Proposed Annexation of Samoa.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 298, 26 April 1894, Page 2

Proposed Annexation of Samoa.

(PER PHESS ASSOCIATION). London, April 24. In the House of Commons Sir E. Grey, Uuder Secretary for Foreign Affairs, declared that New Zealand s proposal re Samoa appeared inconsistent with the provisions of the Berlin Act. New Zealand's proposal for the annexation of Samoa has been referred to the Foreign Office. Sir Westby Perceval, in his communication to Lord Ripou, urged that New Zealand's trade with Samoa exceeds Jt'2o,ooo per annum, and that the German residents ■would welcome any change which would restore confidence. Dsblin, irr.l 24, The Nate Zeitung opposes New Zealand's demand for the annexation of Samoa, and refuses to accept Sir Robert Stout's assertion that Samoa desires British rule. WellixoTok, April 25. 'I he Hon ZVfr Seddon yesterday received the following cablegram from the Premier of Victoria : — " Your important telegram respecting Samoa received. I congratulate YOU upon tha course you are taking, and upon the favorable conjuncture of circumstances. The proposed action is in the direction of the principles which Australasia generally has consistently advocated, that the control of the islands of the western Pacific should rest with Australasia. I think you should press for undivided control. I fear that acting on behalf of the treaty powers would sooner or later prove unsatisfactory. Without committing the Government to details, we will most cordially support your representation to the Imperial Government. I will immediately telegraph instructions to the Agent-General to that effect. — J. B. Patterson, Premier, Melbourne." Subsequently the following letter came to hand from the Premier of South Australia : — 11 We have asked the Governor to wire the Secretary for Colonies earnestly supporting your action re Samoa, and hoping that your request may be granted. We hope for Australasian concert in the question. — F. W. Holder, Premier, Adelaide." Times.