THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1266, 18 June 1886, Page 2

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

No Cause for Alarm.

(renter's TELEGRAMS COPYRIGHT.) London, June 16,

An interview took place to-day between Mr Graham Berry, Agent-General for Victoria, and Mr Osborne Morgan, Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, at which the latter stated that in view of the assurances recently given by the French Government, there was no cause for alarm at the hoisting of the French flag in the New Hebrides.

Mr Berry’s Opinion

Mr Graham Berry is preparing a despatch to the Colonial Office on the subject, pointing to the absence of any recent outrages in the New Hebrides which might have justified the action of the French Government, and urging that the Imperial Government should make enquiry as to the necessity for the recent action of France. Mr Berry further states that in the opinion of the Victorian Government the British flag should in the meantime, also be hoisted at the New Hebrides. A Protest.

Sydney, Juno 17.

In the Legislative Assembly to-day, the Premier Sir P, Jennings, made an announcement respecting the reported French occupation of the New Hebrides In the course of his remarks he stated that the Government of New South Wales had forwarded, through the Agent-General for the Colony, a protest against any abrogoation of the treaty between England and France in reference to the New Hebrides. Protection of British Interests.

Melbourne, June 17.

An influential deputation of Presbyterian clergy waited to-day upon the Premier to urge the protection of British interests in the New Hebrides. In reply to the speakers Mr Gillies said he concurred heartily with their views and maintained that England had an equal right with France to hoist her flag at the New Hebrides. He promised immediately to represent the views of the deputation to the Governor, and request His Excellency to ask Admiral Tryon to take steps to prevent interference with the rights and interests ot missionaries in the New Hebrides.