THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1512, 29 May 1886, Page 3

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

The committee of the Christchurch Presbytery have drafted a series of resolutions in reply to the Premier’s letter re the New Hebrides. They submit that the Presbyterian Church has never a?lowed self interest to stand in the way of any real public good, as is shown by their attitude with regard to national education ; they fail to recognise that France has any claim to annex tho New Hebrides, and do not believe such annexation would be a public good, but are convinced the annexation would jeopardise the missionaries’ work, and believe the natives themselves would not be willing to trust their future destinies to France. The cessation of the deportation of criminals to the Southern Seas being made a reason for the cession to France of these islands, they believe the time is not far distant whon no European nation will be allowed to cause a moral nuisance at the door of the Australasian colonies. But white not wishing to furnish a causus belli, they consider that a firm diplomatic front is more liicely to maintain peace than any temporary policy. As to the ownership of the Pacific Islands, the committee desire to thank Mr Stout for his courtesy and consideration ; but hopes Government will unite with tho groat majority of the Australasian people in protesting against the annexation of the New Hebrides by France, and also against the deportation of recidivisites to any island or islands in the Pacific.—At a special meeting of the Presbyterian Synod at Dunedin reselutions were passed protesting against the annexation of the Islands by France, and similar resolutions were passed at a meeting of citizens at Invercargill.