THE FIJIS

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 283, 27 June 1868, Page 3

THE FIJIS

The Argus, of May 21, gives the following particulars respecting a company which has been formed in Melbourne, for the purpose of carrying on extensive business operations in the Fiji Islands :

The s.s. A?bion, that sailed recently from Sydney to Fiji and Japan, had eighty passengers on board for King Thakombau's territory, and so numerous were the applications for berths that the owners of the ship regretted that they had not despatched her to Fiji alone, making Melbourne her port of departure. There seems to be a very general cariosity on the subject of these islands both here and in New South Wales, and most of the Albion's passengers are understood to have gone thither with a view to ascertain the capabilities of the islands in the way of trade, or as a field for settlement. Two of these, Messrs Brewer and Evans, are the agents of a company, which it is proposed to form in this city to carry on extensive business operations in the Fiji group, and they have taken with them a draft charter to which they hope to obtain the signatures of the reigning monarch and

- his principal chiefs. We havo a copy ; of the charter before us, and as it may . possibly bocoino an important historical documeut at some future time, we I will state its more important details. In consideration of certain importaut privileges to be ceded to the company, the latter is to make suitable provision for the settlement of £IO,OOO, or thereabouts, preferred against King Thakombau by the American Government, for losses said to have been sustained by American subjects who resided iii his kingdom ; pay the King an annuity (of which the amount has not been filled in) from the date of the company's formation ; pay annuities (blank sum) to certain chiefs (the number not stated), and ' at all times after the formation of the company well and truly aid and assist King Thakombau in upholding and defending his kingdom.' So much are the delegates to undertake on behalf of the company's behalf. His Majesty, of the other part, will, should he sigu the charter as drafted, 'for ever grant, cede transfer, and set over unto trustees, on behalf of the company, certain island, set forth in a schedule ' together with the soil or bed of all seas, rivers, adjacent to or abutting on the said scheduled territory, and also all harbours inlets, creeks, &c., which the company may now or hereafter deem necessary for the enjoyment of the said scheduled lands, &c.; also mines or minerals in or upon the same.' The company will also have the sole and exclusive right to impose and levy such duties of Customs as to them may seem fit on the exportation and importation of goods into the kingdom of Fiji, and to levy wharfage or harbor rates, and the exclusive right to establish banks, and issue bank notes.' No portion of the territory is to be alienated until the company has been offered ' the preferential privilege of acquiring the same.' The company are to have full and absolute authority to make laws for the government of the inhabitants, native and foreign, on the lands ceded to them; also to make laws to regulate the trade and commerce of the kingdom, or such portions of it as may be inhabited by a white ormixedpopulation; andtoestablish courts, appoint judges,magistrates, &c. The King pledging himself to uphold and defend the laws made by the company, and to protect the inhabitants of the company's territory, and their property from ntvbivo and otKcr violence. What his Fijian Majesty and his counsel of chiefs will have to say to the deligetes and their draft charter remains to be seen.