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Cromwell Argus, Volume 2, Issue 84, 20 June 1871, Page 6

Repression of Crime in Fiji.— ln the .absence of any recognised Government in Fiji for the protection of Europeans, the Rewa settlers have formed a rifle-police corps, and this is the way they perform their duty : —“A case of assault and robbery having occurred at Mr Page’s, of Na Dawa, a circular was sent round to every plantation, requesting every man to meet at Rewa, so as to investigate the case, and, if necessary, obtain and punish the guilty parties. On its being found that the charge was well substantiated, a public meeting was held at Rewa, at which some twenty-seven persons were present, nearly every plantation on the Rewa and Wainanu being represented. It was resolved that the whole meeting should adjourn to Tui Dreketi, and demand that the three men should be obtained and tried, and if found guilty, should be given up to them for punishment. A fair trial took place, and on the men being found guilty they were sentenced to twenty-five lashes and transportation to a Windward Island for three years, to work on a white man’s plantation. They were yesterday brought to Lovuka, and will shortly proceed to one of Mr Hennings’ Islands. After the object of the gathering had been so successfully attained, the following resolution was passed ‘ That this meeting pledges itself individually and collectively to treat every case of outrage on whites in the same manner as has been done to-day, and that for that purpose four gentlemen bo appointed to receive and investigate complaints.’”