FRENCH ANNEXATION IN THE PACIFIC

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1445, 31 December 1886, Page 3

FRENCH ANNEXATION IN THE PACIFIC

By out latest flies t-f the Neo Caledonitn we learn that on the 26tH November it was announced that the French Governxrent had decided to take regular end, definite potseEsin of tke group of islands, gras le Vent, which form, with Tabii, pert of the S ciety and constitute a p'.rt of the French tv sessions, accordIrg to'the Neo Caledoniev , in Oceara. T> e orctr of ’ annexation was rent to the Admiral eommsndirg (he French naval station In the Pacific. Of c?urse the English were opposed to the French cccufa ton, and tfco EcgUh j >am»ls immediately hthought tkemse’vrs of the New Hebrides, saying that If there were meaced it would be considered a casus belle. The perp’e, however, says the Neo Caledonien, have long been familiar with ): e ideal French occupation, and they “ are quite satisfied” at the prospec of a Fretnh protectorate. The journal quoted prophesies an important future for the group of aland*, situs ed as hey are on the ocean highway between America and Australia, especially after the cutting of the Isthmus of Panama After many vicissitudes they are new numbered atnon; the French colonial possessions Pa-atea, the scene of the labors of missionaries belonging to the London Missionary Society, is described as the most important of the group, as it possesses a splendid harbor ; but all have a beautiful climate, and are rich iu natural prr ducts. The annexation Is triumphantly alluded to as placing the Society Group in the French possession ; and significant reference Is made to an expansion df English missionaries in 1842 for “exciting the Natives to massacre the French"— an expulsion which cost the French Government 25.0C0fr. In another issue .the Neo Caledonien states, that the action of the Fr°' ch Government is a proof ?h t Prance- mean enegetiealiy to maintain her rights, ‘ wbetner £nglahd reoognW» or not, or whether she soquieso s with good or bad grace.—l unedin St r.