NEW HEBRIDES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1930, 12 November 1906, Page 2

NEW HEBRIDES.

FEDERAL PREMIER’S STATEMENT. PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT 1 Melbourne, Nov, 10. I Mr Deakin, speaking at the Mayoral banquet, referring to the New Hebrides, said if tho advice of Australia bad been 1 taken twenty years ago, tbe present conditions would not bo in existence. At that time an attitude of resolute firmness on the part of Britain would have seouted the islands, He appreciated the sympathy of the Times wbea it hinted that a grave error had been made when ihe agreement was entered into between Biitiin emd our ftioudly noighbors in France without a single reference to Australia. Mr Deakin, continuing, said that for the terms of that convention Australia accepted no responsibility. Tbe Commonwealth accepted the situation as now established, and It accepts joint control. It had no others desire now than to work completely in harmony with these oherged with the duty of maintaining ordsc in the islands, and encouraging developments. While there was time iur amendment the Com. monwealth left no atono unturned to accomplish what it believed to be the desired end, and it would have been fake to the people of Australia if it had nsglected to communicate to the British Government what it believed to be the wishes and hopes of the people,