THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16488, 2 March 1914, Page 7

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

THE WORKING OF THE CONDOMINIUM. A MIXED COMMISSION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, February 27. The “Daily Telegraph” says that in consequence of the British and French Governments receiving numerous complaints regarding the working of the Condominium, the Governments are exchanging views so as to obtain* redress in individual cases, and also with a view to introducing roforms in the present organisation. It is probable that a mixed commission will be appointed to suggest changes. MEMORIAL TO SIR EDWARD GREY. ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE FRENCH. COMMISSION OF INQUIRY OR DIVISION OF ISLANDS WANTED. (Received March 1, 5.6 p.m.) LONDON, February 28. The Anti-Slavery and Aborigines Protection Society has presented a memorial to Sir Edward Grey on the New Hebrides. The memorial points out that joint control has entirely failed to secure a settled government, to protect natives or to prevent land abuses. The recruiting regulations are constantly violated, especially by French recruiters. Kidnapping and illegal recruiting are shamelessly common. While the British administration firmly represses the liquor traffic the French traders persistently disregard the law. The French employment of child labour is also a scandal. The main source of the abuses lies in the complicated Government' machinery and confusion in a number of tribunals, and the absence of a definite sphere for each. There are inadequate penalties, and even these are not enforced. The joint Naval Commission is another court which practically invented its own jurisdiction. It holds meetings at irregular intervals, which causes natives to bo kept in prison without food for months. Some of the natives have died before being tried. The Society urges the Government to appoint a commission of inquiry. Failing this it suggests the possibility of a division of the islands. The Society will send a deputation to France in March to ascertain French public opinion.