ISLAND FEDERATION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1508, 24 January 1901, Page 49

ISLAND FEDERATION.

AGITATION IN FIJI. SIR GEORGE O’BRIEN’S STRICTURES. ~ * • SYDNEY, January 20. The citizens of Suva and members of the Fiji Federal League wrote requesting Mr Seddon to convey to the Government of the Commonwealth their congratulations on the inauguration of federation, and their regret at not being represented on so historic a occasion. A native of Nausori wrote to the Government of Fiji refusing to do any more work at road repairing unless paid for it. The chairman of the Federal League in forwarding a copy of the letter to Mr Seddon. states that he had advised the natives tc go back to their homes and wait quietly for a reply. It is from such a matter as this that a rising might be apprehended. The natives were informed that every effort was being made with the help of New Zealand to bring about a change in thr Government. In another letter from the Federal League it is pointed out that the Governor £ action in ordering that his recent speech aj the opening of a hospital should be read in every village of the colony is causing •erious feeling to be engendered in the minds of the natives against the whites, ©specially against those in any way con- - nected with New Zealand. The Govern or is still sending officials to various dis tricts to hold meetings. The Federation League entreats Mr Seddon to use his influence to prevent the continued circu lation of slanders by the Governor against the whites and New Zealand. The suggests telegraphing to the Secretary o State for the Colonies on the subject.

A letter from a leading personage in Fiji urges the removal of Sir Gedrgt O’Brien, the Governor, as he is not only opposed to the closer union of Fiji with New Zealand, but also to the extension of New Zealand’s influence amongst thr Islands. Sir George O’Brien regards the strictures of the press in New Zealand and Australia as evidence of the moral nature of the blow he lias struck at what he terms “the impudent aspirations of tin Premier of New Zealand A. The writer, predicts that while in this frame of min', the Governor will probably be most mis chievous in the Pacific. There is reason to believe that he intends to instruct the Deputy-Commissioner at Tonga to circa late confidentially his speech at the has pita 1 opening. There is no doubt, says the writer, ilia - Sir George O’Brien null be strongly backed in England by Lord Stanmore (formerly Sir Arthur" Gordpn) and the Exeter Hal’ party, but it is trusted that the sacrifice made by New Zealand in the cause of Em pire will have the effect of strengthening Mr Seddon in obtaining the removal of tin Governor. The writer asks him to secure the cooperation of the Premiers of Australia because these slanders will affect as they will spread to the Hebrides and Solomons where Fijian is linqua Franca MISSIONARY v. GOVERNOR. SYDNEY. January 19. Advices received from Fiji by the Dr Brown, secretary of the Wesleyan Mis sion, state that the Governor had accepted Mr Slade’s disclaimer of the charges of undue political influence made against him The Governor had withdrawn liis requeel for the removal of the missionary named (Received January 20, 6.18 p.m.) SYDNEY, January 20. Mr Slade, in a letter to Mr Seddon, states that Eis church will not accede to the de mand of the Governor for his removal The latter would have to retire from the position he has taken up or issue an Or der in Council for arrest. If he takes the latter course Mr Slade, says he intends tc destroy the Order and allow the G’overnoi to arrest and imprison him. The writertalso states that the Governo? continues to publish and emphasise his slanders on New Zealand throughout thr group. If a proper referendum of the natives was taken they would declare over whemingly for federation —not that the\ understand it, but because they have suffered so greatly under the present regime