A VISIT TO A SUGAR PLANTATION IN FIJI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7976, 16 June 1887, Page 5

A VISIT TO A SUGAR PLANTATION IN FIJI.

Although so comparatively near, geographically, to this centra, of the sugar industry, but few residents of New Zealand are at all acquainted with the rudiments of the system of agriculture adopted in the growth of, or in that of the manufacture, of this staple ; much less have they any idea of the soil, climate, and surroundings of these tropical islands. I have therefore thought that a description of a visit to one of the best and most economically conducted of the Rewa sugar plantations might be acceptable to your readers.

The plantation I propose describing is Lakena, the property ot Mr. F. A. Witherow, a native of New Zealand. This fine property adjoins that of the Colonial Sugar Retining Company at Nausori, on the Rewa Biver, whioh affords great facility for the conveyance of the cane grown to the mill, while a tram-road runs through the plantation. The estate consists of about 650 acres of fine arable laud, principally alluvial soil, of great depth, of which the greater part is entirely fiat, though to the back of the plantation there is some nice rising ground, on which the homestead is situated. Of the low-lylug land, some 120 acres are Hid down in sugarcane, which is planted in rows six feet apart, the stools being also six feet apart. This orop takes about twelve months to mature. Just at this season, the wet one, the cane is. of course, immature, as the crushing season, when the cane is ripe, does not commence until June next; but in order that a constant supply may be kept up during the crushing season, a succession of crops is planted, which mature in rotation, as the cane is cut for the mill. Notwithstanding that a very wet season has been sustained, the cane does not appear to have been injuriously affected by it; on the contrary, the crops looks thoroughly healthy and thriving. About 30 acres adjoining the river bank are planted with bananas of the Chinese variety. These on the rich alluvium of the river bottom attain a prodigious size, aud alwayß secure the premier price in the local market. Bananas are planted in rows eight feet apart, with eight feet between each plant. Over a thousand bunches are taken off this area every month without any appreciable diminution of the supply. In addition to bananas and sugar - cane a quantity of food orops are grown, consisting of maize for the horse stock, and yams and taro for the Fijian and Polynesian labourers. These crops, although producing prolifically, are only cultivated for home consumption. All the cultivation is done by the plough, for which the level nature of the ground admirably suits. Weeding, hoeing, etc., the cane, and cleaning the banana crops is performed by hand labour, for whioh purposes a small number of Polynesians are kept upon the estate, the bulk of the work being performed by what Is known as " local labour"i.e., Fijians who live in the vicinity, and of whom the proprietor is always able to obtain a regular supply, at a reasonable rate of wageß.

The horse stock employed on the plantation are kept in a small paddock between the homestead and the river, while a few head of cattle are running on the uncleared land. Pigs 3nd poultry are also reared in considerable quantities, affording a welcome variety of fresh provisions.

The residence of the proprietor at present consists of a comfortable house of primitive construction, but a new weatherboard building of pretentious proportions, with wide verandah, is in course of erection in close proximity, which when completed will be a great improvement. This is situated on a nice table-topped eminence in the centre of the plantation, and the surrounding grounds have already been planted with numerous imported trees, amongst which may be mentioned the Norfolk Island and Cook pines, Guinea planes, the Indian teak tree, and many others both nseful and ornamental. Gocoanut trees also abound, while in the immediate neighbourhood of the house splendid rose trees thrive and bloom amazingly. From the grouuds surrounding the house a magnificent panoramic view can be obtained to seaward down the river over the extensive cane fields of this and the adjoining estate, extending to the coast line as far as the Wesleyan Mission station at JNavuloa, where a college lor native ministers of the Wesleyan persuasion is established. Across the Rewa River and up the Wai Manu River many thriving plantations can be seen, while on the Upper Rewa the view extends until the vista is lost in the high lands at the source of the river.

The above description of the plantation is altogether insufficient to adequately describe it, those accustomed to the more temperate climate of New Zealand being unable to realise the luxuriant growth of the tropics, or the mildness of the beautiful climate of Fiji.

On it plantation such as the above the proprietor aits free from care, ntone of the vicissitudes of agricultural life in New Zealand disturbing him ; for even during the exceptional hurricane of last year no serious damage was done to Lakena. On the contrary, with easy communication with Suva, distant only some 12 miles by land or 20 miles by water, the planter can here enjoy his otium cum dignitate without fear of droughts, floods, or storms, sure of a payable market for his produce, and able to dispense his hospitalities to friends and visitors without let or hindrance. Such, in this favoured district at any rate, is a fair sample of a planter's life in Fiji.