The Feilding Star. SATURDAY. JANUARY 10, 1885 Home Sympathy

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 89, 10 January 1885, Page 2

The Feilding Star. SATURDAY. JANUARY 10, 1885 Home Sympathy

♦ Since the question of annexation of the islands of the Pacific has been raised by the Australasian Colonies, we have learned the exact amount of sympathy our rulers and governors in England, as represented by the Colonial Office, have for us and our wants. It amounts to simply — nil. The loyalty of the colonists to the Home Country has always been their pride, and to Englishmen at Home a matter of wonder, for they have better understood the real indifference which obtains among the governing classes ; an indifference which is only exceeded by the amount of collective ignorance they can display when a knowledge of colonial affairs is paramount to the welfare of those of their countrymen who have extended the Empire of Great Britain to the furthest limits of the Globe. Notwithstanding the urgent protests of the colonies, France and Germany have been allowed to assume possession of lands which should have been held under the British flag. The Post, in an able article on this subject, says : " The possession of these islands also would have to a large extent assured the safety of the colonies from the attacks of any European Power in the case of the Mother Country becoming involved in war. Now, through Lord Derby's inaction and blundering, Germany has been allowed to get a foot-hold in New Guinea, is more than likely to establish her dominion over Samoa, and France is almost certain to add the New Hebrides to her other possessions in the Pacific. It is quite useless for the Australasian Colonies to attempt to shut their eyes to the real meaning of this desire for an extension of territory, which, encouraged and fostered by the policy of the English Go /eminent, has so suddenly been displayed by France and Germany. Neither of these countries understand colonisation in the sense that the AngloSaxons do. The shadow of their flag* blights the true spirit of colonisation, and the genius of their people does not incline to the heroic work of subduing the wilderness. The Germans make splendid colonists under other flags, and when they can live under free institutions. In like manner France does not understand the planting or growth of colonies. Its attempl s in America, in the Indian Islands, in Tahiti, and in New Caledonia, failed to establsh real colonies. To both these Powers a colony is really only another name for a military station. It is in this fact that the danger , to Australasia from the German and French annexation lies. It would be advantageous, rather than otherwise, to the Australasian Colonies were large communities of industrious, thriving German or French settlers established in the neighbouring islands ; but there is no prospect of this. Military and naval stations, with a population consisting chiefly of officials, only are to be looked for, and these stations will be a constant source of menace to our colonies, and in time of war may form a base of operations for attack upon them." And for these prospective ovils we are indebted to bad Government in the Old Country.