Fix this text
Mr. A. W. MACK AY on SIR
Fix this textC. MITCHELLS REPORT.
Fix this textMY attention was last night directed to
Fix this textparagraphs 57 and 58 of the Report by Sir
Fix this textCharles Mitchell, published in your issue of the
Fix this text24th ult., wherein appear certain very uncom-
Fix this textplimentary references to the Sydney Press
Fix this textaccounts of the persecutions in Tonga ; and as
Fix this textsome of these references to a letter appearing in
Fix this textthe Sydney Morning Herald of March 3rd, 1887,
Fix this textand signed by me, take the form of serious and
Fix this textdamaging charges, I beg to request that you
Fix this textwill grant me an opportunity of refuting those
Fix this textcharges, and of giving to your readers the other
Fix this textside of the question.
Fix this textHerewith I beg to hand you for reference
Fix this textcertain documents from which it is necessary to
Fix this textquote. All are duly numbered for reference.
Fix this textEnclosure 1. Letter signed A. W. Mackay,
Fix this textappeared in Sydney Morning Herald, March 3rd,
Fix this text1887. Referred to by Sir Charles Mitchell as a
Fix this textmass of exaggeration.
Fix this textEnclosure 2. Letter signed Duncan Camp-
Fix this textbell. Appeared in same paper.
Fix this textEnclosure 3. Letter signed by the Rev. J.
Fix this textE. Moulton. Appeared in same paper.
Fix this textEnclosure 4. Letter by the Fiji Times' “ Own
Fix this textCorrespondent,” reprinted in Sydney Morning
Fix this textHerald, April sth, 1887.
Fix this textEnclosure 6. Letter from Evening News’
Fix this text“Special Correspondent.” Appeared in issue
Fix this textof March 28th, 1887.
Fix this textEnclosure 6. Letter from Evening News'
Fix this text“Special Correspondent.” Appeared in issue
Fix this textof April 11th, 1887.
Fix this textEnclosure 7. The original account of the
Fix this text“ Malinoa Massacre,” written by Mr. H. Van
Fix this textHagen, the only white witness of the massacre
Fix this textwho understood the Tongan language. This
Fix this textaccount is in Mr. Van Hagen’s own handwriting,
Fix this textwas written immediately after the barbarous
Fix this textevent, and was placed in my hands by Mr. Van
Fix this textHagen himself, with permission to do whatever
Fix this textI thought best to do with it.
Fix this textEnclosure 8. Letter Signed H. Van Hagen,
Fix this textto the Fiji Times. Published June 15th, 1887.
Fix this textEnclosure 9. The Report by Sir Charles
Fix this textMitchell, hereinafter referred to as the Report.
Fix this textEnclosure 10. The Sydney Daily Telegraph,
Fix this textSydney Morning Herald, and Even,ing News ac-
Fix this textcounts of the trial of Mr. Robert flanslip, of
Fix this textApril 2nd, 1887, wherein some awful disclosures
Fix this textare made public regarding the means used in
Fix this textorder to procure the evidence necessary to
Fix this textlegalise the murder of innocent men.
Fix this textEnclosure 11. The South Australian Ad-
Fix this textvertiser of September 24th, giving some English
Fix this textopinions on the Report by Sir Charles Mitchell.
Fix this textEnclosure 12. Pamphlet entitled “ Appeal
Fix this textfor the Persecuted Wesleyan Church in Tonga.”
Fix this textEnclosure 13. Copy of my letter to the Rev.
Fix this textF. Langham, Bau, Fiji, referred to by Sir
Fix this textCharles Mitchell, and sent with enclosure 1 to
Fix this textSir Henry Holland.
Fix this textEnclosure 14. Copy of the account of the
Fix this textMalinoa massacre given by Mr. Van Hagen to
Fix this textthe British Pro-Consul on his return from the
Fix this textmassacre.
Fix this textThanking you in anticipation for publishing
Fix this textthis and enclosed pages.
Fix this textI am, Sirs, Yours faithfully,
Fix this textA. W. MACKAY.
Fix this textIn the Report, paragraphs 57 and 58, the
Fix this textBritish Government, and the public of Great
Fix this textBritain and her colonies, are informed as
Fix this textfollows
Fix this textIst. That the execution of Tobui and five
Fix this textothers had been described by me as attended by
Fix this textcircumstances of a very barbarous and revolting
Fix this textnature.
Fix this text2nd. That Mr. Van Hagen admitted, when on
Fix this textoath, that “the description” was grossly ex-
Fix this textaggerated, and so modified the account as to
Fix this textdeprive it of almost all that was revolting in it.
Fix this text3rd. That Mr. Bindemann believed that
Fix this textTuuhetoka sung to cheer the drooping spirits of
Fix this textthose concerned.
Fix this text4th. That His Excellency believes that the
Fix this textexecutions were conducted with all “ reasonable
Fix this textdecency.”
Fix this textFor the purpose of criticism and comparison
Fix this textwith other accounts, I give my description (as
Fix this textreferred to) verbatim and complete. It reads as
Fix this textfollows“ I believe that others are publishing
Fix this textnewspaper reports of the execution. I shall not,
Fix this textthe details are too horrible. Tuuhetoka, the
Fix this textMinister of Police, behaved like a very demon,
Fix this textdanouig and singing, tormenting and jeering at
Fix this textthe unfortunate men in their last moments,
Fix this textremarking, ‘Now we will try your courage!
Fix this textNow you will go to hell! Now I will have your
Fix this textdaughters,’ &0., &c.” This is the grossly ex-
Fix this textaggerated and revolting description in full.
Fix this textEnclosure 4 gives details far more horrible and
Fix this textrevolting than the above; yet in enclosure 8, Mr.
Fix this textVan Hagen, referring to the account in enclosure
Fix this text4, declares that with two trifling exceptions
Fix this text(which I shall explain further on) “ all the rest
Fix this textof the statements in your correspondent’s
Fix this textletter were correct, though, I may say, strongly
Fix this textwritten.”
Fix this textThe two exceptions are as follows: —lst.
Fix this textTuuhetoka’s dancing and singing. Enclosure
Fix this text8, signed, “ H. Van Hagen,” says, “ The truth
Fix this textis that at the place of execution ‘ il se dandinait'
Fix this text(no English expression for the word), and sang
Fix this textsnatches of hymns to show his utter unconcern
Fix this textat the dreadful scene that was being carried out
Fix this textunder his orders. This, I believe, His Excellency
Fix this texttook to mean hymns of encouragement to the
Fix this textdying men, and not light and derisory staves,
Fix this textwhich they were really meant lo be. ”
Fix this textAgain, in the same he says, “ I am sorry to see
Fix this textthat His Excellency believes the statements
Fix this textmade by the newspapers against Tuuhetoka to
Fix this textbe untrue, but I have found no reason as yet to
Fix this textrefuse to believe evidence to my own eyes and
Fix this textears.” In enclosure 7, written by Mr. Van
Fix this textHagen on his return from the massacre, he says ;
Fix this text“ The poor fellows had no one to pray for them
Fix this textat the last, but were scoffed at by Tuuhetoka, a
Fix this textparvenu, half Fijian, half nigger, and a creature
Fix this textdevoted body and soul to Baker.”
Fix this textThe second exception which Van Hagen makes
Fix this textis the word “ daughters,” In enclosure 8, he
Fix this textsays the words used by Tuuhetoka to the poor
Fix this textmen about to die were, “ Now you’ll go to hell,
Fix this textand I’ll have your children.”
Fix this textMr. Van Hagen further states, with regard to
Fix this textthis subject; “The brutality of making them
Fix this text(meaning the condemned martyrs) look on while
Fix this texttheir friends were shot one by one was not suffici-
Fix this textently insisted on.” Again, he says, “ I was sud-
Fix this textdenly called on to give evidence in this case at the
Fix this textenquiry a few minutes before the one o’clock
Fix this textadjournment, so that the Court rose before I had
Fix this textsaid half that I wanted to say, thus leaving a too
Fix this textlenient idea in the mind of the Court towards
Fix this textTuuhetoka. When I returned into Court I
Fix this textheard His Excellency say that he was satisfied
Fix this textwith Tuuhetoka’s behaviour. I would much
Fix this texthave liked to have argued the point with him,
Fix this textbut, as that is not allowed, I had to keep my
Fix this textarguments to myself.” Had someone asked
Fix this textTuuhetoka how many times he had been in
Fix this textprison ? and for what offences ? His Excellency
Fix this textmight not have been so “ satisfied with Tuuhe-
Fix this texttoka’s behaviour.”
Fix this textHis Excellency must have been in a great
Fix this texthurry with this most-important case when Mr.
Fix this textVan Hagen, the only witness who could give a
Fix this textcorrect account of the language used at the
Fix this textmassacre, was allowed to be passed over with an
Fix this textexamination of only “ a few minutes. ” Regard-
Fix this texting the “dancing,” &c. at the massacre, Mr.
Fix this textVan Hagen, on the day following, distinctly told
Fix this textme that Tuuhetoka had behaved like a very
Fix this textdemon, laughing with fiendish glee, and that he
Fix this textdanced from one foot on to the other in Tonga
Fix this textfashion, throwing his arms about with bravado,
Fix this textwhile the shooting was going on. This is ex-
Fix this textpressed by “il se dandinait.”
Fix this textThese movements form part of the native
Fix this textTongan dance, or “ laka-laka.” Mr. Van
Fix this textHagen told me on his return that the scene was
Fix this textso revolting that Laifoni had to turn away dis-
Fix this textgusted and horrified. Mr. Bindemann also
Fix this textturned away. Enclosure 14 shows that Laifoni
Fix this textinterfered when they were ill-treating the poor
Fix this textwretches. (Laifoni is the Crown Prince.)
Fix this textMembers of the shooting party have given me
Fix this textcorroborative descriptions. Report, paragraph
Fix this text57, quotes Mr. Bindemann’s evidence ; but the
Fix this textReport admits that Mr. Bindemann’s is hearsay
Fix this textevidence, and only “ what Mr. Van Hagen told
Fix this texthim.” When I was on oath before the Court,
Fix this textas the only witness from Vavau, my evidence
Fix this textwas refused when it was hearsay evidence. Yet
Fix this textMr. Bindemann’s is taken, and quoted as note-
Fix this textworthy, while Mr. Van Hagen, the only white
Fix this textwitness who understood the Tongan language is
Fix this textallowed to pass by with only a few minutes ex-
Fix this textamination. I have given you quotations from
Fix this textMr. Van Hagen’s written accounts, and these
Fix this textquotations go to show that Tuuhetoka behaved
Fix this textwith brutal levity, and that the circumstances
Fix this textattending the butchery of human beings, carried
Fix this textout under his directions, were of a barbarous and
Fix this textrevolting nature.
Fix this textYour readers will, no doubt, form their own
Fix this textconclusions as to His Excellency’s statement in
Fix this textparagraph 57 of his Report :—“ I believe that
Fix this textthe executions were conducted with all reason-
Fix this textable decency.” Perhaps His Excellency means
Fix this text“ with such decency as might be reasonably
Fix this textexpected from such as Baker and Tuuhetoka.”
Fix this textIn Report, paragraph 57, I am said to write at
Fix this textthe request of Mr. Moulton. My letter states
Fix this text“ At the request of the Rev. J. E. Moulton, I
Fix this textforward you a memo, of a few facts. ” This is
Fix this textall; I do not imply that Mr. Moulton is re-
Fix this textsponsible in any way for these facts, or that he
Fix this texteven knows what they are. The truth is, that
Fix this textas I was leaving Tonga, February Bth, last, Mr.
Fix this textMoulton asked me to send to Mr. Stephinson an
Fix this textaccount of the brutal outrages that we had
Fix this textwitnessed on the previous day (Black Monday.)
Fix this textI therefore wrote the letter referred to, and
Fix this textmailed it to the Rev. W. G. R. Stephinson,
Fix this textPresident, of Wesleyan Conference. Mr. Moulton
Fix this texthad not seen it. In paragraph 58 his Excellency
Fix this textmakes a point of remarking that Mr. Moulton
Fix this text“absolutely repudiated any responsibility for
Fix this textthem,” meaning the Press reports. I don’t
Fix this textthink that any of Mr. Moulton’s friends has
Fix this textever sought to claim that he was responsible for
Fix this textany Press reports. The object intended was to
Fix this textgive the Rev. W. G. R. Stephinson, President
Fix this textof the Wesleyan Conference, an outsider’s ac-
Fix this textcount of the brutal outrages of Black Monday.
Fix this textThe permission to publish was an afterthought.
Fix this textIn enclosure 9, paragraph 58, his Excellency
Fix this textquotes from a letter from Father O’Dwyer.
Fix this textThe facts of this case are as follows.
Fix this textThe statements referred to were not at
Fix this textall my own “incorrect effusions." My
Fix this textletter (enclosure 1) distinctly states that the
Fix this textnarrative was heard by three, viz., Messrs.
Fix this textParker, Payne, and myself, on the night of
Fix this textFebruary 7th (midnight). The interview took
Fix this textplace within the hour following the last of the
Fix this textevents described in the letter, and therefore
Fix this textwhile the events would be still fresh on the rev.
Fix this textnarrator’s memory. Immediately after the in-
Fix this textterview we (all three) adjourned to the residence
Fix this textof Mr. G. W. Parker, and we there endeavoured
Fix this textto record as faithfully as possible the narrative
Fix this textthat we had heard within the preceding hour.
Fix this textThe greater part of the narrative was written by
Fix this textMr. Parker. He wrote the first part, and I
Fix this textwrote the latter part. Each sentence was pro-
Fix this textposed and checked before being written down,
Fix this textand the published account is almost a verbatim
Fix this textcopy of the original.
Fix this textMessrs. Parker and Payne are two well-known
Fix this textand highly respected residents of Tongatabu,
Fix this textand I understand that Mr. Parker is a nephew
Fix this textof the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone.
Fix this textSince the publication of our joint-article, or
Fix this textreport, we have met, and we agreed that the
Fix this textreport as published was what it purported to be.
Fix this textI think that I have said sufficient to
Fix this textentirely clear myself from the incorrect and
Fix this textuncalled for charges which are recorded against asking for protection. ’’ His residence was only
Fix this textme by Sir Charles Mitchell, and I regret that about 500 yards from the mission house, yet
Fix this texthis Excellency did not fully enquire into this nearly an hour elapsed between my first visit to
Fix this textmatter before placing it on record. He might him and his arrival at the Mission house,
Fix this textat least have given me an opportunity to defend The rest occurred as described in my letter,
Fix this textmyself; but a similar haste seems to have enclosure 1.
Fix this textcharacterised the whole of his decisions regard- A letter signed J. E. Moulton, appearing in
Fix this texting the Press accounts of the persecutions. Daily Telegraph of March 3rd, corroborates my
Fix this textThis I will proceed to show. Enclosures 6 accounts of the brutal outrages of February 7th,
Fix this textand 12 contain details far more horrible, brutal, giving also one instance where a girl of high
Fix this textbarbarous, and revolting than those referred to rank, who turned over to the Free Church, only
Fix this textin my description, and worse than any yet men- did so to save herself from ‘ irremediable disgrace.’
Fix this texttioned. Here are detailed accounts of brutal In paragraph 52 of his Report his Excellency
Fix this textfloggings of girls, women, boys and men, college admits that “ there was undoubtedly a feeling
Fix this textstudents, &c. Flogging till the victims swooned; in the minds of all concerned that any action
Fix this textflogging on the chest, breast, stomach and face ; that should end in the extinction of the ‘ Faka-
Fix this textflesh cut open with the lashes, &c., &c. Details oga ’ (Wesleyan) Church would not be unaccept-
Fix this textof hair torn out by the roots in tufts, eyelashes able to the King or to Mr. Baker. ”
Fix this textcut off, and in some cases parts of the flesh cut One of the extracts from Mr. Moulton’s diary,
Fix this textoff with the hair. Here are references to alleged published in Daily Telegraph of March 18th,
Fix this textdisgusting treatment with which I shall not gives an account of the state of a poor woman
Fix this textshock your readers. These atrocities occurred who received 25 lashes on “Black Monday.”
Fix this textin Yavau. Regarding them the Yavau corres- Paragraph 55 of Report would be amusing
Fix this textpondent of the Fiji Times states:—“Many of were the subject less horrible. Be the “ packed
Fix this textthe Europeans here are willing to corroborate jury, browbeaten jurors, and the mock Judge,
Fix this textthese statements;” and again, “I make no state- we learn that “none of these reports were
Fix this textments which I cannot substantiate.” proved by evidence to be true.” Likely enough.
Fix this textPicture to yourselves these poor boys working I think I have shown that no Tongan with any
Fix this textfrom daylight till dark, with the prospect of respect for his life would dare to give evidence
Fix this textanother flogging at the end of it. Think of them against this awful Court. Further down we
Fix this textwith their raw eyelids shorn of the lashes, broil- learn that “ from the evidence adduced on that
Fix this texting all day in the tropical February sun, with no point the Court appears to have been fairly con-
Fix this textshelter. This I have seen with my own eyes, ducted.” Jury chosen by ballot, &c. Para-
Fix this textHere is a leaf from my diary of that period, graph 56 tells us how the evidence was produced,
Fix this text“ Called away to visit more victims. Visited by Baker, who was the prosecutor also : still,
Fix this textJione Havea and Mele Tahi. Jione (a boy) had Baker does not “ appear to have exceeded his
Fix this textreceived 75 lashes. His back was one swollen duties as prosecutor.” Was it, then, one of the
Fix this textblack mass of bruises, weals, and congealed prosecutor’s duties to procure evidence by such
Fix this textblood. Mele (Mary) a girl, had been flogged an awful means as that recorded !
Fix this texttill she swooned. ” In same paragraph we learn that Baker does not
Fix this textIs it necessary to exaggerate such brutality I appear to have interfered with the Judge; but in
Fix this textI can assure your readers that the Yavau the ver .V next sentence we have grave doubts on
Fix this textatrocities have not been exaggerated. Indeed, * hat sub i ect ’ for tbe Government of Tonga is Mr.
Fix this textthe half was never told. paker. Regarding the choice of jury by ballot—it
Fix this textHere the positive unfairness of his Ex- S a slngular f c “ n . oldenc « * hat , the j T ar y were all
Fix this texti j -• r it, Government officials, and Haabai or Vavau men. no
Fix this textcellencys general condemnation of the Press Wesleyans or Roman Catholics,
Fix this textreports will be apparent when I tell you that in 7.) From paragraph 10 we learn that the King is
Fix this textms Keport, paragraph 9, he admits that “ the capable, clear-minded, strong-willed, decisive-man-
Fix this textYavau evidence was not procured.” nered, independent-charactered, and not under Mr.
Fix this textOf the Haabai atrocities, and the Black Hole Baker’s control; yet Baker’s presence with the
Fix this textof Lifuka, his Excellency must have got very King is advisable for the preservation of the peace,
Fix this textlittle reliable evidence, as the brave little band If this be so, how did the Tongans ever get along
Fix this textof Haabai Wesleyans, including Salote (the without Baker ?
Fix this textKing’s eldest daughter), the Rev. David Tonga In paragraph 41 of Report we learn that his
Fix this textand wife Rachel, and other ministers, had all ExceUenoy thinks that such evidence was forth-
Fix this textbeen deported to Fiji, and elsewhere. Several a f to J” 3t , ,fy the belief that Tobui instigated
Fix this textmonths ago some of them were marooned on the attack on Baker. There was never a greater
Fix this text® , . . ... J . , J * m . mistake. But paragraph 56 shows how “such
Fix this textthe barren and uninhabited island of Tofua. evidence was produced.”
Fix this textThese unfortunates are still there. Amongst The real instigators were named by the real
Fix this textthe refugees at Koro, Fiji, are some who speak assassins on their way to execution. On both oooa-
Fix this textEnglish fairly well, and now that they are out sions they declared that Tobui had nothing what-
Fix this textof the reach of the Tongan Government they ever to do with it. In the Daily Telegraph of April
Fix this textmight be induced to speak out fearlessly. Some 16th I have told who Tobui was. He was a gentle-
Fix this textof these can describe the Haabai and Vavau pan. and a true hero. It will be long ere his like
Fix this textatrocities, if his Excellency really cares to know is again seen in Tonga. Ask any British subject in
Fix this textabout them. Tonga (exoeptingtheGovernment officials), and they
Fix this textIt is a fact that should not be overlooked, that you *' bat Tobui would have been the last
Fix this textin Tonga it is very difficult to get a Tongan to “ it aS “ atl ° D ’ ° r haVe
Fix this textgive evidence against Baker or the Government. Regarding the fairness of the “ trials ” (?) His
Fix this textThe poor people have been so terrorised by Excellency does not seem very clear, but the very
Fix this textyears of tyranny and persecution that they are f ac t that he took with him to Fiji six of the men
Fix this textafraid to say a word. They were threatened who had been condemned to death, liberating them
Fix this textthat they should die if they dared to give on arrival, is sufficient comment on the said “trials.”
Fix this textevidence against the Government, and what For instance, take the case of Tevita Fenau,
Fix this textguarantee had the poor wretches that this threat ordained Wesleyan minister. His Excellency
Fix this textwould not be carried out. Even without the admits that Tevita Fenau’s offence consisted in not
Fix this textalleged letters from Queen Victoria, and the having revealed a knowledge of the intention of the
Fix this textassurance of the Acting British Vice-Consul assassins which he acquired just before the event.
Fix this textLeefe, that “ the King can do as he likes with A e *^TJ ta F / uau ™> uld surely have been shot but
Fix this texthis own people,” these poor people have such a th £ ff ared ‘ h ® ™ ulkltude ’
Fix this textj • ir- u ■ i i ~ In connection with Tevita Fenau, some of your
Fix this textmysterious dread of their King, Tubou that it readers will remember a vile, calumnious attack on
Fix this textis utteriy impossible for a stranger, such as Sir poor Tevita, published in the Daily Telegraph of
Fix this textCharles Mitchell, to understand it, not having March IBth, 1887, by one Jabez Watkin, chaplain
Fix this textlived amongst the Tongan people. In addition to Baker. This Jabez Watkin had once been a
Fix this textto the almost overwhelming difficulty in getting colleague of the Rev. Tevita Fenau. This Jabez
Fix this texthis witnesses to apeak out, Mr. Moulton had Watkin sat in that awful closed court where
Fix this textother tremendous odds to contend against, and murder was legalised, and innocent men condemned
Fix this textthe struggle was a most unequal one through- t 0 die. In what capacity Jabez Watkin sat
Fix this textout. I admire Mr. Moulton’s energy, his there God alone hnoweth. At the time the letter
Fix this textability, his philanthropical self-sacrifice, and I was , writt ® u > P? or . T , evita was >y in fc' “ Prison
Fix this textrespect him more than any man that I know ; n . e , y mad > and with no prospect of ever being
Fix this textmaa evident to „! hi. (riend. tha, hi, "
Fix this textvirtues, his uprightness, and his true nobility Paragraph 12 of the Re t t ' lls us of 4000 folio 3
Fix this textof character were a severe handicap to him in 0 f evidence relating to his Excellency’s enquiry,
Fix this textfighting his wily and unscrupulous enemy, who There are many thousands anxiously waiting for
Fix this texthad on his side the almighty influence of the the publication of this mass of evidence, together
Fix this textKing over his people, who had at his disposal with the afore mentioned damning evidence which
Fix this textall the machinery of a despotic Government, came to light during the trial of Mr. R. Hanslip.
Fix this textand who did not hesitate to put these powers to ms Enclosure 11 tells us that Sir Charles Mitchell’s
Fix this texttheir basest uses. Report “has not given universal satisfaction in
Fix this textDuring the trial of Mr. Robert Hanslip, some his ° ritios “ c l °“ 3l "? i ° ns ” reach ® d
Fix this text. *1? i i j ■ ~ 7 “ ° by him “do not seem logical.” “To some who
Fix this textmost awful and damning disclosures came to have been familiar with the past, and are anxious
Fix this textlight as to Mr Bakers method of procuring about the future of Tonga, Sir Charles Mitchell’s
Fix this textevidence. Vide enclosure 10, and Report, conclusion is a riddle,” and, “as it is, some mem-
Fix this textparagraph 56. These damning facts should bers of Parliament, and other gentlemen, are con-
Fix this textthrow grave doubt on the whole of Baker’s sidering a course of action designed to bring about
Fix this textevidence, and should be taken into considera- a reversal of Sir Charles Mitchell’s decision on this
Fix this texttion when reading paragraphs 41, 55, 57, and point.”
Fix this text58 of the Report. Thus far I have omitted any The announcement by Laifoni, at the execution,
Fix this textreference to my account of the brutal outrages v ' z- > h erea fter the island would be accursed,
Fix this textof Black Monday, February 7th, 1887, which B ive , a hia comment. (Enclosure 14.) His other re-
Fix this textsignalised the arrival of R. B. Leefe, our new “ Maumau lagala, by which he meant
Fix this textActing British Vice-Consul. This comes under , ,^ hat a cn " u waste of good hves (Enclosure
Fix this textlu u a c 4.u ii j .• i , 14), conveys its own reproach,
Fix this texthe head of the alleged exaggerations, and must j may y here remark l that Laifoni (the Crown
Fix this texttherefore be duly noticed. Prince) was never examined, although a most im-
Fix this text-Ist. 1 would point out that, with the one ex- portant witness. He speaks English well, and is
Fix this textception of the gallant conduct of Mr. Leefe not afraid to speak out. His name was on the list
Fix this text(ex-naval officer), the whole of the details given of witnesses when I left Tonga, but I have since
Fix this textof these outrages have been borne out by sworn heard that the wily and unscrupulous “controller
Fix this textaffidavits, and by statements made on oath of Tongan evidence” had managed to get Laifoni
Fix this textbefore Sir Charles Mitchell himself. Of the 3ent awa y before his time came,
Fix this textraid on the mission premises, and the attendant d ma y bere remark (in conclusion) that, since the
Fix this textbrutal ill-treatment, I was an unwilling witness. enc P lir y. Mr. Van Hagen was my fellow-passenger
Fix this textI therefore write from personal observation. boar d the U. 8. S. Co. us, fVamm, from Fiji to
Fix this textMr. Leefe’s gallant conduct happened as de- New , Zeala “ d - Mr Van Hagen then expressed h.s
Fix this text• , , • e i ~ ... ~ vi “a great regret at the misunderstanding that had
Fix this textscribed in my letter, with the exception that I Scourredfand assured me that, on his arrival in
Fix this textwent twice for him. At first he refused to come, London, he would take immediate steps to remove
Fix this texttelling me that I was a fool for troubling about R. Before leaving Tonga Mr. Van Hagen marked
Fix this textit; that we were making a great fuss about the graves of the Malinoa Martyrs with a huge
Fix this textnothing, etc. I told him that the lives and wooden cross, painted crimson, and bearing the
Fix this textproperty of British subjects were in danger, inscription,
Fix this textTo this he replied, “ Tell Mr. Moulton to write “ Vengeance is Mine.”
Fix this textme a letter stating such to be the case, and (Reprinted from Weekly Advocate, October Bth.)
Fix this textIt's easy and takes two shakes of a lamb's tail!
With your Trove account you can:
http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-99691320
MacKay, A. W. (1887). Mr A. W. Mackay on Sir C. Mitchell's report Retrieved April 29, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-99691320
MacKay, A. W. Mr A. W. Mackay on Sir C. Mitchell's report [S.l: , 1887. Web. 29 April 2025 <http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-99691320>
MacKay, A. W. 1887, Mr A. W. Mackay on Sir C. Mitchell's report , [S.l viewed 29 April 2025 http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-99691320
{{Citation
| author1=MacKay, A. W.
| title=Mr A. W. Mackay on Sir C. Mitchell's report.
| year=1887
| section=1 broadside ; 46 x 33 cm.
| location=[S.l
| publisher=
| url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-99691320
| id=nla.obj-99691320
| access-date=29 April 2025
| via=Trove
}}
Citations are automatically generated and may require some modification to conform to exact standards.
Select the images you want to download, or the whole document.
You can order a copy of this work from Copies Direct.
Copies Direct supplies reproductions of collection material for a fee. This service is offered by the National Library of Australia
Out of Copyright
You may order a copy through Copies Direct or use the online copy for research or study; for other uses Contact us.
Copyright status may not be correct if data in the record is incomplete or inaccurate. Other access conditions may also apply.
For more information please see: Copyright in library collections.
Copy and paste one of these options to share this book elsewhere.