LATER FIJI NEWS.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 407, 1 October 1875, Page 4

LATER FIJI NEWS.

The Auckland correspondent of the Otayo Daily 'limes furnishes the following fuller particulars of the news brought to Auckland by the schooner Ocean Wave, from Levuka :—“ The proclamation of the colony took place on the Ist September. The following day, the Governor met 300 settlers from all parts of the group, by invitation, and, in an able speech, sketched out the future policy. He declared his intention to go freely through the group, and ascertain their wants. He said it was not fully determined on a future course of action. He recommended supplanting Polynesian labor with Indian coolies. The high wages offered in Queensland had diminished Polynesian supply, and would continue to do so. He showed that obtaining Indian coolies would be cheaper and better. The existing Central Court has been confirmed, ratified, and endowed with all the powers of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Tenders have been advertised for interinsular steam service. The work of pushing on roads will be proceeded with vigorously. He would encourage the opening of schools of instruction under subsidy. The Royal Charter only provided a legislative Council of two members, but he intended to extend the number to four. He could not make it elective, as that would be opposed to the spirit of the Crown Colony, but asked them to write out four names they were in favor of as a guide in appointing the Council. All lands in the colony became absolutely the property of the Crown, and Europeans claiming land must prove their purchase from the natives. All future dealings with the natives for lands are prohibited. A Commission will be immediately appointed to investigate land claims. The Crown declines to recognise legal liabilities for any debts incurred by previous Governments, but as an act of grace will satisfy legitimate claims upon their merits. He said he had accepted a large salary in order to secure a pension he was entitled to for former services, and meant to return half his salary. He asked the planters to express an opinion on questions whether Levuka, in a Jsanitary point of view and extent of land, was suitable for the capital, and whether the Government should assume sole management of labour and immigration.