FIJI.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 799, 8 April 1871, Page 2

FIJI.

The Levuka correspondent of the " Sydney Morning Herald" writes, February 8:

" On the Ist instant we had another political meeting here, which, however, was poorly attended. The object was to resuscitate the charter for a muni pal corporation, granted a short time ago by Thakombau, and which was scornfully rejected at a large public meeting held soon after it was granted. Thakombau and his white secretary are desirous that the white people should assist to strengthen Thakomban's position, and acknowledge his assumed title of King of Fiji, by passing under the yoke, but the majority of the people here will not recognise Thakombau as king or as being the source of power. "An investigation was held yesterday by the consul, Mr March, into the circumstances attending the supposed murder of Mr liae, at Cherry Island, and the attack on the Marion Kenny, of wbich you are already informed. The account of the Fiji natives who brought the vessel back to Fiji was found to be apparently correct, and they seemed to have endured great suffering from the wounds received in the attack on the vessel and on their voyage to Fiji, to which it seemed they had found their way back by instiuct more than anything else. I have to report the death of Mr Wilson, of Wilson, Hamilton, & Co., planters and storekeepers, Taviuni. He was very much liked and respected, and is greatly regretted. "A rifle club is in course of formation here for the township, and, though it does not seem much wanted as yet against the natives, it is as well to be prepared for any sudden row that occur, hut which might never happen if it was seen that it could be checked. King Thakombau has enough to do to hold his own against his great rival Maafu, the great Tongan chief, who, in alliance with the chief of Taviuni and the chief of Nanua Lcvu, is preparing to carry fire aud sword into Thakoinbau's territory, and means to invest the island of Bau, Thakoinbau's head -quarters j and we expect t;> hear of another siege of Paris in miniature here.

" A largo meeting Was hold on the 4th instant, to consider the conduct of the British Consul in the Daphne ease, and his treatment of the committee of gentlemen who waited on him to inquire whether he hud carried out hia promise; made to them some months ago, to see justice done in the malter. It appeared from the account of the committee that he had not done anything, and that he refused to see the committee. A resolution was passed at the meeting to the effect that the conduct of Mr March tended to bring his office as her Majesty's Consul into couteuipt with the people of Fiji. " Uuf late postmaster, Mr Winchcombe has resigned Jois portion, and

Dr Freeman, late of Sydney, has been j appointed in his place. " Accounts from the various islands i speak very satisfactorily of the prospects of the coming cotton crop. "The Luvoni tribe on this island, and whieh is hostile to Thakombau, killed and ate, about a fortnight ago a chief of an adjacent tribe, who was suspected of being a spy of Thakombau, and had given information to him of the intentions of the Luvoni tribe to commence hostilities. This incident, which took place about four miles distant from Levuka, shows what lit. tie power or real authority Thakombau has over even this island.'*