Reminiscing about the Labasa town, its beginnings and development since 1922, brings fresh memories of those days and makes it possible to compare it with today.
Nasea town was a village at the time, with an earth road having deep side drains. During the spring tide you could fish in the middle of the commercial sites which were surrounded by cane, rice, coconut and cattle farms.
At the present site of the Civic Center were four bure houses occupied by the James McCober family and the site was covered with Tiri patches and at high tide the area could be classed as lowland swamp.
There was no water supply, electricity or telephone services. People used well and tank water, kerosene hurricane lamps, and horses were the means of transportation.
There were few stores scattered in the area, all of whom were facing the CSR tramline which was the main highway in those days.
Transportation
Available service by Air Fiji and Sunflower Airlines Suva/Nadi (daily flights) for ground transportation – Air-conditioned mini-buses, buses, taxis – 24 hour service, carriers, rental cars and express bus services between Labasa and Savusavu.
Key Attractions
Hot springs at Waiqele; floating island at Nakelikoso, 26 miles from town; swinging bridge built in early indentured days (still being used). Beaches – Nasealevu/Nukutatava, Lekutulevu Waterfalls, 3 sisters — a mountain with a legendary background having 3 knolls – giving its name.
Shopping hours/Banking hours
Labasa has an array of supermarkets, textiles shops, fancy goods and gift shops. These are open from Monday to Friday from 8.00pm to 6.00pm, Saturday from 8.00 to 1.00pm
Commercial banks open to public from 9.30am to 3.00pm Monday to Thursday, Friday – 9.00am to 4.00pm
There are a number of eating houses which provide an array of English, Chinese, Indian and some Fijian cuisine. These cater for the budget travelers and the elite.
Sporting facilities
The Council provides sporting areas for the following sports: rugby, soccer, volleyball, netball, lawn tennis (operated by an association), squash courts, swimming pool.
The FSC (Fiji Sugar Co-operation Ltd) has a bowling green and a golf course. Water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, etc have to be developed. The potential is there but has to be exploited.