THE ANNEXATION OF FIJI.

Evening Star, Issue 3660, 14 November 1874, Page 2

THE ANNEXATION OF FIJI.

PRESENTING TIIK KING’S WAU CUT]}. All incident of grear. interest took place after the signing of the deed of cession. It will be remembered that at the time the Fijian Parliament was in its full bloom and vigor, a mace, an insignia of its authority had been manufactured in Sydney. This mace is raa le of the King’s own war club, and is beautifully ornamented with scrolls, in solid silver, frosted, of palm leaves, and other emblems of the trop cal treasures we possess, and surmounted cy a noble crown. It is certainly an elegant trophy, and when,' at the request of the King, the mahogany casket which contained it was opened, ami it was taken out and laid before bis Excellency, Sir Hercules evidently regarded the proceedings with surprise and curiosity. At the King’s request, Mr dhurstow explained to the Governor that iu accordance with ancient usage, Eis Majesty was desirous of presenting to Queen Victoria a mark of his submission and of his love, in offering bis allegiance, and in conforming to a new and better state of things in the history of his country. It had occurred to him that his own war club, which, before Christianity and civilisation prevailed, was the only law the country was ruled—had long been the only cole the people know—would not be unacceptable te Uer Majesty, who would see, by the .emblems of peace it bore the great change that had taken place here. Mr Thurston further remarked that the token now offered had been prepared for the Parliament of Fiji, and trusted that Sir Hercules Robinson would forward it to Her Majesty as a present from the King. Sir Hercules requested Mr Thurston to tell the King that he should forward his present to Queen Victoria, and a'so an account of its history, ami was sure Her Majesty would receive it with great interest. THE KIN At, ACT. Lieutenant Elwyu, of H.M.S. Pearl, was in attendance to perform the ceremony of hoisting the British standart, ami at a signal from the Governor, a stalward blue jacket, one of the signalmen of the Pearl who was with him, lowered the Fijian Hag. Then bending on its proud successor—the flag of England ascended and waved for the first time over the Isles of Fiji. Who shall describe the three stentorian cheers that then, burst forth from the assembled multitude? 1 he troops presented arms, the baud played the National Anthem, and the flag was saluted by the booming of twenty-one guns from the Pearl. It was a glorious and soulinspiriting sight, and one that can never be forgotten by those who witnessed it. Not the least curious amongst the varied emotions that presented themselves were those , noble old King and his grey-headed chicitaiDS, who stood by to witness their voluntary sacrifice iu the interests of their people. They looked on, let us say, not without a marked a.r of deep sadness. As their own flag descended several of them ranttf red audibly SaMate! Sa Mate.' or dead! dead ! And be who could look upon these simple, though high caste chiefs indifferently, as they gave up their birthright ami all that every moral being holds dear—their country —must be hard-hearted indeed, if he could not feel for them the fullest sympathy. But the ceremony was complete. Hia Excellency desired three cheers for the Queen, which having been given, he said : •' f now ask yon to give three cheers for the Vanivalu. Ho has shown himself to bo a great Prince in what ho has done, consulting only the interests of his people.” A hearty response was given to this appeal. This concluded the ceremony, ■ and the joveiuor, with the Commodore and suite, proceeded through the Hues towards his oaat, the troops presenting arms, and the people cheering heartily as he passed. A few lingered near the spot to witness the embarkation of the British forces, but most people immediately hurried back to Lovuka, and in half au-hour ihe place iiad resumed its former quietude, overlooked indeed, to keep the peace, by the stern monitor left floating on the wind, that never permits an unwilling acquiescence to its mandates, *