Just outside Labasa lies a historic remnant from the colonial era—a former supermarket that now stands as a quiet testament to the architectural and cultural legacy of colonial Fiji. This building is situated in Vulovi, right across from All-Saints Secondary School.
To truly appreciate the significance of this old structure, one must first consider Fiji’s history during the colonial period. The British established their foothold in Fiji in the late 19th century, drastically changing the islands’ political, social, and economic frameworks. In 1874, Fiji officially became a British colony, which prompted the colonial government to initiate the development of necessary infrastructure to manage and grow the islands. This included creating government stations, communication routes, and trade centers.
Labasa emerged as a crucial regional hub during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, spurred primarily by the establishment of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company Mill, currently known as the Fiji Sugar Corporation. According to the company’s website, the Labasa Sugar Mill commenced operations in 1894. This company, founded in Sydney in 1855, played a pivotal role in both the Australian and Fijian sugar industries and grew into one of the world’s leading sugar producers. The website notes that each sugar mill was surrounded by company towns and rail networks, and most of the original mills and infrastructure remain in place today.
Prominent businessman Paul Jaduram highlighted CSR’s impact on the development of Fiji. He recalled that as more Europeans settled in the area, they established Morris Hedstrom in Vulovi to cater to their trading activities, specifically near Vaturekuka. Jaduram remarked that these shops were exclusively for Whites, which was surprising to him, as this aspect of history was not commonly taught in schools.
He further noted that Europeans also built the local post office, police station, and magistrate’s court in Vaturekuka. Residents would access these services on bicycles, paying for various licenses. The market was strategically located near the FSC boiler to serve the expatriates working at the mill.
Mr. Jaduram explained why the Europeans opted for Vaturekuka as their stronghold; its elevation allowed them to keep watch for potential unrest from the local population or to oversee the laborers tending the sugarcane fields.
Amidst these circumstances, Mr. Jaduram’s grandfather, Jagannath, and his brother, Nanhu, recognized the need to serve people’s diverse needs by opening a general merchant store after arriving in Fiji as girmitiyas in the late 19th century. Their establishment marked a shift toward inclusivity in trade, catering to all races, unlike the local European shops.
The brothers played a key role in the gradual development of Labasa Town, which officially took shape in 1922. Jaduram recalled that the town originally featured residential areas before any commercial establishments, with the local community relying on basic means of transportation and utilities.
Over the years, as Labasa grew, Mr. Jaduram’s family adapted by moving their business to the current town area, transforming old shacks into more developed structures. The evolution of various shops, including tailor shops and theaters, contributed to Labasa’s growth into the largest town in Vanua Levu, boasting a population of 49,369 according to the 2017 census.
As Labasa continues to flourish with new establishments such as Damodar City, readers are encouraged to stay tuned for more insights into Labasa’s rich history from the North Bureau of The Fiji Times.