TAHITI.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVIII, Issue 1885, 23 June 1863, Page 3

TAHITI.

The barque Esperance, from.T.abiti, arrived at Otago, on the 9th inst. The following is a summary of the intelligence thus received: — Business in Tahiti was pretty brisk, great excitement on account of the Peruvian vessels, which recruit emigrants in the islands for Chinchas, under the pretence of engaging them as agricultural laborers, notwi.h'stan'.ling the protest of the French Consul at Li ma, they still endeavor to forward their nefarious traffic amongst the islands. The French Government at Tahiti have taken a decided step, and are seizing any vessels that are found carrying on slavery. The Mercedes de Wholey, of Callao, was seized, condemned, and sold ; the brig Cora, taken by the Islanders of Rapa, and brought by them to Tahiti, was to be sold on tbe6ttTMay ; the barque Serpieaote Marina, was detained, as also the brig Misti, all under Peruvian colors, and seemingly all chartered by a company at Callao. The" brig Guzas obtained liberty to depart. Some 20 to 25 vessels had sailed from Callao, and some of them returned with their human cargoes. Easter Island has furnished a great many laborers, or slaves, nnd a fleet of vessels combined had committed great atrocities in an attack oa the Natives there. Tahiti has of late years changed considerably towards civilisation, \ the Natives, who formerly lived scattered through the islands have been collected in villages for the purpose of instruction. The Government buys their uncultivated lands and sells them at £2 an acre to all arrivals, this change is through the energy of the resident Governor, and owing to his judicious arrangements. A London House has sent an agent who has bought up a very large tract of land for the purpose of cultivation, and the introduction of Coolie labor. The time is not far distant when Tahiti will rival in importance the West India Islands.