THE ROYAL PRINCES IN FIJI.

Evening Post, Volume XXII, Issue 77, 29 September 1881, Page 2

THE ROYAL PRINCES IN FIJI.

? The Fiji correspondent of the New Zealand Herald writes : — The native mind waa unusually excited, and immense numbers, tribe after tribe, came pouring in for some days previous to the arrival ot the Princes. The Government took advantage of them to arrange for a series of native mekes (dancing, &0.,) for the edification of our Royal guestß ; and they on their part considered it their duty to present offering of food, consisting of yams, roast pork, and beef (the animals whole) and carva, or the root from which the native grog, called yangona. is made, 'lhese presentations and accompanying mekes went on day after day, while the squadron remained, auring the afternoons and Bumetimes at night. The first of these entertainments was on Monday, the sth inst., in ths afternoon, at Nasova, in the midst of a large crowd of both Europeans and natives. On the beautiful green lawn, the vice-regal party sat surrounded by their numerous guest 3 from the squadron, while in front, across the reserve space, pame an immense stream of natives bringing their offerings, and laying them down in Iront of the royal party. The most interesting part of this ceremony was a string of ij'ijians, each hauling after him a large turtle. The unfortunate animals were thrown upon their backs, and were quit© helpless, notwithstanding that they were very much alive. The next thing was the chewing of the carva and the mixing of this with water to make the grog. Finally, to pass the bowl round to the di&tinguished guests. Prince Edward had to submit, and had to Bcrew up his courage very much like a little boy who had to face a nauseous dose of medicine. He failed to empty it, however, and pasaed it on. His brother, Prince George, did better. He drank it manfully, and threw tho bowl among the exultant chiefs, who wonld have replenished it had he Bhown any desire for more, but he did not. The next thing was the usual meke, which waa maintained until about 11 o'clock at night. About 9 o'clock the electric lght was exhibited from the Inconstant, and although over a mile from where the native mekea were being held, its rays lit up the place almost like daylight. It was a very pretty and fairy-like scene indeed to see the wild butgorgeously-dresaed — fantastic I might call it — crowd of Fijians going through tne varied movements under the rays of the electric light. So far as the Fijian element was concerned, it was almost a repetition each day, save that the Princeß were not always present, but the officers in relays were well represented. '