THE CESSION OF FIJI.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 137, 7 November 1874, Page 4

THE CESSION OF FIJI.

[From the special correspondent of the Anjus ] Lev UK A, September 29. At a council of Cakobau and leading chiefs held yesterday it was finally determined to surrender Fiji unreservedly to the Queen, trusting to the justice and generosity of Her Majesty. The fact has not yet been formally communicated to Sir Hercules Robinson, but there seems to be no doubt, that his mission has reached a successful termination. On board H M.S. PEARL Oct. 2. At Lomo Lome to-day, Maafu (i’ui Laa) and Tui Cakau (Chief of Cakaudrove) came on board and signed the deed of cession, so thattheannexation of t ho Fiji islands to Great Britain is now nne chose fine, the signatures of the remaining chi fs being certain to be obtained. (FROM THE FIJI TIMES, OCTOBER 3RD ) Wednesday, (September 30th, 1874, should be a memorable day in ibe annals of Fiji, for thereon the formal cession of the group was made to and accepted by Great Britain. The proceedings took place at the Govern merit Buildings, Nasova, and were altogether void of ceremony. Short ly after 10 o’clor k, his Excellency the Governor of New South Wales, attended by Commodore Goodenough, the Hon G. lanes, Attorney-General of New South Wales ; the Hon Mr Hutchinson, the British Consul, and the Private Secretary, entered the audience hall, where he was received by the King. There were present his Honor the Chief Justice, the AttorneyGeneral. the Hawaiian Consul, the Chief Secretary, the Minister for E’inance, the Private Secretary, Majors Harding and Thurston, and the following chiefs—Ratu Abel, Ratu Joseph, Ratu f-avanaca, Tui Bau, Buly Yendua, Ratu Isikeli, Roko Tui Bua, Tui Levuka, and Misa Dioka. His Excellency asked if Ratu Abel and Ratu Timothy would accompany him in the Pearl, on his visit to the windward chiefs ; when Ratu Abel declined, but said that Timothy and Savauaca would go with the Governor.

Mr Wilkinson then read the memorandum of cession in Die Fijian language, and sub sequently in Knglish, after which the King signed the document, and handed it to his Excel ency, who said that he, on the part of the Queen, accepted it in the spirit in which it was offered, and that the King had, by this act, performed the part of a truly great chief, consulting, as he had doubtless done thereby, the best interests of the country. His Excellency further said that he begged to assure the King that, from his heart, he wished prosperity to Fiji, and peace and happiness to her people. Another lengthy document was then read in Fijian by Mr Wilkinson, and the Attorney General of New South Wales presented the English trans'ation, which contained the articles of ces-ion, engrossed on parchment; this was signed by the King—as t-'akobau, Tui Viti and Yuui Valu—sealed with h s seal, and delivered by him as his willing act and deed, and subsequently, and with the same formalities, by Uatu Abel, Tui Buu Kata Savanaca, and Hatu Isike.i. His Excellency then said that he would not sign until after his return from windward, when the documents should be executed in duplicate, and copies exchanged; and until that time he requested the King to have the Government carried on as heretofore.. The King then begged his Excellency to receive as his first present to the Queen five turtles and a new canoe, and upon the gift having been accepted, directed that it should he sent on boaid the Pearl. His Excellency then shook hands with the King, and the proceedings terminated, At about I o’clock the Pearl, having on board his Excellency and suite, who were accompanied by Mr Layard, British Consul, steamed out of haibor, and was followed at about 5 by the Dido, witu the King and his attendants, the Fijian Koyal standard being hoisted at the main. The party may be expected to return on or about Tuesday next, when the completion of the formal details will be effected. An annexation ball is shortly to be given in celebration of the glorious event, and in honor of his Excellency Sir Hercules Robinson and suite, Cornmo tore Goodenough, and H.B.M. Consul, to which we understand King Cakobau will be invited.