Bryson Point
THE Ucuinacula or the Bryson Point is identified in the old maps as Muanivatu in Levuka and is about a mile and a half from the town centre which has an elevation of more 41 metres from the rocky coastline.
I believe that the property is still owned by the Bryson family since 1870s but in the ‘60s the beautiful iron and timber house that once majestically stood out from the road was occupied by Mr and Mrs Willy Bryson.
The huge house had the colonial style push out windows that at times had to be closed due to the strong south eastly breeze coming across the Koro Sea.
In order to reach the house, you would have to walk the flight of steps and getting up there is worth the arduous task, since it has a panoramic view of the entire Lomaiviti Group and a portion of Vanua Levu.
Before you start the climb, you will go
nnpast a huge volcanic stone like cave that has a height of about 12 feet at the edge and decreases in height as you go inwards.
This was the workshop of Willy Bryson with Scottish link who was one of the brilliant mechanics of those years and had the ability to fix any model of engines and many locals were trained by him in the maritime area and owned a little launch I believe was named “Yvonne” which he seldomly used but would start the engine daily.
He would spent countless hours under this sheltered rock working on the engines and had an impaired hearing condition. As kids walking home after school, when arriving near the Bryson point it was a huge challenge to cross. The old man had a strong and loud voice and his mere presence would make us run faster than Usain Bolt.
Willy Bryson’s father was the initial owner of the land along the coastal road from the Vagadaci end up to the Naisogo Settlement boundary where the Hindu temple is now.
As time went on the remainder of the property was divided and sold.
The Bryson’s first residence was near the boundary of the Naisogo Settlement and after moving further uphill to the current site that side of the land was bought by the Murphys of Irish descent.
The historic cave workshop remains untouched to this day and also has the steps leading to the water’s edge. This will probably take you back to yester-years for the people who knew doyen Willy and doyenne Ella.
The Brysons were closely associated with the development of Levuka Town and has a proud record of many achievements. SATISH NAKCHED
Suva