THE FIJIS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume I, Issue 29, 29 August 1868, Page 3

THE FIJIS.

The following is an extract from a lettor received from * gentleman who left Invercargill some time ago for the Fiji* : — " You are aware that when I arrived here I purchased some land from the natives at 2e. 6d. per acre and commenced to, grow cotton, but after a residence of aome dozen months or so I find that the climate does nob suit me, nor the late fall in the prioe of cotton, and it is my intention to leave as soon as I have made the necessary arrangements. I have not lost anything since I cune here, but I certainly have not gained much. I sold one piece of land a,t a very good profit ; land is rising jn vahte. The islands. a.re as beautiful and fertile as any in the world ; they can produce anything that will grow in- the tropics. I think sugar and coffee will be the staple yet. There are about 800 Europeans scattered over the group, and people are arriving from the [ colonies by every vessel. The grat-drawback to the settlement o£ the place is the want of a proper government. If that boon was conferred there would be no doubt as to rapid settlement of the islands. It is a great pity that sojuo of tho Australian colonies do not take possession of the island ; it would give a feeling of security to life and property which certainly docs not exist here at present. The greater part of the people who arrive are not possessed of monoy — that is, beyond a few pounds or so — and it is the worst place in the world for a man to come to who lias no moans, 'as there is no employment for white labor. I think the sort of people this.place. would* 6uit is the farming class, and every intending settler should be possessed -of at least from L3OO to IAOO. He can then buy land and obtain imported labor. Tho natives cannot be' depended upon ; sometimes you can get any amount of labor from thorn, but perhaps the very time -you wtmt them most they are busy themselves. They are good to clear aud get it ready for planting, and they do not cost you much, but to prosper you must have' laboY tttafi'cw always be depended upon."