The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1871-05-31

WAR IN Frn-The following account
of the origin of the trouble on Ovalau, is
written by Mr. Murray. Early in May
party of the Levoni, some thirty women
and two men, Were discovered out fishing
by Thakombau's men, aud were attacked
by them. Five of the party were killed.
This inglorious fight is the only one that
has occurred up to this time
The great topic OF conversation here. and one
which, to my mind, is Of paramount Importance,
is the present warlike aspect Of the natives
not, as yet towards the white population. but
amongst themselves. A, the back of tins island,
and only few miles from the beach. is power
fu tribe known as the Ievoni. On the North
end Of the island reside another tribe; both be-
ing tributary to Thakombau. These two :ribes
appear to have had some differences. and had
fought the particulars Of which were ,sade known
to the king by chief named Cornelius. Upon
obtaining this information Thakomhau sent over
to the Levoni men. requesting them to desist
from fighting. The reply was that they woulI
kil the individual who had informed hun Of their
doincs and who they soon found out to be Cor
uelius. l should state, that up to this time the
people Of all the tribes on ovalau had proieSsed
Christianity. and Cornelius was said to be most
exemplary aud pious man. well-known to the mis-
sionaries as native teacher. Nevertheless. upon
Cornelius making his appearance amongst them
he was instantly dubbed, bis body muiiIaied, and
then inferred. Two days after his interment tie
body was exhuned in accordance with an old IA
i've custom. aud a man oven was constructed
and heated with red hot stones. Into this the
body Of poor Cornelius was thrust and baked ike
4 pls. And then a barbarian feast was held by
these beastly cannibais. who devoured every por-
lien Of the remains picking the bones clean, and
reServing them as trophies. Ba, this only whet-
ted their appetite for ha-aau flesh and they next
made another onslaught on their neighbours at the
north end Of the island and have killed. | under
stand, about thirty. all Of whom it is believed
have been eaten. Maafu, who resides at Iona
Iona, and Is 4 chief Of great renown. THE pres
eut owner Of the Yacht Aarifal having some an
JipaIhy Ia Thakomhau takes the part it Is said OF
the LevOu Cannibl.S and has supplied them with
powder ba and muskets Meanwhile Thakom-
blu with the chivalry which i Characteristic OF
these powerful FIJI chiefs sent TO the Levoni 10
tell them to put up their var fences aud bald
iheir forts, Is It his Intention. 50 soon as he
got his army together. 70 come over TO them and
fight them. HIS Majesty is now making vast
preparations for this assault. Almost every day
frlm remote parts OF his domiuions war canoes
full Of fighting men are arriving at Lsvuka. aud
taking Up their residences at the native villages
ags there must be now some thousands Of them
cogCregated here. Fighting indeed has actually
commenced. The Lesoui are said To be en-
sconoet Ia an imPre-aable fertilization upon a
rock. \ e. il IS a.sp >siii they believe they Will
be vaaqui>hei by Thakombau who 20 donbt. will
overcome them and put to death all the ring
leaders. mskia- prisoners Of the rest. who. IL Is
anticipated. viii be sold 10 the planters. Ii
must he remarked that these Fjian beliigsreuis
ara fully armed wiki mgskeiS ,many breech-l1ai-
e-s OF the newest pauernl and revolye7S. besides
iheir spears and CLUES and are most excellent
shots. But they are 30; drilled. and their aar-
fare Is purely Of the guerilla kind.