FIJI.

Otago Witness, Issue 1417, 18 January 1879, Page 12

FIJI.

0 (Pbb Pbess Association Special Wire.) Auckland, January 14th. The Agnes Donald, schooner, from Levuka, brings to Auckland Fijian news to the 4th inst. H. Thurston, postmaster at Fiji, met with a serious and probably fatal accident. He was out riding, when his horse shied and bolted, throwing the rider with considerable violence, his head coming in contact with the iron wire stays of the flagstaff, from which he received a severe scalp wound. The other portions of his body were much bruised. Two severe shocks of earthquake have been experienced, doing serious damage. Several large sugar mills have recently been started at Levuka. Diphtheria is very prevalent at Kandavau, large numbers of natives having succumbed to its insidious attacks. Labour is very scarce at Fiji. Fortunately over 200 natives engaged themselves at Kandavau. At the sugar-mills erected at Reua by Mr Waterston, the rollers are expected to crush sufficient cane to manufacture four tons of sugar daily. Four hundred coolies are expected from India early this year. Polynesian labour continues to be preferred by the planters. Surveyors are much required at Fiji. The appointment of a Mining Board is under consideration. Two gentlemen have arrived from Ceylon to commence coffee- planting. Thomas Keele, an old settler at Natewaßay, (formerly of New Zealand) was accidentally drowned. A number of suicides have taken place amoßg the natives in consequence of the oppression to which they are subjected by their chief in connection with the native taxation scheme. _ —WM— In an article on charitable aid, the Bruce Herald Hays :—": — " The district, so far as private contributions towards any charitable objecis g6, can compare favourably with any district in the Colony ; but when under law we are compelled to pay an undue proportion towards the maintenance of any public charitable institution, it is time we protested. There seems to be but one remedy open to us, however, under law, and of that we would recommend the speedy adoption. A hospital necpssary for all our wants could be carried on in Milton for much less money than that which we are compelled to contribute to Dunedin, and such hospital ought to be founded as soon as possible. There would be the cost of a small building, and the retention of a dispenser and matron, the local medical men being available for advice, and we are Bure only too ready to act in honorary capacities*"