The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 1884.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4677, 3 January 1884, Page 2

The Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR P.M. Resurrexi. THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 1884.

The action of the delegates to the Annexation Conference does not seem to have been over-gratifying to the white population of Fiji, and the latter body seem disposed to favor a movement in the direction of attaching their fortunes to New Zealand. A petition has been framed for presentation to the Home Government, with this object in view; but, considering the apparently antiprogressive views of the Secretary of State, we fear little satisfaction will result to the Fijians. The system of Government carried out in that colony has long been a~ source of discontent among the inhabitants, and there cannot be the least doubt that if this effort of the people meet with no success, further steps will be taken to bring about the execution of their wishes. The simple fact of only one Judge acting in a colony, and no appeal against his judgments being easily obtainable, is sufficient to cause an agitation for reform in that direction; to say nothing regarding the fact that in the expenditure of all public revenue the people, or their representatives, have no voice. In addi* tion to this, the petition avers that in mixed cases, trial by jury is not allowed. With such grievances, it is no wonder that steps are taken to cause a reform in the system of government; and whether they be attached to our colony or not, there can be little doubt that the present method of carrying on the government of the colony cannot last. The question of the benefits arising from a union is i one requiring little discussion. The many mutual advantages to be derived from such an alliance are apparent —more particularly the benefits likely to accrue to the northern portion of this colony; and an island trade thus inaugurated would rapidly expand to large proportions, more particularly if we have in the midst of the Pacific Islands a portion of our governable territory. To those who seek attachment the many arising advantages are incalculable. Of course special legislation would be requisite for the government of the islands, and under the guidance and with the assistance of Fijian representatives, this could easily be accomplished. The lack of freedom which the islanders now com* plain of, would be supplied them if representative Government were granted them, and the multituduous advantages of commercial reciprocity would be enjoyed by a country which now suffers under a species of autocratical sway, and in which the voxpopuli is powerless. Although we have serious doubts of the junction being made, we must express a wish that the efforts being put forth will be attended with success.