Levuka History and Timeline

1886: law and order in Levuka; drunks put in stocks, and financial dispute settles by public fights on Sunday in Boatmans Square

levuka — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:51:49 +0000

“During all this time, (1868 to 1871,) it must be remembered, there was no Government, and the state of things reminded off of the glorious times of the first gold rush to California. for on all the rushes – in Australia – law and order were established from the outset.
Here In Levuka, however, notwithstanding a spice of the rowdy element in the presence of those employed in ‘the labour trade’, and (??) from Australia, tolerably good order was maintained, (by) the British and American consuls being acknowledged in some sort as magistrates,.
Law and order in early Levuka: Obnoxious or disorderly drunkards and othor offenders against publie order and decency were clapped in the stocks, a pair of which were erected
Financial disputes were generally settled by a resort to fisticuffs in Boatman’s-square, in the centre of the town, where a nice piece of turf was surrounded by several drinking shops.
Those encounters generally took place on Sunday afternoon, when other business was suspended”.
The Mercury Supplement, (Hobart, Tasmania) Saturday 13 February, 1886. This item appears written by a Levuka resident. It encourages tourism to Levuka. Author uses the name “Tasmanian”. Possibly Frederick Langham. Probably a ship-owner and trader with a long term trading relationship with Levuka and Suva, for at least five years – since 1880.

1868: Levuka Mountain Lovonis captured and enslaved to cotton planters: Thakombau at the head of the Government

levuka — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:47:16 +0000

“The first partially-successful attempt at the establishment of a Government was made in June, 1871, by some adventurers from Australia, with whom were associated two of the business men of Levuka.
These placed an old chief named Thakombau at the head of the Government and constitution as King of Fiji, and he in turn appointed them his Ministers.
Self-appointed Government created: “They were afterwards joined by Mr. J. B. Thompson, the present Administrator, and others, and continued to conduct the business of the Government aftor a style for some time, in face of numerous obstacles and difficulties, amongst which was a war with the Lovonis, a mountain tribe, which occupied the fastnesses in the centre of Ovalau.. (the Lovoni valley, occupying the centre of Ovalau, the beautiful scenery of which is a great attraction to tourists.)
Better to be enslaved, than eaten? …..”but who being at last totally defeated and taken prisoners, wero allotted to the planters as labourers for a term of years, a happy escape, as they thought, for they expected nothing loss than to be killed and eaten in accordance with time-honoured custom”.
Rebellion against Thompson Government: “A large section of the European population nlao persistently opposed their solf-elcclcd rulors, whoao régime was of a most arbitrary character, and in 1873 this culminated in open rebellion, until at last, finding it impossible to continue the (facade?) of self-Government any longer, the Ministers accoptd the inevitable, and, with the consent of the chiefs, made an offer of cession to Great Britain.
The Mercury Supplement, (Hobart, Tasmania) Saturday 13 February, 1886. This item appears written by a Levuka resident in early 1886, or late 1885. It encourages tourism to Levuka, as a rest from an overheated Australia. Author uses the name “Tasmanian”. Possibly Frederick Langham Perhaps ship-owner and trader with a long term trading relationship with Levuka and Suva, for at least five years – since 1880.

1868: Levuka cotton boom begins: 20 hotels built, boat charters and slave businesses expand

levuka — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:39:38 +0000

From 1868 to 1871, Levuka was in its (bosom?) of greatest prosperity.
But it was not until 1868, when it was found cotton would grow would grow in Fiji, and the now historical “cotton (boom)” took place, that Levuka began to rise in importance, as population began to flock in from Australia and New Zealand.
Intending settlers and ootton growers came from all parts.
20 new hotels: Hotel accommodation was at a premium, and some 20 were erected.
Boats imported from New Zealand: Boats were eagerly chartered to convoy new arrivals round the group in search of eligible sites for planting, so many were imported from Now Zealand, and things gnnerally were a very rosy asppect.
Slave trade begins: Money was plentiful, and times were good. With the acquirement of land came the necessity for labourers to till it, and as it was thus early found that the Fijian was not to be relied on for continuous work, the Polynesian labour trade, whioh had boen carried on for some time in Queens land, was inaugurated in Fiji.
The Mercury Supplement, (Hobart, Tasmania) Saturday 13 February, 1886. This item appears written by a Levuka resident in early 1886, or late 1885. It encourages tourism to Levuka, as a rest from an overheated Australia. Author uses the name “Tasmanian”. Possibly Frederick Langham Perhaps ship-owner and trader with a long term trading relationship with Levuka and Suva, for at least five years – since 1880.

1858: Levuka pioneers; Mr. J. Hennings, a German. arrived from Samoa.

levuka — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:35:09 +0000

It was not until 1858 that the present town of Levuka could be said to have been properly founded, the pioneers having lived in the native villages, but about that date houses began to be built on tho beach.
Amongst the first to establish business on Ovalau was Mr. J. Hennings, a German, who arrived here from Samoa.
Mr. Pritchard, the first British Consul, also arrived from Otahoito, (Tahiti) and gradually others followed, until quite the nucleus of a town was formed.
The Mercury Supplement, (Hobart, Tasmania) Saturday 13 February, 1886. This item appears written by a Levuka resident in early 1886, or late 1885. It encourages tourism to Levuka, as a rest from an overheated Australia. Author uses the name “Tasmanian”. Possibly Frederick Langham Perhaps ship-owner and trader with a long term trading relationship with Levuka and Suva, for at least five years – since 1880.

1886 Levuka a peaceable and orderly community; recollections of David Whippy

levuka — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:16:03 +0000

“Contrary to Suva, which is entirely the growth of the last five years, Levuka possesses some claims to antiquity, and has a history of its own, the first settlement by whites here dating back nearly 50 years.
The first settlers on Ovalau were, however, a very rough lot, being composed mostly of runaway sailors from American whaling ships, or beche-de-mer or sandalwood trading vessels, together with a few escaped convicts from Norfolk Island.
Some of these original settlers, In other parts of Fiji, lived under the protection of individual chiefs, and made themselves notorious by taking part in the intertribal wars, in which their possesssio of arms rendered them formidable and valuable allies but those who settled
Ovalau seem to have formed a more peaceable aud orderly community, and lived quietly at Levuka under tho protection of its chief, acknowledging the jurisdiction of one of their number, named ( David) Whippy, who was eventually appointed to represent the first Amerlcan Consul in Fiji, Mr. J. B. Williams, who was Consul for New Zealand and Fiji, and resided at the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, until he came to Fiji, where he remained permanently until his death in I860.
Whippy’s authority received the countenance of the commanders of tho various men-of-war which occasionally looked in. Some of these earlier settlors still survive, and tell thrilling stories of adventure during the “good old cannibal days”.
The Mercury Supplement, (Hobart, Tasmania) Saturday 13 February, 1886. This item appears written by a Levuka resident in early 1886, or late 1885. It encourages tourism to Levuka, as a rest from an overheated Australia. Author uses the name “Tasmanian”. Possibly Frederick Langham Perhaps ship-owner and trader with a long term trading relationship with Levuka and Suva, for at least five years – since 1880.

1886: Levuka Harbour and Beach-street, lovely views of blue ocean, coral reefs ‘no pen can properly describe thelr beauty”

levuka — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:03:38 +0000

“The view of Levuka from the harbour, in contradiction to that of Suva, is most picturesque and romantic, besides being thoroughly tropical.
Nestling under the wooded heights of the mountainous island, the town occupies quite a narrow strip of land on the seashore, with an easterly aspect.
The principal street, Beach Street, which contains nearly all the business places in the town, is, as its name indicates, actually on the strand itself, and is protected by a seawall from the encroachments of the sea, it duty which during easterly gales, it performs with very doubtful efficiency.
The cross streets are few, and of no length, as the hills rise abruptly behind the town.
Between the two wharves before referred to, the front street is lined with business premise, mostly constructed of wood or iron and painted white, while at either end of the town, and dotting the surrounding hills, are the numerous villa residences of the towns-people, most of them surrounded by pretty gardens in which all sorts of indigenous and imported shrubs and flowers grow luxuriantly, while their being partially embowered in the abundant foliage with which every part of Ovalau is clothed, adds to the charm of the situation’, and the lovely views of blue ocean, coral reefs, and surrounding islets to bo obtained from most of them, require to be seen to be realised, as no pen can properly describe thelr beauty.
Try it by moonlight: Attractive as is the view of Levuka by day, it is perhaps seen under the most advantageous circumstancrs on a bright moonlight night, when the numerous white buildings peep out from their deep-setting of foliage, and the twinkling lights from the houses, street lamps, and those of the numerous vessels in harbour, give the little town the appearance of being dressed in gala costume.”.
The Mercury Supplement, (Hobart, Tasmania) Saturday 13 February, 1886. This item appears written by a Levuka resident in early 1886, or late 1885. It encourages tourism to Levuka, as a rest from an overheated Australia. Author uses the name “Tasmanian”. Possibly Frederick Langham Perhaps ship-owner and trader with a long term trading relationship with Levuka and Suva, for at least five years – since 1880.

1886: Sailing instruction for navigation from Suva to Levuka harbour

levuka — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:44:29 +0000

“The route from Suva to Levuka is, of course by sea, the distance some 55 miles, and the time oocupied by one of the inter- colonial steamers generally about five hours.
Leaving Suva wharf at daylight the reef protecting the the coast line of Viti Levu is followed round, until a dangerous point, known as Nasilai, is reached.
Nasilai a danger spot for wrecks: On this spot several vessels have come to grief, notably the coolie ship Syria, when some 50 lives were lost, the schooner Conflict, and others, but a beacon has now been erected, from which at night a light is exhibited.
After passing Nasilai a course is steered direct for Ovalau, which now becomes visible, surrounded by the picturesque islands of Loma Viti, or tho central group, amongst which are Moturiki, Naucica, Gau, Batiki, Nairai, Wakaya, and Mokongai.
The entrance to the sea reef opposite Levuka is soon reached.
Steamer arrives at noon: The steamer berthed is alongside the Queen’s Wharf before noon.
Levuka harbour in 1886: The harbour of Levuka is not land locked, unlike that of Suva; in fact, It has more the appearance of an open roadstead, being only protected from the weather on one side, i.e., the westward, by the island itself.
Protected harbour: A well-defined sea route of coral runs north and south, however, at about a mile from the shore, and forms an excellent defence against the swell of the Paciflc, and vessels ride, at anchor in all weathers, with perfect safety, except during the most violent hurricanes, which are happily of rare occurrence, there having been none attended with disastrous consequences for many years.
Two ways into the reef: There are two entrances through the reef, one opposite, and one to the northward of, the town, either of which are easy of access, the former being also marked by beacons, as at Suva. The Queen’s Wharf, at the southern end of the town, is a creditable structure, and affords sufficient accommodation for those who requirements of the port. At the opposite end of the town where the Custom house is at present most inconveniently situated, there is another wharf, which was originally in be Government wharf, but, as in – most ‘ Government jobs, ‘ a bungle was made, and when the wharf was nearly completed it was discovered that there was a coral patch at the end of ie, which would prevent any but vessels of very little draught coming alongside. It was, therefore, abandoned for the present structure”.
The Mercury Supplement, (Hobart, Tasmania) Saturday 13 February, 1886. This item appears written by a Levuka resident in early 1886, or late 1885. It encourages tourism to Levuka, as a rest from an overheated Australia. Author uses the name “Tasmanian”. Possibly Frederick Langham Perhaps ship-owner and trader with a long term trading relationship with Levuka and Suva, for at least five years – since 1880.

Birth Cordelia Marthar Valentine Female Birth: 07 JUN 1843 Levuka,Ovalau, Fiji, Pacific Islands 1 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints http://www.FamilySearch.org

levuka — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 04:03:43 +0000

International Genealogical Index ref Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints http://www.FamilySearch.org

Fiji Births/baptisms and marriages and deaths registered at British Consul, prior to 1870

levuka — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:17:58 +0000

This list comes from Christine Liava’a, member of the NZ Genealogical Society and founder of the Pacific Islands Interests group ( I have sent her an email, and hope for a response) She says: ” All of these, plus others from 1870 – 1873 are registered in the 4 volumes of deeds compiled by the British consul in Levuka between 1853 and 1873.”

More data: “There could be a similar set of documents from the American Consul- J B Williams, probably held in NAARA, or perhaps filmed and held in other places. But, these only list registrations by people who wanted to be registered. They do not list Europeans with Fijian wives, or their children”.

1874/75 Census: The 1874/75 Census does list them, if they were alive at that time, but does not include the really early ones. All the directories etc, date from the 1870s”.

I have capitalised what I believe is the surname

BAKER, Clara Nuinui -1865

Sarah Alice-1861

Harriet Ann- 1859

Parents Thomas* and Harriet BAKER

BLAKELOCK James Thursfield -1865

Parents Thomas and Elizabeth BLAKELOCK

CALVERT, Philip Fowley 1841

Annie 1843

David 1844

Sarah 1846

Hannah Hunt 1849

James 1851

Parents, James and Mary CALVERT

CAREY, Annie Amelia *1859

Frances Helen 1861

Eustace Lawford 1862

Ernest Birkby 1864

Effie 1865

Reginald Stevens 1866 ?

Alfred Ernest 1869

Murine May 1872 p

Parents- Jesse and Lydia CAREY

FISON Mary Calvert 1864 p

Parents Lorimer and Jane FISON

GILL, Horatio Kioa 1863

Parents John Joseph and Anne Eliza GILL

GRANT Lily Ethel* born Wooloomoolooo 1867

Parents ? and Mrs GRANT

HARRIS, Emily Ada 1871

Parents Edwin ad Louisa HARRIS

HORSLEY, Louie Jane 1861

Mary Calvert 1864

William Thornton 1865

Parents John Fenwick and Louisa Jane HORSLEY

INGLIS Female child 1868

Parents John and Priscilla INGLIS

MCINNES, Lizzie Isabel born at sea 1868

Parents Daniel and Margaret Hill MCINNES

MOORE, Emelie Louisa 1860 parents William and Mary Anne MOORE

NIEMAN, male child 1868
Parents John Henry and Harriet NIEMAN

ROBSON Eliza Creed 1866 ? 1868

Parents John and Nancy Maria ROBSON

SIMMONDS Harold Ernest 1873

Parents Joseph Henry and Sarah SIMMONDS

TAIT, John George 1862

Francis William 1865

Parents Francis and Eleanor TAIT

THURSFIELD, Henry 1869

Parents Thomas and Elizabeth Blatlelver THURSFIELD

WATERHOUSE, Mary Watson 1852

John 1855

Joseph 1857

Henry Martyn 1859

George Marsden 1861

Rowland William Jabez 1863

Parents Joseph and Elizabeth WATERHOUSE

WEBB, Effie Beton 1869

Florence 1872

Walter 1870

Parents Arthur John and Sarah Annie WEBB

Marriages prior to 1870 registered with British consul

Alexander Barrack & Matilda KNIGHT- 1863 @ Savusavu

George Boyes Evans & Marion MORTAN 1869 @ ?

William Thomas PRITCHARD & Ellen Fanny GLOVER 1862 @ Levuka

Morris Russel & Catherine VAUGHAN 1861 @ Levuka

Jacob B Storck & Alexandrina Sophia HAGG 1868 @Levuka

Deaths prior to 1870 registered with British Consul

BARKER, Thomas* 1867 @ Navosa CAREY, Annie Amelia * 1861 @ Taveuni

CARR, David AKA Christopher 1864 at sea

GRANT Lily Ethel* 1868 ?

MCLACHLAN, James 1869 @ Levuka

RYDER, Edmond Urmson 1867 ?

COCKS, Robert 1869 @ Levuka

CREELMAN, James Campbell 1868 ?

IRVINE, Alexander 1867 ?

SANDILANDS, Edward Vincent 1869 @ Sydney

This data collected by “Christine Liava’a is a New Zealander married to a Tongan. Her interests are the history and the peoples of the Pacific region.She is a longstanding member of the NZ Genealogical Society and founder of the Pacific Islands Interests group, She has previously published a series of booklets containing lists of people involved in various events in the Pacific area, and intends to produce more”. http://www.genealogy.org.nz/Pacific_Islands_Interest_Group_209.aspx

1873: Thurston’s new constitution: “Even old beachcombers saw the 1870s as the white mans’ age….

levuka — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 10:30:42 +0000

“Even old beachcombers saw the 1870s as the white mans’ age…. in the days of Cakobau’s kingdom – from 1871 to 1875 – Levuka was the major European social and polical hub, as race-war loomed.
Ma’afu signed arms contract: The watchful Royal Navy dwarfed the cutters and schooners, and white residents who stood appalled …. in 1873, at the prospect of Fijian control under Chief Secretary Thurston’s new constitution, (and ) discovered that their suppose(d) ally, the Viceroy ‘Enele Ma’aful’atuitonga” had profound limitations as man of action. … Just before, Ma’afu signed the arms contract ( … and?… ) had sailed into port to announce his defection about his yacht Xariffa , sometime the property of the absconding Sydney business man, S.C Burt, Cakaobau’s business agent in matters like hiring out labour and member of his first cabinet”.
p 141.
1870: Cakobau’s kingdom – 1870 – 1875 – Race war in Levuka
Scarr, Deryck A history of the Pacific Islands Ch 12, Power, Labour, Production, Output, and Identity: The Fiji Case 1871 – 1919 http://books.google.com/books?id=xmtWaIpX-zYC&pg=RA1-PA143&lpg=RA1-PA143&dq=%22William+kopsen%22+fiji&source=bl&ots=X_9R-9g445&sig=f1fwkbEvmwEV8b4OGI9LzOJu5NQ&hl=en&ei=Fkb2Sdv0GomBkQWqyYT1Cg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4#PRA1-PA141,M1