NEW ZEALAND RESIDENTS IN THE ISLANDS.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 121, 26 September 1885, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND RESIDENTS IN THE ISLANDS.

Wellington, Sept. 22. In asking yesterday afternoon whether the Government would during the recess appoint a commissioner to consider the advisability ef appointing New Zealand residents at Samoa and Tonga, Mr Hobbs explained that the question was one of more importance than appeared at first sightfl Prior to the appointment of the Governor in New Zealand, or before it-became a British colony, the British Government appointed what was then called a "British resident," Mi Bu&by, who resided at the Bay of Islands and watched over British interests. It appeared to him that the Government of New Zealand could do something without any fear of any complication with other Powers. Of one thing he was quite certain, and that was that it was of the greatest importance to the colony to strengthen the ties and bonds of union with not only these islands but also all the islands in the Pacific. England could not watch over our interests, and as a young nation it was our bounden duty to see that our trade and commerce was extended, and carefully watched over. The Premier, in reply, thanked the hon. member for bringing the question in this shape before the Government, and paid that it was just probable that the Home Go.v vernment would have to be consulted in the matter, by reason of understanding with the other Powers in regard to these Islands, but the question should have the attention of the Government during recess.