The Action Against Sir Arthur Gordon.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4747, 18 July 1883, Page 3

The Action Against Sir Arthur Gordon.

[Fib a 0 Association.] W&uJ jINGTON » JriT 17 - At the a'a-warne Ooan. the caße of Hunt ▼• Gordon waß assumed. The following is the prfe?to>. ' evidence of W. J. Hunt .- I was in buried ln A P la >» 1877 and 1878, ant? had a tradftff a**, * lon *? d vessels running there. On Marefr 11, 1880, the King gave me an appointment'/ whiwJ** waß confirmed on April 25 following, and 1 ,"" proved by both Houses. I was Ohirf Secre* . tary and Minister of Land*, and had to- draft all proposed laws. I had also to oondiret all the correspondence with the foreign Contuls. The Constitution, of 1880 wae the original ; Constitution, no other having been passed. 2t j provides for the existence of Courts of law, and under it there was a Chief Justice at the capital, and Judges in various provinoes. A treaty was made with the British Government on August 28, 1880 (put in), others being made with the German and American Governments, the German being made in : January, 1879. There was a proclamation, : signed by defendant, and dated August, 1879, in which he, as representing the Imperial Government, agreed to resume official relations with the Samoan Government. I endeavoured to seoure peace in . the country. When I was appointed on March 11, the Consuls ttrongly opposed my appointment. The King told mo that the Consuls had induced a number of members of both Houses to oppose my appointment. Mr Graves systematically opposed me. I wrote a lettor lo him on June 21, 1880, and got an answer the same day. The result of this correspondence was that I was dissatisfied. I received a letter from Mr Graves, referring me to previous correspondence on the subjeot of my dismissal. On the afternoon of Saturday I took an oath of allegiance to the King, and received a certificate signed by him on June 2% Tbe King instructed his private Secretary to write to the other Consuls to inform them that I had taken the oath of allegiance, and that I was a recognised citizen of Samoa. The letter was sent originally in the Samoan language, but was translated. A reply dated June 26 waß sent to the King acknowledging the receipt of the letter. On June 18 I rooeived a fresh appaintmont as k'amoan Chief Secretary and Minister ef Lands, which I retained until Sept. 28. Sir Arthur Gordon arrived at Samoa on August 26, 1880. I was present at the King's house when ratification of treaties was exchanged. On August 27 fir Arthur Gordon made a speech, in which he said to the King that he did not for one moment dispute his right as an independent sovereign, and that he oould take what measures he saw fit in reference to the rebels. The speech was reported in the t> amoan Times, thn papers being supplied with it by Sir Arthur Gordon's Aide-de-Oamp. Sir Arthur Gordon desired the King to visit him, and the King replied that he should do so on the following morning. He then instructed hia interpreter to introduoe me to Sir Arthur Gordon, who thereupon jumped up and eaid he would not recognise me in any official capaoity. On the same day Mr Bemany, Private Seoretary to Sir Arthur Gordon, came to me and told me that a oharge had bsen laid againßt me for disturbing the peaoe of the Islands. I replied that I could not be doing that, as I had the confidence of the King and both Houses of Parliament. During the interview with Sir A. Gorden I showed him a letter from the King to myself, denying that I was dangerous to the country. I had desired the King to write tho letter. He made no answer to me on tbe subject. I dnnied the accusation brought against me in a letter I sent to Sir Arthur Gordon, also informing him tha* if any further denial were required it would be supplied by the King and member b of the Legislature. Mr Graves told ac that Sir A. Gordon had arranged for an interview with the three Oonsule. I attended, and found Bir a. Gordon and the three Consuls present. I stated to the! Consuls that I was quite willing to co-operate with them in anything that was foj* the benefit of Samoa. At 6 p.m. the Court adjourned until tomorrow morning.