APPENDIX. 429 
tices would be put into immediate execution. For this service, 
and for the general support of the Government, a force of not 
less than the wing of a regiment would be required, in addition 
to a ship of war, with a tender of light draught, both steamers. 
The expenses of a civil establishment, composed on a sufficient 
scale to act efficiently on the condition of the natives, would pro- 
bably not fall short of £7000 a year. The only mode of raising 
a revenue would appear to be by a capitation tax ; customs duties 
would be so small as not to cover the cost of collection, if the 
importation of ardent spirits were prohibited (see p. 81), as a 
regard for the welfare of the natives would imperatively demand. 
For many years the Government would be necessitated to accept 
the tax in kind, as the natives have no circulating medium of 
exchange; and a still longer period would elapse before the is- 
lands became self-supporting. Looking solely at the interests of 
civilization, the forcible and immediate suppression of the bar- 
barous practices of the heathen portion of the population might 
appear a very desirable act; yet, in beneficial influence on the 
native character, it might prove less real and permanent than the 
more gradual operation of missionary teaching. The success 
which has attended the missionaries in Fiji has been very re- 
markable, and presents every prospect of continuance. The prin- 
cipal tribes at present without missionaries or native teachers 
are willing to receive them, and there appears nothing wanting 
but time and a sufficiency of instructors to render the whole of 
the inhabitants professing Christians. Judging from the present 
state of the Sandwich Islands, and the former condition of Ta- 
hiti, it would seem that the resources of the Pacific Islands can 
be best developed, and the welfare of their inhabitants secured, 
by a native government aided by the counsels of respectable 
Europeans. 
On a review of the foregoing considerations, and the conclu- 
sions derived from a personal examination of the islands and the 
people, I am of opinion that it would not be expedient that Her 
Majesty’s Government should accept the offer which has been 
made to cede to Her Majesty the sovereignty over the Fiji 
Islands. 
Having thus stated the conclusion to which my inquiries have 
