LATEST INTELLIGENCE FROM FIJI.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 126, 18 July 1868, Page 7

LATEST INTELLIGENCE FROM FIJI.

As the Fiji Islands are now attracting considerable attention both in Australia and this colony, the following intelligence from the correspondent of the Sydney Herald, relative to the successful negotiation of a company of Melbourne capitalists to buy up King Thakambau’s right is important: “ The Albion, s.s., arrived at Fiji on the 22nd May. Messrs. Brewer and Evans, as agents for the Melbourne company, have concluded arrangements with King Thakatnbau, who has agreed to grant them 200,000 acres, and the pre-emptive right over the entire territory. He also concedes to the company the banking monopoly they required, and also the right to make laws and impose Customs duties over all the lands that may be acquired by charter. He first consented to give the x’ight to impose the Customs duties over all the islands, but the white settlers protesting through the British Consul, caused the curtailment of that clause. The settlers also protested against the whole arrangement, as interfering with the rights they had already acquired through the purchase and settlement of different portions of the islands. The agents for the company guarantee to assist King Thakumbau in the defence of his territory, and pay the American debt at present held over it. They further agree to give the King an annuity of £2OO, and to continue the same to his son, who succeeds him. The King’s other son is to bo taken to Melbourne, to be educated, at the company’s expense. The company’s agents have already selected 100,000 acres on the largestisiand, which is mentioned in Colonel Smyth’s report as haying a fine harbor, and being the best locality for a white settlement.” The Sydney Morning Herald denounces the arrangement as dangerous and unconstitutional. It is stated that 4,000 bales of cotton will he exported from Fiji this season.— Examiner.

[ The, following was published as an Extra on Wednesday last.]