ANNEXING SUWARROW ISLAND.

Manawatu Herald, Volume VII, Issue 267, 17 May 1889, Page 2

ANNEXING SUWARROW ISLAND.

The following in respect ,©f the. annexing of Suwairow Island hasbeen written to the New Zealand Herald by one who witnessed the cc emony :— '' Having arrived . iij view of the Group earty on 22nd April, H.M.S. Rapid .proceededslowly and cautiously, up to- the Island of Suwarrow, and ' on a „near approach we could see the flag of tne British Mercantile Navy floating over the light house. : r"Au^rifcconstructed dwelling but 6f:^e^,|Small size was situated on the W6Bfoia&&ide of the Island. As the eastern Side of the island gradually emerged to our view we steamed in that direction. In close proximity to the light house was a large shed. There was no sign of life, with the exception of a few domestic fowls and an immense flock of sea birds. The group of islands is connected by means of large coral reefs, which stretch along the hoiizon as far as the eye can see, and are very numerous, hence our cautiousness in approaching the place. When we arrived nearly opposite the pier we were boarded by an aged and feeble looking man, who was evidently a native of Great Britain, and who told us he had been on the Islaads for about two years. 1 believe he was in the service of the San Fransisco mail steamers. He readily placed his knowledge at our disposal by showing the dangerous parts and pointing out a reef here and there which was not visible to the eye, and offering suggestions as to the best place to anchor. At last we dropped anchor in 17 fathoms in what proved to be the channel. At 2 p.m. a party of seamen under the command of Lieutenant C. C. Dacosta, R.N., landed from the ship to act as a guard of honour, followed by a party of carpenters and excavators to erect a flagstaff on which to hoist the flag. A photographer also landed to take a photograph of the group while in the act of performing the ceremony. The usual Breclamation,8 reclamation, signed by Captain astle, was fixed to a board, and when the flag was hoisted the men presented arms, the bugle sounded a royal salute, and at the same time the ship thundered forth a royal salute of 21 guns.