Annexation of Fiji.

Opunake Times, Volume XIII, Issue 630, 23 October 1900, Page 3

Annexation of Fiji.

Wellington, October 19. When the House met at 11 a rn., the Premier read a cablegram from the "Right Hon. J. Chamberlain to the effect that he could not at present recommend Her Majesty's Government to agree to the annexation of Fiji to. New Zealand. Mr Seddon said the cable merely left the matter open until all sides had had an opportunity of considering the matter. He moved the motion of which he had given notice, in favor of Fiji being federated with this colony. Captain Russell thought the matter was of such great importance to this colony that he asked the House to pause in deciding to agree to the motion. Mr Ward did not think the House would be doing its duty if, after being petitioned by tho people of Fiji for incorporation with this colony, the Ho&se did not give the question every consideration. He did not anticipate any trouble in overcoming the colored labor difficulty. Mr Collins counselled delay until the commission had reported as to whether federation with Australasia was desirable. Wellington, October 5. The Mildura reached Raratonga on the 6th. The Arikis and chiefs had a meeting, and unanimously signed an act of concession of the islauds of Raratonga to the British Crown. On the Bth, Lord Ranfurly read a royal proclamation, declaring the Cook Islands an integral part of the British Empire. A royal salute was fired from a warship. The Mildura left the same night for the other islands, and when the Ovalau left Lord Ranfurly had landed at Mangaia and Aitutaki, and sailed for Penhryn on the lltb. The Premier yesterday received a telegram from Lord Ranfurly as follows :—" You will be pleased to hear that natives at Mangaia were unanimous as regards session, and the incorporation ceremony was performed with full honors. Am now approaching Aitutaki, where I see a steamer, and hope to send this by • it. * The Humane Society's medal was much apreciated, not only by the natives, but by the people of the whole island. The last sentence refers to the presentation of a medal to a native for saving life at Mangaia. Mr Seddon said that in the- Cook Islands annexation resolution passed by the House he had overlooked one small island, Suwarrow, which possessed one of the best harbors in the Pacific. He therefore moved that the House approves of the alteration of the boundaries of the colony so as to include the Island of Suwarrow.

The motion was agreed to on the voices.