THE TAHITIAN ANNEXATION TO FRANCE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2358, 7 October 1880, Page 4

THE TAHITIAN ANNEXATION TO FRANCE.

A San Francisco paper contains a long account of the ceremonies attendant on the annexation of Tahiti to France. We extract a portion “ The next feature was a genuine surprise, and it was with difficulty that the multitude were kept hack, so great was their enthusiasm. Mr Cadousteau, on behalf of the King and the Commandary announced that the gaols were opened and all under arrest granted full pardon. The ceremonies over, a signal was given and and the tri-colour was hoisted, the band plajdng “The Marseillaise” and the batteries each firing a salute of twentyone guns. As the tri-color was run up on the marquee, every comme.'cial house and nearly every private residence, as well as the shipping, followed suit, and in a few minutes hundreds of flags of the red, white, and blue bars, were fluttering in the breeze. The evening was devoted to festivities and rejoicing, and the King and the Commandant were the recipient of many congratulations. The matter of the annexation emanated from the King, and he was fully supported by the native chiefs. They recognised the fact that, though France had done everything possible for them, it would be more to their interest to be French. The King and his chiefs retain their rank and privileges. On the day of the annexation one of the oldest chiefs arose and said that never before had Tahiti been so governed as by Mr Chesse, and assured him of the warm feeling entertained by the Tahitians for him. The only fear now existing in Tahiti is that the French Government, desiring to reward the Commandant, will recall him, and honour him with a higher position, and it is said that the King has written an autographic letter to the President of the Republic, begging of him not to recall Mr Chesse.