CESSION OF THE FEEJEEAN ARCHIPELAGO TO GREAT BRITAIN.

Colonist, Volume II, Issue 124, 28 December 1858, Page 3

CESSION OF THE FEEJEEAN ARCHIPELAGO TO GREAT BRITAIN.

(From ihe S M- Herald.) We learn from a reliable source that, on the 11th Sept. last, a formal deed of cession of the Feejecan Archipelago to her Britannic Majesty, was executed by Thakombau, the (King of Feegee), over the entire Archipelago and its inhabitants. The American ship of war Vandilia, Capt. Sinclair, had arrived there some days before, to demand payment of the fines imposed by Capt. Boutwell, of the John Adams. Thakombau offered apologies and explanations as to the nonpayment of these fines, which were deemed so far sufficient that an extension of twelve months was granted by Capt. Sinclair, but with an intimation —couched in the strongest terms—that if such j fines, amounting collectively to 45,000 dollars (about £9000), were not paid at the end of the twelve months, force would be resorted to. Immediately after this, propositions, by Thakombau, for a cession to the Q,ueen of Great Britain, were made to her Majesty's local representative, the consul. The deed of cession, finally executed contains stipulations, we believe, to the following effect :— First: That the American claims against the Feejee shall be paid or settled by her Britannic Majesty's Government. Second : That Thakombau shall be allowed (as Tui-Viti) to retain his position as chief of the aboriginal tribes, but to govern under instructions from the local representative of her Majesty. Third: That in consideration of the 45,000 dollars paid to satisfy American claims, 200,000 acres of land shall be made over to her Majesty's Government; such 200,000 acres to be selected by a British appointee.. Fourth: That in addition to this grant of 200,000 acres, there shall be grants of such other lands as may be required for local Governmental purposes, such requirements to be agreed upon by a Commission, to consist of two Feejeean chiefs and two British gentlemen, presided over by the local representative of her Majesty, the latter official to act as umpire in all disputed questions. - '