THE FIJIS.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 542, 14 August 1869, Page 3

THE FIJIS.

Mr 11. D. Grundry, who arrived in Duuedin a few days ago from the Fijis, via Auckland, has furnished the Daily Times with the following information regarding the present state of those islands: — The Polynesia Company have heen put in possession of their land by King Thakombau, and Mr Cook, the*manager, expresses himself hopefully regarding the prospects of the company. The cotton plantations are looking exceedingly well. As an illustration of the capabilities of the islands with respect to the growth of cotton, it may bo mentioned that it is estimated that Mr Paekham's plantation atTaviuna will yield about 40 tons of Sea Island cotton, all of which has been recently planted. This cotton will fetch in the seed unginued about £1000; or ginned at the rate of Is per lb. All the planters in the "Windward Islands anticipate heavy crops. A meeting was lately held at Lomo Lomoofthe residents in the territory ofMai'u, an influential Tongan chief, for the purpose of framing laws for the future government of the Windward Islands. Tui Cakau, a powerful Fijian I chief, attended this meeting, and scve- ; ral laws were framed. Among other j things, it was resolved that roads I should be formed in Taviuna, where | Tui Cakau resides, and that the whole lof the island should bo properly sur- ■ veyed bei'ore any more land was sold to the whites. The settlers from Otago are taking up laud chiefly in the neighborhood of Savu Savu Bay, and appear to be perfectly satisfied with their investment. In Levuka, the commercial capital of the Fijis, the Duke of Edinburgh had been expected for sonic time, and great preparations had been made to receive him. As, however, he had not put in an appearance, a number of planters who had come into Levuka for the purpose of receiving him, and waited there three weeks, returned disgusted. Any one with a capital of from £ 100 to £SOO could, with steady perseverance, make 8 fortune in a i'ew years by cotton growing alone. The climate of the Islands is not more trying than that of Melbourne or Sydney. The Trade Winds blow constantly, more especially over the Windward Islands. The difficulties with the -natives have always been caused by the conduct of the Europeans, who have, in some instances, been guilty of great cruelties.