RAJAH BROOKE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19991, 6 July 1928, Page 14

RAJAH BROOKE.

Sir, —Tn your issue of April 11 last there was a letter headed "Selwyn and Kingsloy " from "Inquirer," referring to the dedication in " Westward Ho " to Bishop Solwyn and Rajah Brooke, and hoping for further particulars of the rajah. I wrote to the vicar of Sheepstor, Devon, and ycsterdav received a letter from the rector, Rev. *E. Hughes, giving the following interesting particulars: —"Sir James Brooke was cruising in his yacht, the Royalist, and in August, 1838, came to Sarawak. Ho found the rajah in great straits owing to rebellion inland and piracy on vhe coast. The chief begged Sir James to help him, promising that if peaco and order were restored ne and his heirs af| er him should be rajahs of Sarawak. After a long campaign full of perils and privations Brooke and his handful of Englishmen gained the victory over the rebels, and in December, 1840, hostilities were over. On September 24, 1841, Brooke was proclaimed Rajah of Sarawak, tie ruled wisely and well and brought peace and prosperity to the land. In Brooke returned for a time to England, and was greeted with great honours, and was knighted by Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle. The freedom ot the Uty of London was conferred on the rajah in recognition of his splendid work in Borneo and a residence m Devonshire presented to him, the purchase money being raised by public subscription. It was here that Rajah Brooke spent the evening of his days. He died on June 11, 1868, and was buried in the quiet little churchyard at Sheepstor. His tomb is visited every year by a large number of people from all parts of the world. J. W. "Williamson - .