CAKOBAU REX.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 195, 18 August 1871, Page 2

CAKOBAU REX.

The following is the text of the edict recently issued by bia Majesty Cakobau : — "To My Subjects and Foreign Residents in Fiji. ''The daily increasing foreign population in my dominions, introducing the customs, habits, and commerce of highly civilised nations has caused me serious consideration. " Many foreigners have acquired by purchase' and lease' considerable areas of land, upon which they are expending much capital, aud exercising great skill and labor. "It is, therefore, clearly evident that to preserve that perfect harmony which should exist between the two races to facilitate the increasing European commerce, to establish foreign, relations, a properly constituted Government has become an absolute necessity. " I have, therefore, accepted the services of the gentleman named in my proclamation to form -an Executive to administer the Government in accordance with the Constitution adopted in 1867 at the earnest desire of the foreign residents, and accepted by my chiefs, "who have since been ruled by those laws alone. " The Constitution is similar in principle to that of the Hawaiian Government, which- has -been in successful operation (upon a very moderate expenditure) nearly forty years ; it provides for a House of Representatives, civil and religious liberty, simple and inexpensive courts of justice, and equal rights. ; ; " The labor question, both foreign and domestic, is one that will demand the most serious consideration* of my advisers. "My relations with the chiefs throughout my dominions are of the most friendly nature, and such as to ensure their united support to this measure. " The attention of my Government will be at once directed — "1. To measures for the adjustment of Tides and claims to Lands. "2. To the survey and management of Public Lands. "3. The protection of European residents and property; " 4. The appointment of Magistrates. " 5, An adequate Postal System. "6. A Bank deposit of issue guaranted by the Crown and secured on Public Lands and Revenues. 11 7. The Federal isation of the various chiefdoms, and the gradual blending of their interests with those of my Government. "8. The recognition of my Government by the foreign powers with whom I have hitherto not had any intercourse. ; "To you I now confidently commend my Government, conscious of its deep importance to ourselves, and, under Divine Providence, the great future which its careful and just communication will open for Fiji. "(Signed) , Cakobau."