LATEST FROM FIJI.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 565, 1 November 1871, Page 2

LATEST FROM FIJI.

[FBOM OTTS OWN COB'tESPOTTDENT.]

Levuka, October 13. There is little or no news of importance to communicate. The last of the elections came otf at Kundnvu on the 9th instant, and the House of Representatives will, proba ly, meet at the end of this month. Two or three of the most important districts in Fiji still hold aloof from joining the Government movement; but there is little doubt, when the machinery is onve in motion, they will come in. Some little indignation is manifested at the action of Oakobaii's agents—the so-called Ministry - who are incline i to use coercion, instead or allowing time to work its influences. The American Consul (Dr. Br>wer), has made himself especially conspicUDUS in this matter of coercion, and, having enlisted the sympathy of the Captain of the American var ship Si; Ma-y's, proceed-d to faviuiii with fifty meh-ot-war's men to use his influence with the chief Tui Ctikau to get him to join the Government. The expedition returned la.«t evening, and it is believed the chief his promised his adhesion. The Ministry have, also been exceeding their duty bomewhat in seeking to establish the various institutions of a Government without the advice and consent of the Parliament now about to assemble. A public meeting was held on the 6;h iu-t, ami the following resolution whs unanimou-Jy passed :—" That this meeting views with disapprobation the in ecent haste used by the members of the so-called Ministry in all matters affecting the construction o the proper machinery of Government, prior to a meeting of duly elected representatives." A paragraph in the Sydney Herald of the Bth ultimo, to the effect that New South Wales had received a despatch from the Earl of Kimberly, authorising the said colony to annex Fiji, has put many thinking. The annexation scheme would find many supporters ; but the general impression is ihat, if the said paragraph is correct, the news has come too late.

The non-arrival of tho City of Adelaide, from Sydney, now thirteen days overdue, has caused considerable uneasiness. It is supposed that the line is temporarily suspended. The expedition to punish tho Ba mountaineers was a success, several being killed and their towns burnt. A second expedition was secretly organised, and twenty seven settlers made their way into the mountains, and slaughtered some thirty of the cannibals. Till Nudronga, a Coast chief, has engaged to drive them out of tho mountains, and he has some 5000 followers under his banner.

The cotton continues to curne in rather slowly, the weather greatly retarding progress. Tliis season the rain has been destructive to the crops, and the return will not be so large as at first anticipated. In comparison, ho/v----ever, some of our plantation returns will compare favourably with your far-famed Caledoni'in claim.

Bishop Puiteson is now daily expected, find some little preparation is undertaken for his reception. The Rev. Mr. Floyd is busy preparing a number of candidates for confirmation.

The United States ship of war leaves for Sydney early next week. Tlie American Consul is a passenger by her.