THE ANNEXATION QUESTION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 1013, 30 November 1883, Page 2

THE ANNEXATION QUESTION.

[bbgxer’s telegrams—copyright.]

Sydney, Yesterday. The Conference resumed its sittings this morning. It is understood that the New South Wales and Queensland delegates are in favor of a resolution being passed confirming the annexation of New Guinea. Mr Service’s resolutions on the subject of Pacific annexation are now under discussion by the Conference. This afternoon it was definitely decided by the Convention that members of the Press be excluded. The question was put to the vote, and the Victorian and New Zealand delegates were in favor of the admission of the Press, but the other delegates voted against it. The Convention decided that the memorial prepared by the European residents in Fiji may be presented by a member for consideration. At this morning’s sitting Mr Service’s proposals in favor of the annexation of the Pacific Islands were discussed at greet length. At the afternoon’s sitting of the Conference a long discussion took place on the draft of a series of resolutions tabled by Mr Service, and affirming the annexation of New Guinea, New Hebrides, and other islands in the Pacific. The text of the resolutions are withheld from the Press. The farther discussion of Mr Service’s motion stands adjourned till to-morrow. [Received Nov. 30, 1 p.m.] Sydney, To-d,»y.

The following information has transpired regarding the series of resolutions tabled by Mr Service at the Conference : —(1) That it is necessary to prevent New Guinea and the islands from the equator to the New Hebrides falling into the hands of any foreign Power. (2) That to preclude such a disaster it is desirable to urge the Imperial Government to annex or establish a protectorate over those islands. (3) That the colonies are willing to bear a reasonable proportion of the cost of such annexation or protection. (4) That the colonies protest against the proposal of the French Government in regard to the recidivistes and appeal to the Imperial Government to prevent such a dire calamity as is threatened. (o) That in view of the foregoing and many other important matters the time has arrived for binding the colonies in a Federal Union on such matters as the Convention may determine. It is understood that there is some divergence of views amonq the delegates on the question of annexation, some being in favor of limited action only. Mr Griffith, the Premier of Queensland, has tabled a series of resolutions similar to those of Mr Service, but limiting the annexation to New Guinea, and urging the immediate establishment cf British jurisdiction there. Mr Dailey, Attorney-General of New South Wales, proposed an amendment on Mr Griffith’s motion. The amendment is similar to the first and second clauses of Mr Service’s motion, but omits others. Hon F. Whitaker has has strongly advocated that the Conference should define the relations of the Navigators and Friendly Islands towards Australia.