THE FIJIS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 523, 22 January 1870, Page 3

THE FIJIS.

A gentleman who has recently returned to New Zealand from a visit to the Fijis, favours us (Viago Daily Times') with the following : — I found the islands much altered since my last visit, about two years ago. The white population, then estimated at 500, has now increased to 2500. A little money has been introduced, which waß required to develope the resources of the group, which have been proved to be of great value. The islands have got a start, and bid fair to become shortly of vast importance. The population consists of English, Americans, and a few Germans. Cotton planting is the principal occupation. The planters have lately pulled up their kidney and single seed cotton, and turned their attention to the growth of sea island, which has been reported very favourably of in the English marjkefc, some parcels from Fiji having lately realised as high as four shillings and threepence per pound. Tapioca, arrowroot, and maize are now also being grown in considerable quantities ; and a company is making preparations for starting the manufacture of sugar from the cane, which grows most luxuriantly. A great variety of profitable crops might be grown, as almost everything indigenous to a tropical climate seems to grow to perfection in the Fijis. Choice blocks of land have risen in value during: the last two years from 150 to 200 per cent. I believe the value of the exports of 1868 were over-estimated at £30,900. Should the cotton-picking season of 1870 prove favourable, the total value of the exports from the Islands will probably exceed a quarter of a million. Two important questions are just, now agitating the minds of the settlers.; One is the labour question, which they are anxious to put on a proper footing j so tbat it will be impossible for any; one to doubt that the importation o^ labourers from the New Hebrides to Fiji is carried on in an honest and legitimate manner, and also to put a check on any stranger who might: abuse the traffic. The planters and other residents are particularly careful, how they conduct the importation of labour themselves, and jealously watch the actions of each other and of strangers, for they know that any unjust, proceedings would throw man/ obstacles in the way oi . the traffic, if tbey did not stop it altogether ; and without imported labour of some sort, cotton planting and many other profitable industries could. not be carried on successfully. I believe that many are under the impression that these New Hebrides Islanders are living a happy life of ignorance and idleness, devoid of cares, and supplied by nature with a superabundance of food, and consequently it is argued that they cannot wish tb come to Fiji to work. On the contrary, although some of them have as much food- as -they desire for the trouble of gathering it, most of theni are living in a constant state of war and semi-starvation, and such of them as have returned to their homes after having served in Fiji, are the most willing to re-engage themselves, and generally persuade many others to ac-i company them. On a Fijian plantation they are well fed and housed,; and; clothed as the climate requires, and at the expiration of their term of service they are sent back to their respective 1 islands well satMed with the pay thatj they receive. '.'-■.••'J The other question is that arising from thi© growing necessi^ for having some Bbrt..-rO^:.-ir«eognJi9ed;:;la7* : v Twq American meh-of-w^r are expected in July, when they are going to force the! natives to pay £10,000, on account ol damage done tp the. property "o'fj £\ planter, an American subject. It isgehe^l rally, hoped that something will happen!

which will lead to the American flag being-planted "on -these-islands.- The policy of the Home Government has |een so illiberal of late to the colonies, and the United States Government has been so prompt and practical; in redressing wrongs suffered by American subjects in Fiji, that the majority; of British subjects as well as Americans would prefer to see the stars and stripes waving over Fiji in preference to any other flag. [ The greater part of the Fiji business is done through Sydney and the remainder through Auckland. All that is required to be done for New Zealand to obtain the monopoly of this trade, which is rapidly increasing and by no means to be despised,: is the establishment of a good mercantile firm in Auckland that will attend to jfche requirements of the settlers and fchip their cotton and other produce on reasonable terms. The weather generally experienced between Auckland and Fiji is far less injurious to. shipping than that experienced between Sydney and Fiji ; and, moreover, the former voyage occupies but half the time of the latter. ; There is every reason to suppose that planting will succeed in Fiji, see* ing that cotton planting is increasing in Queensland where the expenses are far heavier, and where they can only grow the inferior sorts of cotton, j worth something under Is a pound, whereas the Fijis are well adapted for growing sea island cotton, which is quoted in the English market at from Is lOd to 4s 6d. The settlers seem well contented, I and I never met any one who was not sanguine of success.