THE FIJI ISLANDS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4387, 12 April 1875, Page 5

THE FIJI ISLANDS.

(From the correspondent of the Auckland Star.) Levuka, March 25. THE POSITION OP PLANTERS. Waiting as we are an entire change of government, when all matters pertaining to the group will be placed upon a better and more substantial footing, there is naturally on the part of merchants and planters a tendency to wait and see how things turn out ere they invest deeper in their several industries. One of the greatest questions that will require inibemational consideration will be the land question, for here, as it were, lies the nucleus of our future prosperity. At present the planter is hut a nominal owner —his claims require to be recognised ; it is requisite that he should.be placed in possession of his Crown grant, and then armed with the title-deeds of his estate. He has security to offer for any necessary advances. THE FIJI BANK. Whilst speaking of monetary accommodation, we may mention that the rumor of other bank establishments forming branches here has been received with much favor. The Fiji Banking Company is unpopular by reason of its trading association. As a bank, its object should be to extend trade ; but as a commercial company, it is to its interest to monopolise it. The incongruity of these positions is selfevident. THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.

In official circles nothing is particularly noticeable, except the inertness of the present Ministers of the Grown, and they appear anything but desirous of placing matters in the best light to Sir Arthur Gordon on his arrival. Mr. Layard, the administrator of the Government, purposes returning to England on the first opportunity, and in the meantime he dispenses his duties as if apparently uninterested in his vocation. The chief mover is the Honorable J. B. Thurston, and his object is self-evident. He has removed every possible Minister and officer, and centered on himself and his satellites their duties and offices, so that on the arrival of the Governor he will have no rivals for the appointment of “ Man Friday ” to his Excellency. It is not thought, however, that any of the old Government staff will be held on. Their antecedents are so doubtful, and their political career in Fiji so suggestive, that it seems ridiculous to imagine a man of Sir Arthur’s calibre will associate himself with them. In Mr. Swanson, the late Native Minister recently deposed by Thurston, the Governor would have had an able and conscientious servant in dealing with the colored races, for he has never taken part in any of the scheming adventures of his colleagues, but confined himself to his duties so assiduously as to secure for himself the cognomen of the “ Maclean of Fiji.” FEARFUL RAVAGES OP MEASLES. Fearful ravages have occurred throughout the group by the introduction of the measles. Hundreds and even thousands, have died like rotten sheep. The air in Eevuka was literally impregnated with the odour of death, and only one continual stream of coffins was perceptible in our streets. When the disease was fairly introduced, and the germs thereof had fairly taken root, the authorities began to bestir themselves a little, but there was a great deal of show and no action, for day by day disclosures most gross in their nature are being made of the Government. That a searching inquiry should be made as to where the blame rests; whether with Captain Chapman or Messrs. Layard and Thurston, is necessary; common humanity demands it, and the delinquent should bo made to suffer for his carelessness. The disease is now on the decrease, but mortality still continues to be very great. THE NEW CHIEF JUSTICE—A SINGULAR CAKE. The report of the Police Magistrateof Ballarat becoming our Chief-Justice is contradicted : but wo sincerely hope some judicial functionary will put in an appearance, as the administration of law in Levuka has become a farce and a by-word. It is costly and expensive in the extreme, and utterly useless; as, for instance, look at the case of Houng Lee and Wilson. The plaintiff does an act of kindness to defendant ; ho lends him an anchor to go to Goua, on condition of Wilson returning it on the Tuesday. Wilson is in a position to do so, but ho retains the anchor as a hurricane was imminent. The blow comes ; Wilson’s vessel weathers the storm ;

Houn" Lee’s is stranded. An action follows. The Judge instructs the jury; they find for (three hundred pounds) for plaintiff. A new trial is moved for, and refused. Now comes the injustice when execution is levied, The plaintiffs find the bank in possession under bill of sale of all the effects of defendant, and the assignment is dated the day after judgment is given against Wilson, and this friendly, act on the part of the hank is upheld by reason of our having no insolvency laws here in force. A good deal of bitter feeling towards the bank has been raised by their action in the matter, as it is well known Wilson was only an agent for them in trading. ' DULLNESS OF BUSINESS. In commercial matters a slight dullness at present exists, but I believe it to he only temporary. The maize .market is brisk, and accounts from the growing districts are favorable in the extreme. The Wentworth left filled to her hatches on her last trip, and the Star of the South, Dauntless, Daphne, and others have taken full freights to New Zealand. Growers of maize are now using more caution in the drying of their grain, and this ■will be approved of by buyers. CULTIVATING SUGAR AND TOBACCO. Sugar is every day becoming more cultivated, and as mills get into working order, so we may anticipate larger returns. A splendid sample of about forty tons fetched from £2B to £3O per ton at James McCulloch and Co.’s mart, being bought for Auckland. The grower expressed himself satisfied with the price realised, which would amply repay him. This sugarcane had been damaged by the hurricane, but yet, with all these drawbacks, its density averaged 8. All the sugar planters are confident of the industry becoming a success, and they await only the settlement of the land question to allow them to enter more vigorously on work. Tobacco culture progresses very fairly, samples both in cigars and blocks* being now obtainable. Age alone is required to make the fragrant weed of -Fiji equal to any other. LABORERS. No less than 2000 Polynesians will require to be sent back to their homes during the next twelve months, and tenders are invited for their conveyance.