AUSTRALASIAN FEDERAL COUNCIL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1465, 9 February 1886, Page 1

AUSTRALASIAN FEDERAL COUNCIL.

Hobart, Feb, 6.

In the Federal Council to-day an address was adopted for presentation to the Queen, stating that the Council heard with alarm that arrangements had been completed between France and Germany for the disposal of the New Hebrides, a matter in which the deep interest of Her Majesty’s subjects in Australia was concerned. The, Council could fully rely on the assurance contained in l ord Derby’s despatch o( April Ist, 1885, but considered nevertheless that it was a matter of urgent necessity that the provisional arrange ment of 1878, whereby England and Franco mutually understood they were not to occupy the islands in question should give place to a definite arrangement, recognising their independence. It was then resolved that the next session of the Council should be held at Hobart. A Standing Committee was appointed to act during the recess, to consist of the senior represen tatives at the Council of Queinsland, Victoria, and Tasmania, The quesiion of the influx of French criminals into the Pacific was referred to this Committee, The President of the Council, Mr Service, made a valedictory speech, in which he stated he was satisfied that the work done would prove valuable,

The Council was to a certain extent m* complete, in consequence of the absence of representatives from New South Wales, South Australia, and New Zealand. He urged the Standing Committee to use every endeavor to induce them to join, Mr Griffiths moved that the thanks of the Council are due to Mr Service for the able in which be presided over its deliberations. The Council will be formally adjourned today.