1868: three-way fight for control of Fiji by Britain, America, and Australia; Thakombau crowned king, Melbourne-based Polynesian Company offers to pay Cakobau’s debt; but on 10th October, 1874, a deed of cession to Britain, was executed at Levuka

Trollope, Anthony reported in 1875 the Sir Hercules Robinson view of Fijian affairs which lead up to the signing of the deed. It appeared a three-way fight for control of Fiji by Britain, America, and Australia. A group of 10,000 Melbourne investors formed the Polynesian Company, and offered to pay Cakobau’s debt in exchange [...]

Freemasonry in Fiji began in 1871 at “high noon” on 27th December when a “Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons” in Polynesia was opened

Freemasonry in Fiji began in 1871 at “high noon” on 27th December when a “Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons” in Polynesia was opened at Levuka, then seat of a Government headed by Ratu Seru Cakobau. Prior to establishment, some of the European settlers advised Ratu Cakobau that Freemasonry was a dangerous secret society but [...]

1871: Photographer Francis H. Dufty arrived in Levuka, Fiji in June 1871.

Francis H. Dufty arrived in Levuka, Fiji in June 1871. His brother, Alfred W. B. Dufty, arrived to join him from Sydney on 29th December 1871. They opened a photographic and jewellery business next to the ‘Fiji Times’ office in Levuka. Alfred Dufty moved to Suva in 1883 and Francis followed in 1886. Alfred eventually [...]

1871: The villagers of Lovoni were auctioned off as slaves by Seru Cakobau

1871: The villagers of Lovoni were auctioned off as slaves by Seru Cakobau. In June of that same year Cakobau announced a government complete with Ministers. Ma’afu arrived in Levuka a month later and swore allegiance to Cakobau, in turn receiving a salary of 800 pounds p.a. title of Lieutenant Governor of Lau and [...]