SUVA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XI, Issue 44, 4 November 1893, Page 380

SUVA.

Dear Bee, October 16. I am pleased to observe so much improvement in your very nice Graphic, and with congratulations I proceed to tell you of the last month of Fijian life. We have had A SPELL OF COOL SOUTH-WEST TRADE WINDS and cool showers, which has been very refreshing at this season. Although it has delayed the ripening of much of our very fine fruits, the growth of the greenery is something wonderful. Fine flowers are everywhere, of a size and colour not to be found in New Zealand, the leaf in many instances being of contrasting tints—white, scarlet, or pink. Sometimes a rich claret gives to the wild plants a very picturesque and pleasing appearance. Sunshine and shower divided the day. like the tears and smiles of childhood. So soon as it ceases to rain you can go out and enjoy yourself, for we have no mud in town. A cleaner or nicer little city cannot be found, as it is free from the back lanes and the gutter children too often seen in more pretentious places. The birds sing, and humming birds skim about, but are not so numerous as of old, which I regret. I have seen no swallows here, and it is the only land where I have failed to do so. The sea is as calm as a mirror, and many white and brown sails are skimming over the bay. All is fresh and lovely. Fine fish are to be had, and altogether I can tell your invalids that a trip and a stay in Fiji would be a cheap and pleasant way of finding good health. Our sunsets are often really magnificent. The nights here are even more enjoyable than the days. The moonlight is so clear, the temperature so mild, you can walk for hours with no fear of catching cold, no rude speech, no larrikins, for the poor Fijian is always respectful, and all women are safe. Thus, could I induce a little trip taken our way as a new experience it would be found worth the cost of a passage. Theft is uncommon, and a late attempt to break into the Levuka School of Art was held to be an * UNPRECEDENTED ATTEMPT AT BURGLARY.’ Servants are to be had cheap, and their docile and obedient manners make them more agreeable than some to be found in larger cities. Come, come, then weary, sick, and world-worn, and you will return bigger and better for the change. There is very little sickness here. Even the measles scare is over. After the quarantine of weeks enforced on quite a number of vessels, it has been found to be a false alarm, costing shipowners large sums. The proverb says ‘ Doctors disagree,’ and here three are doing so. On appeal to Sir John Thurston tie advised the Birksgate steamer to go back to Sydney, passengers, cargo, and all, but His Excellency’s good advice could not be taken as all the Insurance policies would thereby have been violated. I have just been informed of the sending of THE SILVER CRADLE, voted by the citizens to the wife of our warden, as our Mayor is termed, on the birth of a son during his second term of office. Previous to its presentation it was on view. This is a good beginning. lam sorry that his worship has declined the citizens’ return ball, which will not now take place. Society and trade both require impetus, and few large parties take place. Government House does not lend itself to gaieties, and disdains to encourage friendly intercourse, so we are left to envy New Zealand the possession of sweet and kindly Lady Glasgow, who seems to be hospitality itself, and a friend to her sex. Let us live in hope of some day being important enough to attract a lady to our shores whose presence and smile will lend a charm to the many opportunities for good which her position will open to her. The place of a Governor’s wife has duties as well as privileges, and something more than we are blessed with is wanted to refine and advance our island society. There are VERY MANY NICE PEOPLE here, and generally good elements to form a very delightful society. That we have both grace and talent is proved by the Suva Operatic and Dramatic Company, which has just returned from a second performance of * lolanthe ’ for the benefit of a local fund, and produced the very best rendering ever seen on the stage in the Islands, so at least the crowded and enthusiastic audience declares. Indeed, some of our Fairies and the Queen are equal to a better occasion. Alas ! how many fine flowers blush unseen. A great CRICKET MATCH between Suva and the Army and Navy has taken place. As I am poorly up in cricket I can only tell you the innings—ls 3 and 3 wickets, and that Mr Arthur Joske carried his bat out. We have A HUGE BUNCH OF BANANAS on view, which required two men and a ladder to land on terra tirma, and each member of which measures 11£ inches in length and 6? in circumference. Old times can boast of the grapes of Eschol. After this it is not yet known what Fiji can do, and lam minded to buy grape vines. Too little is thought of this fine country as time will prove. Marrying goes ahead, and I desire to tell the fine and pretty girls in New Zealand that there arc fine fellow’s over here who will e all the BETTER COLONISTS FOR BEING MARRIED. Many marriages have taken place lately, and rumour tells of more on the near shore. Now before I close I want to tell the women of New Zealand of my joy about the enfranchisement of women. May heaven make us worthy of the gift, and help us to show that we are capable of rising above the squabbling and follies of the men who like ‘Fish ’ have ruled the nation by tongue-lashing and the all powerful nobbier. Alice.