NEWS FROM THE ISLANDS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2553, 20 November 1888, Page 2

NEWS FROM THE ISLANDS.

_ _* ARRIVAL OF THE STEAMER RICHMOND. [BY TKLEGIUPH—OWN COKKKSPONIIENT.'] Auckland, Friday. The steamer Richmond from the Islands reports affairs at Samoa remain unchanged. Everything is in an unsettled state, and the general opinion is that there will be further severe fighting before long. The natives are making extensive preparations for a battle. In the Society Groupmattershavechanged but little since last advices. In Raiatea the natives are still in the hills, and threaten a stubborn resistance if attacked, being more than ever determined not to submit to French rule in the Island. They muster some three thousand, and are entrenched in several strong positions. The French are still inactive, having built a fort on the boach. Recently a new French resident, M. Albay, was sent down to Raiatea to offer terms of peace to the liaiateans, but so far the overtures have been truitless. When the Richmond reached the llervey group it was found that various islands had been formally annexed under the protectorate of Great Britain, by H.M. Hyacinth, Captain Burt, who had hoisted the British flag on each island. The event was the cause of much rejoicing to the natives, who received the news that they were formally placed under the protection of Her Britannic Majesty with great enthusiasm. In the Tonga group the state of publis affairs was quiet and unruffled, save some little excitement caused by preparations being made to open Parliament, which takes place shortly.