THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1885.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5022, 16 February 1885, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT P.M. Resurrexi. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1885.

Annexation seems to be the popular colonial cry of the day, but in many in* stances a species of indefiniteness appears to attach itseJf to it. To become a portion of New Zealand seems to be the ambition of Samba, and eren Fiji is half offered to this colony; bat, while we may be willing to accept all the advantages of such unions, it should be considered what responsibilities are incurred. We have from time to time pointed out the desirableness of New Zealand possessing a command over the Pacific Island trade, and have endeavored to show that the annexation—of course according to properly drawn up regulations— of various islands would be advantageous to it, not only from a commercial, but from a defensive point of view, still the matter must be looked at in a purely business light, in a matter of fact way, and be treated with no sentimentality. It would be a foolish policy on the part of any Government to blindly agree to adopt any addition made to its area of jurisdiction, without fully seeing the consequence of such adoption; and although we hare advocated, and would strongly urge that New Zealand should hare control over certain territory which may be of benefit to it, and as far as at present appears may be aided by its connection with it, it behoves our statesmen to ponder well and deeply ere they commit themselves to any unconditional bargain/There are many reasons why the Samoan petition for annexation and the Fijian suggestion re attachment should be made un fait accompli, but such consummations should be only under certain reservations ; and in the making of these the trouble lies. English efforts have—in the case of Fiji— not been over successful in the way of Government. The Crown colony system, which has answered so well where it haß been previously tried, has not apparently placed the group on a large lead to prosperity, and in the full appreciation of this fact, the British Government is apparently willing that Fiji should be attached to New Zealand. Having a regard for the necessary deference to home feelings, this colony should pause in the matter of Fiji—consider itself, and, if negotiations are entered into for affiliation;: secure such terms as are likely to avoid such unpleasant results as might possibly arise between the parent country and this. The Samoan case is somewhat different, and yet a difficulty arises in connection with it. A most unsatisfactory state of affairs has been apparent in that part of the world for a considerable time past. Tlfe King seems to hare been existing between two fires ; German interests have been conflicting with the Vast' majority of others and a preponderance of the Teutonic element has, as far as can be seen, somewhat deranged Maiietoa's administration, in fact interfered sfith it, to the extent that be bas become a fuitor.,fcr annexation to

this colony. In such a case—if the Homo Government arrange matters as it should do—the settlement of details will be of easy fixture, and no trouble need be anticipated. . Although no actual identity of interests exists in the way of commerce, the mutual benefits to he derired from a partnership must be palpable to even one of mean capacity. It is one of those things which may not occur during the present generation, but will, we feel confident, and unhesitatingly assert (irrespective of the fact that we need feel no fear of contradiction) that colonial federation and the formation of a Southern Empire will settle all such matters; but, in the meantime, it is as well that' that which is to be formed should be as nearly an possible from one —a British—foundation, and thnt this portion of the same foundation should have a " considerable say " in its basis.