FIJI by J. E. Fulton

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 29, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 44.

FIJI

By J. E. Fulton

Fiji has entered upon a new era commercially during the last few months. This far-off, isolated spot is now in touch with the great outside world by cable.

We have also received again the attention of the Canadian-Australian steamship line. This seems to bring great satisfaction to the business men. It is certainly a good thing for the colony to have such a good service. Personally we are glad for the re-establishment of the service here. It gives us a direct mail, and sometimes we have a day with some of our traveling missionaries, which is of mutual pleasure.

Meke at Bau, Fiji, Wesleyan Mission on the Hill.

Fiji has been agitated considerably during the past year over the matter of federation with New Zealand. Many of the natives, thinking such a change would be a benefit, were very much in favor of the movement. The discussion has been a very heated one, and has wrought some changes in our administration. From some late cables we gather that it is the decision of the British authorities that Fiji remain a Crown Colony.

At the time announced for the coronation of the king, Fiji was swarming with visitors from abroad, a large steamer having brought a number from New Zealand. Thousands of natives from all parts of the group were in Suva at the time, and the famous fire-walking feat was performed much to the wonder of the visitors. Many tried to account for this wonderful performance in this way and that, but no satisfactory solution of the matter has yet been found. They have performed twice of late. The heat of the pit was intense, and many standing by it found the fierce heat very unpleasant, yet the fire-walkers went over the rocks, heated to a white heat, without any harm coming to them.

The work of the Message is advancing in Fiji. A number of natives have commenced, since our last report, to observe the true Sabbath. There is an interest to hear the Word. Our little paper is doing a good work, and we hope to get a new book out in the language before long. We are in need of funds for this enterprise. Any of the readers of the SIGNS who would like to help us, please send in your donations. This is a needy field. Do not forget us.

Suva, Fiji.

J. E. FULTON.