THE FIJI ISLANDS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume I, Issue 75, 1 June 1866, Page 3

THE FIJI ISLANDS.

In proportion to the extension and development of the Australian colonies, does the influence of, their civilization affect the condition of the races inhabiting the neighboring islands of the Pacific Ocean. For good or for evil has the spirit of commerce invaded these regions ; aud multitudiuous though they seem, as the stars in the Milky Way, there are few among them that are not well known to the traders and whalers of the Southern seas. The outer world, however, gains little from this knowledge, as a glance at the chart will show the great number of islands, rocks, reefs, and shoals whose position is undetermined, and whose existence is doubtful. Iu general the masters of the trading vessels arc acquainted with the dangers and difficulties of these narrow seas, but are content to keep this knowledge for 'their own guidance, and to allow all rivals to acquire it for themselves in the same hard school of experience. In like manner the condition and prospects of the South Sea trade have > been concealed or misrepresented by those interested in retaining this traffic iu their own hands, and forcing it fo flow in certain channels prescribed by them.