THE ANNEXATION CONFERENCE.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1119, 30 November 1883, Page 2

THE ANNEXATION CONFERENCE.

Mr Service’s Resolutions

Differences of Opinion.

[rkutbr— copyright.] (Received Nor 80, 1 p.ra.) SYDNEY, This day. The following information has transpired regarding the scries of resolutions tabled by Mr Service at the Conference: First, that it is necessary to prevent New Guinea and the islands from (he equator to the New Hebrides falling into the hands of a foreign power; second, that to preclude such a disaster, it is desirable to urge the Imperial Government to annex or establish a protectorate over those islands ; third, that the colonies arc willing to hear a reasonable proportion of the cost of such annexation or protection ; fourth, that the Colonies protest against the proposal of the French Government with regard to recidivists, and appeal to the Imperial GovcrntncnUo prevent such a direct calamity as is threatened ; fifth, that in view of the foregoing and many other important .nutters, the time has arrived for binding Colonies in a federal union on such diallers as the convention may determine. Ills understood that there is a divergence of views among the delegated, on the question of annexation, some being in favour of limited action only. Mr Griffith, Premier of, Queensland, has tabled a series of resolutions similar to those of Mr Service bnl limiting annexation to Now Guinea, and urging the immediate establishment of British jurisdiction there. Mr Dailey, AttorneyGenoralfor New South Wales, proposed an amendment on Mr Griffith’s motion. The amendment is similar to the first and second clauses of Mr Service’s motion, but omits the others. Mr Whitaker has'strongly advocated that the Conference should define the relations of the Navigators and Friendly Islands towards Australia,