THE NEW HEBRIDES. FRENCH INFLUENCE IN THE GROUP.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 409, 9 October 1889, Page 5

THE NEW HEBRIDES. FRENCH INFLUENCE IN THE GROUP.

Ri:ci:nt news received from New Caledonia &tntes that the official organ of the Government in Noumea, "LcColon,"has resolved to call England to account for an alleged "violation of the New Hebrides Treaty." In a rocont article dealing with Mr Romily'B appointment, it has let slip the "dogs of war " with a vengeance, and pays :—": — " England has deliberately infringed the treaty. The insult oflered to France is derogatory to the sovereignty of thenation, and requires not only a cessation of the wrong, but its reparation. France has exorcised extraordinary forbearance in the matter, and has preferred patiently to endure almost any insult rather than commit the sin of embarking in a war with England, but we submit it ie no longor creditable to France and her national character to be betrayed, humiliated, and insulted by a Power that has designedly broken an honourable engagement and violated the laws of neutrality. The time has arrived when our duty and our interest in the Pacific demands that wo should force England back, and again fight the world's battle of liberty against despotism." Those are ominous words, for it is known >that the "Colon" acts under orders, and it is not at all improbable the article is intended to give the rallying cry in the coming struggle. Already all now arrivals in Noumea are being closely watched, a strict; i inspection is made of all French vessels leaving there for the New Hebrides, to ccc that no strangers are conveyed there. Orders have been issued forbidding French vessels to take on board at Havannah Harbour passengers for any other islands except with the permission of the commander of the French man-of-war on the station. An official h»s been despatched to Havannah Harbour to watch the movements of persons who may land at that port from the Australian steamers calling there. The French warships Volta and Vir«, after being overhauled, will join the Soane on , ho New Hebridos station.

A Scotch minister, observing a man sleeping, cried out : " John, wake up ; take a pinch o' anutF," and John immediately fired back : "Minister, put the snuff in the sermon."