FEEJEE ISLANDS.

Auckland Examiner, Volume IV, Issue 275, 23 June 1860, Page 2

FEEJEE ISLANDS.

These interesting Islands, whi cll many advantages to the enterpn f n ptese »t are now beginning to attract a g public attention, and to claim tll ge S M in the eyes of both the bSSi>M Government which they so Wet i ? 10u «ndth fertile nature of the soil reeotnm ea d s ? h \ Islands most strongly for the n., tivation- As the land is “ P A” CS of cul adapted for the growth of cotton ' Wly w < teresting field for speculation n"? m ° st in regard to this useful commodity its « ply of a long existing wunt iq \ le W al! that is required to make it and spirit of enterprise combined with „ n' is ed appliances. The Feejee I s l,„, 150 in number, and vary i n s i ze miles in length by 90 in breadth between E. Long. 177- Q- S r 1 “ e 7 lie and W. Long. 179- 0- 8 Lat' l s '3 o', principal island Na Viti Levu ' bt°\ Th e as Levuca, is situated in E.’r„ 1 S. Lat. 18' 50‘. Vanua Levu I;'°’ V B ' tulele, Kandava, are nearest in i?’ Va ’ Matira, a village situate on the ■ P f Wtan ' e ' at the cast end, is about twelve hinT , Isla " d from Auckland. hu - ndr «<!niile J Most of the Feejees have very harbors, an advantage which can not ”i*’ 1 highly appreciated. The thermometer to “ mer arrives to 110', fahrenheit but th V"®’ not oppressive owing to the influenced sea breezes. In the winter season th h: nature ranges between 75' and 90' ’ C, “ te ' Through the kindness of Cantute a - of that fast sailing cutter Xd’ in our harbor on Friday, the 15th i„° have been furnished with some ticulars of this new land of proZ ’fixports that the produce of the count™ is Z dant. Besi/es that important article, ’ -cocoa nuts, yams, bananas, bread-fr i, £ apples, lemons, oranges, coffee, arrowroot sugarcane abound. The kauri tree and are also found but not in large qu Some fine turtle may be obtained on theZ and eels, crabs, shrimps, and fish, arepi enlif The importation of live stock has succeeded admirably. Sheep, pigs, g Oats , ducks, &c., are quite at home at the Feejees fj must not owit to mention a species of parrot and pigeon alse found there. I IISMe parts.that troublesome insect, the musqnito contributes to the annoyance of the inbabi’ tants.

Cannibalism is still in existence anw tie Feejeans, but although they are a fierce o and warlike race, they entertain a very wholesome respect for the white man, and the law exercises a due influence over them. They ate somewhat darker than the Maories, andm a very ingenious race. Some specimens oi their handicraft lately brought to Auckland evidence their skill, both in designing and decorating. They are very fond of coloring their faces and bodies with paint, and they have a particular fancy for red ochre. They are not yet acquainted with tho value of money, but are very willing to barter, awl an glad to receive paper, thread, knives, &c.,in exchange for their productions. The Feejeans have shewn themselves amenable to the Christian religion. Wesleyanism predominates at present amongst them—smno have followed the Established Church ami other denominations, and some bavoberneonverted to Romanism.

From Captain Austin’s account, there is a demand for sawyers at the Feejeelslands,and 15s. is being paid to skilful hands, besides having the tools supplied. Of course, agricultural labor is the chief want in a country such as thi'. The natives ereit really neat and comfortable d.veilings wi ll expedition and at avery m iderate charge, which are well calcnlatid to remove any undue anxiety felt by the newly arrived emigrant, in regard to a place of abode. These neat and tasteful habitations are usually constructed of bamboo, the sides being reeded, and roof well covered with k‘ nana leaves, and they have been found 1° answer every necessary purpose of a temporary nature. , ... When Captain Austin left Matira, the * i - sionary brig, John Wesley, the Staghoun the Sydney, were lying in harbor, an Aqnes was on the point of leaving Sydney The Aquila made a remarkable rapid up her recent visit to the Feejees, tawg 1 only 8 days sailing from the Great am Matira, and accomplishing the I ? turn .Z- !S hi in 11 days, ploughing through heavy gallant style.