The ANNEXATION QUESTION. [BY TELEGRAPH.-COPYRIGHT.] [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.]

Waikato Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1725, 26 July 1883, Page 2

The ANNEXATION QUESTION. [BY TELEGRAPH.-COPYRIGHT.] [REUTERS TELEGRAMS.]

Loxdox, July 23. The Statement of the Agents-General in support of the colonial scheme for the annexation of New Guinea and other islands in the Pacific has been forwarded to Earl Derby. It asserts that it ia necessary to render foreign annexation impossible. At present the state of the Pacific is intolerable, the Order in Council failing to protect the natives or traders, and being unable to contiol foreigners. Palliative remedies are usjbss. In the case of New Guinea it is impossible , that the Government should be asked to supply a statement showing to what extent England admits the claims of foreign Powers to territory in the Western Pacific. It [further states that it is doubtful if the New Hebrides has legally ceased to form part of New Zealand. If the New Hebrides is not annexed, some action should be taken to place the English and French subjects on the same footing. The colonists regard the prospect with the greatest fear, and are of opinion that it will lead to nearly one hundred thousand French convicts being let loose in the Pacific. It trusts that a definite as-uratice will be obtained from France that they have no intention to anne? these islands. It contends that the time has arrived when England should assert its supremacy in the Pacific, and having in view the completion of the Pau«ima Canal and the growing trade among the islands, an international convention would be suitable. In the case of New Guinea a pressing request is made to annex the southern part of the island to the colonies, and they willxontribute to the cost. Hurl Derby, has been informed that the reason the South Australian Government have not (signed the petition in favour of the annexation was that they thought^Eairif G^iii'ille's assurances would secure^ihe Ntvf Hebrides against French annexation. ;^:' ( r- ,\ continues to hold aloo^^^^^^^Hji&ibn being taken in Londoiu^twJ^^^^BCthe annexing the New KjbrMjej^sKSnmm telegrams have passecl between ~~Mr Service and Mr Bray, the Premier 'of South Australia, on the subject, but without result. Mr Bray alleges that an arrangement exists between England and France not to annex the Pacific Islands. " ' '

Owing to ' the inclemency of th« weather, Hay.and Sons' sale of fruit and ' forest trees, which was to have iaken place at Mr ! Knpx's auction mart 'on. Saturday next, has been postponed till Saturday, August 4thi. , In another column will be noticed La Don's. consultation on the Melbourne .Cup, The ' awards are all substantial. 'The drawing will b» conducted by an influential committee, and. we are reliably informed that already a large, number of shares has been taken up. ' ■ ' * A"la'x>y tells an amusing instance of the gallantry of < t John Q. Wliittier, the '/venerabJe Quaker ,j&oet. l( He came to call on Her one evenirig/and, r as the way back was a little crooked and steep, she made a v ;pretence ; of; ! having' a r letter to 'post, and went u'^ with J fiiinii ; (iJbri'gratulatihg herself J^pon>the : iud&ss of; her ,<ritse; she l?kHe him)go6d''night'and tamed away,-r wherfilhe'^Sillowedi'l 1 remarking, " Wait; rwillMJhfeffKdnVe^Bai^feeth'"