1881: C. Hedemann offered Conrad Machens employment at Levuka, Fiji; German trade expands

This item is translated from a German item on Wikipaedia, sourced from a book and exhibition about Machens and Gerrman trade in the Pacific. Conrad Machens, born 3 May 1856 in Ahrbergen, was a German South Seas buyer. Machens was a seventh or eighth child of farmer Johann Conrad Machens (1806-1877) and second wife Therese Magdalene Machen (1818-1906), in [...]

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 [...]

1886: Sailing instruction for navigation from Suva to Levuka harbour

“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 [...]

Oct 3 1843: four children of William Valentine Senior baptised at Wesleyan-Methodist Chapel

25 Oct 2007 barband2fam wrote “I have a copy (1 page) from “Baptisms solemnized in the Wesleyan-Methodist Chapel” for October 3 1843. “The minister by whom the ceremony was performed” in the following baptisms was Revd Jno Hunt. Oct 3 1843 Louisa daughter of William Valentine, Ovalau, Oct 3 1843 Ann daughter of William Valentine, [...]