THE FIJI ISLANDS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4151, 10 July 1874, Page 3

THE FIJI ISLANDS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Some few years since, I visited several islands in the Fiji group, and lately I have received a number of letters, in some instances from comparative strangers, asking for information as to the resources of the islands. This has induced me to jot down a few remarks which, though only describing what may be familiar to many, may be worthy of publication at the present time : Up to the present time, but little has been known in this Colony of the commercial importance of the Fijis. The establishment of steam communication will now bring us into closer connection with these islands, and it is more than probable that a large portion of the business now done with the Australian Colonies, will fall to our share. The resources of the Fijis have never been brought to light, Giving to the want of capital amongst the early pioneers, who contented themselves with growing small crops of cotton, and trading in a small way with the Natives for such marketable commodities as by their unskilled labor they were able to produce. The most important branch of industry to bo earned on in these islands, is the business of sugar-growing, which offers great inducements fortheformation of a company, the outlay required being larger than is likely to be provided by individual capitalists. Coffee can be grown to advantage, as also arrowroot, maize, and ginger. Fruits and spices only require cultivation to bring them to perfection, and it is possible that indigo will some day form an article of export. In addition to these, cocoanut oil, pearl shell, beche de mer, turtle shell, and sandal wood are amongst the productions of these islands. The Fijis being situated between 15 and 19 degrees south, offer a climate both agreeable and salubrious, whilst a refreshing sea breeze is experienced during the greater part of the year. The islands are some two hundred in number, the largest, Vanua Tevu, and Viti Levu being nearly three hundred miles in circumference. It is found that certain positions are more favorable to the growth of various products than others; cotton, sugar, and coffee, can with advantage be grown on the same island, the position which is favorable to one being often unsuitable to the others. Thus, an excellent opening is offered to a company to embark in several enterprises at the same time, as in the event of one venture being a failure the success of the others woxdd, in all probability, be more than sufficient compensation, There is a large opening for export of many of the productions of New Zealand. Wheat, potatoes, butter and cheese are in large demand, and there is a brisk trade in all articles of home consumption.

Fiji offers a splendid field to the botanist and conchologiat, whilst there are several medicinal plants known to the Natives which have not at present a place in onr phannac'jpce'a. The Natives are friendly in disposition, and keenly alive to the advantages to be derived from intercourse with Europeans. As laborers they are somewhat opposed to exertion, and although the neighboring islands supply large numbers of workmen, it is probable that Coolie labor would prove more remunerative. The Native population is estimated at 100,000. Peculiar inducements are offered to excursionists to visit these islands, and a visit will be amply repaid by the beautiful scenery and vegetation, and all the novelties of a tropical climate. —I am, &c., F. B, July 9.