SANDWICH ISLANDS. [From the New Zealander]

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 802, 9 April 1853, Page 3

SANDWICH ISLANDS. [From the New Zealander ]

The new Constitution for the Sandwich Islands had just been brought into operation. On the 3rd December the King swore to it before the Privy Council, and on the 6th it was proclaimed, — first in (he Rev. Mr. Clarke's church, and afterwards by a herald, accompanied by the military, at the corners of the principal streets. The (Honolulu) Argus states — "After the ceremony of proclamation was over at the Stone church, his Majesty being present in his private capacity, arose and made an extempore address to the assembled people. It was short but iir.pressive and to the point, and spoke volumes for the advancement of knowledge, and the liberal sentiments of the King. He pointed out to them that whereas formerly the chiefs alone had made the laws of the land, the present constitution was the work of the people themselves, through their representatives in the Legislature, and as he had surrendered to them the law making power, he exhorted them to use it with wisdom, prudence and moderation, for upon themselves depended here. forth the prosperity and improvement of the country." A great impulse had been given to the commerce of Honolulu by the unprecedentedly large number of whale ships that visited the port during the season. In the latter part of November there were (according to the Polynesian,) about one hundred and forty-five whalers in the harbour, besides ten or twelve merchant vessels, and several coasting schooners. Projects for carrying on agricultural operations, particularly the cultivation of sugar, by joint stock companies, found much favour, and the establishment of a Bank was contemplated The sugar crop promised unusually well, particularly as compared with that of 1851 when the drought destroyed quantities of cane.