FIJI NEWS.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 138, 9 November 1874, Page 2

FIJI NEWS.

Auckland, Nov. 8. The Star of the South has arrived from Fiji. She left Levuka on the Ist instant. She brings a full cargo of maize, peanuts, cotton, copra, eighty-three bags of sugar, fruit, and several passengers. Annexation was carried out on the 10th at Nasova, when the British flag was hoisted, and the deed of Session was signed by the contracting parties. H.M. Pearl and the Dido were anchored close in shore. The officials present included Sir Hercules Robinson and suite, Cakobau, and the leading chiefs of Fiji, the Attorney-General of New South Wales, the members of the Executive Council, Mr Justice Garrick, Attorney-Gene-ral, the Mayor, and Foreign Consuls. After signing, and the copies of the deed exchanged between the King and the Governor, Cakabau presented a war club decorated with palm leaves, emblematical of peace, to Sir Hercules Robinson, as a token of his submission to the Queen. It will be sent to her. Before hoisting the flag, Sir Hercules Robinson explained what had been done to people from the balcony and proclaimed Fiji a dependency of the Crown amid cheers. He expressed a hope that all animosity would be buried at the foot of the staff on which was now hoisted the British flag. Lieutenant Elwyn, of the Pearl, hoisted the ensign, which was cheered heartily, and saluted with twentyone guns from the Pearl. The deed of cession sets forth that a number of British subjects having settled in Fiji, and the chiefs being desirous of promoting civilisation, Christianity, and industry, and as it is obviously desirable for the white as well as the native [population, Tui Viti and other high chiefs conjointly and severally requested the Queen to undertake the Government of the islands in future. Tui Viti and the other high chiefs and tribes, relying on the justice and generosity of the Queen, tender her the sovereignty unconditionally, which cession is witnessed by the execution of these presents, and the formal surrender of the territory, and the form of the Constitution and the laws shall be such as her Majesty shall prescribe. All unoccupied and unalienated lands not in the occupation of or required for the use of the chiefs or tribes shall become the absolute property of the Queen, also all land and buildings now in use as public offices, and the Queen has the right to take any land required on the payment of a reasonable compensation. Sir Hercules Robinson, on behalf of the Queen, accepted the sovereignty on the terms that the rights of the chiefs should be recognised, so far as consistent with the colony's financial engagements, which will be scrutinized and dealt with on just principles. All claims for titles and pensions shall be finally investigated and adjusted. Signed—Cakobau, Maafu, Tui Cakau, Ratu Epeli, Tui Bua, Savenaca Roko Tui Dreketi, Nacagilevu Ratu Kini, Ritova, Katunivere, Matanitobua. The following officers have been appointed : Mr Layard, Vice-president of the Executive Council and Administrator of the Government ; Mr Thurston, colonial secretary ; Mr Horton, treasurer ; Mr Swanston, secretary of native affairs ; Mr Limes, member of the executive council. The schooner Ivanhoe, which left Auckland for Levuka on the 26th August, had not arrived when the Star left. It is considered certain she has foundered with all hands. Captain Stuart is master. The New Zealand quotations of Fiji sugar are considered encouraging. Mr Whalley, an official of the late Government, and two friends, were drowned while going in a boat to a neighbouring island. The Times, of the 28th, speaks highly of Fijian prospects, held out by the competition going on for the Fiji trade between New Zealand and New South Wales. The son of Cakabau, named William, is demented. He lately tried to set fire to several houses, and clubbed three women, injuring one severely. He has been placed under restraint. The barque Metaris sailed for Sydney on the 22nd October with fibre and cocoanuts. Extensive improvements have been already started at Levuka. A wharf and pier are in contemplation. Naval stores are about to be erected. The constitution of the municipality is unsatisfactory, and provision is being made for its continuance by the new Government. A central court was opened formally by Mr Justice Garrick on the 19th October.