KING CAKOBAU'S SPEECH.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1169, 27 April 1872, Page 2

KING CAKOBAU'S SPEECH.

(FIJI TIMES, MARCH 13.) On Saturday last, according to., invitation, settlers to the number of about 70 met the King at Totogatown, when he delivered the following address, which was soon afterwards issued as a Government Gazette Extraordinary. We may mention that the interpretation is a mild one, the King having used -some strong language :— .

"Being now assembled "together here this morning, I wish first to say this is purely my own desire and request, not

that of my advisers. I have something to say to you, and I wish to say it myself. The chiefs of Fiji are now united, and our object is the good of the land. According to our old customs we had no difficulty in getting rid of an offensive person, and we understand revenge (or retribution) ; but Buch customs are bad, and we wish for a better state of things; and for that purpose laws have been made by you, and approved by us chiefs, and are now in force, and were to apply to all alike. But I now hear of dissension— and amongst you! Why is this so? You have had the like laws in your own land, and if laws are a good thing (institution) for all, is the good not to be mutually enjoyed by both you and us ? Or are you to have jjood and no evil 1 When a native does wrong there is . no rest till he be punished. If the laws are to apply, to both races then it will be well, but if it be your mind that they are not so to apply, what is to be done 1 I understood all inequalities were to be levelled, and brought to a smooth surface by the introduction of a new state of things; but I have heard that the day before yesterday, when a man charged with killing a native was to be brought to justice, you Of Levuka assembled with arms and refused to give him up. I thought law and order was a good thing, and expected and hoped for mutual help from all. Three natives have been killed but lately — one at Vunitogaboa, one at Suvu Savu, and one at Taviuni— and nothing has been done to any of the parties yet, and you Levukans now refuse to give up one of them. If a Fijian commits a wrong, the governors are in their several provinces, and he can soon be brought to justice; but if you refuse help, and take up arms to resist, what, then, am I to do? What will be the consequence ? Suppose a native kills a white man. If the laws' are to apply alike to all,' and we all mutually assist in their execution, there can be no difficulty. I have told you my mind. It is with you to follow if or not. I desire the peace and -welfare of all in Fiji, and, with this, wish to end my address to you." .