SAMOAN NEWS.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1259, 20 March 1878, Page 2

SAMOAN NEWS.

:.,.: ,[Bz Telegeaph.] :,.,j _ [fbom the coebespon'dent Of the'pb'ess] -;"'■—'. ...'lii;.■:'• ■ Auckland, March l&a

News via Fiji reports the arrival of H.M.S. Sapphire at Samoa, with, Governor Q-brdonvl E. A. Liardet, British Consul, died, and was huried with naval honors. Governor Gordon received an address from British residents. ; He: replied to the native petition for a British protectorate, that the nature of the proposal made was Ihot such as the Queen couid seriously consider. It' was impossible for her to accept the protectorate without a corresponding power to direct the action and policy of-the'Samoans. The Queen desired that the, Samoans should possess a strong government to protect foreigners! iHe would make suggestions before leaving. The late'Consul had imposed several fines, and intimated that; pending their-payment, the island would be held s by England; * A laborer employed by a British) resident was murdered. ■ ■

Sir Av Gordon requested the natives to select a committee ! to consult with him respecting the establishment of Courts. On the same day two boats from the Sapphire seized the Elizabeth, the Samoan man-of-war, hoisted the British flag, and placed her alongside the Sapphire.. She was seized on account of the captain having sold her to the Samoan Government without authority. The Elizabeth has since been taken to Fiji. *'" Negotiations for an amicable understanding and payment of the fine for the Barracouta affair have failed.