IMPEKIAL CONFERENCE. !

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1544, 28 April 1887, Page 3

IMPEKIAL CONFERENCE. !

— ♦ , [rEUTBR's TELEGRAMS — COPYRIGHT.] i London, April 26. , At to-day's meeting of the Imperial i Conference the New Hebrides question was discussed, The Marquis of Salisbury made a statement announcing the policy of the Imperial Government with refeience to these Islands. Mr • Deakin, oi Victoria, regarded the policy as unsatistaciory, and protested against its being carried out. Hr F. D, Bell, of New Zealand, expressed himself satisfied with the Imperial policy. It was announced that the diplomatic negotiations between the British and French Governments relative to the New Hebrides were still proceeding. London, April 27. The Marquis of Salisbury's speech at yesterday's sitting of the Conference was entirely private. It is understood the Imperial Government are anxious for a speedy settlement of the New Hebrides question, doing everything possible to preserve the interests of the Australian colonies. The opinion of the Australian delegates generally is that the Imperial Government is doing its utmost for the good of the colonies. At the afternoon sitting of the Conference the Samoan question was discussed, when Sir F, D. Bell's proposals met with approval. Sir Henry Holland expressed a hope that a joint agreement would be arrived at between England, Germany an^ the United States, regarding the administration of the Islands, and announced that the Samoan question would be referred to a Conference of delegates from those .Powers, to be held m Wellington.