ANNEXATION CONFERENCE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1182, 4 December 1883, Page 1

ANNEXATION CONFERENCE.

Syndey, Nov. 30 The following information has transpired regarding the series of resolutions tabled by Mr Service at the Conference : —First, that it is necessary to prevent New Guinea and the islands from the equator to the New Hebrides from falling into the hands of a foreign power. Second, that to preclude such a disaster it is desirable. to urge the Imperial Government to annex or establish a protectorate over tho&e islands. Third, that the colonies are willing to bear a reasonable proportion of such annexation or protection. Fourth, that the colonies protest against proposal of the {French GovernmerJt' 'with regard to recidivistes, and «ppeul to tKe"tm penal GoVeVnment to prevent such a dire calamity as is threatened. Fifth, that in view of the foregoing and many other important

matters, the time has arrived for binding the colonieß in a federal union on such matters as the Convention may determine.

It is understood that there is a divergence of views among the delegates on the question of annexation, some being in favor of limited action only. Mr Griffith, Premier of Queensland, has tabled a series of resolutions similar to those of Mr Service, but limiting annexation to New Guinea, and urging the immediate establishment of British jurisdiction there. Mr Dalley, Attorney-General of New [ South Wales, proposed an amendment on Mr Griffith's motion. The amendment is similar to the first and second clauses of but omits others. Mr Whltak&mi^ttov^ty? alvocated that the Conference Bhould define the relations of the Navigator and Friendly Islands towards Australia. Later. It has transpired that at this morning's sitting of the Conference Mr Stuart detailed at lengh the terms of the understanding which exists between England and France regarding the New Hebrides. Mr Stuait further notified that MrDallay, Attorney-General of New South Wales, was preparing a scheme for the reduction of the charges of telegrams between Australia and Europe, which would be submitted to the Conference. Mr Service prepared a memorial on the subject of federation, which had been drawn up by European residents in Fiji. Mr Dibbs, Colonial Trersurer of New < South Wales, has given notice of motion in favor of the adoption of a Federal quarantine at Albany (West Australia), Thursday Island.(Queensland), and Auckland (New Zealand. A meeting of ft sub-Committee of Premiers was held this afternoon, Tt is understood that an agreement was arrived at on the subject of annexation, which is considered satisfactory by Mr Service, the mover of the first series of resolutions. , Dec. 1 The report of the sub-Committee of Premiers covering a series of resolutions on the subject of annexation was laid before the Conference this morning, but the discussion of tne report was deferred until Monday. £he Conference to-day have been discussing the question of the constitution af a Federal Council.