GREAT BRITAIN AND THE ANNEXATION GUESTION. [BY TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT.] [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] Melbourne, September 15.

Waikato Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1748, 18 September 1883, Page 3

GREAT BRITAIN AND THE ANNEXATION GUESTION. [BY TELEGRAPH— COPYRIGHT.] [REUTERS TELEGRAMS.] Melbourne, September 15.

Tjie Agent General in London telegraphs to' Mr Service that the Colonial Office has implied to the joint letter of the colonial Agents-Genei al on the subject ot the proposed' annexation in the Pacific. The reply is deemed unsatisfactory. Lord Derby admits the care and ability displayed in the preparation of the historical statement, which has been referred to the consideration of Sir Arthur Gordon and the Admiralty. Lord Derby doubts whether so much ignorance prevails in Australia regarding the claims of foreign Powers as tho Agents-General apprehend. Samoa and Tonga have been long recognised as independent, and moreover, Fr.incp since * 18,78 has respected the independence of tbjsrjJTew Hebi ides, though the position ot thcrlatter in relation to foreign Powers cariftot be ignored, Refening to the Rolqjmon Islands, Lord Derby expresses tliQj opinion that the colonial Governments had hardly considend the lesponsibility attaching to their assumption- of the administration of these islands. The Imperial Government aie not satisfied that annexation is necessary and justifiable. His Lordship says that he has nothing to add i oncoming New Guinea, and concludes by stating that if fie colonial Governments desire to bear the cost of the measures proposed in the Agents-General memorandum, and will confer and make a proposal concerning other islands not subject to treaty obligations, such proposal will receive the attention of the Government.

At a school-examination recently the inspector put the following question :— "Oh what side of a jug is the handle placed ?" The boy standing " dux " said it was on the light side; but, on being asked to piovc it, it was found that he could not. The second boy thought it waB on the left side, but he likewise could not prove it. The inspector passed round the class without getting another answer until he came to a bright little G fellow at the foot, who exclaimed, |f' Why, it's on the outside." He got the certificate.