BRITAIN AND NEW GUINEA.

Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 31, 5 January 1884, Page 7

BRITAIN AND NEW GUINEA.

Though tho New Guinea question is virtually at a standstill, pending the eonferenco which is to be hold in Sydney this month, it is clear that the Government are moving in the direction of a protectorate. This may be gathered not only from Lord Puihv's last despatch, hut also from his lordship'? answer to the G'usgow Ch.imber of Commerce, which has just pass r d a strong rusoluttun in favour ot a protectorate. The important declaration of Baron Maclay, which formed a prominent feature at the opening meeting of the Colonial Institute, has given fresh impetus to the inclinations of the Government to follow the view of the colonies, while the proposed expedition, which is now being considered by the Royal Geographical Society and the British Association, is attracting so much attention from loading scientific and public men that the demands of the colonists are sure to be kept in prominence It is expected that this expedition willshortly beorganised, and that the English Government will be asked to contribute towards the expense. The expedition will, it is thought, start from the Amhernoli River and travel southwards across the island towards PoLt Moresby. You have already been informed of the collapse of General Maclver's expedition. According to his own statement the General and hU friends are likely to lose about CGOOO He asserts that all those persons who deposited £100 have been repaid, but that a deposit of £6000, out of a sum of £30,000, for the engagement or purchase of a steamer, will be sacrificed. This deposit has come out of the pockets of the General and his friends. General Maclver now talks about stumping Australia, but I do not think it nt all likely that you will be troubled with his presence.