IMPORTANT NEWS FROM FIJI.

Press, Volume XXII, Issue 2684, 14 March 1874, Page 5 (Supplement)

IMPORTANT NEWS FROM FIJI.

The following was telegraphed by the Auckland correspondent of the " Daily Times" to that journal— A meeting of settlers was convened at Levuka by the Commodore, on his return from visiting the out-districts, on the 18th February. Two hundred persons were present. Commodore Goodenough spoke first, and thanked the gentlemen present for the full attendance in response to the invitation of the Commission. The subject upon which he wished to speak to them was annexation—a matter, in his own opinion, which he could not bring about himself, but which would be decided by the Home Government. He wished to derive every information from the meeting, and to receive from them answers to the following questions :—l. What Government, in their opinion, is best suited to the country— a Crown Colony, with Legislative Assembly ; or one with representative institutions, with an Assembly elected by the settlers, and an Executive composed of officers of the Crown. 2. Also, whether they were, as a community, prepared to take on themselves the liabilities of Fiji, and also to meet the necessary expenditure of a Government. It was not in his power to tell them the extent of the liabilities of the country, nor the expenditure which would be required to carry on the Government. The meeting might be better informed on those topics, and able to enlighten him. The Commission had visited several districts, and from one be had been able to get a written expression of the views of the settlers on these points. In other parts he had verbal expressions, and there was a unanimity of opinion, in their views which accorded very well with his own. He hoped the meeting would assemble again at a future time, and tell the Commission their opinion upon the poiuts named. With reference to future poiuts which might occur, and on which the Commission would like information, they were anxious for what was done to be open frank, and understood by all. They felt very strongly that there had been a succession of surprises, and were, therefore, anxious to do things opeuly. The final answer the Government had to report to the Commission could not come for some time; and it would be absolutely necessary till that time that things should go on with order and quiet. Of course they (the Commissioners) were willing to take upon themselves the responsibility of insuring order [cheers], but when they did so, they wished it clearly understood that any representations made should be laid before the governing powers here. They had advised the King, and should again advise him, that every action taken between now and the final ane wer to the Commission's report should not be without the knowledge of the foreign representatives. [Cheers.] They thought, whilst making themselves responsible for law, they would be assured nothing should be done that was not quite in accordance with their views. One thing more he would touch npon. When first coming to Fiji he was assailed by representations of the disorderly sate of the country, but he was very much astonished to find as much order as in any British community. [Cheers.] And as he went farther his belief was very much strengthened. The people were themselves very much to blame for the bad reports circulated about themselves ; for they could not enjoy the luxury of speaking bad of others without injuring themselves, f Cheers.] He should like also to say how delighted he had been with the apparent wealth of the soil, the capabilities of the land, and the variety and value of the productions. It appeared to him that only confidence was required to ensure the introduction of means for the development of the country's resources. He hoped they would meet again and give a definite reply to the questions proposed, and that all whom he addressed would succeed in making a happy home in Fiji. [Cheers. |

Mr Cousul Layard, on rising, was received with cheers. He said he had very little to add, for the Commodore had spoken his mind also. They had formed opinions independently of each other, but when comparing notes they found they agreed eutirely, and now he reiterated what the commodore had said. Their opinions were very well known, but were only as " dust in the balance," with the home authorities. The commission could only report on, and etate what they had seen, and the authorities would draw their own opinion. Any resolutions or opinions they or that meeting might give upon the questions the commodore had touched on, woul'l not be binding upon the Home Government, which would form its own opinion. They ought to feel that one or other form of government might be best, but the meeting must remember that there were two races, white and dark, to be ruled. The dark was far exceeding in number, and the white in intelligence. It was necessary to have a power between them. He had been to many colonies, and had seen them working. His opinion was that certainly a Crown colony would be the best. They would then have a Government whoseofficers were men of independence, and not connected with any party, nor seeking aggrandisement by acquisition of land. [Cheers.] Then they would have representatives from the white interest, and also from the coloured race. That would be only fair, because this was the country of the colored race. He would not enter upon the labour question, because that did not so much concern them. Let him say that he would be willing to aid and assist in the labor question, and see that it was carried on properly. They might trust him to look sharply after them, but they must not be angry with him for doiug his duty. At present Fiji was in a transition stage and he hoped he would go on peacably and quietly. If the settlement of the question was " annexation " it would cut the Gordian knot. if not, they would have to take a fresh departure. He was glad to have an opportunity of thanking them for the welcome they had given him and his son to Fiji. He had come out here very much prejudiced, but his opinion had very much changed. [Cheers.] MrjMason here lead a document expressive of pleasure at the opportunity afforded him of meeting the Commission, and stating the wish of those present in favor of annexation. It was signed by nearly every person in the room ; about two hundred, and Commodore Goodenoagh thanked them for their kind address. So far as the feelings of the Commission were concerned as Englishmen, they thought people could not fare so well as under the British flag. Mr Forward addressed the Commission, pointing out the state of the country. The settlers had a representative Assembly and Executive permanent officials, but it was better to be annexed on any terms rather than not at all. Mr SabJ, iv response to a call from_the

meeting, said that he appeared as jthe representative of the merchants of Sydney, whose interests in Fiji amounted to more than the whole Government debt. He said that confidence in the Government was necessary to bring capital, and instanced that cane, value £50,000, growing at Rewa, would be lost this year through want of crushing machinery. He thought it desirable till affairs were finally settled, that the administration should be vested with foreign Consuls. [Cheers.] Dr Brower, the American Consul, aiso answered a call, but did not wish to say much, beyond expressing a hearty wish to co-operate with the other Consuls in recalling, or giving confidence iv the financial affairs of the country. Commodore Goodenough replied, thanking the American Consul and the planters for their attendance, and regretting the absence of the German Consul, as the German interests in Fiji were very large. With respect to Dr Brower's statement that he would be glad to cooperate with the other Consuls, he might say the subject of their meeting was annexation, and that the Commission had asked Kakobau, and would ask him again, that any future acts of his Government pending the final settlement should be referred to the Consuls. He had very little doubt but that the King and Ministers would i accede to that request, and the community would be at peace. He hoped, then, Fiji would see that influx of capital was much needed. Three ringing cheers for the Queen, three for the Commodore, and three more for the Consul closed the meeting. The King has written to Lord Granville requesting to know if a proposal for annexation would be accepted, and has sent a despatch to the Governor of New South Wales to forward, asking him to send it by telegraph. It has the appearance of a wish to ignore the Commissioners. It purports to be in anticipation of " A motion concerning this kingdom intended to be brought forward by the honorable member for Lambeth.