THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8716, 16 January 1907, Page 2

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Lord Elgin's Despatch. Press Association.—Copyright. Melbourne, January 18. Lord Elgin’s despatch dealing with the New Hebrides has been published. ] He expresses regret that in most i cases the Imperial Government i found it necessary to differ from the Commonwealth, but any discourtesy i is disclaimed. In conclusion, Lord ] Elgin states that Government do not i In any sense regard the Convention as a final settlement of the problem, but claims that it constitutes a clear and important advance on the system or lack of system by which affairs in the Mauds have hithefth been governed. It- provides a. fair settlement of the most difficult question which can confront two Governments. The adjudication of land claims gives natives a regular and recognised authority to whom they may appeal. Lord Elgin deeply regrets that the Imperial Government has not secured the hearty concurrence of the Australian colonies in the course adopted, but feels it would have failed in its duty if it had hesitated to accept the responsibility thrown entirely upon it by the Commonwealth and New Zealand Governments and to give the Convention the -seal of its definite approval and confirmation. Mr Deakin, commenting on the despatch, said he had no desire to prolong the controversy. The first and last the Commonwealth heard of these matters was that French proposals had been made and accepted, and a Convention drafted which he must examine, but could not alter. In face of this he regretted to say it was impossible for Australia to withdraw her protest against the manner i in which the Convention was arrived i at without consulting tho Oommon- • wealth. ; Sydney, January 16. 1 The Herald characterises Lord ’ Elgin’s reply to the Australian con--1 damnation of the Now Hebrides Con--1 vention as a lame and. impotent 1 document.