LATEST FROM THE FIJIS.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 900, 14 December 1871, Page 2

LATEST FROM THE FIJIS.

MURDER OF FIVE EUROPEANS AND A FIJIAN. The " Fiji Times" of November 4 reports the murder of Mr T. Warburton, merchant, of Levuka, Messrs Kingston, Bobson, and Whittaker, planters, of Taviimi, Mr Owen, master of the cutter Meva, and a Fijian on board that craft, by Solomon Island labourers. Whilst the cutter .waa proceeding from Levuka to Taviuni, the islauders arose, and murdered the whites on board. Four vessels, each containing eight volunteers and one officer, were despaiched from Levuka in search of the murderers. The vessels in pursuit are stocked with three weeks' provisions, but it is confidently expected that the wretches will be caught long before that time will have elapsed. THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF FIJI. The importance of the ceremony of "Wednesday did not seem to bo appreciated by the public of Levuka as much as the occasion deserved; and very little notice at all seemed to be taken of an event of such paramount interest as the first meeting of the first Barliament. The hour of assembling was fixed for noon, and shortly after that time the clerk, Mr H. Freeman, called the bench to order. The aspect of the house itself is much improved; although the picturesque native thatch and ridge-pole have been removed, to many eyes the shingling looks better, and it certainly is a better protection against rain, while the inside of the House, with its crimson curtains and carpeting, presents rather aniutposing coup A ail. On members taking their seats they were distributed as follows: Ministerial benches Messrs S. C. Burt, E. Hennings, J. C. Smith, "W. Hennings, Woods, aud Thomas. Opposition—Messrs Hamilton, Eyley, Ireland, Cudlip, Levick, W. Scott, and Weicker. Crosd benches—Messrs Butters, Eastgate, Frank Otway, and Haslitt. Messrs Cane and "W. B. Scott were absent. W. Hennings said he wished to propose Mr Butters as Speaker of the House. Carried unanimously.