MISSIONARIES AT LIFU.

Evening Post, Issue 45, 31 March 1865, Page 3

MISSIONARIES AT LIFU.

The following is a copy of the communication addressed to the Rev. Mr. Macfarlane by the Governor of New Caledonia, relative to the determination of the Im- • perial authorities with regard to the labors of the Protestant missionaries at Lifu : — " New Caledonia and Dependencies. Office of the Governor (No. 20), Port de France, 16th January, 1865. Sir, — I have received from his Excellency the Minister of the Marine and the Colonies the instructions which, at my journey through these islands, I asked of him on your affair and that of the English Protestant ministers at Lifu and Marl. I have, in consequence, the honour to acquaint you, in the name ot the Government of his Majesty the Emperor, that you may count upon the protection of France, and that if, for the opening of schools and the acquisition of land, of which you have need, you have been remiss in not demanding the necessary authorisation, conformable to the regulations of our posssessions, the first of these authorities will be accorded to you so soon as you shall have fulfilled the conditions prescribed by the decree of the 15th of October, 1863, on public instruction. As to the second, you have been already provided, since the property of the land which you occupy has, lrotn the 21st of October, 1864, become your own. I have to add that you will not in any way hi hindered at Lifu, in the exercise of your religious ministry, so that nothing result from it contrary to our authority. In addressing to you these communication", which not only express the intentions of the Government of his Majesty, »>ut also my personal sentiments as to the liberty of worship and th? intellectual advancement of the population confided to my care, I drit not think it ustless to recall to you, sir, that religion is entirely distinct from politics, and th^ you ought scrupulously to abstain from all interference in the judicial or administrative affairs of the colony, conforming yourself, besides, like all other residents, to the decrees, rules, and decisions of the local government. Receive, sir, the assurance oi my perfect consideration. The Governor of New Caledonia and Dependencies. (Signed) Guillan. To Monsieur Macfarlane, t*rotes tan t Minister at Lifu," I