FRANCE AND THE NEW HEBRIDES. Negotiation fer Settling the Question.

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 148, 3 April 1886, Page 3

FRANCE AND THE NEW HEBRIDES. Negotiation fer Settling the Question.

London*, March 26. In the House oi Lords to-day, Earl Granville, Secretary of State for the Colonie3, announced that the question of the status of the New Hebrides Islands was now under discussion with the representatives of the Australian colonies, and suggestions were being made ito France on the subject, which might possibly prove agreeable to the colonies. Lord GranviUe regretted that at the present stage of the negotiations he was unable to explain more fully the action of Her ■Nfaiestv's Government.

J London, March 28. *■ The Agenta General will hold a conference to-morrow (Monday) in order to consider the suggestion for a compromise between England and France on the New Hebrides question, whereby England would take possession of the island of Kaiatea, France annexing the New Hebrides (^rourj, and giving a guarantee to abstain from import ing recidivistes to the islands.

Melbourne, March 29. "This mornings " Argus " in an article on tlie Pacific question states that the Governments of all the Australasion colonies condemn the proposals put forward by Lord Granville for a compromise on the subject. The writer adds that the Victorian Government in particular are using every effort to prevent French annexation to the New Hebrides. t _ „. „„

London, March 29. It is believed that France will agree not to send convicts even to New Caledonia after the lapse of seven years. The French Government offers to guatantee the protection of the missionaries in the New Hebridep, and will probably surrender Rapa and Kaiatea. N«w South Wale? and New Zealand are in farour of a compromise, but the federated colonies are opposed to snoh a course. Mr Murray-Smith has presented a protest on behalf of Victoria. Sir Phillip Cunliffe Owen is extending the colonies a helping hand in the establishment of Colonial markets. The Agents-General will be allowed free admission to debates in House of Lords.

Sydney, March 30 &. .CIRCUI.AR has been issued to the Gpvernmenfc? of the various Australian colonies by the Premier, Sir Patrick Jennings, stating that the Government of New South Waleß are not disposed to take any action in opnosition to the negotiations now going on io "regard to the Hew Hebrides question, provided that France gives the necessary guarantees not to deport recidiviaites to the Pacific Islands.