TAHITI AND THE SOCIETY ISLANDS.

New Zealander, Volume 3, Issue 142, 9 October 1847, Page 3

TAHITI AND THE SOCIETY ISLANDS.

(To the Editors of the Sydney Herald.) A declaration of the Governor of the French possessions in the Pacific Ocean, and Commissioner of the King, at the Com tof the Queen of the Society Islands, to the Chiefs and all the people of Borabora, Huahme, Raiatea, and all their dependencies. Chiefs, and all people of Borabora, Huahine, RaU aten, and all their dependenciesMay you be saved by God ! You have heard from Admiral Bruat, tbe statements which have been made by the GoventnenU of -France and Borabora, respecting the independence of the Government of your islands. In the month of .Tune, last year, France, who 4 the first to commence (on its true desire), asked ths British Government to assist in making arrangement to secure the independence of these islands. Upon my arrival at Tahiti, it was my first act to make known to the Queen, Governors, and all the people of Tahiti and Moorea, the mild statements and compassion, which the King of the French commanded me to make known. It remains for me to make known the second time to you, and 1 do so wilh great pleasure, because it is agreeable tome to make known to you, the independence of your Governments. It is on account of the great compassion of' the French Government towards you, that what , it has done is greater than that which Bi'uat promised to you when he made peace with you. It makes this known to you that you may with confidence trust in its statements, and iv those of its Commissioner at Tahiti. The Governments of France and Britain have again sent new instructions to their representatives and Captains in these seas, respecting the establishment and the declaration of the independence of your Governments—and that they are not to say anything, nor do anything towards you or your people, in the affairs of your Government. With special regard to the commands of my Government, I shall regard and hold fust the agreement and peace which have now been settled, and which are the means by which you may quickly be elevated, like other countries which have gone before you in civilization. Let justice and truth characterize all your pioceedings—be zealous, cultivate your lauds, and lead your people in the path of rectitude, then it will be well with you. It is by doing good and forsaking evil, that good will be obtained while continuing in lliis world. That it may be well wilh you in your communicationi.with other countries, when persons come among you avoid doing anything by which jour agreement will be, di»lurbed— the means by wtych jour independence is made known, and France will watch that no other government encroach upon the advantages of your independence and equality. The French and British Govern*ments have agreed to acknowledge and respect your independence. That God may impart his blessing upon your country, jour children and yourselves, is the tiud statement of your true friend,

LAVAND, The Governor Of the French possessions in the Pacific Ocean; nnd Commissioner of the King, Ht the Court of the Queen of the Society Islands.

At the time the above document was rend, the people made several statements, expressive of their joy to learn that the Governor had declared to them in writing, that they were free from him and his Government. I think, Gentlemen, that a few remarks wilj not be out of place here. -And the first is, a regret that the French appear determined .to continue the term Queen of the Society islands, when they refer to Pomnre. Now the question arises in one's mmd — what can be their motive? Tahiti and Afoorea have t een called, the Georgian tfelauds, from the time Wai lis hoisted thg British colours on that (the former) island, and, he desisted it ufter his Sovereign. And from the dais of Cook, Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, and Upr.abora, have been called, the Society .Islands* And (he same names aie given jii our Geographies, HncyclopoeJias, &c, and) el the Fr.euch,

will not regard old-established usage. Pomare is no mo c Queen of the Society Islands, than she it of the Sandwich Islands. When reading the fol lowing—" Fiance, who wastl.e first," &c— does Governor Lavand really mean to state that France was the fust to commence making arrangements to secure the independence of these islands f And does he suppose that nothing was done by England, previous to the month of June, last yeai ? Did not Admiral Sir Geo.ge Seymour visit these Society Islands in November, 1845? at the particular request of his Government. And did he come merely to look at the islundsf No, Gentlemen, he came toac complish something, and that something was, to collect evidence as to their independence of Po mare. He entered upon his work like a Britis'i officer— he obtained that which he souglil— and we may conclude that in consequence of w hat he sent to his Government, the independence of the islands has been secured. But Governor Lavand sajs it is on account of "the great compassion of the French Government." Another conclusion is drawn by some, i. c., that it is on account of Governor Bruat failing to obtain evidence that the islands were under Pomare. Did he .not receive declarations from the rebel chiefs Oinaiaud Te-faa-ora, of Boraboia, for the purpose of securing these islands ? Probably the people of Raiatea when reading about 'the true desire, and great compassion' of the French Government, called to mind another real desire of the French, of which they had ocular demonstration in. January, 1845, when the Captain of the French vteamer gave instructions to hoist the flag, in spite of the protests of the p'-ople of that island. Neither did they forget the real desire of Governor Bruat, expressed by himself, to exterminate all men, women and children, on the islands, commencing at Huahine, and carrying ou the desolation to Maupiti It must be future acts of the great nation, that will convince the people of Raiatea of its great compassion, its past acts on Huahine and Borabora, will not. A document of which the following is a copy, vms sent by a BtitUh Officer, to the Chief* ai Raiatea, and was read by them on the sth July luit.— Her Britannic Majesty's ship Gramput, Papete, Tahiti, Jane so, 1847. Peace be among yon from the true God ! Chiefs aud People of Raiatea— -Admiral Sir George Seymour, participating in the interest which the British nation have ever evinced in your welfare, has directed me to offer you a few words of advice before I leave you. 1 trust they will be received in that spirit of friendship which has hitherto marked all our communications. ■ Raiatea is now independent, and you are free The British Government having largely contributed to this happy remit, does not wish to iutci fere with your affairs, farther than to utter such suggestions as will tend to ensure the continuance of your freedom, and add to it prosperity and contentment. J. The declaration of your independence has entirelySeparated you from the new state of things established on Tahiti and Moorea. Should troubles ~ arise , ou that island or its dependencies, you will do well to avoid interference, and to abstain from sending assistance. Chiefs, it is most desirable that you should dwell an your own island, that your presence and example may stimulate your people to industry. 3 . The nags of all nations are entitled to equal respect. Therefore, let the persons and property of all foreign ,ers who are allowed to live amou^ you on Raiatea, or its dependencies, receive equal protection. The laws should not shew more favor to one than to another. Let them be Irameri in justice, and executed with impartiality: and let your Port-charges be moderate. Tlius you will be frequently visited by foreign ships, and your trade will increase. 3. Raiatea is represented by an independent flag. My advice to you is, be scrupulously careful that its character be not sallied by dishonesty m trade, or other evil practices. I advise you to be cautious whom you permit to wear it, lest the misconduct of persons navigating under the colors of Raiatea, should lay yon open to the suspicion ' of piracy, and make you liable to inconvenient recla nations4. Drunkenness is the source of many evils and much misery* If you would prosper, do not allow any spirits to come among you, and punish drunkards with plenty of road-making. 5. You will act prudently never to sell your lands. If Foreigners are desirous of living: among you, and you are willing to receive them, let them take land on lease. If they meddje with your affairs, and become troublesome, you can banish them. 6. In conclusion, 1 advise you to adhere steadfastly to your religion, and to listen to the advice and teaching of your true friends— the Missionaries. Above all, educate your children, that they may know right from wrong. Teach them to be sober, industrious and honest, in order that they may enjoy health, competence, and happiness. The efforts which England has made to proenre your independence, is a sullicient proof of her anxiety for your welfare, and you may be sure that she will not cent to watch your progress towards civilization, and to interest herself on your behalf, on every proper occasion. , „, , . That God's blessing may attend you, will always be te wish of Mead, „ „„,, Captain of Her Britanic Majesty's ship Grampus. . The letter of Captain Martin gave great pleasure to. the people, and the impression made upon their minds was, that the only object be bad in view was their own good. He had been to Raiatea, and the interest he manifested in their welfare was worthy of the nation he has the honor to represent. It was his intention to have gone to Ruiatea again, but at the time he was about to start, circumstances transpired at Tahiti, which prevented him. His conduct is a contrast to that of Captain Hamond. An Odserver. • South Seas, 12th July, 1847.