Levuka History and Timeline

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

1871: Levuka – Australia sailing time 11 to 20 days

levuka — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 09:42:12 +0000

“The Fijian market is supplied by Sydney and New Zealand as the Melbourne route is not economic due to the Bass Strait current or seas.
1730 miles from Sydney: “The distance from Sydney is generally given as 1730 miles, but ship-masters reckon on going 1000 before they anchor in Levuka; the passage usually occupies around 11 to about 20 days, and from about December to March, often more. From Sydney there is always a vessel on the berth for Fiji, and often four or five.
1200 miles from Auckland: “The passage is usually about ten days each way. Melbourne – Levuka trade not economic: “Melbourne has very little direct traffic with Fiji, the time occupied in clearing Bass’s Straits prolonging the voyage ; the Alhambra, steamship, was dispatched by…last October, but the voyage was evidently unprofitable, for the attempt to open up a trade was discontinued. The distance fromMelbourne to Levuka is a little over two thousand miles. ”.

The Sydney Morning Herald Friday 3 March 1871 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13221624 and http://www.davidrumsey.com/luna/servlet/detail/RUMSEY~8~1~24701~940040:Physical-chart-of-the-Pacific-Ocean

1814: Samuel Marsden engaged Dillon as master of the Church Missionary Society brig, Active

levuka — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 09:21:29 +0000

“ In 1814 Samuel Marsden engaged Peter Dillon, age 26, as master of the brig Active and instructed him, with Thomas Kendall and William Hall, to proceed to the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, to ‘open a friendly intercourse with the natives’, as a preliminary to the foundation of a Church Missionary Society settlement there. This task they successfully accomplished”.
George Bayly, Sea-Life Sixty Years Ago (Lond, 1885); J. W. Davidson, ‘Peter Dillon and the South Seas’, History Today, vol 6, no 5, May 1956, pp 307-17. Author: J. W. Davidson Print Publication Details: J. W. Davidson, ‘Dillon, Peter (1788 – 1847)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 1, Melbourne University Press, 1966, pp 306-308.
George Bayly, Sea-Life Sixty Years Ago (Lond, 1885); J. W. Davidson, ‘Peter Dillon and the South Seas’, History Today, vol 6, no 5, May 1956, pp 307-17. Author: J. W. Davidson Print Publication Details: J. W. Davidson, ‘Dillon, Peter (1788 – 1847)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 1, Melbourne University Press, 1966, pp 306-308.

1813: Rise of the Fijian Chiefdom of Bau due mainly to the projection of its Sea Power through its sea warriors-the Lasakau and Soso Kai Wai

levuka — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 09:16:29 +0000

“The rise of the islet of Bau as the pre-eminent state in pre-colonial Fiji was due mainly to the projection of its Sea Power through its sea warriors – the Lasakau and Soso Kai Wai. As quoted by Deryck Scarr …“for Bau relied on levying… and power projected at sea by the Lasakau and Soso sailors”.
Sea power: ” The kings of Bau based their rule not on native cultivators but on native sailors and fishers-which is to say in Fijian categories, as in political strategies, not on the land but on the sea.
Plus guns from Europeans: Added to this naval superiority was the fire power the War Lord Vunivalu of Bau, Naulivou, exploited through the use of musket-bearing European beachcombers. Of notoriety was Naulivou’s white mercenary Charlie Savage who was the terror of Bau’s enemies until his death in 1813 Thus at the time of Naulivou’s death, Bau seemed well on the way to establishing a Fiji-wide political hegemony.
Author: Jonocan 14 July 2008 (UTC).

1870: 2,150, 400lb bales of cotton exported from Levuka, value l0d. to 3 shillings lb

levuka — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:46:58 +0000

“Cotton is the principal (export) and nearly the only item. 2150 bales left Levuka – with the exception of a few – for Sydney, during the year.
400 pound bales: Reckoning the bales as weighing ‘each 400 lbs. and varying in price from l0d. to 3s. per lb., and the last 150 bales at 4s., gives the total “estimated value £85,733. ‘ This since the depreciation in cotton consequent on the war may be rather high, but it was a very fair computation considering the advices received at the latter end of 1870. The Sydney Morning Herald Friday 3 March 1871 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13221624