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Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 29, 3 February 1873, Page 2

Accoeding to the Wanganui Herald many of the most numerous and powerful tribes, residing on the Rangitikei, Mana■watu, Waikanae, and Otaki rivers, are being literally decimated by sickness of various kinds. Where a few years ago were large cultivations, formidable pahs, and a numerous population, there are now but a few old men and women, ruined fences, and over-grown gardens. Whares tapued or in a state of decay, rotting canoes, and scattered bones alone remain to show where once was a populous and busy settlement. On the Bth ultimo, a deputation from the directors of the Polynesian Company ■waited upon the Chief Secretary of Victoria, for the purpose of presenting to him a memorial praying that the Victorian Government would bring under the notice of the proposed Intercolonial Conference the desirability of annexing the Fijian Islands to the British Empire. Mr Francis said he had no objection to the matter being discussed at the Intercolonial .Conference, especially as coal discovery was an important matter. The question of annexation was however, a very complex one-, and would be very difficult to settle pn a satisfactory basis. There was no doubt that the evil practices that centered round or originated from Fiji, could not be OFerlooked, and must, of consequence, : be referred to at the Conference meeting. The question was which i colony was to .bring the subject forward. The deputation left without obtaining a more definite answer.