Later Fiji News.

Bruce Herald, Volume VII, Issue 649, 13 November 1874, Page 7

Later Fiji News.

ABBIVAL OF THE STAB OF THE SOUTH FROM LEVIIKA..

Auckland, November 8.

The s.s. Star of the South has arrived from Fiji. She left Levuka on the Ist, with a full cargo of maize, pea-nuts, cotton, copra, 83 bags sugar, and fruit. She has several passengers. The annexation was carried out on the 10th ; at Naßova, when the British flag was hoisted, and the deed of cession signed by the contracting parties. H.M.s Peral and Dido were anchored close in shore. The officials present included Sir Hercules Robinson and suite, Cakobau and the leading chiefs of Fiji, the Attorney General of New South 'Wales, the members of the Executive Council, Justice Garrick (Attorney-General), the Mayor and foreign consul. After signing copies of the deed exchanged between the King and the Governor, Cakobau presented a war club decorated with palm leavep, emblematical of peace, to Sir Hercules, as a tokfcn of submission to the Queen, which will be sent to her Majesty. Before hoisting the flag, the Governor explained what had been done to the people from the balcony, and proclaimed Fiji a dependency of the Crown, amid the cheers of bis audience. He expressed a hope that all animosity would be buried at the foot of the staff on which he now hoisted the British flag. Lieutenant Elwyn, of the Pearl, hoisted the ensign, which was cheered heartily, and Baluted with 21 guns from the Pearl. The deed of cession sets forth that a number of British subjects having settled in Fiji, and the chiefs being desirous of promoting civilisation, Christianity, and industry, and as it was obviously desirable for the white as well as the native population, Tui Vitu and other high chiefs conjointly, severally requested the Queen to undertake the Government of the islands in future. Tui Vitu and other high chiefs and tribes, relying on the justices and generosity of the Queen, tender her the sovereignty unconditionally which cession is witnessed by the execution of these presents and the formal surrender of the territory. The form of constitution and laws shall b© such as Her Majesty shall see fit to prescribe. All unoccupied and unalienated lands not in the occupation of or required for the use of the chiefs, or tribes, become the absolute property of the Queen ; also all land and the buildings now in use as public offices ; and the Queen has the right of taking any land required on payment of reasonable compensation. Sir Hercules Kobinson, on behalf of the Queen, accepted the sovereignty on the terms that the rights of the chiefs be recoguised so far as is consistent with the colony's financial engagements which are to be scrutinised, and dealt with on just principles. All claims for titles and pensions to be finally investigated, adjusted, and signed by Cakobau, Maafu. Tui, Kakau, Ratu Able, Tv Baui Savenula, Ikei, Tui, Deneipti Nacagibou. Katu Mini, Retora Ratimivere, and Matutobau. The following officers have been appointed: — Mr Layard, VicePresident of the Executive Council, and administrator *f the Government; Mr Thurston, Colonial Secretary ; Mr Horton, Treasurer ; Mr Swanston, Secretary for Native Affairs; and Mr Tinne?, a member of the Executive Council.

The schooner Ivanhoe, Captain Stuart, which left Auckland for Levuka on the 26th August has not arrived when the Star left. It is considered certain that she has foundered with all hands.

The New Zealand quotations of Fiji sugars are considered encouraging. Mr Whalley, an official of the late Government, and two friends were drowned while going in a boat to a neighboring island. The Fiji ' Times ' of the 28th speaks highly of Fijian prospect held out by a prospect of active competition for the Fiji trade between New Zealand and New South Wales.

A son of Cakobau, named William, who is demented, lately tried to set fire to several houses. He also stabbed three women, injuring one severely. He has been placed under restraint. The barque Metaris sailed, for Sydney on October 22, with fibre and cocoanuts.

Extensive improvements have been already started at the Levuka wharf and pier, in contemplation of the naval stores about to be erected.

The constitution of the Municipality is unsatisfactory

Provision is being made for the cont^quance, h,y the new Government, of the Central Oqurt, opened finally by Justice Carrick on October 19!.