THE NEW HEBRIDES

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 81897, 30 November 1906, Page 2

THE NEW HEBRIDES

LATEST j CABLE NEWS UUITBU PBIiSS ASSOCIATION —ilV ELKCTiiIC I£k£QJtAf J.—I'OI'YBIOJIT.

REPRESENTATIONS F R 0 M PKESBr IEKIAA MISSION. FEDERAL PREMIER'S REPLY. HIGH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT OUESiIONED. Melbourne, November 29. Mr Deakin replied to tne depuiatiou in a stiain »imi.ar to thai of hit. reply to t.ie Australian Native*' Association, he thought the suggestion about the woithy to be submitted to the British Government, hi regard to tickei-of-leave convicts, that also was an important matter, and one that he awl the late Mr Seddou had not though' I of.

Mr Deakin read the passages from the llign Commissioner of tne Western Pacific report on the New Hebrides, in whi hj, after paying a tribute to the work of the missionaries, th: Commissioner said: "These Presbyterian missionaries have been so long established ou the islands, unchecked by anything representing lay government that they may to some extent feel themselves the ruling power in the islands, and they art inclined to more or less resent, no. merely authority, but even the existence of lay government. They especially resent the gradual growth 1 F'i'ench influence.) 'and were it no! i"c- the hope of combatting this sonw at least of them would, 1 believe endeavor to ignore the English Government's authority." Dr. McDonald (interrupting) : It was the Commissioner's sde visit. He entirely failed to grasp the rea position of affairs, which emphasises the fact that the Governor-Genera should fill the post. Mr Deakin: So far from showing resentment the missionaries have shown a disposition to assisj, the Government in every possible way.. Oui experience has been entirely opposite io the curious Qualifications which ou nis slight experience Sir E. Im Thurn though necessary to insert in his report. Commander Doyly has co'dially acknowledged the work of ihe missionaries. The High Commissioner ba* reflected also on naval authority and also dealt with the Australian Government.