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amongst us quite competent to manage our local affairs. The natives of New Zealand elect so many members — there is no reason why the same course should not be adopted in Fiji. Understand that in managing our own affairs we should be represented by men interested in the country, not merely drawing their salaries. A speaker referred to annexation or federation. It is well to remember that we are annexed, and are tired of it. Shall we federate with New Zealand or not, that is the question? This must be settled. If tfrey will have us, we cannot possibly be worse off, no matter what happens. What we want to do is to strengthen the hands of the New Zealand Government in their petition to the Imperial powers, and, as Mr. Seddon told you, the Imperial Government is inclined to be more liberal with her Crown colonies. I now put the motion to the meeting. (Eead it.) • Carried unanimously, amidst loud cheering. Captain D. Bobbie : Mr. Chairman, gentlemen,—The honour has been deputed to me to move the second resolution. There is little doubt that the object of this meeting is the most important that could have brought us together. There are many points in favour of federation, many of which have been advanced this evening. New Zealand is a colony of untold wealth. Her mineral wealth is unequalled, and her pastoral area is second to none of the Australasian Colonies. She is a colony progressing politically and socially with great strides. (The speaker here read some statistics bearing out his statement.) He then proposed: " That a committee be formed for the furtherance of federation with New Zealand, such committee to co-operate with any other which may be formed in Suva, and to consist of the Warden (Mr. J. Solomon), and Messrs. W. I. Thomas, A. Bastgate, D. Garner-Jones, J. M. Hedstrom, and the mover, with power to add to their number." Mr. A. Eastgate : I have great pleasure in seconding this resolution. I should like to add, however, one gentleman, to the number, viz., Mr. E. Headdey. He has large interests in the country, and it is a good thing to have men with several opinions on a committee, as it enables the matter to be threshed out properly.. The names of Messrs. B. Headdey and T. L. Wood were unanimously added to the committee. The resolution was then put by his Worship the Warden, and carried unanimously. Mr. Biemenschneider thanked the meeting, on behalf of himself and Mr. Berkeley, for the patient hearing that had been granted them, and, speaking of meetings to be held in Suva in the future, expressed a hope to see some representatives of Levuka. The Warden briefly responded, and trusted that the Suva meetings would be as successful as the one that night. Mr. W. I. Thomas moved, and Captain Bobbie seconded a vote of thanks to Messrs. Eiemenschneider and Berkeley which, being carried by applause, brought the meeting to a close. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given; printing (1,375 copies) £4.

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