THE ISLANDS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 166, 12 July 1912, Page 4

THE ISLANDS.

—.—■.'. PEACEFUL AND PROSPEROUS. I IMPRESSION OF TOURISTS. -■' hi the course of the round trip froi Sydney to Auckland, via -Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, there arrived in this ckj to-day. Mr. Charles MJacaw, geneitl J superintendent of transportation for tit i Victorian Railway Department. He ii ! travelling in company with his brother-in-law. Mr. Alfred Price, and "both an enjoying the trip immensely. !; ; Speaking to a. representative of til "Star' on Island topics, Mr. Macel ; stated that they appeared to be' in I prosperous state. The effects of thj comparatively recent tornados were stivisible in some parts, but they wen - being gradually effaced, as tie fruit ani coeoanut crops commenced to flouriaV once more. An air of peace appeared t» accompany the tokens~of prosperity, Jit Macaw said. In the early stages of til Inland cruise, -Hie passengers heart rumours of industrial unrest hatful occurred at Tonga. The islands of Fiji and Samoa, which were touched at first, were perfectly placid so far as sud matters were concerned, but tie captain of the Atua deemed it advisabli to engage an auxiliary crew of about M Fijians to complete the trip. UauallT sufficient Island labour is available at each of the islands to attend to thi loading of copra, and if a strike hai occurred among the wharf workers of Tonga the vessel would have been considerably delayed. However, nothing « an unusual nature was experienced, w the only conclusion which could be coffli to was' that. "Rumour" had _ once mo" proved herself a lying jade. "If Fijians," said Mr. Macaw, "are » «■ type of native. They are of aimplj sunny nature, and it is of frequent occurrence for those on hoard to Dttji into song at times when they are alt* aether, even while eating their new-.* 'Mr. Macaw predicts that as tinxi ««j on the Island industries will berjw more and more important. As . for '{„ attractions as a resort for tourists, titer are simnlv charming. The scenery atmosobere of the tropics really Pw one. Messrs. Mflcaw and Price c-ontuiu' their trip to Sydney by the 3laheno w Monday. jfM