FIJI NEWS.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 321, 1 December 1888, Page 4

FIJI NEWS.

Suva, November 21. The question of land claims appears to be ever cropping up, and finality has evidently not yet been arrived at. The United States Government have been moving in this direction on behalf of their citizens who are interested in the settlement of what they believe to be their bonu fide, assertion of right, and a joint commission is to take the wholo matter into consideration.

WRECK OF A LARGE SHIP. News comes from Loma Loma that a lo oi wreckage, evidently belonging to a large vessel, has been washed aahore at that island. The companion ladder appertaining to the cabin, a deck plank — with marks of casks haying been on same — staunchions on which the rails rest, etc., have come to land, all partially sawn through and evidently intended for a raft. The wreckage had not been long in the water, aa there was no signs of its having been touched by the worm.

EXHIBITION. On Friday, 9th November (Prince of Wales' Birthday) the first exhibition under the auspices of the Agricultural and Industrial Association of Fiji was opened by His Excellency the Governoi-, who received an address on the occasion, read by Mr Mune, the President of the Association. The (Governor read a formal written reply. The exhibition was very successful, as were the accompanying festivities, including races, Masonic ball, excursions, etc.

GOLD PROSPECTING. The Gold Prospecting Association held a meeting on Thursday afternoon last. There was a full attendance and much interest was taken in the proceedings. Amongst other matters accomplished, was the allotment of sixteen new shares among the members ; and, as everyone was anxious to obtain one of these, the excitement was very observable. The shares are £8, at par, and one gentleman present offered to take the whole number at £12. This was not considered good enough, however, and the drawing went on for the lucky numbers until the new issue was exhausted. It is stated that the market value is £16 ; but there is no great inclination to sell even at that figure.

WESLEY AN MISSIONS. The following are the complete statistical returns of the Wesley an Mission, as presentedatthedistrictineetingheld last month at \ iwa : — Churches, 960 ; other preaching places, 361 ; missionaries, 10 ; native ministers, 66 ; catechists, 41; teachers (in charge of villages), 1,016 ; day school teachers, 2,517 ; local pi'eacheis, 1,889 ; class leaders, 3, 206; English members, 19; native members, 28,128 ; native members on trial, 4,112 ; catechumens, 3,069 ; English communicants other than members, 13 ; deaths of members, 736 ; Sabbath schools, 1,533 ; Sabbath school teachers, 2,610 ; Sabbath scholars (adults and children) 42,607 ; day schools, 1,824 ; day scholars, (adults and children), 41,077 ; attendants on public worship (English, Fijian and foreign labourers), 104,585.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. An adjourned meeting of gentlemen interested in the resuscitation ot the Chamber of Commerce was held at the Town Boai'd. Office, Suva, on Monday, 12th in&t. Mr W. Kopsen was voted to the chair. After a few remarks made by the Chairman it was unanimously agreed that the Suva Chamber of Commerce be resuscitated. Mr Lazaras then submitted some amendments to the old rules which would be required to ensure the better working of the Chamber. The alterations, which met with general approval, were adopted. The committee for the nexb year was then elected : — The Hons. A. Duncan and J. Berry, Messrs Lazarus, Somerville, Sturrock, Marks, Home, and Irvine. The Hon. A. Duncan was unanimously elected Chairman, and the Hon. J. Berry Vice-Chairman, Mr Sturrock to be Treasurer, and Mr C. W. Caldwell, Secretary.

OBITUARY. Another old identity has paid the debt of nature. Mr Davis, of Na&uata, has passed away at the ripe age of eighty-three years, thirty of w hich he had spent in Fiji. He was of a very retiring disposition, and known only to a limited circle. Mrs Arthur Swarm expired on Tuesday last, at the house of her father-in-law in Levuka, at the early age of 33 years. The deceased lady leaves a husband and child to mourn their loss. The death is announced of Mr E. B. Heffernan. until recently Stipendiary Magistrate at Ba. Mr Heffernan was an old and faithful publi servant, and the manner in which he discharged his magisterial duties was highly spoken of, aliko for efficacy and justice. He leaves a widow and family.