FIJI.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2739, 27 November 1871, Page 3

FIJI.

OI’JJMN'G O.V IMRUAM.KST. From our Fiji files, wo see tba,t the king dom of Cakoban is fairly entering oil its Parliamentary career. ’ The Inji Jjiiux, in reporting the “ first meeting of the first Parliament” on Nov. 1, expresses the opinion that the importance of the ceremony was not properly appreciated by the people of Levuka. It is pleasing to read that “'I he aspect of the House itself is much improved ; although the picturesque native thatch and ridgepole have been removed, to many eyes the shingling looks better, and it ceitainly is a better protection against rain, while the inside of the House, with its crimson curtains and carpeting, presents rather an i;\v posang coup d’ml”- ■ The distribution of meihhers upon the “Ministerial, Opposition, and cross-benches,” is given, and the jrrocess of swearing in the now members is detailed. One member, Hr ilyley, made some little difficulty about being sworn till he knew “under wbat constitution” they stood—whether it was the one he assisted in passing or some other. This very reasonab e inquiry was soon satisfied, and Dr Kylcy took the oaths and his seat in due form. The election of Mr butters as Speaker wag then proposed Ui complimentary little speeches, and. tpe Speaker clecfWa afterwards congratulated hy the leader of the Government, who “felt certain that the rights and dignities of the House wore said in his hands, and was sure he would meet with hearty support from both sides of the House. Ihc loader of the Opposition added his congratulations. Subsequently Mr Woods announced that the King would open Parliament next day at 3 p m., and would lm,lff a reception at £ p ; m. Neo-t day. the Speaker i‘topk the chair at 3 o'clock-” However, an occurrence which dees not often interfere with the movements of constitutional menarohs, “an accident to the King’s canoe,” prevented his attendance, and the House adjourned till the next day, the opposition of one member being promptly ruled “ out of order” by the honorable the Speaker. The next day, the canoe having been put right, the King arrived, and the Speaker wav pr,.;{jentep. Hu Ma.es v y replied in' constitutional''language as though to the manner hprn, “I'have much satisfaction ip hearing qf your election. Your long experience in British colonial Parliaments, and your thorough knowledge of your duties, will no doubt enable you to perform them in a manner productive of great advantage to the public.” The Speaker then resumed bis seat in tbe House, At this point it is delightful to read, and the sentences sound surprisingly familiar, and that ‘ the House presented a gay spectacle.” The “floor -was crowded With ladies, 'whoso varied set op by the Sombre lining of the House, had a vpfy ‘pleading effect.” One has to look aigain to make sure that it is indeed in the Fiji Tlvm that he reads this admirable description, the production of wdiich on similar occasions has so often rewarded the reporter’s labours. King Cakohau’s speech seems as go:;d as the speeches of other monarchs, the debate on the address no worse than other debates, and altogether, if the ve;>dev could forgjjt vhp scale of thJ new kingdom, Tic wottjd seem tb havc'hefbre’him the deliberations’ of the Parliament of some mighty empire. Later on, Mr Hurt explained t]\c steps the Government had taken ip regard tp avenging the recent'massacre, and the Administration received the thanks of the House fur the prompt manner in which it had acted in the emergency. It was gracefully decided to place on record the names of those gentlemen who ottered their services to the expedition, and Mr Hurt, in

supporting the proposal, was enabled to make the gratilying announcement that “at all times when the Government had required assistance in the preservation of law and order, it met with it from every respectable citizen in Levuka.”