FIJI.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 25, 18 June 1892, Page 622

FIJI.

Dear Bee, April 30. We have been so anxious these last two months expecting the usual hurricane to come upon us at any time, but we are thankful to say the season has now passed without a blow. The weather is getting much cooler, and it is simply delightful, especially in the evenings. Mrs McConnell, of Ardmore Hall (Taviuni) gave a welcome dance for Mrs J. W. Watkins, and it was a most enjoyable evening. It would be impossible to be otherwise, as Mrs McConnell is a charming hostess, and her parties are always a success. We are sorry to say that this laay is now leaving us, and we shall miss her very much. She is going to Sydney for some months, and we trust her visit will be a most pleasant one.

Holmhurst Estate is quite picturesque with its acres and acres of beautiful sugar cane. I hear the mill is likely to commence crushing in June or July, and also that the gentlemen there intend giving a ball in the latter month. A farewell dinner was given by Mr and Mrs Eastgate to Dr. Lynch on his departure for Ba, and Dr. Pound, who was formerly there, has been removed to Suva. His Excellency the Governor is now on his way to Samoa and the Nuion Group in H.M.S. Curacoa. We hear that Lord Charles Scott is shortly to visit Suva, and some of the other warships in the Australian station are likely to be in port about the same time. . The Catholic Chapel at Wairiki was opened on 28th inst., and a great number assembled to witness the event. The s s Maori brought over two hundred passengers that day, and some who wished to take their passage by her to catch the out going steamer were unable to do so. How they wished that the Company would put on a larger steamer something like they used to have here. , There is to be a regatta in Levuka on the Queen s Birthday and also a dance, and we hear some of the Suva people will’be there. Suva seems rather sleepy lately. When are the inhabitants going to wake up and give us all a surprise? Wail until the warships come in, and then we shall have gay times indeed. , ... . , We shall have an abundance of fruit this year, such as oranges, lemons, limes, citrons, bananas, pineapples, shaddocks, peanuts ami cocoanuts. The planters are hoping they will not have too dry a season, and then things are sure to flourish. Olive.