THE FIJIS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXVI, Issue 3249, 12 July 1871, Page 3

THE FIJIS.

The following is the reply of the Secretary of State for the Colonies' to a resolution adopted at the last Intercolonial Conference in favor of the establishment of a British protectorate over the Fiji Islands. A copy of the despatch was sent to the Governor of New South Wales, and subsequently laid before Parliament. The despatch is dated March ] 0 :—

" Her Majesty's Government havehad under their consideration your lordship's despatch (No 132) of Aug. 12. enclosing a memorandum submitted to you by the Chief Secretary on behalf of your Ministers, in which he calls attention to the resolutions adopted at the Intercolonial Conference in favor of the establishment of a British protectorate over the Fiji Islands, and requests you to bring t^e question under the notice of the Home Government.

Her Majesty's Government have carefully considered the memorandum of your advisers. The state of affairs in the Fijis appears to have so far changed since IB6o— -when, after a full inquiry by Colonel Smytho, who was sent out for the purpose, Her Majesty's Government determined not to annex the islands — that there is now in the islands a much larger European community, and therefore more able to protect itself, and provide for its own government ; but otherwise the same difficulties remain. The islands are under the jurisdiction of several chiefs ; and even if they all concurred in an act of cession to the Queen, the experience of other colonies shows that disputes would be sure to afterwards arise, especially as to the occupation of land by the settlers. It would be impossible for this country to undertake the responsibility of the government of the island without a sufficient force to support its authority, and Her Majesty's Government are not prepared to station a military force for this purpose in the Fijis. "On these grounds Her Majesty's Government cannot depart from their former decision not to extend British sovereignty over the islands. It is not very clear what is intended by the proposal that ' Her Majesty should extend her protection' over the Fijis : but if by this is meant something short of direct annexation, it seems to Her Majesty's Government even more open to objection ; as, while it would not really diminish the responsibility this country would incur, it would weaken and embarrass the exercise of British authority, and would be cortain, after a period more or less protracted, of uncertainty, and possibly discredit, to end in annexation, in circumstances less favorable than the present. " Her Ma(esty's Government, are, however, ready to give such aid as may be in their power, through the consul, for the maintenance of order, until the European community can establish a regular government ; and they are considering measures with a view to increase the authority of the consul over British subjects, by conferring upon him magisterial powers." We have received the " Fiji Times" to May 27. The Queen's Birthday Ball at Levuka was but poorly attended, but during the day there was a large display of hunting. In allusion to the proceedings at the interview between the deputation that lately waited on the Earl of Belmore with reference to Fijian annexation, the " Times" remarks:—" So here again hope of assistance from the longcherished charter of Thackombau has fallen through. But another mode has been hit upon, by the union of the two races with the one object in view. The step taken is only a short one, although in the right direction. It is the granting of a charter to the Rev. J. Nettleton, Messrs J. Turner, J. C. Smith, S. 0. Burt, and Gustavus Hennings, repre-

sentingthe white population; and Tui Levaka and Rata Mele, representing the natives. The charter only refers to Levuka, and provides for necessary improvements to be made with native and European funds. This is partly throwing the onus of any steps which may be taken upon Tlmckombau, who, as sovereign of the dominion, has power to enfore his own laws, which he may make binding upon any people settling here, if he should feel so inclined. But does the charter just granted remove the obstacle which existed in the previous one? Hardly, we think, in the present state of things ; for it is a delegation of power to a certain body of men, the same as the other was. If, however, Thackombau were to frame a few simple laws, and acknowledge them as his, and then appoint a mixed commission to carry them out, the whole responsibility would rest upon him. He might be induced to do this, and would be enabled to enforce them amongst the natives ; whilst,^ under such a corporation and by its authority, a few white men might be engaged to carry out the laws among the European settlers. This would be carrying into effect the laws which had been first of all framed by ourselves in the name of Thackombau ; and which laws he had a perfect and just right to establish, both for his aboriginal subjects, and for any persons who might come and reside in his dominions. This action would strengthen him amongst the natives, and would give him a much greater moral influence with his own people. If the matter were laid before him, we think that ho would acquiesce, and meet us in our endeavors for the public good.