The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1873-03-22
Fiji.

Our Auckland correspondent, writes that the
news from FIJI Is again getting interesting. The
planters are everywhere in arms. and determined
on the overthrow of the present Government.
They see no sign Of retrenchment. and declare thew
will not be mere tools to work tor salaries given to
useless officials. On the other hand the Govern
ment seems daily depending more on physical force
and the support of armed Fijimen. Mr.. Thurston.
warden of Nadroga district, and brother of the
Premier. has had the incredible folly TO cause a
planter TO be handcufied by Fijimen. The indignity
will send a thrill through the country. and prove
probably a death blow TO the Government. The
history OF the case is singular. Mr.. Thurston was
on his way TO his station in n steamer, the Pride
VI VIII, accompanied by DR.. ClaTkSon. the Minister
of Finance, and q body guard of rs armed Fijiinen.
under a white Sergeant OF Police. They called in
at Ba on tue way. and We're there Hospitality re-
celVed by Mr.. PHuger. who went on board to invite
the officials To his house. He was accompanied by
Mr.. Linberg, another planter. 1t seems to have
been somehow reported to the authorities on board
that LinbeTg had advised the natives not to pay
taxes. The Pride of Viii, with the cargo, must
have taken in an assortment Of blank warrants. for
one was filled up, and Mr.. Linberg, being invited
into the cabin. Was arrested thereon for high treason.
He declined. and drawing a revolver. escaped on
deck. where he enscouced himself behind a water
cask, and kept the Is Fijimen for some time at bay.
He called for help to Mr.. Pfuger. then on the
steamers bridge, and who rushed to his aid, but
was covered by the sergeant with a revolver. and
dlSarmed before he could draw his own weapon.
Phnger was then bandcufTed-his wife in great
trouble looking on from the river bank. Linherg
jumped overheard and escaped 10 shore. where the
planters were soon rallied, and marched down to
release Phuger, declaring their intention to capture
steamer. Warden, Fjimen. and all concerned. The
steamer. however. had got out of reach but Mr..
Phlger soon returned. being released on bail to
appear in Levuka, and Mr.. Page. captain and owner
OF the steamer. being bail for him. On landing at
NadrOga. Mr.. Thurston was met by a large party
OF planters, who called to pay their respects to him
as the representative OF King CukObau. They were
fully armed, and CARED the English flag before
them. The people in Levuka have held meetings.
and called Tor the abolition of the Constitution.
Depntations requesting Ministers to advise the
Chief Of Ban" to this effect bad waited upon them.
Ministers declined receiving the deputatiOn till the
words Chief of Bau' were altered, whereon they
inserted Your King instead. How the American
Consul will treat the arrest of Linberg and Phuger
we have not yet heard. They are German subjects,
and the American Consul acts for that country. 1t
Is clear the white men will not be governed by the
present extravaganza arrangements. and it will be
madness to attempt governing through Fjimen.
The attempt would probably end in the dethrOne-
ment of Cakobau and his Ministry altogether, and
the substitution OF some other chief-perhaps
Observation-Disclosures Witness, Feb. l.