THE ANNEXATION CONFERENCE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1016, 4 December 1883, Page 2

THE ANNEXATION CONFERENCE.

[REUTER’S TEL KG RAMS. —COPYRIGH C.] Sydney, Yesterday. At to-day’s sitting of the Conference the question of annexation was not dealt with. A long discussion took place on the subject of federation. All the delegates spoke, and finally a subcommittee was appointed to consider the best means of constituting a Federal Council, and decided upon its functions. Mr Whitaker laid on the table certain amendments to the report of the Committee on annexation, but they make no substantial change in the report. Mr Fraser presented a note from Mr Broome, Governor of West Australia, referring to several points of federal interest, notably the question of cable communication with Ceylon. Mr Broome points out that communication by land telegraph with the coast of West Australia will soon be completed. The Conference adjourned at midday until to-morrow. The amendment proposed by the Hon. F. Whitaker to the report of the Committee at the Conference consists of ten clauses, the main points being as follows : That the authority of Great Britain over the Pacific Islands may be established by their annexation or by a protectorate over the various islands, as may be severally suitable, and that measures be adopted to prevent the interference of foreigners. It recommends the annexation of New Guinea, as far as that country is unclaimed by Holland, proposes that an effective guarantee should be given by the Australasian colonies for their share in the cost by permanent Appropriation Acts according to the population, declares that there is no intention of placing Great Britain in a position of hostility to foreigners in the Pacific. Messrs Stuart and Atkinson have telegraphed to London details of the matters now before the Conference. The Melbourne Argus has published a special telegram stating that the Convention has agreed to the principle of applying to the Imperial Parliament for an Enabling Act for the formation of a Federal Union of the Australian colonies.