FIJIAN NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8090, 3 November 1887, Page 5

FIJIAN NEWS.

(Via Russell.) Levijka, October 26. We have had no farther news from Tonga or Samoa. A report having got abroad that the Government contemplated closing Levuka as a port of entry, the citizens at once took the matter up, and requested the Warden to forward a letter to the Governor, asking him if such was the intention of the Government, and an the reply was some little time in being received, through the uncertain communication between the port 3 of Suva and Levuka, a deputation from the Chamber of Commerce was sent down by the Taupo to interview His Excellency. They were met in a most cordial manner by the Governor, and the matter was fully discussed, and Sir Charles promised that unless there was a most serious fall in the revenue he would not close the port, and stated that the deputation might rest assured that such would not happen during 18S8. His Excellency also informed them that he had found this colony considerably mope in debt than he was led to suppose, and he was determined that it should not go one shilling more in debt. He is going in for a vigorous policy of retrenchment, and well wishers of the colony will no doubt agree with a policy of that sort instead of the one under which this colony has so long laboured. At this port several changes are to bo made, and there is every hope that the changes will be beneficial to the Government and the public. Copra is coming forward a little faster. The following vessels have arrived :— John Hunt, from Wallis Island ; Saucy Lass, from Rotuinah, and Astrea, from London, via Suva, besides the usual intercolonial steamers. The 8.8. Fiji, from Sydney, called en route at New Hebrides, and the Taupo at Lord Howe's and Norfolk Island. The Meg Merrilies has sailed for the Islands, with a full load of labour, and will recruit SO Islanders. The John Hunt and Saucy Lass have again sailed to collect copra. The Wainui leaves our port to-night, and will clear the group with a full passenger and cargo list. Mr. Wilkin, agent for the New Zealand Loan Company, also leaves by her for a trip to Now Zealand, and will be entertained at a supper to-night by his friends. Mr. Barkis takes charge of the Loan Company's business during Mr. Wilkins' absence. Sugar is still coming forward very freely, and some of the mills are turning out a heavy yield, Penang especially, aud it is calculated that thatestato will, if the present density continues, turn out nearly three tons of dry sugar to the acre. Sdva, Cbtober 28. The Southern Cross brings word from Tonga that Mr. Symonds, British Consul at Samoa, died whilst visiting his friends at Tonga. He had been in bad health for some time. The commander of the Opal awarded him a naval funeral. Mrs. Leefe, wife of the British Consul at Tonga, has also died, alter a long illness. The Opal is still at Tonga, and the German squadron at Samoa. Business is somewhat brisker at Tonga.