THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 263, 10 November 1906, Page 5

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Speech by Sir. Dealdii. (Received 10.12 a-m.) MELBOURNE, this day. Mr. Deakin. speaking at the Mayoral banquet, and referring to the New Hebrides, said that if the advice of Australia had been taken twenty years ago the presrnt conditions would not have been in existence. At that time an attitude of resolute firmness on the part of Great Britain would have secured the islands. Hβ appreciated the sympathy of -The Times ' when it hinted that a grave error had been made wh?n an agreement had been entered into between Gieat Britain and our friendly neighbours, France, without a single reference being made to Australia.. Mr. Deakin went on to say that for the terms of that Convention, Australia accepted no responsibility. The Commonwealth accopt"d the situation as now established, "and it accepted joint control. He had no other desirr , , now that ' the work had bfvn completed than to ■ work in harmony with those charged i with the duty of mnintaininw ord"r in the islands, and encouraging its <W lopment. While there was time for amendment, the Commonwealth had left no stone unturned to accomplish what it lipvpd to be the desired end. but it would hfive beon fals" to the people of Australia if it had neglected to communicate to the British Government what it believed to be the wishes and hopes of the people.