THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8299, 30 November 1906, Page 5

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

DEPUTATION TO MR DEAKIN. Received November 29, 9.50 a.m. MELBOURNE, Nov. 29. Mr Deakin.replied tu a deputation representing the Presbyterian Mission in the New Hebrides in a strain similar to that to the Australian Natives' Association. The principal suggestion made by the deputation was that representations should be made to the Imperial Government in favtanr of the Governor being appointed British Commissioner in the New' Hebrides. He cculd then appoint deputies whenever necessary. The deputation urged that the introducton of ticket-of-leave convicts and the recruiting of native labour for service outside the group should be prohibited. It was asKed that the Commonwealth's fiscal door be opened a little to allow the admission of maize from the group. The members of the deputation regarded the terms of the New Hebrides Convention as fair, though the balance of its advantages was on the side of France. Mr Deakin thought the suggestion about the Governor General was f worthy to be submitted to the British Governmment. With regard to the tickefc-oMeave convicts, he said that was also an important matter, and one the late Mr Soddoii' ahd he had not thought of. The Premier also read passages from the report of the High Commissioner in the Western l Paoiflo on the New Hebrides, in which, after paying a tribute ; to the work of missionaries, the commissioner said"These Presbyterian.missionaries have been en long established in the islands unoneoked by anything representing lay government; thai they may, to some extent, feel themselves the raling power- in the islands, and they are ibolined, more or less, to resent not merely authority, but even the existence of lay government. They especially resent the gradual growth of French influence, and; were it nut for the hope of oombatting this, some at least of them would, I believe, endeavour to ignore English government authority." Dr M'Donald (interrupting): "It was tfiM commissioner's fltat visit. He entirely failed to grasp the real position of affairs, which emphasises that the Governor-General should fill the post." . Mr Deakin: "So far from showing resentment, • the missionaries have sbown a - disposition to assist the Government Ih every, possible way. Our experience ha* been entirely opposite to tho curious qualifications which, on his slight, experience, Sir Everard 1m Thurn has thought necessary to insert in his report. Commaurler Doyley," added fUr Deakin, "had expressed his cordial acknowledgment of the work of the missionaries. Hie High Commiesioner had reflected aiso on the naval authorities, and he also dealt with t'he Australian-Governmeat."