ROTUMAH.

Samoa Times and South Sea Gazette, Volume 4, Issue 201, 11 June 1881, Page 3

ROTUMAH.

HoISTISU OF THE FLACI. 11.M.S Miranda which left Levnka on ho Oth inst., conveying his Excellency, tteuded by Captain Herbert, A.D.C., nd the Il.m. G. Mitchell, to Rottunah, for the purpose of completing the act of cession by hoisting the British Flag over that Island, arrived there on Thursday the 12th inst. His Excellency and suito at once proceeded on shore, where he was received by Mr. Alhirdyee and many of the leading chiefs, and conducted to a new house that had been erected for his accomodation. The ceremony of hoisting the British Flag was fixed for the morrow, and during the night people from all parts of the Island wero gathered together to witness it.

On the following day the Marines of the Miranda were landed, and formed a guard of honour, and his Excellency, attended by Captain Dawson, U.S., Captain Herbert, A.D.C., tho officers of the Miranda, the Hon. C. Mitchell, and Mr. Allardvco, proceeded from the house to where" the flagstaff had been erected, a distance of about 150 yards, the pathway having been spread" with mats for the occasion,and in tho presence of lhcass?mb!ed islanders and white population, his Excellency read the Royal Charter, constituting Itotumah an integral portion of the Colony of Fiji.

The Flag was then hoisted, the. Marines presented anus, mid the Miranda fainted it with twenty-one puns. The Governor then addressed the assembled chiefs and people upon the new- state of tilings that find been inaugurated, and the mutual obligations entered into by themselves and the Imperial Government. The speech, which was interpreted I,y Sir. Allerdvce, was received with expressions of satisfaction. The Hon. C. Mitchell was then sworn in as British Agent and Resident Commissioner, and his Excellency and party returned to (he house. During the afternoon, the Marines were put through the bayonet exercise for the edification of the natives, and at night the compliment was returned in mekes. The following day a war dance, in which about ciOO natives took part, was performed before the Governor and suite, the head-dresses of the performers being, according to custom, presented to the visitors on its conclusion. Certain other old and stately dances were also revived for this special occasion. Later in the day the Vice-Regal party returned on board and the Miranda again sailed for Fiji.— Fiji Times, May 21.