RARATONGA PROTECTORATE.
However positively the French Consul at Sydney may deny the truth of the reported intention of the French Government to establish a protectorate over Raratonga, it ia quite certain that there is something in the report. There is no doubt whatever that the captain of the French man-of-war did assert the protectorate on behalf of the Government, and did declare the intention of that Government to enforce it. There is ample evidence both verbal and documentary to prove that point. Whether he exceeded his instructions and allowed his zeal to carry him away, or whether the Sydney Consul committed himself to a rash denial without waiting for advices from his Government, cannot be known until full information is obtainable from Home. One thing at any rate is quite clear. Such a French protectorate would be exceedingly distasteful to Great Britain and prejudicial to tho interests of the Australian colonies, of Now Zealand above all. It would have the effect of removing the trade of Raratonga and its group from New Zealand to Tahiti. 'Ihis trade already has attained considerable proportions, and Auckland especially would be a serious loser by its diversion to Tahiti.
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Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume XXII, Issue 102, 28 October 1881, Page 2
Word Count
195RARATONGA PROTECTORATE. Evening Post, Volume XXII, Issue 102, 28 October 1881, Page 2
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