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be disastrous to Fiji and to the British interests in the Pacific. May I ask you to reply what course you will adopt, as we are cabling London and Melbourne ? Wellington, 10th February, 1887. Bobkbt Stout, Premier.

Bear-Admiral Tryon to the Premier. Sir Eobert Stout, Premier for New Zealand, Wellington. I have seen Captain Lane, of the schooner " Maile." Mr. Baker was shot at on thirteenth January. Schooner arrived Tonga on eighteenth; left twenty-fourth for Auckland. The only chief in rebellion had been captured before he left. Our Consul would arrive on seventh February. The High Commissioner and Consul-General will have full information on the thirteenth—viz., in three days from this. Who shot at Mr. Baker is not yet known. The disturbance that arose some days afterwards was due to the men sent for from Hapai and Vavu. The Wesleyans chiefly suffered. Things were quieting down when schooner left. The King's orders were obeyed. Mr. Baker said he would send at once most of the men from Hapai and Vavu back. There was no excuse for calling in external aid. I hold a vessel in readiness ; but, unless necessary, do not propose sending one till end of hurricane season. Captain Lane appears to be a very intelligent, steady, and reliable man. G. Tryon, Wellington, 10th February, 1887. Admiral.

The Pebmieb to Bear-Admiral Tryon. His Excellency Admiral Tryon, H.M.S. " Nelson," Auckland. Tonga : The disturbance may pass away. Let us say the probability is that it will do so. But, seeing that it is the result of circumstances gradually accumulating for years, and that every one agrees that, sooner or later, a graver disturbance must take place, it cannot be denied there is much to be dreaded. The risk is great; for if the difficulty arises, and no vessel of Her Majesty's is on the spot, the appeal to a foreign vessel would be inevitable. Robert Stout, Wellington, 11th February, 1887. Premier. {Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,400 copies), £9 7s. Od.J

B7 Authority: Geoeob Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB6-