TAHITI.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume I, Issue 1, 12 October 1844, Page 3

TAHITI.

Extract from a letter dated Tahiti, July 12, 1844. " The natives who formerly supplied the town and shipping with vegetables, fruit, poultry, and cattle,, which they have in abundance in the interior of the island, have for some time past been engaged in warfare with the French, in consequence of their having hoisted their flag and taken absolute possession of the island % and thus provisions of all kinds 'have become very scarce and extravagantly dear. They have already encountered in three engagements, in all of which they have been very successful, and they seem determined that the French shall not retain possession at least without considerable difficulty. It is well known the French have sustained considerable loss, but they will not confess to the number, although they acknowledge to have found the natives more troublesome customers than they expected ; and I imagine the^will yet have to deplore the course they hgVeVpursued. The Aborigines are most frtfcrfdly disposed to the English and Americans, and Queen Pomarre has thrown herself on the British Government for protection, and taken refuge on board an English frigate stationed here for the safety of British subjects, until such time as news is received from Home as to what steps are to be taken. Meanwhile the French are working day and nighl in erecting fortifications, which to me

has the appearance as if they apprehended difficulty in retaining the island." By the Shepherdess, from Tahiti, we learn that the French are all aback at the nonapproval of of their proceedings by the Home Government ; all their doings have still a warlike appearance. H. M. S. Carysfort, Lord George Paulet, had received Queen Pomarre on board, and proceeded to Riatea. Mr. Schultze informs us that H. M.S. Hazard, previous to her proceeding to the New Zealand station, had visited Quolan, one of the Ralick Archipelago, better known as Strong's Island, situated Loag. 160° East, Lat. 6° North, and executed summary retaliation on the aboriginal inhabitants for the barbarous massacre of the crew and subsequent burning of the Harriet whaler, Capt. Bunker, belonging to Messrs. Boulcott of London. Mr. Schultze heard that nearly the whole race were exterminated. If true, what does Governor Fitzroy say to this ? The Shepherdess spoke the brig Nimrod, Mulholland, from this port, at Tahiti. She was loaded with sawn timber, for which she found a ready market ; she has proceeded on to the Sandwich Islands. From Tongataboo to the East Cape the Shepherdess had a fine run of only seven days.