THE ANNEXATION QUESTION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1009, 31 July 1883, Page 2

THE ANNEXATION QUESTION.

Melbourne, July 24,

The Pacific Islands movement is becoming complicated in consequence of the attitude of South Australia in relation to the proposal for the annexation of the Hebrides. A few days ago Mr Murray Smith telegraphed to Mr Service that the statements of the Agents-General, compiled by Sir Dillon Bell as suggested by Earl Derby, had been prepared, but the South Australian AgenGGeneral suddenly had withdrawn from the movement as regarded islands other than New Guinea. Mr Smith desired that South Australia be urged to rejoin the concert. Mr Service followed his advice and telegraphed to the Chief Secretary of South Australia his surprise at that Government’s action. Mr Bray replied that his Government was quite willing to urge the of New Guinea, and wired to the British Government in favor of the annexation of the Pacific Islands. After the statement of the Imperial authorities that there was an understanding between France and England regarding those islands he was satisfied it would ba better to allow the question of annexation to rest for the present. In answer to Mr Service’s telegram asking Mr Bray not to destroy the grand effect of Australian unanimity, the reply was—l cannot consent to urge the Homo Government in reference to the New Hebrides after the statement in reference to the agreement between England and France.” Another telegram from Mr Service to Mr Bray stated that he had just learnt that the treaty respecting the New Hebrides was old, obsolete, and that France had annexed some of the islands since it was made. He thought it would be a mistake, in the absence of these facts, f r the colonies to held their hands. He hoped South Australia would sea its

way to instruct the Agent-General to complete the concert. To this no reply was received. Mr Service telegraphed to Mr Murray Smith, stating what had been done and requesting him to inform Earl Derby the reason why South Australia had withdrawn, in order that the effect of the secession should he minimised.