THE ISLANDERS AND THE FRENCH FLAG.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2121, 10 December 1880, Page 3

THE ISLANDERS AND THE FRENCH FLAG.

AUCKLAND, December 9.

The beautiful island of Borotonga, the principal of the Cook Group, had on October 22nd last, the honor of saving the Native flag and being recognised and saluted with twenty-one gunß by H.M.S. Turquoise, Captain Medeleoott, of H.M. Pacific Squadron, under the command of Admiral Stringly, of H.M. ironclad Triumph, which latter vessel arrived in Tahiti a few weeks ago, and is now cruising amongst the Society Islands. The captain of the Turquoise, in his dispatch to the Government here, informed them that England had refused to recognise the French Protectorate flag at Kaitatekea, Society Islands, and that the Natives have again hoisted their own flag, which will be saluted by the Turquoise on her return there. The Islands] of Huahine, Society Islands, were all saluted by the Turquoise. An inoident in connection with the pulling down of the French protectorate flag at Kaitatikea is worth while recording. It appears that the commander of the French gunboat was informed by Captain Medeleoott that England would not recognise his flag, and urged the Frenchmen to take it down. This was done the ssme day, and the Frenoh officers took the flag under their arms, and proceeded on board the vessel. Immediately on their departure the native) chief razed the flagstaff with an axe, and ereoted a new one for their flag to be saluted by the Turquoise or the admiral. Captain Medeleoott had a brilliant reception at Barotonga, and received boat loads of presents in the shape of mats, pigs, &e. ________ m __ mMm ____ l