THE NEWEST CONSTITUTIONALLY-GOVERNED COUNTRY.

Evening Star, Issue 3961, 4 November 1875, Page 2

THE NEWEST CONSTITU-TIONALLY-GOVERNED COUNTRY.

The Martha, which arrived at Auckland yesterday, brings news from the Friendly Group. Till within the last few months King George was a despotic ruler, but the influence of the missionaries brought about a different state of affairs. The Constitution, wbicii was before of a very priini'ive character, has been remodelled, and now bears a distant resem blance to the English House of Representatives, and consists of chiefs from the various island of the group who have had the title of nobles conferred on them. The first session of the new Parliament met early in September. A chief named Tugi was elected Speaker. The various members all turned up in European clothing, but from tho description of an eyewitness they must have presented a motley spectacle. Several came neatly dressed as marines; one had got hold of a commodore's hat and sword, and by hi* Btrut evidently considered himself an awful swell. Two or three came in the orthodoxevening dress, but taeir swallow-tails were not the best of fits, while their* boots were strongly suggestive of the forecastle. Some military uniforms were also distinguishable, but it would puzzle an army man to have told what regiment they belonged to, or what rank the wearers were supposed to hold. King George made an opening speech in solemn form, and it was an excellent, parody on the speeches of Her Majesty. : After congratulating members on the improving condition of the islands and their advance in civilisation, it went on to say that his Majesty had g eat pleasure in announcing that ho was at peace with all nations. Parliament House is a commodious building on the beach. All the traders notice tho spread of European manners and customs among the islanders, which is due to missionary influence.