SIR HERCULES ROBINSON AT LEVUKA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4240, 22 October 1874, Page 3

SIR HERCULES ROBINSON AT LEVUKA.

(From the Fiji Times.) On Wednesday, September 23, H.B.M.S. Pearl arrived ■with Sir Hercules Robinson and suite on board. On the following day the Mayor and Municipal Council of Levuka was received on board the Pearl. Upon their arrival on board the members of the Council were introduced by Ml’. Layard, H.B.M. Consul. The Mayor presented an address of welcome, to which His Excellency replied. At four o’clock His Excellency left the Pearl, and proceeded to Nasova, where he was received by the Fiji King, who was attended by the Hon. M. Thurston, Chief Secretary ; and the Hon. _ Mr. Ryder, Minister of Finance ; Mr. Wilkinson was in attendance as interpreter. By desire of the King the following gentlemen were presented to His Excellency :—Sir Charles St. Julian, Chief Justice; Mr.’ Justice Garrick, Hon. O. S. Burt, Attorney-General, Dr. Brewer, American Consul, Mr. Murray, Hawaiian Consul, Eatu Savanaca, and Tui Bui, After taking his seat, His Excellency desired that the King should be informed that ho now merely paid him a ceremonial visit ; and would not, ther.eiore, enter upon matters of a business nature, which he hoped, however, would have their early attention. ■ Upon the King expressing his acquiescence, His Excellency asked for Ratu Joseph, and upon his being introduced, reminded him that ho

had seen him in Sydney, and also said that Lady Robinson had requested him to state that she had received a letter from him with which sh§ was much pleased, and he was glad to see how well it was written, and how correctly expressed. His Excellency then intimated to the King his gratification at the appearance of Levuka, which far exceeded all that he had been led to expect; and that he hoped the King would come and see him on board, when the matters, concerning which he had come to Fiji, could be discussed. Upon this, the King : stated that he should like the Governor to send him a written statement, setting forth clearly and withqut disguise, what‘was really required and proposed ; and then he would consider the propositions, and be able to come on board prepared with an answer. The King then asked the Governor how long he was coming from Sydney, and some other questions concerning the voyage. His Excellency invited the King to visit him in Sydney, to which his Majesty replied that, if the matters concerning which the Governor had come down were settled to their mutual satisfaction, he would certainly come. His Excellency then asked the King if he would come on board the Dido and see him on Friday, and upon his Majesty assenting, 11 o’clock of that day was appointed for the visit. After some few other remarks His Excellency and suite took their leave, and were escorted to their boats by the King and his Ministers. The quadrangle and grounds were crowded with visitors ; there having been about 200 Europeans and 400 natives present; and the tasty and varied toilettes of the many ladies who graced the scene lent it a charm not often seen in our small town. Upon leaving, His Excellency was saluted with three hearty British cheers, which he courteously acknowledged. The guard of honor was under the command of Captain Blackmore. At eleven o’clock next day, His Majesty returned the Governor’s visit, and was received on the Dido with a royal salute. The interview lasted about two hours, and was strictly private.