NEWS FROM TONGA.

New Zealand Mail, 22 April 1887, Page 25

NEWS FROM TONGA.

By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. A BAD OUTLOOK FOR MR BAKER. (reuter’s telegrams,) Sydney, April 15. The steamer Lubeck arrived to-day

from Tonga. She brings news thatH.M.S. Diamond had arrived there with Sir t Charles Mitchell and Mr Justice Clare, of Fiji, on board. The inquiry into the recent outrages was still proceeding when the Lubeck left. Me Hanslip, a trader in the islands, who was accused by Mr Baker of participation in the - outrages, was acquitted. The evidence of some of Mr Baker’s witnesses was most damaging to that gentleman, eome of them stating that he had threatened their lives if they did not give evidence against the Wesleyans ; and one of them had been told that he should be shot directly H.M.S. Diamond left the island. The Judge insisted that the witnesses must understand that no harm should come to them by giving their evidence freely. Two of the officers of the Diamond are assisting at the trials. Further news from Tonga reports that at trials in connection with the recent outrages a tremendous outburst of applause followed the announcement that the prisoners had been acquitted. Inquiries regarding the religious persecution in Tonga are now being conducted beioro Sir Charles Mitchell.