A historic structure just outside Labasa serves as a reminder of the colonial era in Fiji. This once-busy supermarket now stands quietly, embodying the architectural and cultural legacy of colonial Fiji. Located at Vulovi, directly across from All-Saints Secondary School, the building’s significance is tied to Fiji’s colonial history.
In the late 19th century, the British Colonial Administration arrived in Fiji, altering the island’s political, social, and economic framework. Following Fiji’s designation as a British colony in 1874, the colonial government initiated infrastructure development critical for governance and economic growth, which included government stations, communication systems, and commercial centers.
As Labasa began to develop into a regional hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the establishment of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company Mill, now known as Fiji Sugar Corporation, marked a turning point. The Labasa Sugar Mill started operations in 1894 and became a significant part of the area’s growth. The Colonial Sugar Refining Company, founded in Sydney in 1855, was a key player in the sugar industry both in Australia and Fiji.
Prominent businessman Paul Jaduram notes that the colonial era shaped Fiji’s development significantly. He recalls that the Morris Hedstrom supermarket in Vulovi was built for Europeans, reflecting the racial segregation of the time. Other colonial structures included a post office, police station, and magistrate’s court, all situated in Vaturekuka.
Jaduram recounts how locals were initially excluded from these facilities, leading his grandfather, Jagannath, and his brother, Nanhu, to establish a general merchant store for all races. Their entrepreneurial efforts contributed to the growth of Labasa Town, which officially established itself in 1922. The town initially had limited amenities and relied on well water and kerosene lamps, with goods often arriving by boat and being transported to their shops by bullock cart.
Over the years, Jaduram’s family expanded their business operations, which included renaming the original store in 1968 to Jagannath, Nanhu and Jaduram Ltd. As Labasa progressed, it transitioned from shanty-like shops to a more structured town, with a variety of businesses, including tailor shops and theaters.
Labasa has since grown to become the largest town in Vanua Levu, boasting a population of 49,369 according to the 2017 census, and continues to evolve with the addition of new businesses and shopping centers like Damodar City.