§ MR. W. H. JAMES (Gateshead)asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether Her Majesty's Government have received any information concerning the recent disturbances in the Island of Tonga; whether the honourable Shirley Baker, upon whom the attack was made, was formerly a Wesleyan missionary, and has since organized a government in Tonga, of which he is the chief member; and, whether Mr. Shirley Baker is a British subject; and, if so, whether Her Majesty's Government will direct the High Commissioner in the Pacific to institute an inquiry into his conduct and proceedings?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir HENRY HOLLAND) (Hampstead)The last information received on the question is contained in a telegram from Admiral Tryon of the 11th instant, stating that there had been disturbances in Tongatabu last month; but that by the last accounts they had subsided, and the King's orders were being obeyed. Mr. Shirley Baker, to whom reference is made, was formerly a Wesleyan missionary. He is, I believe, styled the Premier, and controls the government of the islands. He is a British subject; and Her Majesty's Government will consider, as soon as they have full and authentic information respecting the recent transactions, whether the High Commissioner should be instructed to take any action.