LATEST FROM FIJI.

Evening Star, Issue 2864, 24 April 1872, Page 3

LATEST FROM FIJI.

The principal news in tlie papers which reach us by way of Sydney is the action taken by the white settlers against the Provisional Government, and Mr Burts subsequent resignation. It appears that the dissatisfaction of the settlers nearly led them into open revolt. One of their number, a Mr E. W. Smith, shot a native chief, and the Government ordered his arrest. Smith denied their jurisdiction, and made what he considered his exculpation to the British Consul, He also placed himself under the protection of an armed party of volunteers who resolved to resist the arrest of Mr Smith. Mr Burt was for enforcing the arrest at any risk, and the other members of the ministry disagreeing with him, he sent his resignation to the King and it was accepted. The very next day Cackabau called the white residents together, aud after telling them that it was

at his own desire that he spoke to them personally, addressed them in a speech that must have berm to them as humiliating as it was well deserved and appropriate. He asked his hearers what was the meaning of the present dissensions. The laws were the laws of their own land and their own making, and if they were good, was not the good to be equally enjoyed by both races ? When a native did wrong there was no rest till he was punished. If the laws were applied the same to both races all would be well, but if the whites were determined that they were not to be, what was to be done ? He had thought that law and order was a pood thing, and expected help from all in maintaining it. If such help was given, there could be no difficulty, but if they took up arms to resist the law, what could he do and what would bo the consequence? He ended, “I have told you my mind. It is with you to follow it or not. I desire the peace and welfare of all in Fiji, and with this wish to end my address to you.” Rather remarkable words these to be spoken by a savage chief to a number of Knglish colonists. This our countrymen seem to have felt \ for after the resignation of Mr Burt, Smith, and another man, also charged with murdering a Fijian subject, were surrendered to the Government for trial. Taxes also were paid in cases where before “resistance to death” had been threatened.