THE FIJI ISLANDS.

Southland Times, Issue 1178, 18 June 1869, Page 2

THE FIJI ISLANDS.

The new settlement planted on these islands under the auspices of the Polynesian Company would seem to be progressing satisfactorily. The preliminary arrangements with King Thakombau have been completed as far as the company is concerned, and shareholders and directors have departed in numbers to the scene of future operations. A regular line of vessels has been started between the principal island and Melbourne, and already we hear of something of the nature of a provisional government, in which the squatters are to co operate, being inaugurated. Many. of the accounts received are most interesting, and, on tbe whole, encouraging. The King's arbitrary rule, it seems, is to be converted into something like a costitutional monarchy. Delegates have been invited from amongst the settlers to assist him in managing tbe internal affairs of his kingdom. At present the body is to be simply consultative, though doubtless this is the first step to its obtaining administrative, if not executive, powers. "With some foresight, however, the delegates insist upon preserving their individual nationality, not knowing the moment it may be necessary for them to fall back for protection upon their respective ! nationalities. A measure has been agreed upon imposing a capitation tax of 5 dols per annum on all the white and halfcaste population, and 5f on the natives. The sale of firearms and ammunition is prohibited to the Fijians, their fidelity and trustworthiness being still somewhat doubtful. Labour there is in great demand, but it is rather of the coolie and Chinese than of the European description that is required. About a week since the barque Springbok took her departure from Hobson's Bay for Levuka, Ovalau, Fiji. This vessel is the second of the Polynesian line which has left Melbourne in connexion with thecompany, the first being the Alfred, which sailed on the 14th of February last. She took a large number of pasesngers, principally shareholders in the Polynesian company, amongst others being Mr 8. G-. Watson, an old New South Wales settler ; Mr P. Brougham, a Victorian squatter ; and the manager of the Polynesian Company, Mr Frederick Cooke. The latter pro- j

— — — —^— ■^■^■^^^^^^^^^^^^ — ™ - —— »->j.»-a ; »v~«-. ceeded for the purpose^ o£ carr^n^»i|p*^ the provisions of the company's charter with King Thakombau and the United States authorities. The Springbok is expected to arrive at her destination about the same time as H.M^S.S., Galatea, when it is expected a great gathering of the white and native population, to greet His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, will take place. It is thought likely that a second offer of cession of sovereignty of the islands will be made to the British Crown by King Thakpmbau and his chiefs through the Duke of Edinburgh. — Argus.