PROPOSED ANNEXATION OF THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 1 April 1901, Page 4

PROPOSED ANNEXATION OF THE NEW HEBRIDES.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. — COPYRIGHT.)

Melbourne. March 30,

Rev Fraser has forwarded from New Hebrides to the committee of the Now Hebrides Union Synod a petition from the natives of the island of Epi to the Kin", asking Britain to annex the island. Petitioners state there arc many white men coming to the New Hebrides, and at the hands of some of them, mostly Frenchmen, wc suffered cruel wrongs. Some have forcibly possessed themselves of our lands, burnt down houses, shot our pigs and harassed us in other ways. Wc wish to live in peace, but at present have no protection from such injuries. Many of us know the English language and appreciate and cling to blessings of the civilisation which come to us through men of your nation. Wo also feel the conduct of the British race is more just and humane towards the black races than that of other white men, therefore, wo earnestly beseech your Majesty to take us under your protection, and that our Islands be annexed to the British Empire. Mr Fraser says the petition simply voices the feelings of natives throughout the whole group. Surely such a call for protection cannot bo lightly laid aside by the British nation.