THE "VAGABOND'S" LECTURE.

Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3219, 13 November 1880, Page 2

THE "VAGABOND'S" LECTURE.

AN old Fiji settlor writes to us :—" Wo have had a lecture on Fiji by the " Vagabond." It was his second attempt, and the general opinion is that it was a weak, biassed, and vulgar exhibition, so much so that most of the respectable people left the hall before the harangue, or so-called lecture was over. It is very clear that he was invited to come to Fiji by a few discontented political agitators, who vainly supposed that the "Vagabond's" writings would intimidate the Governor, and bring about radical changes in tho administration of tho Government, and especially to assist in the idiotic agitation against the removal of the Government to Suva. In proof of this he severely censured the Governor on tho removal question, aud Bpoko strongly against Suva before he had seen the place. There must now be a split in tbc camp, for, at his last lecture he showed tho true cause of this agitntion against the removal of the capital. Those who at first greeted the '' Vagabond's " advent with joy, are now sadder but wiser men. The missionaries gave him their patronage, entertained him »t their houses and even lent him a boat and crew. He accepts all they have to give, and ou his return to Lcvuka delivers a lecture in which ho criticises their policy, and uses most uncalled for and insulting language ' towards their society; and, as a climax, openly jeered at the Christian Faith. His principal sources of information have been masters of small vessels, political obstructionists, and tho usual hotel loafer. On returning to the colonies ho will probably villify tho Governor and the Government, and in fact make sweeping assertions against everything and everybody within his reach. We all know that there is nothing easier than fnult-fiuding and criticism, and those partisans who enr.oura«ed such a champion to come already regret°it aud will yet suffer from his narrow-minded misrepresentations, which if they have any ulterior effect, it will be only to prevent capital from finding its way to Fiji. The Levuka partisans, therefore, who encouraged him to come, will be the greatest sufferers by Ins labours, which havo been directed •against the true interests of Fiji