MAKING MALIETOA TANU KING.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 85, 12 April 1899, Page 5

MAKING MALIETOA TANU KING.

'SHE INSTALLATION CEREMONY.

At 2 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. S3, a >,- party from the Porpoise landed Tanu, the King, at the Apia wharf, where there were also detachments ot£V~ ■ . tish and American sailors and a Doay of natives. Headed by band from the American flagship Fhiiaaei

phia, the force marched on to Mulinuu, where they formed a square in front of the flagstaff which had been erected. The king then retired into a native house where the ceremony of kava making was performed. Admiral Kaufz, His Honor Chief Justice Chambers, Commander White, U.S. Cons ul-General Osborne, Consul Maxse, H.8.M., and Captains Sturdee and Torlesse were amongst those present. When the order was given to raise the flag the band struck up the Samoan Anthem, then Hail Columbia and God Save the Queen. Shortly afterwards Commander White, U.S.N., came out and announced that Malietoa Tanu was king, and called for three cheers for him, after which he called for three cheers for the Admiral, which was responded to. Captain Sturdee then called for three cheers -for Commander White, which were given with spirit. Commander White then returned the compliment by calling for three cheers for Captain Sturdee. , The Samoans then took up a cheer that turned into a native chant, and which was by far the most lustjr. Immediately the flag was raised the flagship and Porpoise 'saluted it, and Tanu Malietoa, King of Samoa. None of the officers" from the Falke was present, and no salute was fired by that ship. The German Consul-General did not take "any part in the day's proceedings. A number of carriages were along with the escort, carrying most of the officials ahd the townspeople who went to Mulinuu to witness the proceedings, which ma3 r never be seen again in Samoa.

So that the town would not be taken by surprise, a strong detachment was posted throughout, the town while the proceedings lasted.