THE NEW HEBRIDES QUESTION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1413, 11 May 1886, Page 3

THE NEW HEBRIDES QUESTION.

[REUTER COPYRIGHT,]

Melbourne. May 10

The acting Agout-Goneral telegraphs the Government that ho has replied to the despatch from the Assistant Undersecretary for the Colonies, which favors the cession of tho .New Hebrides to Franco. Ho adds that Sir F. I). Hell has refused to co-operate further in consequence of later instructions received from the New Zealand Government. The i’remier of Victoria has communicated with Mr Stout on the subject.

[Press Association.] Wellington, May 10 Mr Stout, replying to tho Rov. Mr Cairns, acknowledging resolutions passed by the Auckland and Christchurch .Presbyteries, recognises the great efforts of the Presbyterian Church in tho New Hebrides, and expresses himself strongly as to the evils of the continued deporta-

tion of French criminals to tho South Seas. No law passed by the colonies o prohibit the lauding of French convicts would effectually answer the purpose. He says it should be clearly understood not only that convicts shall not bo deported to the New Hebrides, but that for all future time they shall not be sent to New Caledonia or any of tho French possessions in tho South Pacific ; that tho commercial privileges granted to Frenchmen shall also be open to British subjects, and that adepuate safeguards shall bo provided for religious freedom throughout the group, and that tho present missions shall bo protected ; that France shall code Opara to England and shall not oppose the Cook or Harvey Group being annexed by her if tho Natives consent.