THE TONGAN TROUBLE

Otago Witness, Issue 2650, 28 December 1904, Page 19

THE TONGAN TROUBLE

! ,j MYSTERIOUS NAVAL MOVEMENTS. SYDNEY, December 21. , A stir was caused in naval circles by i the sudden despatch of H.M.S. Torch and Cadmus to the Islands. The two warships left for Hobart last week, where, it is understood, they were to rendezvous for some weeks. This arrangement was cancelled, and it., is officially announced tonight that they are sailing under sealed orders for the Pacific. Nothing is known at the naval headquarters regarding their mission, but a rumour is current that their hurried departure is due to the unsettled state of affairs in the Tongan group. December 22. There is an unconfirmed rumour prevalent to the effect that the mission of the warship's Torch and Cadmus is to annex the Tongan Islands. December 24. JDr Moulttnj; -.the -well-known missionary, discredits the rumours of the annexation of Tonga. Proni his close knowledge of Tongan' politics, Dr~ Moulton believes that the status quo will, be maintained after the necessary change of government takes place. He states that the downfall of the late Premier was attributed to his identi- • fication with an alleged "rihg" formed for the purpose of exploiting the Treasury. Dr Moulton thinks that the action which has already been taken will be a sufficient i guarantee that things will be allowed to go Jon as they were. It is, however, probable that the British Government will insist on the administration of the Treasury for some time to come, and he fervently hopes that there will be no annexations, as such a step would break the hearts of the natives, who love their own flag. December 26. It is officially denied that any- warships have been despatched to Tonga. MELBOURNE, December 24. The Department, of External Affairs considers that it is not unlikely, owing to the unsatisfactory condition of affairs, that the present protectorate oyer Tonga may develop into formal and direct control.