FRENCH AGGRESSION IN NEW HEBRIDES.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 15 July 1901, Page 4

FRENCH AGGRESSION IN NEW HEBRIDES.

One of the old traders in the above islands is at present visiting Sydney, and in the course of an interview with a represontative of tho ' Telegraph ' he strongly condemned the indifference of the British which has encouraged the French authorities and French settlers to believe that Britain is only glad to be relieved of the trouble of maintaining order in the group. " French settlers," he said, " are getting hold of much of the rich lands from tho natives. As a matter of fact, more land is represented by the documentary titles.they posse-s than exists in the whole of the group. You see, for years past the natives havo been selling freely—very often what does not belong to them. A ra-in after territory approaches a native, who agreed to fell but the deed of transfer which is signed very frequently includes a largo tract, whereas tho vendor may be of opinion that be is parting with a small slice of beach land. Sometimes the native who poses as an owner does not possess a singlo foot of tho area he prejendito dispose of. Whenever tho New Hebrides are placed upon a proper footing there will bo great trouble. Disputes as to ownership are now settled amongst purchasers by priority of date. That system will not work later on." "ind are tho French peoplo occupying their purchases?"—'As fast as steamers running in the trade from New Caledonia can bring them and their families they are settling down to make use of those areas so acquired. The bulk of the land thus occupied belongs to, or is claimed by, a semi-political organisation called Societe Francaiso, their main object being to provide Fronch settlement. ThU Association are highly subsided by the French Government, and no opportunity is lost to colonise. Make no mistake about it, when tho right lime comes this body will exert its power and influence."

"Are English peoplo also freely settling there still?"—"A few only; bus the British Government are apparently doing absolutely nothing to promote national interests. The French are, on the other hand, mo t vigorous in tho carrying out of their designs. Once Britain forfeits control—if she is ever so foolish —it will bo a bad day for their settlers and Australian trade. Tho French will force thnm out, and the missionaries with them. Even in regard to native labor the French people have the best of it. If a French settler openly violates the regulations in regard to this matter, nothing is done, while the French authorities actually bring the deserters back when they are runaways, and compel them to resume work. But what about the British? Thoy have the greatest difficulty to get black labor. They are not allowed to recruit for themselves, and the French authorities will allow their recruiters to do everything else but supply Britishers with 'boys.' This is one of the results of the farcialdual control system. It is neither fish, flesh, fowl, nor good red herring. Then, take the matter of the supply of grog and firearms. The British subject is not allowed by law to trade in these, but the French traders do it with impunity. The trade is gradually being dragged to Noumea. Steamers running from that port to and from the islands are actually subsidised by the French Government. Australian interests suffer in consequence. Wherever possible, hostility is shown by the Noumean authorities to British trade, and there appears to be a desire to do all possible to discourage any settlement other than French. Now, listen to this extract from 'La Caledonie,' a paper printed at Noumea. I have had this part translated :

The General Council have been concert ning themselves with a question which in quite a particular way interests the growers on New Caledonia, and of which the most different opinions have been expressed, according to each one's point of view. The question is concerning the partial reduction of Customs duties in favor of products of New Hebrides imported into Noumea. law of July 30 1900, authorises the French Government to grant a favorable administration of products of the New Hebrides imported into French territory coming from colonists of French nationa'ity who reside in these islands. TheMmister consequently, has asked the local Government to furnish lists of these products, and the quantities that each establishment could furnish, .

with an idea of the administration that could be applied to them. We are unaware whether the Chamber of Agriculture have been consulted on the subject. But the Colonial Commission have had to give their opinion, and it is in this manner that questions have come before the Assembly. Says M. Vincent: "Wo are always demanding tho taking of the New Hebrides. We look upon this Archipelago as French land. When an opportunity comes of reconciling our acts and words do not let it escape.' 'All that may be true,' replied M. Dczaranaulds ; 'we are all anxious to annex the New Hebrides. But until that annexation takes place we should not forget that the colonists of New Hebrides are much better off than we are. They have no taxes, no fiscal charges, no Customs. It is the happiest country in tho world. Let us make the annexation before wo impose the taxation. The Council agreed to the conclusions of tho Commission. The question of certificates of origin will present tho greatest dillleitlies. Who will guarantee us that tho New Hebrides maize brought to Noumea was produced by the French colonist'? The clearest thing is that the English would be favored dftso. Wo would be opening our market to people who stop at nothing to ruin French influence in these islands, and to prevent France taking possession. Let us bo as patriotic as we can, but don't carry it as far as to be duped. " " There you are, " added the trader ; " the 1 itter part of the paper's article represents accurately the feeling of the French. If we are not cautious we in Australia will lose this trade entirely, because complete French control will block it. The natives are almost to a man anxious for British protectior, and make no i-ecret of their repugnance to tho existing conditions. " '• What would you suggest as a temporary remedy ? " "I think a Commissioner should bo appointed to take up British interests instead of the naval captains, who know nothing about the circumstances of the settlers, and aro tho last to fight for tho interests of the natives. "