In 1847, Cakobau raised money to fund wars, with a coconut-oil levy

In 1847, Cakobau ventured beyond the traditional limits of tribute, and raised money to carry on his wars by means of levies of coconut oil. The ingenious response was “casks were said to have been fitted with sham tubes fixed directly under the bung-holes; and, while the gauge-stick showed oil in plenty - in the [...]

1848: Seven killed and town burned over dispute over barrel of coconut oil

A barrel of oil drifted ashore at Taileva; a Manila man living at Viwa tried to drive a bargain for its purchase, and having failed, enlisted the help of the chief Gavidi of Lasakau (Bau), by the gift of a musket.