206 THE CORAL LANDS OF THE PACIFIC. 



Mr. Rupert Ryder was one of the members of the interim 

 government formed pending the acceptance of the group by 

 the British Empire, and was, until lately, a member of the 

 Legislative Council. He and his brothers are in their way 

 little princes. They have successfully turned a doubtful venture 

 into a great success. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



THE REWA. LET FIJI FLOURISH. 



A FEW hours spent in the interinsular steamer brings the 

 traveller from Levuka to Laucala Bay, and rounding Suva 

 Point he enters the noble harbour of Suva, A ridge of hills, 

 averaging about 500 feet high, and covered with the densest 

 undergrowth, bisects the peninsula. Three rivers, the Veisere, 

 Lina, and Tamavua, enter the bay, and now Suva is made the 

 capital of the group, the water supply will have to come from 

 the last-named river. At present Suva is deplorably off for 

 good fresh water, in which respect Levuka offers a most 

 favourable contrast. 



The population of Suva from the latest returns has only 

 increased to a little more than 200, but already it boasts a. 

 good hotel kept by the famous Fijian restaurateur, Mr. W. T. 

 Sturt, who formerly kept the principal hotel at Levuka. 

 A great deal of the Rewa sugar is exported, and if the 

 local mosquitoes were also shipped in anything like proper 

 quantities, the steamer Suva would confer a double blessing on 

 the place. For mosquitoes and sand-flies Suva has no rival in 

 the group, and until more buildings are erected in Suva these 

 pests will continue. 



