A Religious War.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XX, Issue 2031, 16 February 1887, Page 2

A Religious War.

The religious war in Tonga was brought about as follows For some years the Wesleyans have had a strong missionary station there, and the Eev Shirley Baker was a most energetic man in connection with the work. In cuirrse of time ho succeeded in getting into the good graces of the Kiug of Tonga, and appears to have become his responsible advisor. Indeed he appears to have unlimited authority given him by the King. In trying to forward the interests of the Kiug, the RevBaker gat at loggerheads with his ministerial brethren. The Rev W, Moulton withstood the high handed authority of Mr Baker, and in the end Baker left the church. Bat he started one on his own account ; ho called it the Free Church, and got the King to make it a state church. Having got this far Mr Baker tried to coerce the Wesleyan:-,, c.uj made it rather warm tor those who differed from him in religious views. It is said that he even fined and imprisoned male and female members of the Wesleyan church who refused to withdraw from its commnuion. Unable to stand such tyranny, the Wusltyans rose and resisted such treatment; and the other day news came that uu attempt was made by some of the Weslayans in a body to assassinate the Premier, the Rev Shirley Baker. He was however, uninjured, hut his son in the carriage with him was shot in the ie/t arm. His daughter was also wounded. In return, the Wesleyans la some districts have been attacked and plundered, stripped of all tbeir possessions, and turned out of their homes. The Premier has requested to have the British flag hoisted o.'e.' Ins residence, and the Government schooner is ready to slip cable at any moment und convey him to Auckland should an emergency occur. When the mail left Tonga, great excitement pie. vailed, and further outrages were anticipated. Six men have been condemned to death in connection with the affair, ,