THE CESSION OF FIJI.

Press, Volume XXII, Issue 2876, 7 November 1874, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE CESSION OF FIJI.

[From the special correspondent of the Argut "I Lev UK A, September 39. At a council of Cakobau and leading chiefs held yesterday it was finally determined to surrender Fiji unreservedly to the Queen, trusting to the justice and generosity of Her Majesty. The fact has not yet been formally communicr.Jed to Sir Hercules Robinson, but there eeems to be no doubt that his mission has reached a successful termination. On board H.M.S. Peabl, Oct. 2. At Lomo Lomo to-day, Maaf v (Tui LaQ) and Tui Cakau (Chief of Cakaudrove) came on board and signed the deed of cession, so t hat the annexation of the Fiji islands to Great Britain is now nne chose fine, the signatures of the remaining chiefs being certain to be obtained. (FROM THE FIJI TIMES, OCTOBER BRD.) Wednesday, September 30th, 1874, should be a memorable day in the annals of Fiji, for thereon the formal cession of the group was made to and accepted by Great Britain: The proceedings took place at the Govern* ment Buildings, Nasova, and were altogether void of ceremony. Shortly after 10 o'clock, his Excellency the Governor of New South Wales, attended by Commodore Goodenough, the Hon G. Innes, Attoruey-QencrAl of New South Wales ; the Hon Mr Hutchinson, the British Consul, and the Private Secretary, entered the audience hall, where he was received by the King. There were present hit Honor the Chief Justice, the AttorneyGeneral, the Hawaiian Consul, the Chief Secretary, the Minister for Finance, the Private Secretary, Majors Harding and Thurston, and the following chiefs —Ratu Abel, Ratu Joseph, Ratu Savanaca, Tui Ban, Buly Yendua, Ratu Isikeli, Roko Tui Bua, Tui Levuka, and Misa Droka.

His Excellency aeked if Ratu Abel and Ratu Timothy would accompany him in the Pearl, on his visit to the windward chiefs ; when Ratu Abel declined, but said that Timothy and Savanaca would go with the Governor. Mr Wilkinson then read the memorandum of cession in the Fijian language, and subsequently in English, after which the King signed the document, and handed it to hie Excellency, who said that he, on the part of the Queen, accepted it in the spirit in which it was offered, and that the King had, by this act, performed the part of a truly great chief, consulting, as he had doubtless done thereby, the best interests of the country. His Excellency further said that he begged to assure the King that, from hie heart, he wished prosperity to Fiji, and peace and happiness to her people.

Another lengthy document was then read in Fijian by Mr Wilkineon, and the Attorney General of New South Wales presented the English translation, which contained the articles of cession, engrossed on "parchment; this was signed by the King—as Cakobau, Tui Viti and Vuni Valu—sealed' with hie seal, and delivered by him as his willing act and deed, and subsequently, and with the same formalities, by Ratu Abel, Tui Bua, Ratu Savanaca, and Ratu Isikeli.

His Excellency then eaid that he would not sign until after hie return from windward, when the documents should be executed in duplicate, and copies exchanged; and until that time he requested the Bang to have the Government carried on as hereto* fore.

The King then begged hie Excellency to receive as his first present to the Queen five turtles and a new canoe, and upon the gift having been accepted, directed that it should be sent on board the Pearl.

His Excellency then shook hands with the King, end the proceedings terminated, At about 1 o'clock the Pearl, having on board hie Excellency and suite, who were accompanied by Mr Layard, British Consul, steamed out of harbor, and was followed at about 5 by the Dido, with the King and hie attendants, the Fijian Royal standard being hoisted at the main. The party may be expected to return on or about Tuesday next, when the completion of the formal details will be effected. . -.• ~■'■■

An annexation ball is shortly to be given in celebration of tbe glorious event, and in honor of bis Excellency Sir Hercule* Robin, uv,.. uu«x outvu, «/uui uiocrore uoouenougn, and H.B.M, Consul, to which we understand King Oakobau will be invited.