The Hawaiian gazette., 1874-03-11

The preliminary steps have been taken by the
royal commission sent out by Queen Victoria to
Fiji Gn response to a petition from Fill to
inquire on what terms the FIian people desire
to become allied to the British Empire. The
commission consists of Commodore GOOdenough
and the new British Consul, Mr.. Layard, and
their letter to the native Fijian Government will
be found on our third page. That it really con-
templates annexation there can be no doubt as
the remarks made by Mr. Layard at public
meeting of the planters at Rewa clearly Indicate.
In order that the subject may be fully understood,
we insert the published report of what he there
said, adding that we think it will be the only
thing that will secure to FIJI stable and perma-
nent government, capable of securing peace to
all classes
Commodore Goodenough and Mr.. Consul
Layard. on their return from the mountains, met
the settlers of Upper Rewa at NaitIsiri (Messrs
Reece Bros plantation.) About twenty were
present and Mr.. Graham occupied the chair
After being introduced to the meeting, Commo-
dore Goodenough asked Mr.. Consul Layard to
state the objects of their commission to FIJI.
Mr.. Layard called the attention of those
present TO the letter addressed by the Commits
sion to the King and chiefs, aud which had been
published in both the local newspapers. That
stated plainly their intention. He was sure of
the minds of nne-tenths of the people here, but
should like to be informed what their idea was as
to the best form of Government for FIJI, in case
Britain should annex. He was not inclined to
support the new constitution and would do his
utmost, even to bringing force into the field, TO
prevent it being put into force. No Englishman
could live under it. If the King and chiefs could
shew the commission they we're in a position to
govern settlers and natives fairly and honestly,
then England had no intention OF annexing FIJI
but the chiefs, if DESTROYS Of self rule must shew
that clearly. Before leaving England he had seen
the petition sent from here, bearing nine hundred
signatures, praying for annexation, and already
he had recognized several planters, who had sign
ed it, BIZ their names Whilst the commission
was engaged making enquiries, ne must ask
planters land wherever the commission went he
would make the same requesp to avoid coming
into collision with the Government. If they
thought they we're taxed unjustly, to pay under
protest, and in case of wrong to lodge their
grievance at the consulate and they would get
justice. He asked planters to consider whether
the country could pay for its own government,
because England would not go to any expense in
the matter In case Of rebellion she would find
force to put it down. 1t was calculated at Home
that the Government would cost ten thousand
pounds year. He was delighted with the river,
and with the country in general. 1t far exceeded
his expectations. He had been told that after
the two hundred thousand acres of land had been
paid to tue Poynesiau Company there would be
none left Now he should disabuse the minds OF
his friends of such false impression.
a planter suggested that under the present
circumstances of the country, it would be well
for the ministers to throw up the sponge.
"Mr. Layard remarked that before leaving. the
Ministers would have to settle up accounts.
England would not take over blind debt; the
accounts would all have to be made explicit.
Three cheers were then given for the Queen, for
the Commodore, and for the Consul, and The
meeting then broke up"