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AYe, therefore, in the absence of any representative of the British Government, lay this matter before you, with a request that a representation of the same may be made to the proper authorities urging the removal of this man from the islands. AYe have, &c, Stephen Cutter, Master of barque " Auckland," of Lynn, Mass., U.S.A. T. P. Davenport, Master of schooner " Alfred," New Bedford, Mass., U.S.A. H. T. Saunders, G. M, Williams, Esq. Master of schooner " Warwick," of Salem.

Enclosure 2 in No. 1. His Excellency Governor Sir G. Grey to Captain Maxwell, R.N. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 23rd December, 1847. Iv reference to the instructions which have been issued to you by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty upon the subject of your visiting the Navigator Islands, I have now, in compliance with the wishes of the Home Government, the honor to forward the following observations upon the subjects affecting British interests in the Pacific, which appear to require immediate attention. In my separate letters upon the questions which had arisen in the Friendly Islands, at Rotuma, and New Caledonia, I detailed the reasons which made me think it of great importance that you should visit these places. I need, therefore, no further allude to them ; but I think it right to add that I also feel extremely anxious that you should, if possible, visit the Fiji Islands. I understand that the Fiji Group contains nearly 300,000 inhabitants. It produces also articles of the greatest importance for our colonies in Australia and New Zealand, and for which an immediate and extensive demand exists. There appears, therefore, no reason why an important and constantly-increasing trade should not at once be commenced between these colonies and the Fiji Group, which trade, from the number and inhabitants of the Fiji Islands, and from the nature of the articles which would form their imports, would be of considerable value and importance to Great Britain; in fact, their imports would consist almost wholly of British-manufactured goods. I have also information, upon which I can rely, that at ihe present time the Fijians aro more favourable to the English than to any other nation, and that it might be easy to confirm these feelings of attachment, and to secure a predominant influence over them. The Fijian chiefs have also expressly sent to me, begging that they may be visited by a vessel of war, and declaring their regard for and attachment to the British nation. I fear, therefore, that the fact of your being in the immediate vicinity of these islands and not visiting them might have a bad effect. Again, the otner European residents in the Fijis have complained of the misconduct of a British subject there, and have appealed for redress. A prompt answer to this appeal would, I have no doubt, have a beneficial influence over the whole of that part of the Pacific, and would operate as a check upon the misconduct of any other European residents in the neighbouring islands. For the foregoing reasons I therefore feel very anxious that you should, if practicable, visit the Fiji Group. The subjects upon which it appears at the present moment especially desirable that you should collect information are— Ist. The probable number of natives inhabiting tho several groups of islands which you may visit. 2nd. The probable number of Europeans inhabiting the same islands, and the nations to which they belong. 3rd. The present nature of the Government of the different groups, whether there are any persons with whom a civilized nation could treat, and whether there is any person or body of persons who are generally recognized as exercising sovereign authority. 4th. AVhat articles of exports the several islands would afford, either as natural or cultivated productions. sth. AVhat articles of import they would take in exchange for their exports. 6th. AVhether any and what means have been adopted for raising a revenue in any of these islands ; and, if so, what amount is yearly raised. Many other subjects of interest will doubtless present themselves to you, information regarding which would prove most valuable to the British Government. I have directed that the packages of articles named in the enclosed list, intended as presents for the chiefs of the islands you may visit, should be sent on board the " Dido." One of these packages is addressed to " George," the principal chief of the Tonga Islands ; the others are intended to be distributed in such manner as you may think most proper and most likely to promote the interest of the service upon which you are proceeding. I have, &c, Captain Maxwell, R.N. G. Grey. P.S. —I have also enclosed a list by the Rev. Mr. Lawry of the presents which will be regarded as most valuable in the several islands, and of the quantity of goods which would be regarded as a sufficient present. G. Grey.

Enclosure 3 in No. 1. His Excellency Governor Sir G. Grey to Captain Maxwell, R.N., Senior Officer. Sir, — Government House, Auckland, 23rd December, 1847. I have the honor to transmit for your information copies of the papers named in the margin. You will perceive that these papers relate to an alleged wish upon the part of the principal

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