THE QUEENSLAND LABOR TRAFFIC

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3805, 25 September 1883, Page 3

THE QUEENSLAND LABOR TRAFFIC

THE ANNEXATION QUESTION IN ENGLAND AND FRANCE. THE LUTHER CELEBRATION FESTIVAL. PRICE OF HOPS IN LONDON.

LONDON.

September 12. The Daily News this morning demands the abolition of the kidnapping system which is now being carried on in the South Seas by Queensland planters.

Baron Macleay, who recently explored New Guinea, and who has had extensive experience amongst the natives _ot the islands in the South Pacific, has written to Lord Derby denouncing the existing Queensland labor traffic system. Discussing the Tamatave outrages the Press generally condemns the agressive line of conduct pursued by Captain Johnstone, of the Dryad, in impeding tho operations of Admiral Pierre prior to the bombardment of Tamatave. Messrs Higginson and Morgan, of Noumea, the latter gentleman being a member of the firm of Messrs Morgan, and nephew of the land speculators in the New Hebrides, are at present in Paris. It is reported that they are arranging-for the shipment of French convicts to tho islands in the .South Pacific.

The Agents-General for the different Australian Colonies to-day received a reply from Lord Derby in answer to the letter written by Mr Smith, tho Agent-General of Victoria, requesting a definite announcement of tho course which tho Imperial authorities intend to pursue in regard to the proposed annexation of New Guinea and the New Hebrides. Lord Derby's statement consists of several vague assurances of the interest taken by the Government in the welfare of the colonies, but the general tenor is evasive and unsatisfactory. Lord Derby states, however, that the Government intend to adhere to their previous determination not to annex New Guinea, and also that they will decline to annex any other islands in the Pacific. In regard to the report that the French Government intend to deport habitual criminals to the New Hebrides, Lord Derby promises to confer with Earl Granville with the view of determining on the lino of policy which the English Government shall adopt. Ho points out'that the Tongano and Samoan islands are protected by existing treaties, and that the independence of the New Hebrides is recognised by the French Government. Lord Derby 'also refers to the representations which have been made to him concerning tho alleged outrages committed by Queeesland planters engaged in the South Sea labor traffic, and states that he will communicate with Sir Arthur Gordon, the High Commissioner for tho Western Pacific, upon tho subject, with the view of having the statements thoroughly investigated. _ An animated discussion is being carried on in the French newspapers as to the pro-2H-iety of Franco annexing the New Hebrides. Considerable divergences of opinion is exhibited, the Press being very equally divided on the point. A grand festival in celebration of the '100 th anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther, tho reformer, is being held at Wittemberg, Germany. The festival was formally opened yesterday by the Crown Prince of Prussia. The Times this morning advocates that the Agents-General of the various British colonies should form a council ior the purpose of advising the Secretary of State for tho Colonies on all questions pertaining to the interests of the colonies. Australian hops are being sold for £9 per cwt in tho London market.