420 A MISSION TO VITI. 
Q. 2. Do the natural harbours now existing require much, if 
any, artificial development for naval purposes? Whether such 
harbours are few or many? 
A, 2, There are several roadsteads and harbours in the Fiji 
group, the principal of which is the extensive harbour of Levuka, 
on the eastern side of Ovalau; this harbour has good holding- 
ground, is easy of access, and has every facility for the supply of 
fruit, vegetables, wood, and water. Gau, on its western side, 
has a sheltered roadstead of large extent. Totoga is surrounded 
by a coral reef, within which is a spacious sheltered anchorage, 
with good holding-ground and an entrance for ships. All the 
above harbours have been thoroughly surveyed by order of the 
Admiralty, and plans of them, on a large scale, are available 
when required. These natural harbours will not require any 
artificial development for naval purposes. 
3. There is nothing unusual in the tides and currents around 
the Fiji group; they depend chiefly on the prevailing winds ; nor 
are they of sufficient strength to render the entrance into or 
egress from the harbours dangerous. There is no present ne- 
cessity for buoys, beacons, or lights, but should trade greatly 
increase, or should mail-steamers call by night, a light would 
become necessary. 
4. The Fiji Islands lie nearly in the direct track from Panama 
to Sydney, as will be seen by the annexed chart of the Pacific 
Ocean, on which I have shown that track, as also one by calling 
at the Fijis, whence it appears that the steamer, if she touched 
at one of the Fiji isles for coal, would lengthen her voyage only 
about 320 miles, or one day’s run out of 32 days, on a distance 
of 8000 miles. In like manner it appears, that on the voyage 
from Vancouver Island to Sydney, the touching at Fiji would 
lengthen the distance 420 miles in a voyage of 7000 miles. An 
intermediate station between Panama and Sydney will be most 
desirable ; indeed, if the proposed mail route is to be carried out, 
it is indispensable. One of the Society Islands, as lying half- 
way, would be a more convenient coaling station; but as they 
are under French protection it seems doubtful if one could be 
obtained. The Consul at Fiji, in the enclosed papers, hints at 
the possibility of coal being found in one of the islands 3 if this 
