FIJI’S DEED OF CESSION

The historic handover of Fiji to Great Britain by 13 chiefs

EVERY day we will bring you excerpts of news covered by The Fiji Times as well as interviews with various people associated with this newspaper over the years. On the side are excerpts of what is described as an important piece in Fiji’s history — the signing of the Deed of Cession.

Deed of Cession on column 3

THE story of the signing of the Deed of Cession at Nasova on October 10, perhaps the most important piece of news in Fiji’s history, appeared under a single-column heading some way down column 3 and on page 4 of The Fiji Times on October 14, 1874.

In its earlier years, The Fiji Times contained no illustrations.

Before the event, The Fiji Times reported on October 3, 1874 the formal cession of Fiji being made to and accepted by Great Britain.

“The proceedings took place at the Government Buildings, Nasova, and were altogether void of ceremony,” The Fiji Times reported.

“Shortly after 10, o’clock, His Excellency the Governor of New South Wales, attended by Commodore Goodenough, the Hon G. Hines, Attorney-General of New South Wales, the Hon Mr Hutchinson, the British Consul, and the private secretary entered the audience hall, where he was received by Ratu Seru Cakobau. Also present were the chiefs — Ratu Savenaca, Tui Bau, Buli Yadua, Ratu Isikeli, Roko Tui Bua, Tui Levuka and Misa Droka. The representatives of the Sydney Morning Herald, Melbourne Argus and The Fiji Times were also present,” read the article on October 3, 1874.

The 13 chiefs sign the Deed of Cession

The Deed of Cession was signed on the October 10, 1874, by 13 Fijian chiefs and Sir Hercules Robinson who acted on behalf of the British Crown. The historic document allowed the handover of Fiji to Great Britain.

Upon signing, the chiefs gave full sovereignty to Her Majesty the Queen of England. In the process the title of Tui Viti passed on from Ratu Cakobau to Queen Victoria, giving the Queen rights over all land, oceans, building, villages and people within Fiji. Copies of the Deed of Cession were prepared in both English and Fijian.

Picture: FILE The scene at Navuso, Naitasiri, in November 1874 when Mr E.L. Layard, administrator of Fiji, arrived to meet chiefs of the Colo mountain tribes to discuss the significance of the Cession of Fiji to the British Crown. Ratu Savenaca Vakaruru, a high chief of Bau and the first Ratu Tui Lomaiviti, is seen addressing the Colo chiefs. Also in the photograph are Mr Layard, Captain Chapman of HMS Dido, Mr J.B Thurston (Colonial Secretary).

Picture: FILE An illustration of what transpired on this historic day. The Fiji Times was one of three newspapers that covered this historic event. The others were the Sydney Morning Herald and the Melbourne Argus.

Picture: JOSEPH HILL/UK An original copy of the instrument of cession that was used in 1874.