LATEST FROM FIJI.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 222, 2 May 1872, Page 6

LATEST FROM FIJI.

The principal news iv the papers which reach us by way of Sydney is the action taken by the white settlers against the Provisional Government, and Mr Burts subsequent resignation. It appears that the dissatisfaction of the settlers nearly led them into open revolt. One of their number, a Mr R. W. Smith, shot a native chief, and' the Government ordered his arrest. Smith denied their jurisdiction, and made what he considered hia exculpation to the British Consul. He also placed himself under the protection of an armed party of volunteers, who resolved to resist the arrest of Mr Smith. Mr Burt was for enforcing the arrest at any risk, and the other members of the ministry disagreeing with him, he sent his resignation to the King, and it was accepted. The very next day Cackabau called the white residents together, and after telling them that it was at his own desire that he spoke to them personally, addressed them in a speech that must have been to them as humiliating as it was well deserved and appropriate He asked his hearers what was the meaning of the present diss nsions. The laws were the laws of their own land and their own making, and if they were good, was not the good to be equally enjoj eel by both races ? When a native did wrong there was no reat till he waa punished. If the laws were applied the same to both races .all would be' well, but if the whites were determined that they were not to be, what was to be done ? He had thought that law and order was a good thing, and expected help from all in maintaining it. If such help was given, there could be no difficulty, but if they took up arms to resist the law, what could he do and what would be the consequence? He ended, "I have told you my mind. It is with you to follow it or not. I desire the peace and welfare of all in Fiji, and with this wish to en\ my address to you." Bather remarkable words these to be spoken by a savage chief to a number of (Cnglish colonists. This our countrymen seem to have felt ; for after the resignation of Mr Burt, Smith, and another man, also charged with murdering a Fijian subject, were surrendered to the Government for trial. Taxes also were paid in cases where before " resistance to death " had been threatened.