At the Commodore’s request Mr. Lawes read a translation of this address in the Motu language, the chiefs listening attentively:  then calling the chief, Boe Vagi, forward, Commodore Erskine shook hands with him, and introduced him to Mr. Romilly; and the Commodore’s intimation of the appointment of a High Commissioner for New Guinea and his explanation of Mr. Romilly’s position, were interpreted to the chiefs by Mr. Lawes.  This was followed by the appointment of Boe Vagi as head chief of the Motu tribe.  To make his appointment more distinct, he was presented with an emblem of authority in the form of an ebony stick with a florin let in at the top, the Queen’s head being uppermost, and encircled by a band of silver.  Handing to Boe Vagi this stick, the Commodore said:  “I present him with this stick, which is to be an emblem to him of his authority; and all the tribes who are represented by the chiefs here are to look to the holder of this stick, Boe Vagi.  This stick represents the Queen’s head, the Queen of England; and if at any time any of the people of these tribes have any grievance or anything to say, they are, through this man, the holder of this stick, Boe Vagi, to make it known to the Queen’s officers, in order that it may be inquired into.  This stick is to be the symbol of his authority, and all the tribes are to have communication through him with the Queen’s officer.”

Directed then to descend to the main deck the chiefs walked one after another into the Commodore’s cabin, where each received a present consisting of a tomahawk, a butcher’s knife, a coloured shirt, or a piece of coloured cloth, and some figs of twist tobacco.  It was a curious sight to see these chiefs, some of them very old men, but others young, erect and muscular, filing in at one door, and after shaking hands with the Commodore and receiving a present, leaving by the other; and it was very amusing to notice how startled some of them were at suddenly discovering themselves in a large pier-glass, which they had to pass before leaving the cabin.  The Commodore did not fail to point out through Mr. Lawes to the chief who had burnt the village of another, that for the future he would not be allowed to commit such an act, and must through the Queen’s officers seek redress for any grievance he might have; and the man was evidently impressed by what was said to him.

At half-past six next morning the landing of officers and men of the squadron for the purpose of publicly proclaiming the establishment of the Protectorate, and hoisting the British flag, commenced.  The general order issued by the Commodore directed that the dress for officers should be cocked hat, undress coat, and epaulettes; the dress for seamen white frocks and hats, and that for marines white tunics and helmets.  There was, consequently, a very attractive display of uniforms, and altogether it was an exceedingly interesting spectacle.  The early hour appointed for the landing permitted of the ceremony being performed