°"* Means Act" twenty-seven Victoria, number sixteen. 30. It shall not be lawful for any employer of Poly- store account* nesian labourers to charge such labourers with the ducted from payment of any moneys on account of stores supplied, ^'^^e*- or to deduct any sum in respect thereof from any wages due to them. 31. This Act shall be styled and may be cited as the short title, ' Polynesian Labourers Act 0/1868.' U 290 FIJI. FOEM A. Application for permission to introduce Soutli Sea Island agricultural or pastoral Labourers. I, , request to be allowed, in accordance with the Act now in force, to procure from the South Sea Islands immigrants for agricultural or pastoral piu-poses to be employed in the district. A. B. Ai^plicant's signature. The above requisition lodged with me this day of 18 . G. H. Immigration Agent, Queensland. FORM B. Bo7id to be entered into by Shipmasters. Know all men by these presents, that of of , and of are held and firmly bound unto our sovereign Lady Victoria, by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, in the sum of five hundred pounds of good and lawful money of Great Britain, to be paid to our said Lady the Queen, her heirs and successors ; to which payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves and every of us jointly and severally for and in the whole our heirs, executors, and administrators, and every of them firmly by these jjresents. Sealed with our seals Dated this day of one thousand eight hundred and Whereas by the Pohjnesian Labourers Act of 1S68 it is amongst other things enacted that all masters of vessels i^roceeding to the South Sea Islands in order to obtain labourers therefrom sliull enter into a bond with two sufficient sureties for the prevention of kidnapping, and due observance of tlie requirements of tlie said recited Act : Now the condition of this obligation is such that if the above-bounden J. K., muster of sliip , about to proceed to the South Sea Islands to procure labourers, shall faithfully observe the require- ments of the said recited Act, and shall satisfy tlie Government of Queensland, through its officer duly appointed for the purpose, that APPENDIX. 291 no kidnapping was allowed countenanced or connived at, then this obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue. Signed, sealed, and delivered by the above-bounden [l. s.] and in the presence of hereby certify that the above bond was duly signed, sealed, and delivered by the said , and in my pi-esence, this day of 18 Immigration Agent. FOEM C. Licence to recruit Labourers from the South Sea Islands. This is to certify that [or his agent] is hereby licensed to recruit immigrant labourers fi'om the South Sea Islands for Queensland, in conformity with the Act passed regarding sucli recruiting. This licence is to remain in force only until the number mentioned above have been recruited. Dated this day of 18 . Colonial Secretary of Queensland. Immigration Agent, Queensland. N.B. — This licence is to be returned to the Immigi-ation Agent when the labourers have been received. FORM D. 18 . Memorandum of Agreement made this day between of of the fii'st part, and native of , per shij) ,of the second part. The conditions arc that the said party of the second part engages to serve to the said party of the first part as a , and otherwise to make generally useful for the term of calendar months, and also to obey all or overseer's or authorized agent's lawful and reasonable commands during that period, in consideration of which services the said party of the first part doth hereby agree to pay the said party of the second part wages at the rate of not less than six pounds (61.) per annum, to provide with me understated rations daily, to provide suitable clothing and proper lodging accommodation, and to defray the expenses of conveyance to the place at which to be employed, to pay wages in the coin of the realm at the end of each year of the agreement, and iirovide them u 2 292 FIJI. with a retixrn passage to their native island at the expiration of three years. No wages shall be deducted for medical attendance. Daily Ration. lbs. ozp. Beef or mutton (or 2"lbs. of fish) 1 Bread or flour ..... 1 Molasses (or sugar) .... 5 Vegetables (or rice 4 oz., or maize meal 8 oz.) . 2 Tobacco (per week) .... 1^ Salt (per week) ..... . 2 Soap (per week) 4 Clothing. Yearly. Shirts (one of flannel or serge) . . 2 Trousers (pairs) ..... . 2 Hat . 1 Blankets ...... . 1 pair. In witness whereof they have mutually affixed their signatures to this document. Witness : The above contract was explained in my presence to the said immigrants, and signed before me by them with their names or marks, and by or his authorized agent at , this day of 186 . G. H. Immigration Agent or Custom House Officer. Registered at the office, Brisbane, Queensland, this day of 18 . G. H. Immigration Agent. APPENDIX. 293 Remahks. Date of Deaths, Trans- fers, Desertions, Spe- cial Reports, visits of Inspector or Magis- trate, punishments inflicted by J\Iagis- trates, &c. •papua ja}iBn5 joj Bun^aa d" ■papua ja?ji!nf) joj ain^ajj d" •papua ja^Tjn^ JOJ nan^ajj d- o •papua jaiJBn^ JOJ Tuti^a^ d- 1 1 •papua ja:(JBn5 joj tutna^j d" 1 1 •papua jaiJBn^ JOJ ujniay^ d" •papua ja'jJBnf) JOJ ujtuaa; d" to •papua jajJBtif) JOJ uja:jaa d" •papna ja^jBn^ JOJ ujn^ay; d" •papua ja?j«n5 JOJ uan^aa: d" j 1 •papua ja?jBn5 JOJ ujn^aa d" IN •8981 '■xvm TS pspaa jajjim^ JOJ ujn^aii 1 3" __._ No. . Trans- ferred. Less Deaths Trans- ferred. o •gpuB^sj Bag qinog 0} ujnjaj JOJ enp uaqM. a;uQ •IBAUjy JO ajBQ •tnojj - --^--- - •auiBX •jaqomx 294 FIJI. FORM F. We [_name and designation of employer and names and numbers of immigrants engaged], being respectively the njaster and servants under a contract of service made before the Grovernment Emigration Agent at , on the day , do hereby agree that the whole rights and obligations of the said first party under the said contract shall be, and the same are hereby transferred, as at the date hereof, to [_name and designation^, who hereby agrees to accept the said transfer and the contract hereby transferred, with all its rights and obligations. X I 1 . 't.' I Signatures or marhs of all ths ■ j' I parties. The above transfer, signed by all the parties thereto, its nature and effect having been first fully explained to the immigrants above-named, all in my presence. The said transfer also approved and concurred in by me as on behalf of the Government. At this day of 18 G. H. Immigration Agent [or Justice of the Peace]. Eeglstered this , day of 18 G.H. Immigration Agent. FORM G. Scale of Rations. Daily. lbs. oz. Beef or mutton (or 2 lbs. of fish) 10 Bread or Hour 10 Molasses or sugar 5 Vegetables (or rice 4 oz., or maize meal 8 oz.). ..20 Tobacco (per week) I§ Salt (per week) 2 Soap (per week) 4 Wages — Not less than six pounds (GZ.) per annum, in the coin of the realm. APPENDIX. 295 FORM H. Quarterly Return. Return of South Sea Islanders employed on the Plantation of the district of ; Name of Plantation Town , for quarter ending , tn, ; Post No. Name. From. State of Muster on 31st March, 1868. Transfers. Desertions. ■ Deaths. Remarks. 1 RrCA PITULATION. Number at date of last return Nmnber transferred to plantation during above quarter Deduct : — Number died during above quarter Number transferred from plantation during above quarter Number remaining on Registered at Immigration Office, Brisbane, on Proprietor of and acknowledged Immigration Agent. FORM I. Whereas , duly licensed by the Government of Queensland to recruit South Sea Island labourers according to licence exhibited to us, and natives of , appeared before us this day of 18 : The said agent has hired the said natives to serve various employers in Queensland as labourers for a term of three years, and undertakes that they shall be furnished with the tmdermentioned rations and clothing, that they shall be paid at the rate of not less than sis pounds (GZ.) per head per annum in coin of the realm, that they shall be provided with proper lodging accommodation, and that the cost of their passage to and from Queensland, and all other co.sts and charges, shall be defrayed by their employers, and that they shall be returned free of expense to this place at the expiration of three years, and that the Government of Queens- land shall exercise supervision over theii' employers and otherwise protect them during their term of service, and during their passage to and from Queensland. Now we certify that this document has been read, and its full meaning and effect explained to tlje said before-mentioned natives, in the presence 296 FIJI. of the said agent and of ourselves, and tliat the said natives have consented to accompany said agent to Queensland. And we further certify that to the best of our belief none of the said natives are suffering from any disease, or are maimed, halt, blind, deaf, dumb, idiotic, or insane. In witness whereof we have hereunto attached our signatures, this day of 18 at Blissionary [or European Kesident, or Chief Interpreter]. Agent. Natives. Clothixg per Annvji. Hat 1 Shirts (one Hannel or serge) 2 Trousers, pairs 2 Blankets, pair 1 PiATIONS PER DjEM. lbs. oz. Bread 10 Beef or mutton (or fish 2 lbs.) 10 Molasses, or sugar 5 Vegetables (or rice 4 ozs., or maize meal 8 ozs.) ..20 Tobacco, per week 01| Salt 02' Soap, per wtek 4 Countersigned by Master of Vessel. To be furnished to Immigration Agent or Custom's officer, with report of arrival. FORM K. Form of Bond to he (jitcn hy Employer, Know all men by these presents, that we. A, B., of C, D., and E. F., of , are held and firmly bound imto our Sovereign Lady Victoria, by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, in the sura of ten ])ounds of good and lawful money of Great Britain for each Polynesian labourer employed by us, to be paid to our said Lady the Queen, her heirs and successors; to which payment well and truly to be made we bind ourselves and every of us, jointly and severally, fur and in tlie APPENDIX. 297 whole, our heirs, executors, and administrators, and every of tbem, firmly by these presents. Sealed -with our seals Dated this day of 18 . Whereas by the Polynesian Labourers Act of 1868 it is amongst other things enacted, that all jjersous desirous of importing labourers from the Soutli Sea Islands siiall enter into a bond, with two sureties, to secure the return of the labourers to their native Islands at tlie expira- tion of the three years or thirty-nine moons from date of arrival, at the rate of ten pounds sterling for each labourer introduced : Now the c»a Nd(iru. Na Vasa. Vusuya. Koro i Mbitlii. Lewa i la. Na ndali. Wai loa. Nousouri. Navuso. Verata i wai levu. Na linga. Kasavu — At the westward bend ot the river. Nakaudi. Koronggangga. Naitasiri. Viti. Tovutovu. Natoa ika. Matai Mati — Shoals commence. List of Towns on the Wai Ndina, or left branch of the "Wai Levu. Nanggali — Tidal influence ceases here. Na vei sama sama. Na tho sui. Na Mljitu vula. Na Mbi Kau. Na Kuluva. Na Vakandua. Vuni Mbua. Na Koro Vulavula. Nondra yavu na ta tkoka. Nau. Na vunga yanga. Wai ni Mbi. Nailili. Ndelavu. Kaiavatu. Na ulu vatu. Nai Vakaruku. Mataimbau. Na Mbulimbulia. Na Seivou (Hot springs). Ndelai Lasakau. Na sinu mata. Tumbu waivaka. Namosi. Viria. Wai Mali. Na Vuthu. Vuni Tavola. Na sama. Na tavea — Tidal influence ceases. List of Towns on the Muna Ndonu. Tausa. Vuna. Na mi Ka. Ndere i valu. Koro Mbaumbau, 300 FIJI. List of Towns on the Wai Mauu. Na ivi Kinda. Nai vui vui. Koroi. Eougli estimation of Distances. Miles. From the mouth of the Rewa Eiver to Navuso . . . 12 „ Navuso to Naitasiii 12 „ Naitasiri to the mouth of the Wai Ndina . . .12 ,. the latter to Na Mbai Vatu 12 „ Na IMbai Vatu to Vakandua 7 Here we obtained our nearest position to IMbuggi Levu, which was about two miles oil'. From Vakandua to Vuni Mbua 4 „ Vuni Mbua to Nondra yavu 4 „ Nondra yavu to Na seivau 12 „ Na seivau to Namasi 12 „ Namasi to Motivaitala 4 Total .... 91 The forest country of both Vanua Levu and Na Viti Levu lies to the southward ; but it is that of the latter island alone which demands notice in the present Eeport. We were credibly informed that forests of Dammaras occur along the banks of the Navua river, which opens on the southern coast about thirty miles from Matai Suva ; so that timber to almost any amount might be felled and i-afted down the river, by native labour, at a trifling cost. Kuro Ndua Ndua, who is the independent sovereign of the whole district from Navua on the coast to Namosi in the interior, is tlie Chief with whom all such matters may be satisfactorily negotiated. Forests of Dammaras and other valuable woods abound between Namuka and Serua, on the southern coast. Although the following list gives a general summary of trees available as timber, it cannot profess to include all. List of Thees used fur tlie IMuiiufacture of Caiioos, and applicable to other pur^joses requiring large Timber. 1 Ndakua ndina (^true) Damniara. b „ leka (short) „ c ,, IMbalavu (long) „ 2 „ salusalu. '\ Small-leaved Taxinetc, bearing ex- 3 Kau tambua. ( cellent timber, particularly the 4 Kau solo. I Ndakua Salusalu. 5 Valval (ni V'eikau) . ^ 6 Valval (ni wai). A leginniiious plant, generally used for boat boards. APPENDIX. 301 7 Visi. 8 Ndanamii ndina. b Ndamanu ndongondongo. c „ thevatheva. d „ Ulu ni Kati Kati. 9 Yasi. 10 Ndawa. b „ vatii. c „ mali. d „ sere. e „ Kuluidamu. / „ sisitbi. g „ Mbuka. h „ Nduru i yanasmu. i „ nda ni Kalavu. Jc „ sawa. I „ yambia. m „ lemba. 11 Ndoi (of Viti Levu). b „ (of Vanua Levu). 12 Uto (bread-fruit). 13 Tavola. 14 Tarawau. b Tarawau Kei na Kaka. 15 Lekutu. 16 Ndavata. 17 Tivi. b „ tavola. 18 Mbau. b „ tandra. c „ Vuti. d „ somi. 19 Vulavula. 20 Masi i ratu. 21 Nduvula. 22 Ndilo. b „ mbalavu. c „ Leka. A durable reddisli-])ro\vii hard wood, probably the green heart of India. (Calophyllum) straight, and much used for the masts of canoes. Not very serviceable. A very good wood. Hard, heavy, and durable. An excellent wood ; the fruit used as food. Fruit hard. Fruit large. Fruit white outside, red in. Fruit red-skinned. Fruit small (like a gasteropod shell). Fruit yellow. ' Fruit small, like the Karawan. Fruit has flavour of arrowroot. Fruit like the lemba. A white wood, large. A red wood. A light close-grained white wood. Fruit edible, timber useful. This fruit, having no false or un- fruitful blossoms, is chosen as the emblem of the truth-speaking man. With strongly-scented flowers. Like the Tavola. A beautiful reddish or brown wood. Timber; very useful. White, soft, and perishable. (Calophyllum), wood durable and susceptible of polish. Valuable in ship-building for knees, &c. 302 FIJI. 22 Ndilo. d „ ndilo, or Ndamami. 23 Malamala. b „ vuti. c ,, ndamn. 24 Malili. 25 Sa. 2G Laumba. 27 Kau ndamu. 28 Ngati. 29 Kavika. 30 Maku. 31 Kau loa. 32 Ndrala. 33 Mokosiii. 34 Sathau. 35 Ea Maia. 36 Laulaungai. 37 Mbausa. 38 Vure. 39 Ndulewa. 40 Kautoa. 41 Mbaka. 42 Kau Karo. 43 Vutu ndina. b „ votho. c „ Kalau. 44 Wathl watlii. 45 Uthu uthu. 46 IMbu me mbeka. 47 Sausaula. 48 Xomosa. 49 Ivi. 50 Ndaago. 51 Ulu bu Kuru, 52 Ndirini. 53 Lindi. 54 Veiwaru. 55 Nggulia. 56 Noko. 57 Ta ndalo. 58 Mukita. 59 Serua. The ' Tamanu ' of Tahiti according to the Kev. D. Hazlewood. Rough. Ked. (Eugenia.) A light, straight, soft grained wood. (Black tree.) (Erythriua Indica.) Straight and tall, but not very good for spars. Bears its fruit octeunially. A heavy and hard wood. A very majestic tree. A large mangrove. Useful for spears, and loaves used for thatching. APPENDIX. 303 60 Wi. 61 Mbua Ndromu. 6 „ toko. 62 Mbuambua. 63 Loaloa. Wood resembling; box. Trees employed in the Manufacture of Clubs. 64 Nokonoko. 65 Velau. 66 Saulaggi ndina. b „ ndamu. 67 Saru Saru. 68 Vunga. 69 Lava rua. 70 To mauu. b „ wiwi. 71 Vatu ni mboro. 72 Masi. 73 Se lavo. 74 Vau. .(Casuariua), a liard and durable wood. Useful woods. Niu. Viu. The leaves are rough, like sand- paper, and applied to the same use. (Hibiscus), the bark is used for cordage. Palms. Cocoa-nut, several species. Species of Areca. With iiabelliform leaves. Zoological List — Drawn up with the Native Names to facilitate further inquiry. Bats. Mbeka ndina, or loa. „ ndamu. „ lulu. Mbekambeka. Manumunu vaka Mbui. Nga Viti, or loa. „ ndamu. Mbelc. Visako. Visaka. Tailless. Tail included in the inter-crural membrane. With a long exserted tail. Birds of the River. Wild duck. Teal. Bittern. Smaller species. The smallest species (light fuwu colour). 304 FIJI. SnaJies. Ngata nJaiim Kuro. Ngata ndaniu. „ mbambawavuti. „ yasi. Mbolo loa. ndamu. Takes its name from the similarity of its colour to that of a Fijian pot. Eeil snake. Reddish, with an ashy or slate- coloured belly. The largest of all. Small, black. Small, dull-red. Fifhes peculiar to the Fresh "Water. Ka loa (black). Ndeke loa. „ ndaniu. Mbau. Voloa, or Tola. Teatia. Ngandro. A'oseu. Vovuti. Ndandarikai. Mbandira. ]\Iugil, Mith the habits of a rock fish. About ten inches long. About the size of Ndeke. Small. Spotted mursena. Large eel. Shark (?) Fishes found in the Fresh Water, but said also to exist in the Sea. Sangka. Ika ndamu. Yawa. Mbati Kasivi. Vetakau. Kanathi. Nggiawa. Reve, or wruwru. Vuvula, or singa. Yawa. Ika Ndroka. Large fish (Scowberidte). Red fish. Called Matamba on tlie coast, and said to be daily taken down with the floods. (Percidaj.) A broad fish. A mullet CO (Percidte.) (Percidse.) (Large.) (In ponds); when large it is called Wailangi. One is .said to have been caught at Navuso five feet long antl three in girth (?). (Percida;.) APPENDIX. 305 List of Macrourous Crustacea. Mothe. Lua. Kanclikandi. Ura ndarau. „ mbala. „ mbati. „ „ tambua. „ ndina. „ Ivi. „ vulu. „ loa. „ ndii. ,, ngauvithotho. „ ngasau. Transparent Palsemnnidaj, believed by tlie natives to be diflerent stages of the same species, but such is not the case. At Vuni Mbua. (Atya). SYSTEMATIC LIST OF ALL THE TLJIAN PLANTS AT PRESENT KNOWN.* Tlie Vitian Islands were until 1840 a virgin soil, and still offer a tempting field for botanical explorations. Absolutely nothing was known of their flora until Messrs. Hinds and Barclay, who accompanied Sir Edward Belcher in H.M.S. ' Sulphur,' collected a few specimens in the neighbourhood of Rewa, Viti Levu, and Bua Bay in Vanua Levu, afterwards described by Mr. Bentham in the ' London Journal of Botany,' vol. ii., and the Botany of H.M.S. ' Sulphur.' About the same time (1840) Viti was visited by the United States Exploring Expedition, Commander Wilkes, and considerable collections, were made by Messrs. Brackenridge, Eich, and Pickering, furnishing the materials for Professor Asa Gray's celebrated ' Botany of the United States Exploring Expedition.' In 1856, H.M.S. ' Herald,' Captain Denham, R.N., explored different parts of the group, and Mr. Milne, his botanical collector, was enabled to add a good number of species to our knowledge. Another visit was paid to the group by that indefatigable * Vide Seemann's ' Mission to Viti.' 306 FIJI. botanist, Professor Harvey, of Trinity College, Dublin, pro- ductive of many new types. In 1860 I collected about 800 species, and made a great many notes of the country explored. Whilst part of the latter, relating to the resources and vege- table productions, were embodied in an official report, ad- dressed to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, and presented to Parliament by command of Her Majesty, a preliminary list of the former was published by me in the ' Bonplandia,' vol. ix. J). 253 (1861). Since then I have had time to examine the plants more closely and correct a few errors crept in. Other botanists have also been led to study the materials collected by me and publish the result. Professor A. Gray has carefully collated my plants with those published by him in the ' Botany of the United States Exploring Expedition ' and the ' Proceedings of the American Academy,' the result of which has been given in the ' Bonplandia,' x. 34 (1862), and also in the ' Proceedings ' of the Academy named. As there are very few original specimens in Europe of the numerous new types described by that eminent savant, these papers are invaluable to the working botanist. Mr. Mitten has examined all my Mosses and Hepaticee (' BonpL' ix. 365, and ' BonpL' x. 19) ; amongst the thirty-five species collected there being twenty new ones. For the determination of tlie Ferns I am indebted to Mr. Smith, at Kew ; for that of the Fungi, to the Eev. M. J. Berkeley ; for that of tlie Palms, to Mr. W'end- land ; the Licliens, to the Eev. Churchill Babington, and the Aroidea3 to Mr. Schott. at Vienna, who has also described the new species (' Bonplandia,' ix. 367, seq.). For my OAvn part, I have begun to describe the new genera and species in the ' Bonplandia,' ix. and x., and given coloured illustrations drawn by the skilful pencil of Mr. Fitch. In the following catalogue will be found embodied the result of all these labours, and also all the species enumerated by previous authors. The numbers which follow the different sjiecies refer to my distributed collections and those remitted to me by Mr. J. Storck, Avho was my able assistant, and is now a permanent resident in Fiji. APPENDIX. 507 Ranunnulacex. Clematis Pickeringii, A. Gray (1). Dilleniacex. Ca2:)ollia biflora, A. Gray ; vulgo ' Kulava' vel ' Kukulava' (2). C. membranifolia, A. Gray. Anonacem. Anona tsquamosa, Liun. Cultivated (3). Richella monosiierma, A. Gray. Uvaria amygdalina, A. Gray. U. odorata, Lam. ; vulgo ' Makosoi ' (5).. Polyaltbia Vitiensis, Seem. (4). Mijristicacex. Myristica castanerefolia, A. Gray ; vulgo ' Male ' (6). M. macropbylla, A. Gray ; vulgo 'Male '(7). M. sp. ; vulgo ' Male ' (866). Cruc'ferie. Cardamine sarmentosa, Forst. (8j. Sinapis nigra, Linn. Cultivated and naturalized (9). Capparidem. Capparis Eichii, A. Gray. Flacomiianeai. Xylosma orbicidatum, Forst. (10). Samydaceas. Casearia disticha, A. Gray (11). C. ? acuminatissima, A. Gray. C. Eicbii, A. Gray. Violaceae. Agatbea violaris, A. Gray, et var (12). Alsodeia ? sp. ; vulgo ' Sesiruka- vono ' (^867). MoUuginese. Mollugo striata, Linn. (230). Portulacex. Portulaca oleracea, Linn. ; vulgo ' Taukuka ni vuaka ' (13). P. quadrifida, Linn. ; vulgo ' Tau- kuku ni vuaka' (l-l). Talinum patens, Willd. (15). Sesuvium Portulaeastrum, Linn. Malvaceae. Sida linifolia, Cav. S. rbombifolia, Linn. (16). S. retusa, Liun. Urena lobata, Linn. (17). U. moriifolia, De Caud. Abelmosclius moscliatus, Mcench ; vulgo ' Wakiwaki ' (19, 869). ' A. canaranus, Miq. ? (20). A. Manibot, Med.; vulgo 'Bele,' vel ' Vauvau ni Viti ' (18). A. esculentus, Wigbt et Arn. Cultivated, according to A. Gray. Hibiscus Eosa-Sinensis, Linn. ; vulgo ' Kauti,' ' Senitoa,' vel ' Seniciobia ' (22). H. Storckii, Seem. ; vulgo ' Seqelu ' (23). H. diversifolius, Jacq. ; vulgo 'Kala- uaisoni,' vel 'Kalakalauaisoni' (21). Paritiumpurpurascens, Seem. ; vulgo ' Vau damudamu ' (24). P. tiliaceum, Juss. ; vulgo ' Vau dina' (25). P. tricuspis, Guill. ; vulgo ' Vau dra.' (26). Tbespesia populnca, Corr. ; vulgo ' Mulomulo ' (7). Gossypiura religiosum, Linn. ; vulgo ' Vauvau ni papalagi' (28). G. Peruvianura, Cav. ; vulgo ' Vau- vau ni iiapalagi' (29). X 2 308 FIJI. G. Barbadense, Linn. ; vulgo ' Vau- vaii ni papalago' (30). G. arboreum, Linn, et var. ; vulgo ' Vauvau ni papalagi' (31, 32). Stercrdiacex. Heritiera littoralis, Dryand. ; vulgo • Kena ivi na alewa Kalou ' (.33). Firmiau* diversifolia, Gray. Buettneriacepe. Commersonia platyphylla, De Cand. (3i). Buttneriacearum gen. nov. aff. Com- mersonife (83). Kleinbovia hospita, Linn.; vulgo ' Mamakara ' (35). Waltberia Americana, Linn. (30)- Melocbia Vitiensis, A. Gray (37). Tiliacex. Triumfetta procumbens, Forst. (38). Gre-wia persicffifolia, A. Gray ( = G. Mallococca, var.?); vulgo ' Siti ' (39). G. prunifolia, A . Gray ; vulgo ' Siti ' (40). G. Mallococca, L. fil. Tricbospermum Ricbii,' Seem. ( = Diclido(;arpu3 Eicbii, A. Gray) ; vulgo 'Maku' (41,870). Ek-cocarpus laurifoliu-s, A. Gray. E. cassinoides, A Gray. E. pyriformis, A. Gray. E. Storckii, Seem. sp. nov. (E. aff. speciosi, Brongn. et Gris.) ; vulgo ' Gaigai ' (874). Ternstroemiacex. Draytonia rubicunda, A. Gray; vulgo ' Kuu alewa' (42, 872). Eurya Vitiensis, A. Gray (43). E acuminata, De Cand. (44). Ternstrojniiacearum gen. nov. (45). Guttifcrx. Di»coBtigma Vitiense, A. Gray. Calysaccion obovale, Miq. (=Gar- cinia Mangostaua, A. Gray in United St. Expl. Exped.); vulgo ' Vetao ' vel ' Uvitai ' (40). Calophyllum Inopbyllum, Linn.; vulgo ' Dilo ' (48, 873). C. Burmauni, Wigbt; vulgo ' Da- manu ' (49). C. (polyantbum. Wall. ? v. lanceo- latum, Bk? = C. spectabile. United St. Expl. Exped.; vulgo 'Damanudilodilo')(47). Garcinia sessilis, Seem. (Clusia sessilis. Foist. 51). G. pedicellata. Seem. (Clusia pedi- cellata, Forst. 50). nttosporex. Pittosporum arborescens, Ricli. P. Eicbii, A. Gray ; vulgo ' Tadiri ' (54). P. Brackenridgei, A. Gray (55). P. tobiroides, A. Gray (56). P. Pickeriugii, A. Gray (5.3). P. rbytidoearpum, A. Gray (52). Aurantiacece. IMicromelum minutum. Seem. (M. glabresccns. Bth. ; Limonia minu- ta, Forst.); vulgo 'Qiqla' teste Williams (57). Citrus vulgaris, Risso (C. torosn, Picker.) ; vulgo ' Moli kurikuri ' (58). C. Aurantium, Risso ; vulgo ' Moli ni Tabaiti.'— Cult. C. decuniana, Linn. ; vulgo ' Moli kana.' Cultivated and natural- ized. C. Limonmn, Risso; vulgo 'Moli kara.' Meliacex. Aglaia cdulis, A. Gray (Milma edulis, Roxb.) ; vulgo ' Danidani loa.' APPENDIX. 309 A. ? basiphylla, A. Gray. Didimochyton Kichii, A. Gray. Xylocarpus Grauutuiu, Ka3n. ; vulgo 'Dabi' (Gl). X. obovatus, A. Juas. (var. praice- dent. ? (G2). Vavsea amicorum, Benlh. (03). Meliaj sp. nov. (64). Sapindacex. Cardiospermum microcarpum, H. B. et K. ; vulgo ' Voniu ' (65). Sapindus Vitiensis, A. Gray (C6). Cupauia falcata, A. Gray (70). C. Vitieusis, Seem, (an var. prseced. ? 68). C. rhoifolia, A. Gray ; vulgo ' Buka ni vuda ' (74, 6'J). C. apetala, Labill. (G7). C. Brackenridgei, A. Gray. C. leptobotrys, A. Gray. Nephelium i)iunatum, Camb. ; vulgo ' Dawa,' et var. plur. (71). Dodonasa triquetra, Andr. ; vulgo ' Wase ' teste Williams (72). Malpirjliiacex. Hiptage Javanica, Bl. ? H. myrtifolia, A. Gray. Ampelidese. Vitis saponaria, Seem. (= Cissus geniculata, A. Gray, non Bl.) ; vulgo ' Wa Koturotu ' (76). V. Vitiensis,Seem. (Cissus Vitieusis, A. Gray). V. acuminata. Seem. (Cissus acumi- nata, A. Gray; (77). Leea sambucina, Linn. (78). Rhamnex. Smvthea pacifica. Seem. Bonpl. t. 9 (79). Ventilago ? Vitieusis, A. Gray (an Smythe£e spec. ?=:cernua, Tul.). Colubrina Asiatica, Brongn. ; vulgo ' Vuso levu ' (SO). C. Vitiensis, Seem. sp. nov. (85). Alphitonia zizyplioides, A. (iray (=A. franguloides, A. Gray); vulgo ' Doi ' (81). Gouania Ricliii, A. Gray (82). G. denticulata, A. (liray. Rbamnea dubia (84). Chailletiaceas. Cbailletia Vitiensis, Seem, sp nov. (876). Gelastrinese. Catba Vitiensis, A. Gray (86). Celastrus Eicbii, A. Gray. Aquifoliaceai. Ilex Vitiensis, A. Gray (87). Olacinese. Ximenia elliptica, Forst. ; vulgo ' Somisomi,' ' Tumitomi,' vel ' Tomitomi ' (88). Stemonurus ? ep. ; vulgo ' Duvu ' (877). Olacinea ? (878). Oxalidex. Oxalis corniculata, Linn. ; vulgo ' Totowiwi ' (89). Rutaceie. Evodia hortensis, Forst. ; vulgo ' Uci,' vel ' Salusala ' (91). E. longifolia, A. Rich (92). E. drupacea, Labill. ? (90), Aci'onycliia petiolaris, A. Gray. Zanthoxylon variaus, Benth. ( = Acronychia heterophylla, A. Gray, (102, 879). Z. Roxburghianum, Cham, et Schlecht. (103). Z. sp.(n. 104). Simaruhese. Soulamea amara. Lam. Amaroria soulamcoides, A. Gray (880). Brucea? ep. (105). ;io FIJI. Ochnaceie. Brackonridgea nitida, A. Gray (93). Anacardiace.T. Oncocarpus atra, Seem. (O. Vitien- sis, A. Gray ; Rhus atrum, Forst.) ; vulgo ' Kau Karo ' (94, 881). Buchanania florida, Schauer (882). Elms simarubfefolia, A. Gray (95). Rh. Taitensis, Guill. ? (96). Burseracex. CaTiarium Vitiense, A. Gray (97). Evia dulcis, Comm. ; vulgo ' Wi ' (98). . Dracontomelon sylvestre, Blume ; vulgo ' Tarawau ' (99). Dr. sp. ? (100,. Cannaraceai. Rourea heterophylla, Planch. Counarus Pickeringii, A. Gray (101). Leguminosx. I. Papilionacese : — Crotalaria quinquefolia, Linn. Indigofera Anil, Linn. (106). Tcphrosia purpurea, Pers. (T. pisca- toria, Pers. 107), Ormocarpus sennoides, De Cand. Uraria lagopodioides, De Cand. 108). Desmodium lunbellatuni, W. et Aru. (109). D. australe, Btb. (Hcdysaruin, Willd.) D. polycarpum, De Cand. (111). Abrus prccatorius, Linn.; vulgo ' Qiri damu,' ' Lere damu,' vel 'Diri damu' (110). Canavalia obtusifolia, De Cand. (122). C. turgida, Grab. (112). C, sericea, A. Gray. Glycine Tabacina, Btb. (123). IMucuna gigantea, De Cand. (119). JI. platypbylla, A. Gray (200). Erytbrina Indica, Linn. ; vulgo, 'Drala diua,' (125) et var. fl. albis. E. ovalifulia, Roxb. ; vulgo ' Drala kaka ' (124). Strongylodon ruber, Vogel (113). Pbaseolus rostratus, Wall. Pb. Mungo, Linn. ? Pb. Truxillensis, H. B. et K. (116). Vigua lutea, A. Gray (121). Lablab vulgaris, Savi ; vulgo 'Dralawa' (118). Cajanus Indicus, Spr. Introd. (115), Pongamia glabra, Vent. ; vulgo ' Vesivesi,' v. ' Vesi ni wai ' (126, 884). Derris uligiuosa, Bentb. ; vulgo ' Duwa gaga ' (127, 883). Dalbergia monosperma, Dalz. (128). D. torta. Grab. Pteroearpus Indicus, Willd. ; vulgo 'Cibicibi' (129). Sopbora tomcntosa, Linn. ; vulgo 'Kaunialewa' (130,886). II. Cfflsalpinese: — Guilandina Bonduc, Ait.; vulgo ' Soni ' (132). Poinciana pulcherrima, Linn. — Cult. Storckiella Yitiensis, Seem, in Bonpl. t. 6 ; vulgo ' Marasa ' (133). Cassia occidentalis, Linn, vulgo ' Kau moce' (134). C. obtusifolia, Linn. ; vulgo ' Kau moce' (135). C. lajvigata, Willd. ; vulgo ' Wiuivi- kau' (136). C. glauca, Lam. Afzelia bijiiga, A. Gray ; vulgo 'Vesi' (i37). APPENDIX. 311 Cynometra grandi florae A. Gray (138). C. falcata, A. Gray. Inocarpus edulis, Forst. ; vulgo ' Ivi ' (371). III. Mimo.sea3 : — Entada scandens, Bth. ; vulgo ' Wa lai,' V. 'Wa tagiri' (139). Mimosa pudica, Liun. Naturalized (140). Leucsena glauca, Bth. (141). L. Forsteri, Benth. (142). Acacia laurifolia, Willd. ; vulgo 'Tatakia' (143). A. Ricliii, A. Gray ; vulgo ' Qumu ' (144). Seriauthes myriadenia, Planch. S. Vitiensis, A. Gray; vulgo 'Vai- vai ' (145, 887). Clirysobalaneie. Parinarium laurinum, A. Gray ( = P.? Margarata, A. Gray = P. insulurum, A. Gray) ; vulgo ' Ma- kita ' (14(j). Rosaceie. Rubus tiliaceus, Smith ; vulgo ' Wa gadrogadro' (147). Myrtaceie. Bai'ringtoiiia speciosa, Linn. ; vulgo ' Vutu rakaraka ' (148). B. Samoensis, A. Gray ; vulgo ' Vutu ni wai ' (149). B. exeelsa, Blume ; vulgo ' Vutu kana' (150). B. sp. Eugenia (Jambosa) Malaccensis, Linn.; vulgo 'Kavika:' var. a, floribus albis, vulgo ' Kavika vulovulo ;' var. $, floribus pur- pureis, vulgo ' Kavika damu- damu' (161). E. (Jambosa) Richii, A. Gray ; vulgo 'Bokoi' (164). E. (Jambosa) sp. (an Richii var. ?) ; vulgo 'Sea' (165). E, (Jambosa) quadrangulata, A. Gray. E. (Jambosa) gracilipes, A. Gray ; vulgo ' Lutulutu,' vel ' Bogiba- lewa' (158). E. (Jambosa) neurocalyx, A. Gray ; vulgo ' Lcba ' (159). E. raritlora, Benth. (160). E. Brackenridgei, A. Gray (155). E. confertiflora, A. Gray. E. sp. nov. confertiflor. proxima (156). E. eflfusa, A. Gray (151). E. amicorum, Benth. (152). E. rubescens, A. Gray ; v.ulgo ' Yasi dravu ' (154). E. corynocarpa, A. Gray (153). E. rivularis, Seem. ; vulgo ' Yasi ni wai ' (162). E. Grayi, Seem. sp. nov. fl. purpu- reis (163). Nelitris fruticosa (A. Gray). N. Vitiensis, A. Gray; vulgo 'Nuqa- nuqa' (166, 888). Acicalyptus myrtoides, A. Gray. A. Seemanni, A. Gray (168). Metrosideros coUina, A. Gray ; vulgo ' Vuga ' t;i6r), 889). M. sp. fl. luteis(170). M. sp. fl. cocciueis (171). Melastomacem. Memecylon Vitieuse, A. Gray et var. (172). Astronia Pickeringii, A. Gray. A. confertiflora, A. Gray (174). A. Storckil, Seem. sp. nov. ; vulgo . ' Cavacava ' (890). Astronidium parviflorum, A. Grav (465). Anplectrum ? ovalifolium, A. Gray. Medinilla hcterophylla, A. Gray (175). M. rhodochlseua, A. Gray; vulgo 312 FIJI. 'Cararaca ra i resiga' (177, 891). M. sp. (182\ M. sp. '75). M. sp. (175). Melastoma Vitiense, Nancl. (180). M. polyanthum, Bl. ? (170). Melastomacea (181). Alangiex. llhytidandra Vitiensis, A. Gray. Bhizophorex. Haplopetalou Kichii, A. Gray. H. Seemanni, A. Gray (184). Crossostylis biflora, Forst. Rhizophora mucroiiata, Lam. ; vulgo 'Dogo' (185). Bruguiera Rhumpliii, Bl. (ISG). Comhretacex. Lumnitzera coccinea, Willd. ; vulgo ' Sagali ' (189). Terminalia Catappa, Linn. ; vulgo 'Tavola' (187). P. Moluccana, Lam. ; vulgo ' Tivi ' (188). T. glubrata, Forst. ? Passlflorex. Passiflora, sp. fl. viridibus (190). Papayacex. Cari<'a Papaya, Linn. ; vulgo * Olcti,' Introd. (190). Cucurhitacem. Karivia Samoensis, A. Gray (1?2). Luffa insularum, A. Gray (1915). Cucumis pubcfecens, Willd. (19-1). Lagenaria vulgaris, Ser. (195). Saxifrafjex. Spirpeanthemimi Vitionsc, A. Gray. Sp. Kataka, Seem. sp. nov. ; vulgo 'Katakata'(19fi). Weinmaniiia affinis, A. Gray, (197,) et var. (199 et 200). W Ricliii, A. Gray. W. spirscoides, A. Gray. \V. sp. (198). Geissois ternata, A. Gray; vulgo 'Vuga'(20I). Umhelliferx. Hydrocotyle Asiatica, Linn. ; vulgo ' Totono ' (202). Araliacex. Aralia Vitiensis, A. Gray (203). Panax fruticosum, Linn. ; vulgo ' Danidani ' (204). Paratropia? multijuga, A. Gray ; vulgo ' Danidani ' (205). Plerandra Pickeringii, A. Gray. P. Grayi, Seem. sp. nov. (206 et 209). P. y sp. nov. (208). P. sp. (207). Loranthacex. Lorantlius insularum, A. Gray ; vulgo 'Saburo' (211). L. Vitiensis, Seem. (210). L. Forsterianus, Schult. Viscum articulatum, Burm. (212). BaJanopliorese, Balanoi)hora fungosa, Forst. Bubiacex. I. Coffeaceaj : — Coprosma persicajfolia, A. Gray. Geophila reiiifbrmis, Cham, et Sclilecht. (239). Cbasalia amicoruni, A. Gray ? (241). Psyclirjtria Brackenridgei, A. Gray. P. Forstcriana, A. Gray, var. Vitirn.sis, A. Gray (236). P. tnrl)inata, A. Gray. P. teplirosantha, A Gray. P. i)arvula, A Gray. P. gracilis, A. Gray. P. calycosa, A. Gray? (246). APPENDIX. 313 p. macrocalyx, A. Gray (243). P. filipes, A. Gray. P. hypargyrea, A. Gray. P. (Piptilema) cordata, A. Gray. P. (Piptilema) Pickeringii, A. Gray (251). P. (Piptelama) platycooca, A. Gray (249). P. insularum, A. Gray ? (250). P. coUina, Labill. (244 et 254). P. sarmentosa, Blume (245). P. sp. ; vulgo ' Wa kau :' ramis scan- dentibus sarmentosis (895). P. sp. foliis bullatis (248). P. sp. nov. aff. filipedis (253). P. sp. nov. afl". Brackenridgei (255). P. sp. aff. Brackenridgei (259). Calycosia petiolata, A. Gray. C. pubiflora, A. Gray (214). C. Milnei, A. Gray ; vulgo ' Kau -wai ' (213, 892). Ixora Vitiensis, A. Gray (247) ; Pa- vetta trifl 'ra, De Caud. ; Coffea triflora, Forst. ; Cepliaelis ? fra- grans, Hook, et Arn. I. sp. nov. (258). I. sp. ; vidgo ' Kau sidu ' (893). Cantliium sessilifolium, A. Gray. C. lucidum, Hook, et Arn. ; Coffea odorata, For^t. (220 et 221). Morinda umbellata, Linn. (222). M. myrtifolia, A. Gray; foliis majoribus (an v. M. umbellate V) (223). M. mollis, A. Gray (224). M. phillyreoides, Labill. (226). M. citrifolia, Linn. ; vulgo ' Kura,' v. ' Kura kana ' (225). BI. lucida, A. Gray. M. bucidajfolia, A. Gray. Hydnophytum longitiorum A. Gray (= Myrmecodia Vitiensis, Seem.) (216). Vangueria? sp. (257). Guettarda speciosa, Linn. ; vulgo 'Buabua'(237). G. (Guettardella) Vitiensis, A. Gray (= 2.57?). Timonius sapotrefolius, A. Gray: T. affmis, A. Gray. Coffeacea ; vulgo ' Kau lobo ' (893). II. Cinchoneffi : — Hedyotis tenuifolia, Sni. (231), H. deltoidca, W. et Am. ? (232). H. paniculata, Eoxb. (233). H. paniculata, Roxb. var. crassifolia, A. Gray (234). H. bracteogonum, Spr. (235). Opbiorrhiza laxa, A. Gray (227). O. peploides, A. Gray (228). 0. leptantha, A. Gray (229). Lindenia Vitiensis, Seem . Bonpl. t. S (217). Lerchea calycina, A. Gray. Dolicholobium oblongifolium, A. Gray. D. latifolium, A. Gray. D. longissimum, Seem. (215). Stylocoryne Harveyi, A. Gray. S. sambuciiia, A. Gray (S. piperi- carpa, Beuth.) (242). Griffithiaj sp. ? (260). G. ? sp. V. gen. nov. (240). G. sp. fl. odoratis. Gardenia Vitiensis, Seem. (218). G. ? (an gen. nov. ?) (240). Mussfenda frondosa, Linn. ; vulgo " Bovu." Compositse. Monosis insularum, A. Gray. Lagenophora Pickeringii, A. Gray. Erigeron albidum, A. Gray ; vulgo ' Wavuwavu,' v. ' Co ni papalagi ' (261). Adenostemma viscosixm, Forst. (262). Siegesbeckia orientalis, Linn. (263). Dichocephala latitblia, De Cand. (264). Myriogync minuta, Linn. (265). 314 FIJI. Sonchus oleraceus, Linn. (n. 266). Ageratum conyzoides, Linn. ; vulgo ' Botebotekoro,' vel ' Matamoce moce ' (267). Wollastonia Forsteriana, De Cand. ; viilgo ' Kovekove ' ("268). Eclipta erecta, Linn. ; vulgo ' Tuma- du ' (269). Bidens pilosa. Linn. ; vulgo ' Bati- madramadra ' (270). Glossogyne teiiuifolia, Cass. (271). Blumea virens, De Cand. (272). B. Milnei, Seem. (sp. uov. atf. B. aromaticse, De Cand. 271^). Goodeniacex. Scaevola floribunda, A. Gray (S. saligna,'Forst. ?) ; vulgo ' Totoire- bibi ' (27i, 896). S. Koenigii, Vahl (275). Cyrtcmclrem. Cyrtandra acutangula, Seem. (276). C. Yitienais, Seem. ; vulgo ' Beta- biabi ' (277). C. anthropophagorum, Seem. (278). C. involuciata, Seem. (279). C. coleoides, Seem. (280). C. MUnei, Seem. (281). C. ciliata, Seem. (282). C. Pritcbardii, Seem. (283). Vaccineie. Epigynum ? Vitiense, Seem. (284). EjMcridea'. Leucopogon Cymbula, Labill, ; vulgo ' Tagatagalesa.' Myrsineas. Maesa Pickeringii, A. Gray. M.persicajfolia, A. Gray (287?). M. corylilblia, A. Gray (288). M. nemoralis, A. Gray (286?). Myrsine myricaefolia, A. Gray (290 ex parte). M. ? Brackenridgei, A. Gray. M. capitellata, Wall.? (289). Ardisia ? capitata, A. Gray. A. grandis, Seem. (293). A. sp. (292, 897). A. sp. (291). Sfyracem. Symplocos spicata, Eoxb. ; vulgo ' Ravu levu.' Ebenacex. Maba foliosa, Rich. M. elliptica, Forst. ; vidgo ' Kau loa ' (295, 296, 297, 898). Sapotx. Sapota? pyrulifera, A. Gray. S.? Vitiensis, A. Gray. S. sp. (ex A. Gray). Jasmhiex. Jasminum tetraquetrum, A. Gray. J. gracile, Forst. ; vulgo ' Wa Vatu ' (298). J. didymum, Forst. ; J. divaricatnm. R. Brown (299). Loganiacese. Geniostoma rupestre, Forst. (301). var. puberulum, A. Gray (G. crassifolium, Bth.) (BOO). G. microphyllum, Seem. (304). Strychnos colubrina, Linn. (302). Courthovia corynocarpa, A. Gray (= Gffirtnera pyramidalis, Seem.) ; vulgo 'Boloa' (303). C. Seemanni, A. Gray (Gsertncra barbata, Seem.) (305, 899). Fagraa grarilipes, A. Gray (F. viridiflora, Seem. (306). F. Bertcriana, A. Gray; vulgo T. Vitiensis, Seem. (307). ' Bua ' (308). Ajwcijneie, Alyxia bracteolosa, Rich; vulgo 'Vono' (310, 900); var. a ma- crocarpa, A. Gray (A. macrocarpa, APPENDIX. 315 Pdch); var. ;8 angustifolia, A. Gray (A. stellata, Seem.) ; var. 7 parviflora, A. Gray. A. stellata, Labill. Cerbera lactaria, Ham. ; vulgo 'Rewa' vel ' Vasa' (309). Melodinus scandens, Forst. (311). Tabernremontana Yitiensis, Seem. ; T. citiiMia, Forst. non L. = ? T. Cumingiana, A. De Cand. T, sp. Eejoua scandens, Seem. sp. nov. ; vulgo ' Wa rerega ' (901). Oclirosia parviflora, Hensl. (0. elliptica, Labill. ?) (318). Alstonia plumosa, Labill. (318). A. ? sp. (317). Ecliites scabra, Labill.? (315). Lyonsia Isevis, A. Gray. Asclepiadex. Tylophora Bracjienridgei, A. Gray. Gymnema subnudum, A. Gray. G. stenophyllum, A. Gray ; vulgo ' Yaupau ' (322). Hoya bicarinata, A. Gray; Ascle- pias volubilis, Forst. ; vulgo ' Wa bibi ' vel ' Bulibuli sivaro ' (319). H. diptera, Seem. (320). H. pilosa, Seem. (321). Gentianeie. Erythrsea australis, R. Brown. Limnanthemum Kleinianura, Gri- seb. ; vulgo ' Bekabekairga ' (323). Coiivolvulaceas. Ipomoea campanulata, Linn, ; vulgo ' Wa vula ' (o24). I, peltata, Chois. ; vulgo ' Wiliao ' teste Seemann, ' Veliyana ' teste Williams (325). I. Pes-caprse, Sw. ; vulgo ' Lawere ' (326). I. Turpethum, R. Brown ; vulgo 'Wakai'(327). I, sepiaria, Keen. (328\ L cymosa, Ronm. et Schult. ; vulgo ' Sovivi • (331). Aniseia uniflora, Chois. (329). Batatas paniculata, Chois. ; vulgo ' Wa Uvi ' vel ' Dabici ' teste Storck (330, 902). B. edulis, Chois. ; vulgo ' Kamara ' vel ' Kawai ni papalagi.' — Cult. Pharbitis insularis, Chois. ; vulgo ' Wa Vuti ' (331). Calonyction speciosum, Chois. (332). C. comosperma, Boj. (333). Boragiiiex. Tournefortia argentia, Linn. (335). Cordia Spreugelii, De Cand. ; vulgo 'Tou' (336). C. subcordata. Lam. ; vulgo ' Na- wanawa ' (337). Solanem. Physalis Peruviana, Linn. (338;. P. angulata, Linn. (339). Solanum viride, II. Brown ? (3-10). S. anthropophagorum. Seem. (sp. nov. Bonpl. t. 14); vulgo ' Boro- dina ' (311). S. repandum, Forst. ; vulgo ' Sou,' 'Sousou,' vel ' Boro sou ' (342). S. inamoonum, Benth. Lond. Journ. ii. p. 228 (343). S. oleraceum. Dun. ; vulgo ' Boro ni yaloka ni gata ' (344). S. sp. (S. repand. var. ?) (345). Capsicum frutescens, Linu. ; vulgo ' Boro ni papaligi ' (346). Nicotiana Tabacum, Linn.— Cul- tivated (347). Datura Stramonium, Linn. — Introd. (348). Scrophularmex. Vandellia crustacea, Benth. (349). Limnophilia serrata, Gaud. (350). 316 FIJI. Acanthaceie. Eranthemum laxiflorum, A. Gray (351, ex parte). E. insularum, A. Gray (351, ex parte). Apenosraa triflora, Nees ab Esenb. ; vulgo ' Tamola ' (252). VerhenacecB. Clerodendron inerme, E. Brown; vulgo ' Verevere ' (353). Vitex trifolia, Liun. ; vulgo ' Vulo- kaka ' (354). Prenina Tahiteusis, Schauer (Scro- pliulariodea arborea, Forst.) ; vulgo ' Yaro ' (355). P. Tahiteusis, Schauer ; var. ? (356). Gmelina Vitiensis, Seem. (sjj. nov.). Lahiatx. Leucas decemdentata, Sm. (357). Ocimum gratissimum, Linn. 1^358). Plectranthus Forsteri, Benth. ; vulgo 'Lata' (359). Teucrium inflatum, Swartz (360). Flumbagineai. Plumbago Zeylanica, Linn. (361). Plantcujineps. Plantago major, Linn. — lutrod. (362). Nyctaginem. Pisonia Brunoniana, Endl. (363). P. viscosa, Seem. (sp. nov.) (364). Boerhaavia diifusa, Linn., var. pu- bescens (365). Amarantacex. Amarantus melancholicus. Moq., var. tricolor ; vulgo ' Driti damu- damu ' (36G). A. iiauiculatus, Moq., var. cruentns, Moq. ; vulgo ' Drill.' — Introd. (367). Euxolus viridis, Moq. ; vulgo ' Driti ' vel ' Gasau ni vuaka ' (368). Cyathula prostrata, Blume (369). Pohjgonem. Polygonum imberbe, Sol. (370). Laurinese. Hernandia sonora, Linn. ; vulgo ' Yevuyevu ' vel ' Uviuvi ' (372). Cassytha filifofmis, Linn. ; vulgo ' Waluku mai lagi ' teste Williams (373). Cinnamomum sp. ; vulgo ' Macou ' (376). Laurinea. Arbor 15-20 pod. (374). Lauriuea (375). Laurinea (377). Laurinea ; vulgo ' Siqa ' vel ' Siga ' (378). La,minea; vulgo 'Lidi' (903). Thymeleie. Drymisi^ermum sp. (379). D. montanum, Seem. (sp. nov.) D. subcordatum, Seem. (sp. nov.) ; vulgo 'Matiavi' (381). D. ? sp. (382). Leucosmia Burnettiana, Benth. ( = Dais disperma, Forst.); vulgo ' Sinu damn ' vel ' Sinu dina ' (383). Wikstrcemia Indica, C. A. Mey. ; vulgo ' Sinu niataiava ' (884). Santalacese. Santalum Yasi, Seem. (sp. nov.); vulgo ' Yasi ' (385). Ceratophyllete. Ccratophyllum demersiun, Linn. (386). Euplwrhiacex. Eur)linrbiacea ? (387). Acalypha? ^388). Acalypha Indica, Linn. ? (389). APPENDIX. A. sp. (390). A. rivularis, Seem. (sp. nov.) ; vulgo 'Kadakada' (391;. A. virgata, Forst. (= A. circinata, A. Gray); vulgo ' Kalabuci damn' (392). A. grandis, Boath. ; vulgo ' Kala- buci ' (393). Claoxylon parviflorun, Juss. (39-1). Mappa Molluccaua, Spreng. ? (395). M. macrophylla, A. Gray; vulgo 'Mavu'(396). M. sp. (397). M. sp. (419). M. sp. (420). Excsecaria Agallocha, Linn. ; vulgo ' Sinu gaga ' (398). Manihot Aipi, Pohl ; vulgo ' Yabia ni papalagi' (399). Curcas purgans, Juss. ; vulgo ' Wiriwiri ni papalagi' (400). Ricinus communis. Linn.; vulgo 'Bele ni papalagi' (401;. Omalantlius pedieellatus, Benth. ; vulgo ' Tadauo ' (402). Aleurites triloba, Forst.; vulgo • Lauci ,' ' Tutui ' vel ' Sikeci ' (403). Euphorbia Norfolkica, Bois. ; vidgo 'Soto '(404). E. pilulifeia, Linn.; vulgo 'De ni osi ' (405). E. Atoto, Forst. (E. oraria, F. Muell.) (406. 904). Rottlera acuminata, Vahl (407). Croton metallicum, Seem. sp. nov. (408). C. sp. ; vulgo ' Sacasaca loa ' (409). C. sp. (an var. n. 409 ?) (410). 0. Storckii, Seem. sp. nov. aff. C. Hillii, F. Muell.; vulgo ' Dani- dani ' (905). Codiseum variigatum, A. Juss. ; vulgo ' Satac-a ' vel ' Vasa damu ' 411). Melanthesa sp. faff. M. Vitis-Idaea)) (412,. M. sp. ; vulgo 'Molau.' Arbor (413). Glochidion sp. (414). G. rainiflorum, Forst. ; vulgo 'Molau' (415). G. cordatum. Seem. sp. nov. ; aff. G. mollis (416). Bischoffia sp. ; vulgo ' Kaka.' Arbor (417). Phyllanthus fruticosa, Wall. (418). TJrtlceas. Elatostemma? nemorosa. Seem. sp. nov. (422). Gironniera celtidifolia, Gaud. ; vulgo ' Nunu ' (423). Missiessya corymbulosa, Wedd. ; vulgo ' Matadra ' (424). Maotia Tahitensis, Wedd. ; vulgo ' Waluwalu ' (425). Laportea Harveyi, Seem. sp. nov. ; vulgo 'Salato.' Arbor 30-40 ped. (426). L. Vitiensis, Seem. sp. nov. (aff. L. photinifol.) ; ' Salato ' (427). Fleurya spicata, var. interrupta, Wedd. ; vulgo ' Salato ni koro ' vel ' Salcita wutivali ' (428). Pellionia elatostemoides, Gaud. (429). Procris integrifolia, Don, Hook., Am. (430). Boslimeria Harveyi, Seem. sp. nov. ; vulgo ' Rere ' (431). B. platyphylla, Don (432). B. platyphylla, Don, var. virgata, Wedd. (433). Malaisia ? sp. Arbor (434a). Morex. Morns Indica, Linn. — Introd.(4346). Troi)his anthropophagorum. Seem. sp. nov. ; vulgo ' Malawaci ' (435). Ficus obliqua, Forst. ; vulgo ' Baka ;' (436). 318 FIJI. F. tinctoria, Forst. (437). F. sp. ; vulgo ' Loselose.' Frutex fruct. edul. (438). F. sp. ; vulgo ' Loselose ni wai.' Frutex rivularis (439). F. sp. (440). F. sp. Frutex 16 ped., caule sub- simpl. (441). F. sp. (442). F. sp. (443). F. sp. (444). F. scabra, For.st. ; vulgo ' Ai Masi ' (445). F. aspera, Forst. (44G). F. sp. (447). F. sp. (448). Artocarjyeafi. Autiaris -Bennettli, Seem. Boni^l. t. 7 (sj). iiov.) ; vulgo ' Mavu ni Toga' (449). Artocarpus incisa, Linn., vav. inte- grifoli;i, Seem. (aff. A. Chaplashfe, Koxb.) ; vulgo ' Uto lolo ' v. ' Uto coko coko ' (450). A. incisa, Linn. var. pinnatifida, Seem. ; forma vulgo ' Uto dina ' dicitur (551). A. incisa, forma vulgo ' Uto Varaqa ' (452). A. „ ,, „ ' Uto Koq ' (453). A. „ „ ., ' Balckana ' (451). A. „ „ „ ' Uto buco ' (455). A. ., „ „ 'Utoassalea' (45G). A. „ „ „ ' Uto waisea ' (457). A. „ „ „ ' Uto Boknsi ' (458). A. „ „ „ ' Uto Votovoto ' (459). A. incisa, Linn. var. bipiiinatifida, Seem. ; vulgo ' Uto Sawesawe ' vel'Kala8ai'(5G0). GyrocarjWcB. Gyrocarpus Asiuticus, Willd. ; vulgo ' Wiriwiri' (501). Celtide,v. Sponia orientnlis, Linn. (5G2). Sp. VL'lutiiia, Planch. (563). Chhranthacex. Ascarina lanceolata, Hook. fil. (564). ri2:)erace3s. Pcperomia sp. (565). INIacropiper latifolium, Miq. (566). M. puberulum, Bentli. ; vulgo ' Ya- qojaqona ' (567). M. methysticum, Miq. ; vulgo ' Ya- qona ' (508). Piper Sirlbna, Forst. ; vulgo ' "Wa Gawa.' Frutex scandens (569). Casuarinese. Casuarina equisetifolia, Forst. ; vulgo ' Nokouoko ' (570). C. nodiflora, Forst. ; vulgo ' Velao ' (571). Cycadex. Cycas circinalis, Linn. ; vulgo "'Roro' (572). Co7iifera;. Dacrydium datum. Wall.; vulgo 'Leweniiiini ' vel 'Dakua salu- salu ' (573. 906). Podocarpus (elatus, R. Br. ?) ; vulgo ' Kuasi ' (574). P. (polystiicliya, R. Br. ?) ; vulgo ' Gagali (575). P. cuprcssina, R. Brown ; vulgo ' Kau tabua.' P. ? V. gen. uov. ; vulgo ' Kau solo ' (576). Dammara Vitiensis, Seem. ; vulgo ' Dakua ' (577). Orchidex. Dcndrobium Molilianuni, Reichb. fil. sp. uov. (578). APPENDIX. 319 D. crispatum, Swartz (579). D. (580). D. Millingani, F. Muell. (581). D. biflorum, W. (582). D. sp. (an var. pijeccd. ?) (583). D. Tokai, Reichb. fil. sp. nov. ; vulojo ' Tokai ' teste Williams (584). D. sp. (.591). Limodorum unguiculatum, Labill. (585). Blet'a Tankervillise, E. Brown (5SG). Obeionia (587). O. brevifolia, Lindl. (Epidendrum equitans, Forst. (5S8). 0. Myosurns, Lindl. (589). Microstylis Elieedii, Lindl. (Ptero- chihis plantagineus, Hook, et Arn.) (590). Appendicula (592). Tasniophyllum Fasciola, Seem. (Limodorum Fasciola, Swartz); Tulgo ' De ni cancan ' (593, 907). Saccolabium sp. (594). S. sp. (595). Eulophia macrostacbya, Lindl. ? (596). Eria sp., aff. E. baccataj, Liudl. ? (597). Cirrliopotalum Thouarsii, Lindl. (598). Ebomboda (599). Sarcochilus (GOO). Dorsinia marmorata, Lindl. (()01). Monocbilus sp. (602). Corymbis disticba, Lindl. (603). Pogonia biflora, Wigbt (604). Calanthe (605). 0. sp. florib. jxdlido aurantiacis (606). C. veratrifolia, E. Brown (607). Hobenaria (608). Orcbidea (609). O. (610). O. (611). O. (612). 0. (613). 0. (614). O. (615). O. (616). O. (617). O. (618). Scifaminese. Musa Troglodytiirum, Linn. ; vulgo 'Soqo' (619). Gen. nov. ; vulgo • Boia ' (620). Alpinia sp. (621). Curcuma longa, Linn. ; vulgo ' Cago ' (622). Zingiber Zerumbet, Linn. ; vulgo ' Beta ' (623). Amomum sp. ; vulgo ' Ccvuga (624). Canna Indica, Linn, ; vulgo ' Gasau ni ga ' (625). Dioscorem. Helmia bulbifera, Ktb. ; vulgo ' Kaile ' (626). Dioscorea alata, Linn. ; vulgo ' Uvi' (627). D. nummularia, Lam. ; vulgo ' Tivoli ' (628). D. aculeata, Linn. ; vulgo 'Kawai ' (629). D. pentaphylla, Linn. ; vulgo ' Tokulu ' (630). Smilacex. Smilax sp. ; vulgo ' Kadragi ' vel ' Wa rusi ' (631). Taccacex. Tacca sativa, Eumpb. ; vulgo ' Ya- bia'(632, 909). T. pinnatifidn,, Forst. ; vulgo ' Ya- bia dina ' (933, 908). Liliacein. Cordyline (634). C. sp. ; vulgo ' Ti kula.'— Colitur (635). C. sp. ; vulgo ' Qai,' v. • Masawe.'— Colitur (636;. 320 FIJI. Allium Ascalonicum, Linn.; vulgo 'Varasa.'— Colitur (G37). Geitonoplesium cymosum, Cunn. ; vulgo ' Wa Dakua ' (638). Dianella ensifolia, Eed. (639). Amaryllideiv, Crinuin Asiaticum, Linn.; vulgo 'Viavia'(640). Asteliem. Astelia montana, Seem. (sp. nov. bacca trilocul.) ; vulgo ' Misi ' (641). Commelynex. Commelyna communis, Linn. ( = C. pacifica, Vahl ?) ; vulgo ' ai Eorogi ' vel ' Rogomatuilevu ' (642). Aneilema Vitiense, Seem. (sp. nov.; florib. pallide cffiruleLs) (64;!)- Flagellnria Indioa, Linn. ; vulgo 'Sili Turuka' vel 'Vico' (644, (910). Joinvillea elegans, Gaud. (= Fla- gellaria plicata, Hook. fil. (645), Typhacex. Typha angustifolia, Linn. ; vulgo ' De ni ruve ' (646). Bromeliacen;. Ananassa sativa, Lindl. ; vulgo ' Balawa ni papalagi.' A. sativa, var. prolifera. Pandanese. Frcycinctia Vitiensis, Seem. sp. nov. (647). F. Milnci, Seem. sp. nov. (648). F. Sturckii, Seem. sp. nov. (695). F. sp. (696). I'andanus odoratissimus, Linn. ; vulgo ' Balawa ' vel ' Vadra ' (649). P. caricosus, Rumph. ; vulgo ' Kie- kie ' vel ' Voivoi ' (650). Aroidex. Alocasia Indica, Scbott ; vulgo ' Via mila,' Via gaga,' ' Via sori,' v. ' Via dranu ' (651). Amorplioi^hallus ? sp. nov. ; vulgo ' Daiga ' (652). Cyrtosperma edulis, Schott, sp. nov. ; vulgo ' Via kana ' (653). Kaphidophora Vitiensis, Schott, sp. nov. ; vulgo ' Wa lu ' (654). Cuscuaria spuria, Scbott, sp. nov. (655). Colocasia antiquorum, Scbott, var. esculenta, Scbott ; vulgo ' Dalo ' (655 h). Aroidea(911). Lemnacex. Lemna gibba, Linn. ; vulgo ' Kala ' (656). L. minor, Linn. vulgo ' Kala ' (657). Palmx. Cocos nucifera, Liim. ; vulgo ' Niu dina.' Sagus Vitiensis, Herm. Wendl. (Coelococcus Vitiensis, Herm. Wendl.); vulgo 'Niu soria' vel ' Sogo ' (558). Pritcbardia pacifica, Seem, ct Herm. Wendl. gen. nov. ; vulgo ' Sakiki,' Niu Masei,' vel ' Viu ' (659). Kentia? exorrbiza, Herm. Wendl. sp. nov. ; vulgo ' Niu sawa ' (660). Ptycbospenna Vitiensis, Herm. Wendl. sp. nov. (662). P. filil'erura, Herm. Wendl. sp. nov.; vulgo ' Cagecake ' (661, 663). P. Secmanni, Herm. Wendl. sp. nov. ; vulgo ' Balaka ' (664). P. pfr))reve, Wendl. P. paucillorum, Wendl. APPENDIX. 321 p. Pickeringii, Wendl. Cyperaceas. Baumia sp. (665). Hypolytrum giganteum, Roxb. (666). Lepironia mucronata, Eich (667). Cyperus sp. (668). C. sp. (912). Mariscus laevigatuSjEoem. et Schult. (669). Kyllingia intermedia, R. Brown (670). K. sp. (671). Lami^rocarya affinis, A. Brongn. (672). Galinia Javanica, Zoll. (673). Fimbristylis marginata, LabUl. (674). F. stricta, Labill. (675). Scleria sp. (676). S. sp. (677). Elseocharis articulata, Nees ab Esenb. ; vulgo ' Kuta ' (678). Graminea;. Zea Blaya, Linn. ; vulgo ' Sila ni papalagi.' — Cult. Oplismenus sp. foliis purpurasceu- tibus ; vulgo ' Co damudamu ' (679). 0. sp. foliis albo-maculatis. — Cum prsecedente colitur (680). O. compositus, Rcem. et Schult. (681). Paspalum scorbiculatum, Linn. ; vulgo ' Co dina ' (682). Eleusine Indica, Gaertn. (683). Centotheca lappacea, Desv. (684). Andropogon refractimi, R. Brown (= A. Tahitense, Hook, et Arn.) (685). A. acicularis, Retz. (686). A. Schoenanthus. Linn. ; vulgo ' Co boi ' (687). Cenchrus anomoplexia, Labill. (688). Sorghum vulgare, Pers. — Colitur (689). Digitaria sanguinalis, Linn. (690). Saccharum floridum, Labill. (691). Coix Lacryma, Linn. ; vulgo ' Sila ' (692). Panicum pQipes, Nees ab Esenb. (693). Bambusa sp. ; vulgo ' Bitu ' (694). Equisetaceie. Equisctum sp. ; valgo ' Masi ni ta- bua ' (697). Lycopodiaceie. Psilotum complanatum, Sw. (698). P. triquetrum, Sw. (699). Lycopodium cernuum, Linn, ; vulgo ' Ya Lewaninini ' (700), L. flagellare, A. Rich (701). L. Phlegmaria, Linn. (702). L. varium, R. Br. (703). L. verticiUatum, Linn. (704). L. sp.^(705). L. sp. (706). L. sp. (707). L. sp. (708). Filices. Acrostichum aureum, Linn. ; vulgo 'Boreti,' vel, teste "Williams, 'Caca'(709). Stenochlajna scandens, J. Smith (710). Lomariopsis leptocarpa, Fee (711). L. cuspidata, Fee (712). Lomogramme polyphylla. Brack. (713, 421). Goniophlebium subauriculatum Blume (714). Hemionitis lanceolata, Hook. (716)- H. elougata, Brack. (715). Antrophyum plantagineum, Kaulf. (717). Diclidopteris angustissima, Brack., Y 322 FIJI. vulgo 'Mokomoko ni Ivi' (718, 914). Vittaria revoluta, Willd. (719). Y. elongata, Sw. (720). Arthropteris albopunctata, J. Smith (721). Prosaptia contigua, Presl (722). Phyniatodes stenophylla, J. Smith r723). Niijhobolus adnascens, Sprengel, Sw., J. Sm. (724). Loxogramme lanceolata, Presl (725). Hymenolepis spicata, J. Smith(726). Pleuiidium cuspidiflorum, J. Smith (727). P. vulcanicum, J. Smith (729). Phymatodes Billardieii, Presl (730). P. alata, J. Sm. = Drynaria alata, Brack. (731). P. loDgipes, J. Smith ; viilgo ' Caca,' teste Wiliiams '732). Drynaria musjefolia, J. Smith (728). D. diversifolia, J. Smith; vulgo ' Bevula,' ' Teva,' vel ' Vuvu ' (733). Dipteris Horsfieldii, J. Smith ; vulgo ' Koukou tagane ' (734). Meniscium sp. (735). Nephrodium simplicifolium, J. Smith (736). N. sp. (737). N. ; vulgo 'Watuvulo' (738). N. .sp. (739, 740). La.strea sp. (741). Polystichum aristatum, Presl (742)- Nephrnlcpis ensifolia, Presl (743). N. hu-.sutula, Presl (744). N. repena, Brack. (745). N. obliterata, J. Smitli (831). Dictyoptcris macrodouta, Presl (740). Aspidium latifolium, J, Smith; vulgo ' Sasaloa ' (v. Saloa ?) (747). A decurrens, J. Smith (748). A. repandum, Willd. (749). Oleandra neriiformis, Cav. (750). Didymochlsena truncatula, Desv. (751). Microlepia polypodioides, Presl (751 fc). M. sp. (752). M. papillosa, Brack. (753). M. Luzonica, Hook, (gracilis, Blum.) (754). M. flagellifora, J. Smith (Wall.) (755). M. (fructif.) (An var. n. 751 6? B. Seem.) (756.) Humata heterophylla, Cav. (759). Davallia elegans, Sw. (757). D. Fijiensis, Hook. (758). D. fosniculacea, Hook. (760, 762). D. gibberosa, Sw. (761). D. Moorei, Hook. (830). Schizoloma ensifolia, Gaud. (763). Synaphlebimn davallioides, J. Smith (764). S. Pickeringii, Brack. (765). S. repens, J. Smith (766). Sitolobium stramiueum, J. Smitli (767). Cyathe meduUaris, Sw. (708). Trichomanes Javanicum, Blurae (769). T. rigidum, Sw. (780. 829). T. meifolium, Bory (781). T. bilingue, Blume ( = n. 789 ?) (772). T. angustatum, Carm. = T. caudu- tum, Brack. (783). T. erectum, Brack. (784 ex parte). Hymenophyllum (784). H. formosum, Brack. (785). H. parvulum, Poir. (780). Todea Wilkesiana, Brack. (787). Marattia sorbifolia, Sw. ; vulgo ' Dibi ' (788). Angiopteris evecta, Hoffm. (789). Lygodictyon Forsteri, J. Smith ; vulgo 'WaKalou' (790). Gleiehenia dichotoma, Hook. (791). APPENDIX. 323 Schizsea dichotoma, Sw. ; vulgo ' Sagato ni tauwa ' (792). Actinostachys digitata, Wall. (793). OpMoglossum pendulum, Lijin. (794). Blechnum orientale, Linn. (795), Lomaria attenuata, Willd. (796). L. elongata, Blume (797). Pellsea geraniifolia, Fee (798). Oheilanthes tenuifolia, Sw. (799, 800). Adiautum lunulatum, Sw. ; vulgo 'Kau ui vi vatu' (801, 915). A. hispiduliuD, Sw. (802). A. aft'. A. setulouervi, J. Smith (803). Pteris quadriaurita, teste Hook. Sp. Fil. (SOi). P. sp. (Litobrocliia divaricata, Brack. ?) (805). P. tripartita, Sw. (806, 913). P. esculenta, Forst. (809). P. crenata, Sw. ; vulgo ' Qato,' teste Williams (811). Litobrocliia sinuata. Brack.; vulgo 'WaKabo'(807). L. sinuata var. (808). L. comans, Presl (810). Neottopteris australasica, J. Smith (812) Asplenium vittseforme, J. Smith (813). A. falcatum, Lam. (814), A. sp. (815). A. brevisorum. Wall. (827). A. obtusilobum, Hook. (828). A. induratum. Hook. (816), A. lucidum, Forst. (817). A, sp. (820). A. resectum, Sm. (821). A. laserpitiifolium. Lam. (822). A. (Darea) sp. (784 ex parte). Callipteris ferox, Blum. (= C. pro- lifera. Hook, var.) (818). C. (sine fructif.) (819). Cryptosorus Seemanni, J. Smith = Polypodium contiguum. Brack. non Sw. (823). Diplazimn melanocaulon, Brack. (824). D. bulbiferum. Brack. (825). D. polypodioides, Blumc. (826). Tjeuitis blechuoides, Sw. (? abnor- mal.) (832). Musci. Leptotrichum flaccidulum, Mitt. sp. nov. (841). L. trichophyllum, Mitt. sp. nov. (inter 862). Leucobryum laminatum, Mitt. sp. nov. (844). Leucophanes densifolius, Mitt. sp. nov. (inter 862). L. smaragdiniun, Mitt. sp. nov. (inter 863). Syrrhopodon tristichus, Nees (inter 846). S. scolopendrius, Mitt. sp. nov. (843). Meteorium longissimum, Dozy et Blolk (inter 863). M. (Esenbeckia) setigerum, Mitt. (Pilotrichum, Sullivant) (846), Trachyloma Junghiilmii, Mitt. (Hypnum, C. Mueller) (842). T, arborescens. Mitt. (845). Neckera flaccida, C. Muell. (836). N. Lepineana, Montagu. (863). N. dendroides. Hook. (838). Spiridens Keinwardti, Nees (840). Trachypus hehcophyllus, Mont. (838). Leskea glaucina, Mitt, (inter 847). L. rameutosa. Mitt. sp. nov. (inter 863). Racopilum spectabUe, Hsch. (inter 863). Sphagnum cuspidatum, Ehrh. (839). nepaticx. Cheiloscyphus argutus, Nees (inter 862). Y 2 324 FIJI. Plagiochila arbiiscula, L. et L. (inter 862). P. Vitiensis, Mitt. sp. nov. (8G2). P. Seemanni, Mitt. sp. nov. (8G4).' Trichorolea tomentella, Nees (inter 862). Kadula amentulosa, Mitt. sp. nov. (inter 837). E. scariosa, Mitt. sp. nov. (inter 837). K. spicata, Mitt. sp. nov. (inter 837). Lejeunia (Bryopteris) Sinclairii, Mitt. sp. nov. (inter 843). L. eulopha (Phragmicoma, Tay.) (inter 846). Frullania deflexa, Mitt. sp. nov. (inter 834). F. meteoroides, Mitt. sp. nov. (inter 834). F. cordistipula, Nees (inter 846). F. trichodes, Mitt. sp. nov. (inter 846). Sarcomitrium plumosum, Mitt. (847). Marchantia pileata, Mitt. (838). Lichenes. Sticta damsecomis, var. caperata, Nyl. (848). S. (Stictina) filicinella, Nyl. (849) Kamalina calicaris, Nyl.; vulgo ' Liimi ' (ni Vanua) (851). Coccocarpia molybdEea, Pers. (852). Leptogium tremelloides, Fries (853) Sticta (Stictina) quercizans, Ach . (854). Sticta Freycinetii, Del. (861). Verrucaria anrantiaca, Nyl. (865). Parmelia peltata, Ach. var. Fungi. Rhizomorpha sp. ; vulgo ' Wa loa ' (855). Lentinus sp. (856). Polyporus sanguineus, Fries (857). P. affinis, Fries (858). P. hirsutus, Fries (859). Hoomospora transversalis, Brebis- son (860). Agaricus (Pleuropus) pacificus, Berk. Schizophyllum commune, Fries. Xylaria Feejeensis, Berk. Algse. Hoomonema fluitans, Berk. (gen. nov.) (860). ( 325 ) INDEX. Abortion, Criminal, 46 Adultery, 75 Aged and infirm, barbarous treatment of, 30 Agriculture, for the years 1864 and 1866, p. 195 ; for tbe year 1867, p. 196 Ambassadors, 69 Ambati, 52 American claim on Thakombau, 239 ; also see Financial Liabilities. Amusements, 130 Anchorage, 4 Annexation, 121 ; desirability of, 84 ; petition for to United States Government, 90 ; colonists concerned about, 93 ; petition by Dr. Lang for, 98 ; to New South Wales, entertained, 104 ; also see Cession. Anthropophagism ; see Cannibalism. Appendix, 277 • Arcana imperii, 113 Arms and Ammunition, return of, 120 Arrowroot, 129 ; also see Agriculture. Atonement or expiation for offences, 76 Bananas, 132 Barbers, 27 Baskets, materials for, 141 Bays, 4 Bgche-de-mer, 144 Betrothal, 54 Beverage, national, intoxicating, 140 ; see also Yaqona. BoTcola, 57 Boutwell, Captain, questionable proceedings of, 239 et seq. Bread-fruit, 131 ; native manner of preparing, 132 ; theory regarding, 209 Burying alive, 30 Calendar, Fijian, 20 Canal, see Kele Musu. Cannibals, famous, 59 326 , FIJI. Cannibalism, 56 ; cannibal-vegetables 58 ; origin of, 60 Canoe-building, 62 Carpentery, 63 Cattle ; see Agriculture. Ceremonies, funeral, 31 Cession of Fiji, an account of tbe various proposals for the, 79 ; declined, 85 ; New Zealand in favour [of, 87 ; again declined, 100 ; last pro- lX)sal for tbe, 114 ; conditions attached to, 115 ; signature of deed of, 123 ; legal formality of, concluded, 125 Character, of natives, 23 Child-birth, 54 Church and state, 74 Civilisation, 35 ; quasi, of the aborigines, 66 Classes, division of the people into, 67 Climate, 17 ; effect on Europeans, 201 Cloth, manufacture of, 66 ; also 140 Cocoa-nut, varieties of, 136 ; see Fibre Coffee, 129 ; also see Agriculture. Colonial produce, 138 Colonists, amount of capital necessary for intending, 202 Commerce, see Trade. Communications, between Fiji and other places, 167 ; also 194 Connor, Paddy, 183 Consul, influence of, 26 ; first British resident, 187 Consular trade returns, 145 ; for the year 1863, 147 ; for the year 1864, 149 ; for the years 1865 and 1866, 153 ; for the year 1867, 154 ; for the year 1868, 158 ; for the year 1869, 159 ; for the year 1870, 162 ; for the years 1872 and 1873, 164 Cordage, fibres for, 141 Cotton, excellence of Fijian, 129 ; also 141 ; first exported from Fiji, 147 ; see Consular Trade Returns ; also see Agriculture. Council Houses ; see Mbures. , Cowry, Orange, 215 Creation, tradition of the, 50 Crime, punishments for, 75 Crustacea, 216 Customs, see Manners and Customs. Cyclopean Platforms, 207. Dancing,' 30 Debt, the Fijian, 113 ; also see Financial Liabilities. Deluge, Fijian tradition of the ; see Flood. INDEX. 327 Despotic power, 68 Destroyer of Souls, 51 Dialects, 38 ; also see Language. Disturbance, between Fijians and Tongans ; see Maafu. Doctors, Native, 46 Dress, manner of, 39,' Drinking, see Yaqona. Drum, death, 57 Duck (wild), 213 Easter Island, 206 Economy, Fijian domestic, 39 Education, necessity for, 182 Elysium, Fijian, 48 Emigration, 191 Esculent roots, 137 Ethnology, 204 Etiquette, Fijian, 26 Exploring Expedition, the Eewa, 6 et seq. Exports, from Sydney to South Sea Islands, 146 ; see also Consular Trade Keturns. Fastnesses, 15 Fauna, 213 Feasts, 27, 33, 53 Fidelity, see Adultery. Fiji, discovery and history of, 219 ; first resident Consul at, 220 ; also see Consul ; physical aspect and extent of, 1 ; situation and im- portance of, 127, etymology of, 38 Fijians, see Natives. Financial liabilities, disposal of, 123 ; amount of, 119 Fish, varieties of, 214 ; manner of catching, 41 Flies, a nuisance, 217 Flood, tradition of, 49 Food, staple article of, 41 ; i)rincipal articles of, 139 Friendly Islands, see Tonga. Fruits, indigenous, 132; see also Consular Trade Returns. Future state, belief in, 48 Geological formation of islands, 2 Gods, numerous, 48 ; classes of, 50 ; consulting of, 52 Government, Native, 68 ; attempt to form a, by Settlers, 105 Groves, Sacred, 48 ; also 142 Gum, see Kaurie. 328 FIJI. Hades, Fijian, 51 Hairdressing, 27 Half-Castes, 24 Harbours, 4 Harry the Jew, 186 Harvey, Professor, 304 Hazlewood, David, his works on the Fijian language, 38 Historical Notice, 219 Honour, place of, 45' Horses first introduced, 217 ; also see Agriculture. Hotels, 12 Houses, description of, 63 ; manner of building, 64 Hybridisation and Selection, 210 Immolation, self, 30 Imports to Sydney, from South Sea Islands, 145 ; see also Consular Trade Returns, Indigo, 129 Industries, Fijian, 62 Infanticide, 55 Invertebrates, 215 Islands; see Physical Aspect of; situation of ; number of; area of; and survey of, 1 Justice, Fijian law and, 75 Kai Colos, 56 Kalous, see Gods. Kandavu, island of, 1, 4 Kaurie, gum, 138 Kava, see Yaqona. Kele Musu, the canal of, 6 Labour, 170 ; regulations regarding, 174 ; Mr. Anthony Trolloiw on, 174 ; the Marquis of Normandy ou, 175 ; India future mart of, 181 . Lakemba, Island of, 2 Land, tenure of, 71 ; notable feature of, 72 ; question, 122 ; still plentiful, 191 ; area of, held by settlers, 191 ; sales and purchases of, 192 Language, 37 Laying out the dead, 32 Levuka the town of, 12 Liku, 39 INDEX. 329 Lime, inexhaustible supply of, 138 Lying, propensity for, 23 Maafu, subscribes to Cession, 124 ; ambitious designs of, 225 ; checked by H. B. M's Consul, 227 ; Chief of the "Windward Islands, 234 Magruder, Captain, U. S., visit of, to Fiji, 241 Manufactures, see Industries. Manners and customs, 39 Mariner, on preparing Kava, 43 Markets, 193 Marriage, 54 Mats, materials for, 141 Mbau, native capital, 13 ; supremacy of, 67 ; history of, 223 Mbuggi levu range, 8 Mbures, or temples, 64 ; ni-sa, or sleeping-houses, 26 Medicinal plants, 46 ; also 140 Messages, mode of sending, 30 ; also 70 Meteorological tables, 18 Midwifery, 46 Missionaries, 55 Mosquitoes, 217 Moti-vei-tala, 11 Mountains, 2 Mourning observances, 34 Mythology, see Gods. Naitasiri, 6 Naithombothombo, 49 Namosi, 11 Natives, the, 23 ; origin of, 205 ; characteristics of, 206 Navua, the river and the Hundred Waterfalls, 12 Ndengei, 50 Nduri, town of, 15 Nephew, privilege of, as Vasu, 73 Nets, fishmg, 42 ; also see 215 New Hebrides, 171 New Zealand, the, and Polynesian Company, 168 Nursing of children, 54 Officials, native, 70 Offerings to Gods, 48 and 53 Oil, cocoa-nut, 66 ; see also Consular Trade Keturns. Origin of the race ; see Ethnology. Ornaments, 25 ; also 69 7 o30 FIJI. Ovalau, Island of, 13; calamity to residents of, 188 Ovens, cannibal, 57 Paganism, decline of, 35 Palms, 141 Paper mulberry, 6G Parents, peculiar mode of showing affection for, 31 Paroquets, beautiful species of, 213 ; source of attraction to Tongans, 214 Patteson, Bishop, murder of, 170 People, see the Xatives. Perfumes, scents and, 140 Philips, Mr., or Thakonauto, 234 ; death of, 238 Physical, the, aspect of the Islands, 1 Pine, New Zealand, 138 Plants, ornamental, 142 Poisons, vegetable, 140 » Politeness, native, 26 Polity^ 67 Polygamy, 54 Polynesian Company, Limited, Melbourne and Fiji, 255 et seq. ; state- ment of land, -conveyed tO; 273 Population, native, decrease of, 136 ; number of, 67 ; number of white, 189 Pottery, manufacture of, 66 Priests, see Ambati. Priming, native, 66 Productions, 129 Provisions — fruit, see Consular Trade Returns, Punishments, native, 75 IIaisfall, see Climaie. Hank, indication of ; native, 25 Piatu Nggara, of Rewa, 238 Reefs, 4 Religion, 48 ; Phallic and Ophidian worship, 208 Rcptilia, 217 Respect shown on meeting ; see Politeness. Rewa, the river, 5 ; town of, 14 ; history of, 234 Rivers, 5 Roads, 194 Robinson, Sir Hercules, Negotiation of. Cession by ; see Annexation. INDEX. 331 Sacrifices, 56 Sailors, native, skilful, G3 Salutation, mode of, 26 Sandalwood, 5 Savage, Charlej', 185 Savu-Savu, 3 ; bay of, 5 Scenery, on the Wai Manu, 6 ; on the Wai Levu, 7 Seasons ; see Calendar. Seymour, Commodore, timely visit of, to Fiji, 230 Sharks, 214 Sheep, 218 ; also see Agriculture. Shipping and tonnage ; see Consular Trade Eeturns. Sick, native treatment of the, 46 Sinnet, plaiting of, 05 Sleeping, peculiar custom regarding, 26 Smythe, Colonel W. J., 84 Societj', state of Fijian, 77 Soil, 5 Soloira, 8 Somosomo, 45 Spices, 129 Springs, hot, 3 ; also 10 Strangling, practice of, 30; also 34 Submission, the different kinds of, 71 Succession, law of native, 69 Sugar, important article of trade, 130; see Agriculture; see Consular Trade Returns ; also p. 196 Strongholds, Fijian, see Fastnesses. Swine, see Agriculture. Sydney, see Exports ; also see Imports. Tabernacles of nature, 49 Tamboo, 34 Tanoa, 224 Taro, " the staff of life," 137 Tattooing, strange belief regarding, 20 Temperature, see Climate. Temples, see Mbures. Thakombau, his claim to the title of Tui Viti, 221 ; description of his queen, 275 ; renounces " the flesh and the devil," 274 ; baptism of, 275 ; his difficulties with the United States, 79 ; his war club, 125 ; Maafu a dangerous rival, 225 332 FIJI. Timber, valuable kinds of, 141 ; see also Consular Trade Returns and Appendix. Tobacco, 129 ; see also Agriculture ; see also Consular Trade Pieturns. Toddy, theory regarding, 211 Toilette, native, 27 Tonga, King George of; his interference in Fijian affairs, 239; an account of the islands of, 277; intercourse between the natives of, and Fijians, 225 Tortoise-shell, 141; see also Consular Trade Heturus. Trade, 143 ; development of, 147 ; see also Consular Trade Returns. Trepang, see Beche-de-mer. Tribes, number of, 221 Tui Viti ; see Thakombau. Turban, or sala, 28 Turtle-fishing, 215 Uluna Ndonu, 9 United States claim, 239 ; see Financial liabilities ; investigation of by the United States Government, 253 ; payment of, 272 Unnatural affection, see Parents. Fasit, privileges of ; see Nephew. Vegetables, indigenous, 131 ; foreign, 130 Vicarious suffering, 75 Victory, celebration of, 57 Vogel,'Mr. Julius, 1G8 Volcanic, furmation of the islands, 2 ; disturbance, 3 Wages for labour, 171 Wai Levu, see Eewa. Wai Ndina, 8 Whippy, David, 18S White population, 183 ; number of, 189 ; character of, 190 Wigs, native, 28 Wilkes, Commodore, 219 Winds, prevailing, see Climate. Women, morality of, 40; degradation of, 41 Wool ; see Consular Trade Ileturns. Yams, staple article of food, 136 Yaqona, 30 ; preparation of, 42 ; also see ^Mariner. THE END. LONDON: PBIKTED BY EDWARD STAKl-ORD, 55 CHAKINC CR0S5, s.W. 14^ t^-e 2t r of CKN CaJ a A I SHOI . .jelwee 3, Al ND T ISL 120 bd. Ch< Lunaon; Etbriird Stanford. Chsriig Cr< UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. ^JIIVDJO^ ^^0FCAilF0/?4 {JSSJJi. MARlS-aO ^(9Advaan-^^ ^vWSANCElfj-. a? o vlOSANCElfj; ■^Aa3AiNiiav\^ ilirr %0JIIV3J0>' .j.oFrAiipnp/ -D-nRt ^^R 1 5 199(1' ?K, QEC05'90 DEC 5 ig^ ) ^ 315 ^\^F IINIVFRSy^ i I -T C I? 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