Fata-a-iki
Encyclopedia
Fata-a-iki was a patu-iki
(king) of the Pacific Ocean
island of Niue
.
, he was anointed on November 21, 1888, although he began ruling the island the previous year, following the death of his predecessor, Tui-toga.
One of his first acts as patu-iki, in 1887, was to write a letter to the British monarch Queen Victoria
, requesting that Niue become a protectorate
of the British Empire
, so as to prevent annexation by another colonial power. His letter read:
"We the chiefs and rulers and governors of Niue-Fekai desire to pray Your Majesty and Your Majesty's Kingdom, if it be your pleasure to stretch out towards us your mighty hand that Niue may hide herself in it and be safe."
The letter was not answered, and King Fata-a-iki repeated his request in 1895, to no avail.
Patu-iki
Patu-iki is the title that was given to the kings of the Pacific Ocean island of Niue. This indigenous monarchy ruled the island from the early eighteenth century, prior to which there had been no nationally organised government of the island, which was instead run by local chieftains...
(king) of the Pacific Ocean
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Earth's oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, bounded by Asia and Australia in the west, and the Americas in the east.At 165.2 million square kilometres in area, this largest division of the World...
island of Niue
Niue
Niue , is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean. It is commonly known as the "Rock of Polynesia", and inhabitants of the island call it "the Rock" for short. Niue is northeast of New Zealand in a triangle between Tonga to the southwest, the Samoas to the northwest, and the Cook Islands to...
.
Reign
Fata-a-iki ruled from 1887 to 1896. He was the seventh king of the island, and the second to be of the Christian faithChristianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
, he was anointed on November 21, 1888, although he began ruling the island the previous year, following the death of his predecessor, Tui-toga.
One of his first acts as patu-iki, in 1887, was to write a letter to the British monarch Queen Victoria
Victoria of the United Kingdom
Victoria was the monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. From 1 May 1876, she used the additional title of Empress of India....
, requesting that Niue become a protectorate
Protectorate
In history, the term protectorate has two different meanings. In its earliest inception, which has been adopted by modern international law, it is an autonomous territory that is protected diplomatically or militarily against third parties by a stronger state or entity...
of the British Empire
British Empire
The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom. It originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height, it was the...
, so as to prevent annexation by another colonial power. His letter read:
"We the chiefs and rulers and governors of Niue-Fekai desire to pray Your Majesty and Your Majesty's Kingdom, if it be your pleasure to stretch out towards us your mighty hand that Niue may hide herself in it and be safe."
The letter was not answered, and King Fata-a-iki repeated his request in 1895, to no avail.