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

“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 [...]

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

“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 [...]

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

“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 [...]

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

“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 [...]