HORRIBLE SLAVERY AT FIJI.

Evening Star, Issue 3010, 11 October 1872, Page 4

HORRIBLE SLAVERY AT FIJI.

In a recent number of the Fiji Times we find fresh evidence of the existence of slavery in its most hideous form. A firm of planters, known as Burt and Underwood, imported some laborers from Tanna, undertaking that after a year’s service the men should be sent home again. When the year expired, however, Underwood ordered them to go to work. The men refused to do so. Underwood drew a pistol and fired at them twice, one of the bullets striking a man named Larney in the arm. The men then set upon Underwood and killed him. 'I he evidence in detail as to the treatment these men received before they turned upon their prosecutor, is sickening to read. They were pinioned and flogged with jagged, pointed, and knotted sticks for disobedience, burned with red hot irons in the most tender parts of their bodies, sometimes for only mere inattention to their work. They were kept at work from early daylight until long after dark. JS'o page that was ever written on American slavery could be blacker than this, and it may be hoped that the recognition of Cakobau’s sovereignty by Great Britain will at least suggest to his advisers the necessity of at once giving such protection to laborers as will save Fijian society from the approach of being the most infamous on the face of the earth. And the Mr Burt referred to was Prime Minister of Fiji!