THE FIJI ISLANDS.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 454, 19 January 1869, Page 3

THE FIJI ISLANDS.

We noticed in a former issue, that the " Fijian Weekly Times," the first newspaper published in the Fijis, and originated by Mr. Thomas Johnston, formerly of Westport, had ceased to exist. The concluding remarks of that journal do not speak favorably of the literary advancement at least of the place. The paper was published at Levuka in the Island of Ovalau, and expired in the 21st. of November, at the early age of thirteen weeks, with the following remarks : —The present number terminates, for a time at least, the issue of this paper. As many of our readers will know, we have been at considerable expense in bringing down material, and have also had our difficulty in the production of this sheet, with only one pair of hands to accomplish all the various duties. We were prepared in starting to meet with a certain amount of difficulty and jealousy, and expected that an independent paper would be well supported, but we regret to say such has not been the case. We have* to the best j of our ability, endeavore'd to represent | public opinion, but confess to have found very little expression of it. It was said four months ago that we we're a year too soon, and it is the case. We have to acknowledge with gratitude tli9 support and assistance we have received, and though leaving Fiji, it is with a full belief of its future importance, and that the time will soon arrive when public opinion here will be a fact, and the Press a necessity. Coal is said have been found at Cadavu, in the Fiji group, and a specimen of kauri gum also, hitherto supposed to be confined to the province of Auckland, is said to have been found at Nadi, in the island of Viti Levu. It is probable, however, that this last has been cast up by the sea.