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Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 27, 7 November 1871, Page 3

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(from our oavn correspondent.) Levuka, October 19. The ‘ Argo ’ leaves here to-morroAV via Cliicia (pronounced Thithia). She lias on board 40 men for Mr. McEvoy. She was chartered last April by this gentleman, and lias, I am told, been very successful in obtaining labourers for that plantation. I think avc are going to have a little excitement here in a few days. Many people avlio at first spoke in terms of the greatest praise of our self government, noAv condemn it as a despotic institution, and unAVorthy the name of English. For myself I am not inclined to view this ucav reform (?) for Fiji Avitli any degree of satisfaction, but I do think that a government of some sort is better than none at all, on the old maxim “ that half a loaf is better than no bread. ’

Thorc is no doubt that the Ministry Avlien they obtained Cakabau’s signature to the charter, thought that it Avould only be necessary to form a constitution, and that all the white residents Avould immediately coincide Avith their vieAVs, hut in this they have been most grossly mistaken. Then again, the very men avlio at first Avere to be such staunch supporters of law and order, noAV turn round, and call large indignation meetings, and protest against the action they call it of “ a feAV adventurers.” The great problem to be solved is this: Will amalgamation Avith the natives he detrimental to the Avhites ? Many ans Aver in the affirmative, and say it Avill, and I must admit that I am inclined to side with them. It is hardly consistent with the dignity of an Englishman to he taken and iocked up by a reformed cannibal, and yet, according to the theory of some philanthropic gentlemen, this style of proceeding is correct. And this brings me to the great point at issue—that avc shall have a jolly toav doAvn here shortly, there is not a doubt. The climax of all will he a general rebellion amongst the whites, and the natives will support the stronger side. The great leader in all this excitement is a man devoid of all ! principle. Nature has blessed him Avith | brains and talents, hut unfortunately they ■ are used for a Avroug purpose.

This man of physic was the first to denounce the Consul (English),fcthen the missionaries, next the Government, and now the people. He is avcll kuoAvn in your province, and it is a pity for us that lie did not stop and roll pills at the Thames instead of coining down here as a second Rochefort, soAving the seeds of discontent. We are making great preparations for the reception of Bishop Patteson. He is expected in a feAv days, and being so much respected in the Polynesian group, we anticipate quite a red-letter day on his arrival.

He has made himself very popular amongst the islands. His kind and unassuming manner, coupled Avith the noble

spirit of a true Christian (an example which some of our missionaries might imitate), has rendered him a general favourite Avitli us.

I am sorry to say the sanitary condition of Levuka is anything but satisfactory, and until Lieutenant Woods and his colleagues are allowed to carry out their ideas" Without" - tho interference of such men as Dr. Ryloy and Mr. Smith I am afraid that improvements in the drainage line will he in statu quo. It has been a great disappointments us to lose the mail service; it certainly was understood that this line would have at least a year’s trial, and after the trouble incurred in surveying, we certainly think ourselves greatly slighted. But I suppose this arises from the fact that those who go to Fiji only leave under pressure, and after all we have got some very questionable characters down here. I must close this now as the 1 Argo ’ leaves in an hour. I hope to be able to send you more satisfactory news by the next opportunity..