THE INDEPENDENCE OF TONGA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2356, 20 April 1899, Page 17

THE INDEPENDENCE OF TONGA.

■ ii » LONDON, April 13.

In the House of Commons Mr Brodrick, Under- Secretaiy for Foreign Affairs, denied thah Britain was guaranteeing the indej pendence of Tonga. | — ' The Tongan correspondent of the Sydney Herald writes: — ''On March 7 we were astonished to see an English warship sailing into harbour, the Tauranga. The visit of a man-of-war in Marcli is a noteworthy event, and argues special reasons. As soon as comi numication was established we found the | officers very reticent, but what was picked up has set the place on the gui vive. The fact of the vessel sailing with sealed orders, and further, taking on board a quantity of specie in Suva, is quite enough to set afloat rumours of the wildest charactei. Annexation, a protectorate, total annihilation were fully talked of, the fact that nobody knew anything at all about the matter being quite overlooked. On the 9th the \e6sel landed a large party of bluejackets, marines, and two guns, to the astonishment of the natives : however, their object was nothing more hostile than drill. On the 10th Captain Stuart visited the king, and made known the object of his coming. What it was has not yet transpired. All that is known is that his majesty declined . to accede to the request, whatever it may - have been." I Of the German claims, the correspondent writes: — "Inasmuch as the 'German claims' only amount to a few hundred pounds, the suggestion of the cession of Vavau in settlement seems a little absurd. As a matter of fact, it is '■possible that the Germans may have some claims in Vavau. Many years ago they surveyed and laid out a coaling station in the harbour, butt never practically made use of it. It is difficult to find oiit if they have inferentially or potentially given back this land (if it was ever formally leased to them) to the Tongan Government, and though the officials are very reticent on the matter, it is probable that the re-settlement of this matter was the chief end the German consul had in view in his last visit here. The claims were, of course, urged, and will doubtless be ; paid. A large proportion of tlie debts were paid some three years ago, and some at least of those outstanding have beep freely admitted, and would have been paid had there I been sufficient money in the Treasury."