NEW HEBRIDES (DRAFT CONVENTION RESPECTING THE), SIGNED IN LONDON, 27th FEBRUARY, 1906.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1906 Session II, A-05

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Session 11. 1906. NEW ZEALAND.

NEW HEBRIDES (DRAFT CONVENTION RESPECTING THE), SIGNED IN LONDON, 27th FEBRUARY, 1906.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

PuOTOCOLB. Les Soussignes, Marcel Saint-Germain, Secateur, President dv Conseil d'Administration de I'Office Colonial au Ministere dcs Colonies, Officier de I'lnstruction Publique, Titulaire de la Medaille Coloniale; Edouard Picanon, Inspecteur General de Premiere Classe dcs Colonies, Gouverneur de la Guyane Fraricaise, Officier de la Legion d'Honneur, Officier de I'lnstruction Publique; Eldon Gorst, SousSecretaire d'Etat Adjoint dcs Affaires Etrangeres, Chevalier Commandeur dv Tres-Honor-able Ordre dv Bain; Hugh Bertram Cox, SousSecretaire d'Etat Adjoint dcs Colonies, Compagnon dv Tres-Honorable Ordre dv Bain, delegues respectivement par le Gouvernement de la Republique Francaise et par le Gouvernement de Sa Majeste Britannique a l'efiet de preparer, en execution de la Declaration dv 8 Avril 1904, concernant les Nouvelles-Hebrides, un arrangement gui mette fin aux difficultes resultant de P absence de juridiction sur les indigenes dcs Nouvelles-Hebrides et permette de regler les differends fonciers de leurs ressortissants respectifs dans les dites lies, sont convenus dcs" dispositions suivantes, qu'ils out resolu de soumettre a l'agrement de leurs Gouvernements respectifs ; —-

Peotoool. The undersigned, Eldon Gorst, Assistant Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath; Hugh Bertram Cox, Assistant Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath; Marcel Saint-Germain, Senator, President of the Council of Administration of the Colonial Office at the Ministry of the Colonies, Officer of the Order of Public Instruction, Holder' of the Colonial Medal; Edouard Picanon, Inspector-General of the Colonies of the First Class, Governor of French Guiana, Officer of the Legion of Honour, Officer of the Order of Public Instruction, delegated respectively by the Government of His Britannic Majesty and by the Government of the French Republic, in order to draw up, in conformity with the declaration of the Bth April, 1904, concerning the New Hebrides, an arrangement which shall put an end to the difficulties arising from the absence of jurisdiction over the Natives of the New Hebrides and settle the disputes of their respective nationals in the said islands with regard to landed property, have agreed to the following provisions, which they have resolved to submit for the approval of their respective Governments : —

Peeambule. Le Gouvernement de la Republique Francaise et le Gouvernement de Sa Majeste Britannique, desirant modifier, en co gui concerne les Nou-velles-Hebrides, la Convention dv 16 Novembre 1887, relative aux Nouvelles-Hebrides et aux lies Sous le Vent de Tahiti, en vue l'exercice de leurs droits de souverainete aux Nouvelles - Hebrides et d'y renforcer pour l'avenir la protection dcs personnes et dcs b.iens, spnt convenus dcs Articles suivants :—

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Preamble. The Government of His Britannic Majesty and the Government of the French Republic, being desirous of modifying, as far as the New Hebrides are concerned, the Convention of the 16th November, 1887, respecting the New Hebrides and the islands leeward of Tahiti, in order to secure the exercise of their paramount rights in the New Hebrides and to assure for the future the better protection of life and property in the Group, have agreed on the following articles ; —-

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Dispositions Generales. Article I. — Regime commun. (1.) L'Archipcl dcs Nouvelles-Hebrides, y compris les lies de Banks et les lies de Torres, formera un territoire d'influence commune, sur lequel les sujets et citoyens dcs deux Puissances Signataires jouiront de droits egaux de residence, de protection personnelle et de commerce, chacune dcs deux Puissances demeurant souveraine a l'egard de ses uationaux, et ni I'une ni I'autre n'exero.ant uue autorite separee sur l'Arohipel. (2.) Les ressortissants dcs tierces Puissances jouiront dcs memes droits et seront soumis aux memes obligations que les citoyens Franpais et les sujets Britanniques. Us auront a opter dang un delai de six mois pour le regime applicable aux ressortissants de l'une ou de I'autre Puissance. A defaut d'option de leur part, les Hauts Commissaires dont il est parle a I'Article II ci-apres ou leurs Delegues determiner out d'office le regime sous lequel ils devront etre places. (3.) Pour tout cc gui ne sera pas contraire aux dispositions de la preseute Convention ou dcs reglements gui seront pris pour en assurer l'execution, les ressortissants dcs deux Puissances Signataires, ainsi que les ressortissants dcs tierces Puissances, conserveront dans toute sa plenitude leur statut personnel et reel dans PArchipel dcs Nouvelles-Hebrides. (4.) Les deux Puissances Signataires s'engageut mutuellement a ne pas clever de fortifications dans I'Archipel et a ne pas y etablir d'etablissements de deportation ou de transportation. Article ll. — Autorites locales: Police. (1.) Deux Hauts Commissaires, nommes, l'un par le Gouvcrnement de la Republique Francaise, I'autre par le Gouverneinent de Sa Majeste Britannique, representeront dans I'Archipel les Puissances Signataires. (2.) Chacun dcs Hauts Commissaires sera assiste dun Commissaire-Resident, auquel il deleguera, dans la mesure qu'il jugera utile, son autorite et gui le representera dans l'Arcliipel lorsqu'il ny residera pas. (3.) Les Hauts Commissaires ou leurs Delegues disposeront dun corps de police ayant un efiectif suffisant pour assurer dune maiiiere efficace la protection dcs personnes et dcs biens. (4.) Le corps de police sera divise en deux sections ayant l'une et I'autre un efiectif egal. Chacune dcs deux sections sera respectivement placee sous les ordres de l'un dcs deux Coni-missaires-Residents, gui ue pourra en aucun cas en disposer contrairement aux regies tracees par la presente Convention. (5.) Lorsqu'il sera necessaire de faire emploi, partiel ou total, dcs deux sections dv corps, clans les conditions prevues par la presente Convention ou par les reglements destines a en assurer l'execution, les Hauts Commissaires ou leurs Delegates en exerceront coiijointement la direction. Article lll. — Chef-lieu. (1.) Le siege dans I'Archipel de l'un et de I'autre Gouvernement et dv Tribunal Mixte prevu a I'Article X de la presente Convention sera etabli a Port-Vila, dans Pile de Vate.

General Provisions. Article I. — Status. (1.) The Group of the New Hebrides, including the Banks and Torres Islands, shall form a region of joint influence, in which the subjects and citizens of the two Signatory Powers shall enjoy equal rights of residence, personal protection, and trade, each of the two Powers retaining jurisdiction over its subjects or citizens, and neither exercising a separate control over the Group. (2.) The subjects or citizens of other Powers shall enjoy the same rights and shall be subject to the same obligations as British subjects or French citizens. They must choose within six months between the legal systems of one of the two Powers. Failing such choice, the High Commissioners mentioned in Article II or their delegates shall decide under which system they shall be placed. (3.) In all matters not contrary to the provisions of the present Convention or the regulations made thereunder, the subjects and citizens of the two Signatory Powers and the subjects and citizens of other Powers shall, within the New Hebrides, remain subject to the fullest extent to the laws of their respective countries. (4.) The two Signatory Powers undertake not to erect fortifications in the Group and not to establish penal settlements of any kind. Article ll. — Local Authorities: Police. (1.) The Signatory Powers shall be represented in the Group by two High Commissioners, one appointed by His Britannic Majesty's Government, the other by the Government of Liie French Republic. (2.) The High Commissioners shall each be assisted by a Resident Commissioner, to whom they shall delegate their respective powers, in so far as they consider it expedient, and who shall represent them in the Group when they do not reside there. (3.) The High Commissioners or their delegates shall be provided with a Police Force of sufficient strength to guarantee effectively the protection of life and property. (4.) The Force shall be divided into two divisions, of equal strength. Each of these two divisions shall be under the orders of one of the two Resident Commissioners, and shall in no case be employed otherwise than in conformity with the principles laid down by the present Convention. (5.) When it is necessary to employ some or all of both divisions of the Force in conformity with the present Convention or of the regulations framed for its execution, the Force shall be under the joint direction of the High Commissioners or their delegates. Article lll. — Seat of Government. (1.) The headquarters of each Government in the Group and the Joint Court provided for in Article X shall be at Vila, in the Island of Efate.

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(2.) Les deux Puissances Signataires s'engagent a pourvoir chacune dune residence leurs Representants respectifs et a faire construire conjointeinent les immeubles necessaires au logement dcs membres dv Tribunal Mixte, au fonotionnement de cc Tribunal et a celui dcs services communs. (3.) Les terrains necessaires a I'edification dcs dits batiments seront acquis conjointement, soit a I'amiable, soit, s'il est necessaire, par voie d'expropriation. Article IV. — Services communs. (1.) Seront considered comme "services communs " les services de la police, dcs postes et telegraphes, dcs travaux d'interet general, dcs ports et rades, dv balisage et dcs feux, de la police sanitaire, et le service financier. (2.) Cos services seront organises et diriges conjointement par les Hauts Commissaires et par leurs Delegues. (3.) II sera einis pour les Nouvelles-Hebrides, dans les conditions prevues par les Conventions Internationales relatives aux postes, une serie speciale de figurines postales. (4.) Auront cours legal dans I'Archipel les monnaies Francaise et Anglaise, ainsi que les billets dcs banques autorisees par I'une ou par l'autre Puissance. Article V. — Dispositions financieres. (1.) Chacune dcs deux Puissances Signataires pourvoira aux depenses de son administration propre dans I'Archipel. (2.) Les depenses dv Tribunal Mixte et dcs services coimnuns seront acquittees au moyeu dv produit dcs taxes locales gui seront etablies par les Hauts Commissaires agissant conjointement, dv produit dcs amendes, dv produit dcs postes, et de toutes autres recettes dun caraetere commun. En cas d'insuffisance de cos produits, les deux Puissances Signataires supporteront chacune par moitie le deficit. Article VI. — Commission Navale Mixte. (1.) La Commission Navale Mixte prevue par I'Article II de la Convention dv 16 Novembre 1887, sera chargee de cooperer au maintien de l'ordre dans I'Archipel. (2.) Hors les cas d'urgenco, son action ne s'exercera que sur requisition concertee dcs deux Hauts Commissaires ou de leurs Delegues. (3.) Les dispositions de la Convention dv 16 Novembre 1887, ainsi que celles de la Declaration signee a Paris le 26 Janvier 1888 entre le Gouvernement Francais et le Gouvernement Britannique, continueront a etre observees, pour tout cc gui ne sera pas contraire a la presente Convention. II en sera de meme dv Reglement adopte le 26 Janvier 1888 par les deux Gouvernements pour servir d'instructions a la Commission Navale Mixte. (4.) La Commission Navale Mixte adressera copie de ses rapports sur ses operations a chacun dcs deux Hauts Commissaires et a chacun dcs deux Commissaires-Residents.

(2.) The two Signatory Powers undertake respectively to provide their Representatives with houses, and shall jointly erect quarters for the members of the Joint Court, together with a Courthouse, and offices for the public services to be undertaken in common. (3.) The land required for these buildings shall be acquired by the two Powers jointly either by agreement or, if necessary, compulsorily. Article IV. — Public Services undertaken in Common. (1.) The following public services shall be undertaken in common : Police, posts and telegraphs, public works, ports and harbours, buoys and lighthouses, public health, finance. (2.) These public services shall be organized and directed by the High Commissioners and their delegates jointly. (3.) .Special postage-stamps shall be issued for the New Hebrides, in conformity with the International Postal Convention. (4.) English and French money and banknotes authorised by either Power shall be legal tender in the Group. Article V. — Financial Provisions. (1.) Each of the two Signatory Powers shall defray the expenses of its own administration in the Group. (2.) The expenses of the Joint Court and of the public services undertaken in common shall be defrayed out of local taxes, to be imposed by the High Commissioners jointly, the receipts from fines and from the postal service, and all other revenue of a joint character. In the event of the revenue from the above proving insufficient, the two Signatory Powers shall each pay one-half of the deficit. Article VI. — Joint Naval Commission. (1.) It shall be the duty of the Joint Naval Commission, established by Article II of the Convention of the 16th November, 1887, to cooperate in maintaining order in the Group. (2.) Except in case of urgency, it shall only act on the joint request of the two High Commissioners or their delegates. (3.) The Convention of the lGth November, 1887, the declaration signed in Paris on the 26th January, 1888, between the British and French Governments, and the regulations adopted on the same daj r by the two Governments as instructions for the Joint Naval Commission, shall remain in force, except where contrary to the present Convention. (4.) The Joint Naval Commission shall send copies of the reports on its operations to each of the two High Commissioners and to each of the two Resident Commissioners.

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Article VII. — Legislation: Reglements. Les Hauts Commissaires auront le pouvoir d'edicter conjointement, pour le maintien do l'ordre et la bonne administration, ainsi que pour les mesures d'execution necessities par la presente Convention, dcs r&glementa locaux applicables a tousles habitants de l'Archipel, et de sanctionner ces reglements par dcs penalites n'excedant pas un mois de privation de liberte et 500 francs d'amende. Article Vlll. — Administration dcs Indigenes. (1.) Par le mot " indigene," on en tend dans la presente Convention toute personne de race Oceanienne ne ressortissant pas, d'apres son statut personnel, soit comme citoyen, soit coinme sujet ou protege, de l'une dcs deux Puissances Signataires. (2.) Aucun indigene, dans le sens ainsi defini, ne pourra acquerir dans l'Archipel la qualite de ressortissant de l'une dcs deux Puissances Signataires. (3.) Les Hauts Commissaires et leurs Delegues auront autorite sur les Chefs dcs tribus indigenes. Us auront, en cc gui concerne ces tribus, le pouvoir d'edicter dcs reglements d'administration et de police et d'en assurer l'execution. (4.) Us devront respecter les moeurs et les coutumes dcs indigenes, pour tout cc gui ne sera pas contraire au maintien de l'ordre et a l'humanite. Article IX. — Etat civil dcs Indigenes. (1.) Les persoimes designees par les Hauts Commissaires ou par leurs Delegues pour recevoir les declarations de naissance, de mariago ou de deces, chacun en cc gui concerne leurs propres ressortissants, recevront et inscrirout s.ur leurs registres toutes declarations de meme nature que voudront leur faire les indigenes en vue de se constituter un etat civil. (2.) Les actes ainsi dresses seront centralises sur dcs registres tenus au Greffe dv Tribunal Mixte. Tbibunal Mixte. Article X. — Composition. (1.) II sera etabli un Tribunal Mixte, compose de trois Juges, dont un President. Un quatrieme Magistrat representera le Ministere Public, et procedera a tousles actes d'instruction. Le Tribunal sera assiste dun Greffier et dv personnel auxiliaire necessaire. (2.) Chacun dcs deux Gouvernements nommera un Juge. II sera demande a Sa Majeste le Roi d'Espagnc de designer le troisieme, gui sera le President dv Tribunal. II en sera de meme pour le Magistrat charge de representer le Ministere Public. Ces deux Magistrate ne devront etre ni citoyens Franeais ni sujets Britanniques. Le Greffier et le personnel auxiliaire seront nommes par le President. (3.) Si l'un dcs Gouvernements croit avoir un sujet de plainte a l'egard dv President dv Tribunal Mixte, ou dv Magistrat charge de representer le Ministere Public, il en avisera l'autre Gouvernement. Si les deux Gouvernements sont d'accord, ils prieront Sa Majeste le Roi d'Espagne de designer un autre titulaire de la fonction.

Article VII. — Legislation: Regulations, The High Commissioners shall have power to issue jointly, for the peace, order, and good government of the Group, as well as for the execution of the measures resulting from the present Convention, local regulations binding on all the inhabitants of the Group, and to enforce such regulations by penalties not exceeding one month's imprisonment or a fine of £20. Article Vlll. — Native Administration. (1.) In the present Convention " Native " means any person of the aboriginal races of the Pacific who is not a citizen or subject or under the protection of either of the two Signatory Powers. (2.) No Native, as defined above, shall acquire in the Group the status of subject or citizen or be under the protection of either of the two Signatory Powers. (3.) The High Commissioners and their delegates shall have authority over the Native Chiefs. .They shall have power to make administrative and police regulations binding on the tribes, and to provide for their enforcement. (4.) They shall respect the manners and customs of the Natives, where not contrary to the maintenance of order and the dictates of humanity. Article IX. — Civil Status of the Natives. (1.) The persons appointed by the High Commissioners or their delegates to receive declarations of births, deaths, and marriages for the subjects or citizens of their respective countries shall receive and enter on their registers all declarations of the same character which Natives may wish to make for the purpose of acquiring civil status. (2.) Entries so made shall be kept in a general register at the Registry of the Joint Court. Joint Coubt. Article X. — Composition. (1.) A. Joint Court shall be established, consisting of three Judges, of whom one shall be President. A fourth officer shall act as Public Prosecutor, and shall have charge of the preliminary inquiries. The Court shall be provided with a Registrar and the requisite staff. (2.) Each of the two Governments shall appoint one Judge. His Majesty the King of Spain shall be invited to appoint the third, who shall be President of the Court. The officer who acts as Public Prosecutor shall be appointed in the same manner. Neither of these two officers shall be a British subject or a French citizen. The Registrar and the staff shall be appointed by the President. (3.) If either of the two Governments considers that it has a cause of complaint against the President of the Joint Court, or the officer acting as Public Prosecutor, it shall inform the other Government. If both Governments agree, they shall request His Majesty the King of Spain to appoint another person to fill the post.

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En cas de disaccord, Sa Majeste le Roi d'Espagne appreciera s'il y a lieu de dormer suite a la plainte et de maintenir ou de reinplacer le Magistrat defere. (4.) Les dispositions relatives aux traitements, aux passages, aux conges, aux remplacoments par interim, et, dune maniere generate, a toute cc gui concerne le fonctionnement clv Tribunal Mixte, seront reglees dun commun accord par les deux Gouvernements. Article XI. — Assesseurs. (1.) Lorsque le Tribunal Mixte jugera en matiere criminelle, il s'adjoindra quatre Assesseurs pris parmi les habitants notables nonindigenes de l'Archipel. (2.) Les Assesseurs seront designes par le sort sur une liste etablie de concert par les Hauts Commissaires ou par leurs Delegues au commencement de chaque annee. (3.) Les Assesseurs auront voix deliberative pour I'appreciation de la culpabilite et voix consultative seulement pour I'application de la peine. (4.) Le representant dv Ministere Public et le defenseur pourront recuser les Assesseurs jusqua'a concurrence de deux chacun. Article Xll. — Competence. Le Tribunal Mixte aura competence : — (1.) En matiere civile et commerciale : (A.) Pour tousles litiges immobiliers dans l'Archipel; (B.) Pour les litiges de toute nature entre indigenes et non-indigenes. (2.) En matiere correctionnelle ou criminelle : Pour tout delit ou crime commis par dcs indigenes a l'egard dcs non-indigenes. (3.) Dune maniere generate : Pour les infractions speciales prevues par la presente Convention ou par les reglements destines a en assurer l'execution. Article Xlll. — Lois applicables. La loi applicable sera : — (1.) En matiere civile et commerciale : (A.) Pour les litiges immobiliers, les regies speciales tracees par la presente Convention; (B.) Pour les autres litiges, la loi applicable a la partie non-indigene, d'apres son statut personnel ou le statut resultant dv regime sous lequel elle aura etc placee. (2.) En matiere correctionnelle ou criminelle : La loi applicable au non-indigene victime dv delit ou dv crime. (3.) En matiere d'infractions : Les regies speciales tracees par la presente Convention, ou par les reglements destines a en assurer l'execution. Article XlV. — Procedure. (1.) La procedure suivie devant le Tribunal Mixte aura pour bases les regies ci-apres : — (A.) En matiere civile et commerciale, celles de la procedure suivie : En France, devant les justices de paix; en Angleterre, devant les tribunaux de comte; (B.) En matiere correctionnelle, celles dv mode d'instruction et de jugement en usage: En France, devant les tribunaux de simple police; en Angleterre, devant les tribunaux de justice sommaire;

If they disagree, His Majesty the King of Spain shall determine whether the complaint is justified, and whether the officer complained of shall be retained or superseded. (4.) The arrangements as to salaries, travelling - allowances, leave, acting appointments, and, in general, all matters relating to the working of the Joint Court, shall be settled by common agreement between the two Governments. Article XI. — Assessors. (1.) In the trial of criminal cases, the Joint Court shall be assisted by four Assessors, taken from the leading non-Native inhabitants of the Group. (2.) The Assessors shall be chosen by lot from a list drawn up jointly by the High Commissioners or their delegates at the beginning of each year. (3.) The Assessors shall have a vote in deciding the question of the guilt of the accused, but a consultative voice only in deciding the sentence. (4.) The prosecutor and the defendant may each challenge two of the Assessors. Article XII. — Jurisdiction. The Joint Court shall have jurisdiction : — (1.) In civil (including commercial) cases: (A.) Over all suits respecting land in the Group; (B.) Over suits of every kind between Natives and non-Natives. (2.) In police and criminal cases : Over every offence or crime committed by Natives against non-Natives. (3.) Generally : Over the particular offences constituted by the present Convention or the regulations framed for the purpose of carrying it out. Article XIII. — Law applicable. The law applied shall be :— (1.) In civil (including commercial) cases: (A.) For land disputes, the principles laid down by the present Convention; (B.) For other disputes, the law of the country to which the non-Native party belongs or the legal system made applicable to him. (2.) In police and criminal cases : The law applicable to the non-Native party injured. (3.) In the case of other offences : The principles laid down by the present Convention, or by the regulations framed for the purpose of carrying it out. Article XlV. — Procedure. (1.) The procedure before the Joint Court shall be based on the following : — (A.) In civil (including commercial) cases, the procedure followed : In England, in County Courts; in France, before " justices de paix"; (B.) In police cases, the procedure employed : In England, in Courts of summary jurisdiotion; in France, in Police Courts;

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(C.) En mature criminelle, celles dv mode d'instruction et de jugement en usage: En France, devant les tribunaux correctionnels; en Angleterre, devant les tribunaux de "quarter sessions." (2.) Le Tribunal Mixte determinera lui-meme, et fixera par un texte gui sera public dans l'Archipel, les modifications a apporter a ces regies tant en raison dcs necessites locales et dcs differences existant entre les deux Legislations, qu'en raison dcs dispositions de la presente Convention. Article XV. — Caractere cUfmitif dcs Jugements. Les jugements dv Tribunal Mixte seront definitifs. Article XVl. — Frais et Tlonoraires. (1.) Le Tribunal fixera lo tarif dcs frais do toute nature se rapportant aux affaires dont il connaitra, ainsi qua l'inmiatriculation dcs proprietes immobilieres. (2.) II taxera ces frais, ainsi que les honoraires dcs defenseurs. Article XVII. — BSfens&urs. (1.) Toute partie pourra etre assistee dun defenseur devant le Tribunal Mixte. (2.) Sauf I'exception prevue an § 3 ci-apres, tout defenseur devra avoir etc au prealable agree par le Tribunal. Le Tribunal aura la faculte de- suspendre ou de retirer le droit de plaider. (3.) Les Hauts Commissaires ou leurs Delegues designeront conjointement un defenseur d'ofnce pour assister et representer devant le Tribunal Mixte tout indigene gui aura a ester en justice ou gui sera inculpe dans une affaire corroctionnelle on criminelle. Les honoraires de cc defenseur d'office, taxes conformement a I'Article XVI ci-dessus, seront imputes au budget commun. (4.) L'indigene pourra, en outre, se faire assister, s'il le desire, par un autre defenseur a son choix. Article XVlll. — Langues offidell.es. Les langues officiellement usitees devant le Tribunal Mixte seront la langue Francaise et la languc Anglaise. Les debats seront interprets, et la redaction dcs jugements devra etre faite dans les deux langues lorsque le proces aura lieu entre ressortissants Francais et Anglais. Les registres dv Greffe devront etre tenus dans les deux langues. Article XlX. — Execution dcs Jugements dv Tribunal Mixte. (1.) L'execution dcs jugements sera suivie, et il y sera procede : (A.) En matiere de litiges immobiliers, par les Hauts Commissaires ou leurs Delegues agissant conjointement; (B.) En matiere civile et commerciale, a. I'exception dcs litiges immobiliers, en matiere correctionnelle ou criminelle, et en matiere d'infractions, par le Haut Commissaire ou le Commissaire-Resident de la Puissance dont releve la partie non-indigene ou la victime dv crime ou dv delit; (C.) matiere d'infractions commises par dcs indigenes, soit par les Commissaires-Resi-dents agissant conjointement, soit par les personnes qu'ils auront conjointement designees a cet effet. ■ (2.) L'autorite chargee de l'execution de la peine en matiere criminelle ou correctionnelle pourra en accorder reduction ou remise totale.

(C.) In criminal cases, the procedure employed : In England, in Courts of Quarter Sessions; in France, in Correctional Courts. (2.) The Joint Court shall determine and publish in the Group the modifications in the rules of procedure which may be necessitated by local circumstances, by the differences between the two systems of law, and by the provisions of the present Convention. Article XV. — Finality of Judgments. The judgments of the Joint Court shall be final. Article XVI. — Fees and Costs. (1.) The Court shall prescribe a table of fees to be taken in cases with which it deals, and for the registration of titles to land. (2.) It shall determine the amount to be paid in respect of these fees and in respect of counsel's fees. . Article XVI/.—Counsel. (1.) A party may appear before the Joint Court by counsel. (2.) With the exception specified in section 3 hereafter, every counsel must be first approved by the Court. The Court shall be empowered to suspend or withdraw the right of pleading. (3.) The High Commissioners or their delegates shall jointly appoint an official advocate to assist and represent before the Joint Court any Native engaged in any suit or charged in a police or criminal case. The fees of the official advocate, pavable as prescribed by Article XVI above, shall be included in the joint Budget. (4.) A Native may, however, if he so desires, be assisted by any other advocate whom he may select. Article XV111 .—Official Languages. Either the English or French language may be employed in proceedings before the Joint Court. In a suit between British subjects and French citizens, the proceedings shall be interpreted and the judgments shall be drawn up in both languages. The registers of the Court shall be kept in both languages. Article XIX. — Execution of the Judgments of the Joint Court. (1.) The execution of judgments shall be provided for : .(A.) In the case of land disputes, by the High Commissioners or their delegates acting in concert; (B ; ) In civil cases, other than land disputes, and in police or criminal cases, or breach of regulations, by the High Commissioner or the Resident Commissioner of the country to which the non-Native party or the injured person belongs; (C.) In the case of other offences committed by Natives, either by the Resident Commissioners acting jointly or by officers jointly appointed for this purpose. (2.) The authority charged with the execution of the penalty in a criminal or police case may reduce or remit such penalty.

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Article XX. — Juridictions nationales. (1.) Lcs deux Gouvernements s'engagent a instituer ohaoun dans l'Arcliipol, dans dcs conditions respectivemeut conformes a l'organisation judioiaire generale de oliacun dcs deux pays, vii Tribunal ayant competence, sous les reserves et exceptions prevues a la presente Convention, pour tousles litiges civils et commerciaux. (2.) En niatiere civile et commerciale, les litiges entre non-indigenes, sauf les litiges immobiliers, seront portes devant lo Tribunal sous la juridiction duquel sera place le defendeur. (3.) En matiere criminelle, correctionnelle ou de simple police, les non-indigenes seront deferes a la juridiction competente en raison de leur nationality ou dv regime sous lecpuel ils auront etc places. Article XXI. — Causes portees dun cornmun accord devant le Tribunal Mixte. (1.) Les non-indigenes, dune part, et les indigenes, d'autre part, pourrout, dun commun accord entre les parties, porter leurs litiges devant le Tribunal Mixte. (2.) Dans les causes entre non-indigenes, la loi applicable sera celle dv defeudeur; il en sera de meme pour la procedure, avec les temperaments prevus a I'Article XIV ci-dessus. (3.) Dans les causes entre indigenes, le Tribunal jugera en equite, en s'inspirant autant que possible de la coutume indigene et dcs principes generaux dv droit. II determinera luimeme, suivant les circonstances, les regies de procedure, en les reduisant au minimum compatible avec le souci d'uue bonne distribution de la justice. Regime Immobiliek. ' Article XXll. — Litiges immobiliers entre NonIndigenes et Indigenes. (1.) En matiere de litiges immobiliers, les droits dcs non-indigenes seront prouves soit par roccupation, soit par dcs titres etablissant vente ou cession. (2.) Lorsqu'elle sera seule invoquee coinme base de la propriete, l'occupation devra etre rendue manifeste par dcs signes evidents et rhateriels, tels que : constructions, plantations, cultures diverges, elevage de betail, travaux d'amenagement ou d'amelioration, defrichements, clotures. Elle devra etre de bonne foi et avoir etc continuee pendant une periode de trois annees au moms. (3.) Lorsque seront invoques a, la fois, pour la justification de la propriete dune terre, uu titre et l'occupation, le Tribunal recherchera si le detenteur dv titre a reellemeut affirme sa possession par dcs faits materiels d'apprehen- , sion, tels que : mise en valeur, meme partielle, . sous une forme quelconque; construction de , routes, de ponts, ou de sentiers; leves de , plans; operations de bornage; pose de poteaux , indicateurs de limites; usage regulier dcs ( produits naturels; actes divers attestant pub- , liquement I'usage dv droit de propriete. Le c Tribunal appreciera dans quelle mesure l'im- ( portance de ces faits peut etre consideree t comme correspondant a I'etendue de-I'immeuble s couteste, et, suivant le cas, confirmera la pro- s priete pour tout ou partie de I'immeuble,

Article XX. — National Jurisdiction. a, (1.) The two Governments mutually under- - take to establish in the Group, in conformity ,- with their existing legal systems, Courts with x jurisdiction over all civil suits, subject to the s reservations and exceptions laid down in the present Convention. s (2.) Civil suits between non-Natives, other than land suits, shall be brought before the 3 Court having jurisdiction over the defendant. (3.) In criminal cases, non-Natives shall be justiciable by the Court of their own nationality ' or the nationality applied to them. 5 ' Article XXl. — Suits brought by Consent before the Joint Court. (1.) Both non-Natives and Natives may, where the parties consent, bring their suits before the Joint Court. (2.) In suits between non-Natives, the law applicable to the defendant shall be applied; the same rule shall be followed with regard to procedure, subject to Article XIV above. (3.) In suits between Natives, the Court shall decide according to substantial justice, respecting, as far as possible, the Native customs and the general principles of law. It may determine, as required, the procedure to be followed, reducing it to the minimum consistent with the proper administration of justice. Provisions delating to Lano. Article XXll. — Land Suits between NonNatives and Natives. (1.) In land suits, the rights of non-Natives may be proved either by occupation or by titledeeds establishing the sale or grant of the land in question. (2.) When occupation is made the sole ground of a claim to ownership, visible and material proofs must be forthcoming, such as buildings, plantations, cultivation, cattle-rearing, improvements, clearing, or fencing. Occupation must be bona -fide, and have been continuous during three years at least. (3.) When the claim to a property is based on a title-deed coupled with occupation, the Court shall endeavour to ascertain whether the holder of the title-deed lias substantially asserted his occupation by material acts showing that ho has taken possession, such as : improvement of the land in any manner, even in part; construction of roads, bridges, or paths; surveys; delimitation; erection of sign-posts to mark boundaries; habitual enjoyment of the produce; or other acts proving open exercise of the right of ownership. The Court shall decide how far these acts can be held to cover the whole extent of the property in dispute, and shall confirm the claim in whole or in part accordingly.

7

A.—s.

(4.) Lorsque la justification de la propriete dune terrene sera fondee que sur un titre, et que cc titre, ou bien aura e'te' soit depose dans une etude de notaire, soit a la Nou-velle-Caledonie, aux lies Fidji ou aux Nou-velles-Hebrides a une date posterieure au 31 Decembre 1895, ou bien, quelle que soit la date dv titre, n'aura etc ni depose dans une etude de notaire ni enregistre, cc titre ne pourra etre infirme que s'il est prouve : — (a.) Que la contrat n'a pas ote signe par le vendeur ou le cedant, ou par quelque personne valablement autorisee par lvi, ou que, le vendeur ou le cedant n'ayant pas pu ou n'ayant pas su signer, le contrat ne porte pas, soit la signature de deux temoms, soit toute autre attestation pouvant faire foi d'apres la legislation Francaise ou Anglaise; (5.) Que le vendeur ou le cedant n'a pas compris la portee dv contrat; (c.) Que le contrat a etc obtenu par fraude, par violence, ou par d'autres moyens illegitimes; (d.) Que les clauses et conditions dv contrat n'ont pas etc executees; (c.) Que l'immeuble cede ou vendu n'appartenait pas au vendeur ou c6dant ou a sa tribu. Si le Tribunal juge que les droits dv vendeur ou cedant ou de sa tribune s'etendaient qua uno partie de l'immeuble conteste, il reconnaitra la vente ou cession pour cette partie, et il en fixera les limites. (5.) Lorsque le titre etablissant la vente ou la cession de l'immeuble conteste aura etc soit depose dans une etude de notaire, soit enregistre a la Nouvelle-Caledonie, aux lies Fidji, ou aux Nouvelles-Hebrides, a une date ante- ,- rieure au 1 Janvier 1896 : (A.) La reclamation ne sera pas recevable : . (a.) Si le reclamant ne fait pas la preuve, suivant qu'il agit en son propre norn et pour son compte personnel ou comme Chef de sa tribu et pour le compte de celle-ci qu'il possede ou que sa tribu possede sur l'immeuble objet dv litige un droit effectif de jouissance et d'usage, et que cc droit se trouve lese\ Si cc droit ne s'applique qua une partie dv domaine conteste, le Tribunal n'examinera la reclamation que pour cette partie, et, au besom, la delimitera; (6.) S'il est prouve qu'anterieurement au 1 Janvier 1896, l'immeuble a etc I'objet dun contrat impliquant que le titre s'appliquait a un bien possede legitimement et de bonne foi; notamment, s'il a etc fegulierement et de bonne foi transmis a titre onereux entre non-indigenes d'apres les regies et suivant les formes prevues par la legislation dcs peuples civilises. Si, dans un tel cas, le Tribunal considere, neanmoins comme leses les droits dv re'clamant indigene ou de sa tribu, il pourra, tout en confirmant le titre, ordonner le paiement a la partie indigene leseo dune equitable indemnite ou attribuer a cette partie une reserve dc terrains, ainsi qu'il est enonce en regie generate a I'Article XXIV ci-apres. (B.) Lorsque, la reclamation ayant etc declaree recevable, l'affaire sera jugee au fond, le titre ne pourra etre infirme que s'il est prouve :

(4.) When the claim to a property is founded on a title-deed alone, and this title-deed has been either lodged in a notary's office or registered in New Caledonia, Fiji, or the New Hebrides, at a date subsequent to the 31st December, 1895, or else on a title-deed which, whatever, its date, has not been lodged in a notary's office or registered, this title-deed can only be rendered void if it is proved, — («.) That the agreement is not signed by the vendor or grantor, or by some person duly authorised by him, or that, if the vendor or grantor did not know how to write or was incapable of signing, the agreement is not attested by two witnesses or in some other manner that establishes its authenticity according to English or French law; (6.) That the vendor or grantor did not understand the effect of the agreement; (c.) That the agreement was obtained by fraud, violence, or other improper means; (d.) That the terms and conditions of the agreement have not been fulfilled; (c.) That the land sold was not the land of the vendor or grantor or his tribe. If the Court finds that the rights of the vendor or grantor extended only to part of the land in dispute, it may recognise the sale or grant to the extent of such part, and fix the boundaries thereof. (5.) When the title-deed establishing the sale or grant of the land in dispute has been either lodged in a notary's office or registered in New Caledonia, Fiji, or the New Hebrides, at a date prior to the Ist January, 1896 : (A.) The right of action cannot be admitted, — (a.) Unless the claimant can prove, according as he acts in his own name or in his own personal interests or as Chief of his tribe and in its interests, that he or his tribe have a present right to the occupation of the land in dispute, and that this right would be infringed. If this right extends to part only of the property in dispute, the' Court shall only entertain the action as to this part, if necessary, fixing the boundaries thereof; (&.) If it is proved that prior to the Ist January, 1896, a transaction took place indicating that the title-deed applied to a property held lawfully and in good faith; in particular, if it has been conveyed regularly and in good faith between non-Natives for valuable consideration in accordance with the regulations and forms prescribed by the law of civilised peoples. If in such a case the Court should, nevertheless, consider that the rights of the Native claimant or his tribe would be infringed, it may, while confirming the title, order the payment of reasonable compensation to the said Native party, or may reserve a portion of the land for this party in conformity with the general declaration contained in Article XXIV hereafter. (B.) When the right of action is admitted, and the case is considered on the merits, the title-deed can only be invalidated if it is, proved, —-

8

A.—s.

(a.) Que le contrat n'a pas etc signe par le vendeur ou le cedant ou par quelque personne valablement autorisee par lvi, ou que, le vendeur ou le cedant n'ayant pas pu ou n'ayant pas su signer, le contrat ne porte pas, soit la signature de deux temoins, soit toute autre attestation pouvant faire foi d'apres la legislation Francaise ou Anglaise; (b.) Que le contrat a etc obteuu par fraude, par violence, ou par d'autres moyens ilhVitimes; (c) Que l'immeuble cede ou veudu n'appartenait pas au vendeur ou cedant ou a sa tribu. Si le Tribunal juge que les droits dv vendeur ou cedant ou de sa tribune s'etendaient qua une partie de Pimmeuble conteste, il reconnaitra la vente ou cession pour cette partie, et il en fixera les limites. Dans tousles cas ou la mauvaise foi de I'acquereur ne sera pas demontree, le Tribunal pourra valider le titre pour tout ou partie de l'immeuble, en reservant, s'il y a lieu, aux reclamants indigenes une etendue de terre suffisante pour leurs besoms, et en determinant les servitudes de libro passage ou autres a leur assurer sur I'ensemble de l'immeuble. Article XXlll. — Litiges immobiliers entre Nonindigenes . (1.) Lorsque l'origine indigene de la propriete ne sera pas en cause, les regies a observer par le Tribunal seront celles dv droit applicable au defendeur en raison de son statut personnel et reel. (2.) Si l'origine indigene de la propriete est en cause, les Regies enoncees a I'Article XXII ci-dessus seront observers par le Tribunal pour tout cc gui aura trait a cette origine. ■ Dans le cas prevu au meme Article (5 (A), (b), 2 alinea) le Tribunal designera, s'il y a lieu, celle dcs parties non-indigenes en cause a laquelle incombera le paiement de l'indemnite. (3.) Quand le Tribunal, au moyen dcs elements d'appreciation gui lvi seront fournis, ne croira pas pouvoir se prononcer en connaissance de cause sur l'origine de la propriete,— lorsque, par example, mis en presence de deux > ou de plusieurs titres, il ne se trouvera pas en ' mesure d'en confirmer un quant a, l'origine de i la propriete,—le Tribunal jugera suivant les < faits de la cause, en tenant compte dans une ] juste mesure de la priorite de titre. Article XXlV. — Dispositions diverses communes a tousles Litiges immobiliers. (1.) Dans le cas ou un immeublo acquis de bonne foi aura etc ameliore ou cultive en vertu f dun titre se trouvant entache , de vice, cc titre s pourra etre confirme en tout ou en partie t moyennant le paiement par l'occupant aux p ayants droit dune indemnite dont le montant \: sera fixe par le Tribunal. d n (2.) Si le Tribunal croit devoir prononcer l'eviction dun occupant de bonne foi, il pourra d ordonner le paiement a cet occupant dune in- n demnite equitable. Si (3.) Toutes les fois qu'il le jugera necessaire, le Tribunal pourra attribuer aux reclamants tl indigenes dcs reserves de terrains en rapport s« avec leurs . besoms, et determiner dcs servi- ir tudes propres a leur assurer la libre jouis- ss sance de ces reserves. tl

2—A. 5.

(a.) That the agreement is not signed by the 3 vendor or grantor, or by some person duly - authorised by him, or that, if the vendor or t grantor did not know how to write, or was i incapable of signing, the agreement is not ati tested by two witnesses or in some other manner that establishes its authenticity according to English or French law; (l>■) That the agreement was obtained by fraud, violence, or other improper means; (c) That the land granted or sold was not the land of the vendor or grantor or his tribe. If the Court finds that the rights of the vendor or grantor or his tribe extended only to a part of the land in dispute, it may recognise the sale or grant to the extent of that part, and fix the boundaries thereof. The Court may, in any case except where bad faith has been proved on the part of the grantee, confirm the title to the whole or part of the property, subject to the reservation for the Native claimants, if the circumstances require it, of sufficient land for their needs, and the determination of the rights of way or other easements to be secured to them over the whole property. Article XXII /.— -Land Suits between NonNatives. (1.) When no question arises as to the original land transaction with the Natives, the Court shall be bound by the laws of the defendant's country. (2.) Whenever questions do arise as to the original transaction with the Native, the regulations laid down in Article XXII shall be observed by the Court in all that concerns that transaction. In cases covered by the same Article (5 (A), (6), 2nd paragraph) the Court shall indicate, if necessary, by which of the non-Native litigants the payment of compensation is due. (3.) When the Court, upon the evidence before it, considers that it cannot decide the questions that arise as to the original transaction with the Natives —as, for instance, when it is confronted with two or more title-deeds, neither of which it is able to confirm as giving a good title —the Court shall decide according to the circumstances of the case, due regard being paid to priority of title. Article XXlV. — Provisions common to all Land, Suits. (1.) In cases where land acquired" in good faith has been improved or cultivated on the strength of a title which is found to be defective, this title may be confirmed in whole or in part upon the payment by the occupier to the person or persons entitled thereto of an indemnity, the amount of which shall be determined by the Court. (2.) If the Court considers it necessary to decree the eviction of a bona fide occupier, it may order the payment of reasonable compensation to him. (3.) Whenever it shall consider it necessary, the Court may assign to Native claimants reserves of land in proportion to their requirements, and may determine the easements necessary to secure to them the full enjoyment of ,hese reserves.

9

A.—s.

(4.) Tout occupant ou detenteur de titre evince jouira, dans le cas de vente ou de cession ulterieure de l'immeuble, et a moms que sa mauvafse foi n'ait etc etablie, dun droit de preference a tous autres pour le rachat de l'immeuble dont il aura etc evince. S'il y a disaccord entre le proprietaire et l'occupant ou le detenteur de titre evince pour la fixation dv prix de rachat, cc prix sera determine d'office par le Tribunal. S'il existe plusieurs personnes evincees pouvant pretendre a l'exercice dv droit de preference ci-dessus prevu, le Tribunal fhera, d'apres les faits de la cause, I'ordre dans lequel cos personnes seront successivement admises a faire valoir cc droit. (5.) Lorsqu'un titre afferent a une propriete contestee ne contiendra pas une description suffisante de l'immeuble, le Tribunal en fixera, apres enquete, la situation et les limites. (6.) Tousles litiges immobiliers portes devant le Tribunal feroiit de sa part l'objct dun preliminaire de conciliation. (7.) Dune maniere generate, le Tribunal devra, dans ses decisions, s' egalement dcs interets dcs populations indigenes et de ceux dcs acquereurs non-indigenes dont la mauvaise foi ne sera pas etablie. Article XXV. — Transcription dcs Jngements. (1.) Lorsque le Tribunal aura prononce la validite dune revendication conforinement aux prescriptions ci-dessus, le jugement ainsi rendu sera transcrit d'office sur un registre d'immatriculation. Cette transcription devra enoncer : (A.) La situation, l'etendue, les limites de I'immeuble; (B.) La nature dcs droits accordes et les charges y afferentes. (2.) L'expedition de l'acte de transcription servira au beneficiaire de titre definitif de propriete. Article XXVI. — Immatriculation dcs Titres de Propriete. (1.) Toute personne pourra, meme en l'absence de tout litige, requerir dv Tribunal la transcription sur le registre d'immatriculation dont il vient d'etre parle d'uu titre de propriete lvi profitant, et en obtenir une expedition duinent certifiee. (2.) Ces requetes a fin d'immatrieulation seront publiees par les soins dv Tribunal suivant les formes qu'il determinera. Elles seront admises comme valables et fondees si, dans un delai dun an a partir de leur publication, elles ne sont l'objet d'aucune contestation. Dans le cas contraire, le Tribunal statuera sur elles conformement aux stipulations dcs Articles XXII, XXIII, et XXIV ci-dessus, et Taction devra etre portee par le contestant devant le Tribunal dans le delai de six mois, sous peine de forclusion. (3.) Les expeditions delivrees conformement aux prescriptions ci-dessus constituerout dcs titres transmissibles par voie d'endossement. Aucune charge nouvelle ni aucune transmission de propriete ne pourra affecter l'immeuble si elle n'a au prealable etc mentionnee au registre d'immatrieulation et transcrite sur l'expedition delivree. .

(4.) An occupier or holder of a title-deed who has been evicted shall, in tlie case of subsequent sale or grant of land and unless his bad faith has been established, enjoy a prior claim to the repurchase of the property from which he has been evicted. If the owner and the occupier or holder of a title-deed who has been evicted should disagree as to the amount to be fixed as the price of repurchase, the Court shall determine the amount. If there are several evicted persons claiming to exercise the prior right above specified, the Court shall fix, according to the facts of the case, the order in which these persons shall be entitled to exercise this right. (5.) When a title-deed to a disputed property does not contain an adequate description of the land, the Court shall investigate and determine the situation and boundaries thereof. (6.) It shall be the first duty of the Court, in all land suits, to endeavour to effect an amicable arrangement between the litigants. (7.) Generally, the Court shall, in its decisions, pay due regard to the interests of the Native populations and those of the non-Na-tive purchasers whose bad faith has not been established. Article XXV. — Entry of Judgments. (1.) When the Court, in conformity with the above regulations, shall have decided that a claim is valid, its decision shall be entered in a land register. THis entry shall declare, — (A.) The situation, extent, and boundaries of the land in question; (B.) The nature of the rights granted, and any limitations thereof. (2.) A copy of the entry shall constitute a conclusive title to land. Article XXVI. — Registration of Titles. (1.) Any person may, though no dispute exists, require the Court to enter in the abovementioned register a title-deed in his favour, and may obtain a copy thereof duly certified. (2.) The Court shall cause the applications for registration to be published in the prescribed form. They shall be complied with and given effect to unless, within a period of one year from the date of their publication, they have been opposed. In case of opposition, the Court shall deal with them in accordance with the provisions of Articles XXII, XXIII, and XXIV above, and action must be taken by the objector before the Court within six months, oi- his claim will be barred. (3.) Copies of the entries in the register issued in accordance with the above provisions shall constitute title-deeds transferable by way of indorsement. No subsequent charge on or transfer of property shall affect the land unless and until it is entered in the register and inscribed on the copy issued,

10

A.—o.

Article XXVll. — Ventes et Cessions d'lrnmeubl.es posterieures a Iα Convention. (1.) A partir de la mise en vigueur de la presente Convention, aucune vente on cession d'immeuble ne pourra etre faite valablement par mi indigene a un non-indigene que dans les conditions suivantes : — (2.) La vente ou la cession devra etre constatee par ecrit. Elle aura lieu en presence de quatre temoins, dont deux indigenes, et dun officer ou dun fonctionnaire de l'une dcs deux Puissances Signataires, ou de toute autre personne a cc diiment autorisee, soit par le President dv Tribunal Mixte, soit par les Hauts Commissaires ou leurs Delegues agissant conjointement. (3.) L'officier, le fonctionnaire ou la personne diiment autorisee constatera la presence et la qualite dcs temoins; s'assurera que le vendeur ou le cedant a agi librement, a bien compris la portee de son acte, a recu le prix ou la compensation convenue, et s'en est reconnu satisfait; relatera ces circonstances sur le titre; y mentionnera la situation et les limites de l'immeuble; le datera et le signera, en meme temps que les parties et temoins sachant signer. (4.) L'acheteur ou le cessionnaire devra, dans un delai de six mois a compter de la date de l'acte, introduire devant le Tribunal Mixte une requete a fin d'immatriculation. II sera statue sur cette requete dans les formes et conditions determinees a I'Article XXVI de la presente Convention. (5.) Si le Tribunal estime manifesteinent insuffisant le prix ou la compensation portee a l'acte, eu egard a l'importance de l'immeuble cede ou vendu, il pourra, prealablement a toute immatriculation, ordonner le paiement dun supplement de prix ou une augmentation de la compensation. (6.) Dans le cas ou l'acquereur ne satisferait pas a la decision dv Tribunal dans le delai de six mois a compter de la date de cette decision, la veute serait resiliee de plein droit, et le prix ou la compensation recue par I'indigene, restituee. (7.) Si l'indigene est dans I'impossibility de restituer cc prix, le Tribunal determinera la partie de la propriety qu'il y aura lieu de confirmer eu representation de la somme ou de la compensation recue par l'indigene. (8.) Lorsque les Hauts Commissaires ou leurs Delegues, agissant conjointement, estimeront que les proprietes inimobilieres acquises dcs indigenes dans l'une dcs lies de l'Archipel atteindront ensemble une superficie telle que les terres restant disponibles seront indispensables aux besoms dcs indigenes, ils pourront interdire toute nouvelle vente ou cession de terres dans cette ile a dcs non-indigenes. (9.) Les terres reservees aux indigenes, soit par le Tribunal Mixte, dans les conditions prevues a I'Article XXIV de la presente Convention, soit par les Hauts Commissaires ou leurs Delegues, en vertu dv paragraphe ci-dessus, ne pourront faire l'objet dune vente ou cession a dcs non-indigenes tant que I'autorite ayant constitue la reserve n'aura pas rapporte ou modifie sa decision.

Article XXVll. — Sales and Grants of Land subsequent to the Convention. (1.) From the date when the present Convention comes into operation, no sale or grant of land by a Native to a non-Native shall be valid, except on the following conditions : — (2.) The sale or grant shall be effected by a written document, and shall take place in the presence of four witnesses, two of whom shall t>3 Natives, and of an officer or agent of one of the two Signatory Powers, or some other person duly authorised for the purpose, either by the President of the Joint Court or by the High Commissioners or their delegates acting in concert . (3.) The officer, agent, or person duly authorised shall testify to the presence and qualification of the witnesses; shall ascertain that the vendor or grantor was a free agent, understood the effect of his act, received the price or consideration agreed on, and was satisfied therewith ; shall state these facts on tlie title-deed ; shall mention in it the situation and boundaries of the land; and shall date and sign it, at the same time as the parties and witnesses capable of signing. (4.) The purchaser or grantee shall, within six months from the date of the deed, make an application to the Joint Court for registration. This application shall be dealt with in accordance with Article XXVI of the present Convention. (5.) If the Court considers that the price or consideration mentioned in the deed is manifestly inadequate, having regard to the importance of the land granted or sold, it may, as a preliminary to registration, order the payment of a larger sum or a further consideration. (6.) In the event of the grantee failing to comply with the decision of the Court within six months from the date of such decision, the sale shall be cancelled in toto, and the sum of money or the consideration received by the Native restored. (7.) If the Native is unable to restore such sum, the Court shall decide how much of the property represents the sum or consideration received by the Native, and shall confirm the grantee in possession of such part. (8.) Whenever the High Commissioners or their delegates jointly consider that the amount of land acquired from the Natives in one of the islands of the Group is so great that the land remaining undisposed-of is indispensable for the needs of the Natives, they may prohibit any new sale or grant of land in such island to non-Natives. (9.) Land reserved for the Natives, either by the Joint Court, in accordance with Article XXIV of this Convention, or by the High Commissioners or their delegates, under the preceding paragraph, may not be sold or granted to non-Natives so long as the authority by whom the reserve was constituted does not cancel or modify its decision.

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Police dis la Navigation. Article XXVIII. — Batiments armes dans V Arcliipel. (1.) II rie pourra etre anne dans l'Archipel dcs Nouvelles-llebrides, y .compris les lies de Banks et les lies de Torres, que dcs batiments destines a naviguer sous le pavilion de Fune dcs deux Puissances Signataires. (2.) Les Hauts Commissaires determineront, chacun en cc gui concerne les batiments naviguant dans l'Archipel sous le pavilion de la Puissance qu'ils representeront, les regies auxquelles sera soumise la navigation de ces batiments. (3.) Les Hauts Commissaires, les Commis-saires-Residents et les personnes deleguees a cet effet exerceront respectivement, a l'egard dcs batiments naviguant dans l'Archipel sous le pavilion de la Puissance qu'ils representeront, sans prejudice dcs droits attribues aux navires de l'Etat par les lois et reglements de cette Puissance, Taction de surveillance, de protection et de police necessaire pour assurer I'application de ces regle.s. Article XXIX. — Batiments non armis dans l'Archipel. II nest en rien deroge par la presente Convention, en cc gui concerne les batiments armes en dehors de l'Archipel, aux regies respectivement tracees par les lois et reglements de la Puissance sous le pavilion de laquelle naviguera le batiment. Article XXX, — Regies communes d tousles Batiments. (1.) Les Hauts Commissaires determineront conjointement les regies communes applicables a tousles batiments concernant les conditions de sejour dans les ports et sur les rades de l'Archipel. (2.) Us en assureront conjointement l'application, tant par eux-memes que par leurs delegues. Recrutement dcs Tbavailleurs Indigenes. Article XXXI, — Vermis de Recrutement. (1.) Aucun batiment ne pourra se livrer au recrutement dcs travailleurs indigenes dans l'Archipel dcs Nouvelles-Hebrides, y compris les lies de Banks et les lies de Torres, que s'il navigue sous le pavilion de l'une dcs deux Puissances Signataires et que s'il est muni dun permis de recruter, delivre par le' Haut Commissaire ropresentant celle dcs Puissances Signataires sous le pavilion de laquelle le batiment naviguera, ou par son Delegue. (2.) En cc gui concerne les recruteurs de profession, le permis de recruter ne sera delivre qu'apres le depot par le recruteur dun cautionnement de 2,000 francs entre les mains dun agent de'signe' par le Haut Commissaire a gui il appartiendra de delivrer le permis de recruter, ou par son Delegue. (3.) Les Hauts Commissaires se donneront mensuellement avis dcs autorisations de recruter qu'ils auront delivrees. II en sera de meme pour leurs Delegues. (4.) Les permis de recruter ne seront valables que pendant une annfe.

Supervision of Shipping. Article XXVIII. — Vessels registered in the Group. (1.) No vessels other than those' intended to sail under the flag of one of the two Signatory rowers shall be registered in the Group of the New Hebrides, including the Banks and Torres Islands. ('2.) Each High Commissioner shall prescribe the regulations affecting the navigation in the Group of the vessels sailing under the flag of the Power which he represents. (•'5.) The High Commissioners, the Resident Commissioners, and the persons appointed for the purpose shall, with regard to vessels sailing in the Group under the flag of the Power which they represent, exercise respectively the supervision, protection, and policing necessary to insure the carrying-out of these regulations without prejudice to the rights to which the vessels of that Power are legally entitled. Article XXIX. — Vessels not registered in the Group. The present Convention shall not affect the rules laid down by the respective laws and regulatious of the Power under whose flag the vessel sails, in the case of any vessel registered outside the Group. m Article XXX. — General Rules for all Vessels. (1.) The High Commissioners shall jointly prescribe general rules applicable to all vessels, with regard to the conditions under which these vessels may use the ports and harbours of the Group. (2.) They shall jointly enforce these rules, either personally or through their delegates. Recruitment of Native Labourers. Article XXXI. — Recruiting License. (1.) No vessel shall recruit Native labourers in the New Hebrides, including the Banks and Torres Islands, unless she sails under the flag of one of the two Signatory Powers, and unless she is provided with a recruiting license issued by the High Commissioner representing the Signatory Power under whose flag the vessel is sailing, or by his delegate. (2.) In the case of professional recruiters, the recruiting license shall only be issued on the deposit of £80, as securitj', with the agent appointed by the High Commissioner, whose duty it will be to issue the recruiting license, or by his delegate. (3.) The High Commissioners shall inform one another every month of the recruiting licenses which they have issued. The same rule shall apply to their delegates. (4.) The recruiting licenses shall be valid feu one year only.

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Article, XXXll. — Registre d'Engagements. Lβ capitaine de tout batinient recruteur devra tenir un registre d'eiigagements, sur lequel il inscrira sans delai le norn, Iβ sexe, les marques permettant de reconnaitre l'ideutite, le norn de la tribu, le lieu de recruteinent et le lieu de destination de tout indigene recrute, le norn de l'engagiste, la duree de I' engagement, les soinmes convenues a titre de prime d'engagement et de salaires, et le montant de l'aoompte verse a I'indigene au moment de l'engagement. Article XXXIII. — Engagement- dcs Femmes et dcs Enfants. (1.) Les femmes ne pourront etre engagees : — Si elles ne sont pas mariees, qu'avec le consentement dv mari; Si elles ne sont pas mariees, qu'avec le consentement dv Chef de la tribu. (2.) Les enfants ne pourront etre engages que si leur taille atteint un minimum que les Commissaires-Residents determineront de concert. ' |; Article XXXlV. — Duree dcs Engagements. (1.) Les engagements ne pourront etre contractes pour plus de trois annees. (2.) Us courront dv jour dv debarquement de l'engage dans Tile ou il devra etre employe. Le temps passe a bord par l'engage devra etre neanmoins compte pour les salaires. Article XXXV. — Dices a Bord dcs Bdtiments Recruteurs. (1.) Tout deces survenu a bord dun batiment recruteur fera l'objet dun rapport que le capitaine devra immediatement rediger, et gui sera dresse en double expedition. Cc rapport relatera les circonstances dans lesquelles se sera produit le deces. (2.) 11 sera en outre dresse, dans les vingtquatre heures, un inventaire en double expedition dcs biens laisses a bord par le decede. Le montant dcs salaires acquis par l'engage dv jour de l'engagement au jour dv deces sera mentionne sur cet inventaire. (3.) Dcs son arrivee, le capitaine remettra a l'autorite competente une expedition dv rapport et de I'inventaire, ainsi que les objets et valeurs ayant appartenu au decede, et la somme acquise par celui-ci a titre de prime et de salaires. La seconde expedition dv rapport et de I'inventaire restera annexee au registre d'engagements. Article XXXVI. — Gas de maladie au Debarquement dcs Engages. Tout indigene recrute gui, a son debarquement, se trouvera dans un etat de sante tel qu'il soit incapable de se livrer aux travaux en vue desquels aura etc fait I'engagement, sera soigne d'office aux frais dv recruteur, et la duree de l'hospitalisation ou de l'incapacite de travail sera comprise dans la periode d'engagement. Article XXXVII. — Remise dcs Engages aux Engagistes. Le recruteur operant pour le compte d'autrui ne sera libere de sa responsabilite a I'egard dcs indigenes qu'il aura engages, que par la signature de l'engagiste apposee sur le registre d'engagements en regard dv norn de l'engage.

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Article XXXII. — Register of Engagements. All masters of recruiting vessels shall keep a register of engagements, in which there shall be entered without delay the name, sex, identi-fication-marks, the name of the tribe, place of recruiting, and place of destination of every Native recruited, the name of the employer, the length of the engagement, the sum agreed on by way of premium and wages, and the amount of the advance paid to the Native at the time of engagement. Article XXXIII. — Engagement of Women and Children. (1.) Women shall only be engaged, — If they are married, with the consent of their husbands; If they are unmarried, with the consent of the head of the tribe. . (2.) Children shall only be engaged if they are of a certain minimum height, to be fixed by the Resident Commissioners jointly. Article XXXlV. — length of Engagements. (1.) No engagements shall be concluded for more than three years. (2.) They shall date from the day the labourer lands in the island where he is to be employed, but the time spent on board ship by the labourer shall count for wages. Article XXXV. — Deaths on Board Recruiting Vessels. (1.) A report in duplicate on every death occurring on board a recruiting vessel shall be drawn up immediately by the master. Such report shall describe the circumstances under which the death occurred. (2.) Within twenty-four hours an inventory in duplicate shall also be drawn up of the effects left on board by the deceased. The amount of the wages to which the labourer is entitled from the day of engagement to the day of his death shall be stated in this inventory. (3.) The master shall, on arrival, transmit to the competent authority a copy of the report and the inventory, as well as the objects and articles of value belonging to the deceased, and the premium and wages to which he was entitled. The second copy of the report and the inventory shall be annexed to the register of engagements. Article XXXVI. — Sickness of Labourers on Landing. Every Native recruited who, on landing, is found to be in such a state of health as to incapacitate him for the work for which he was engaged shall be cared for at the expense of the recruiter, and the time spent in hospital and the time during which he is unable to work shall be included in the term of engagement. Article XXXVII. — Delivery of Labourers to their Employers. A recruiter who is acting as an agent for other persons cannot divest himself of his responsibility for the Natives whom he has engaged until the signature of the employer has been affixed to the register of engagements opposite the name of the labourer.

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Article XXXVIII. — Visa dv Registre d'Engagements a I'arrivee. (1.) Tout capitaine de batiment recruteur sera term de presenter, dans les vingt-quatre heures de son arrivee, son registre d'engagements au visa de la personne competente. (2.) Si dcs irregularis sont reconnues dans les operations dv recruteur ou dans la tenue dv registre d'engagements, proces-verbal en sera immedratement dresse par la personne ayant competence pour viser le registre. Cc proces-verbal sera transmis sans retard a l'autorite competente. II en sera de meme en cas de non-presenta-tion dv registre dans le delai prescrit. Article XXXIX. — Declaration dcs Engagements. (1.) Tout engagement de travailleur indigene devra, dans les trois jours gui suivront le debarquement, etre declare par les engagistes. La declaration sera faite au CommissaireResident dont relevera l'engagiste ou a la personne deleguee a cet eflet. (2.) Enregistrement sera fait de la declaration, et l'acte d'engagement sera vise le Commissaire-Resident ou par la personne deleguee a cet efiet. (3.) Les deux Commissaires - Residents se communiqueront mensuellemeut la liste dcs declarations d'engagements recues par eux ou par les personnes deleguees a cet effet. Article XL. — RengagemenU. (1.) A l'expiration de la periode stipulee a l'acte d'engagement, l'engage ne pourra, s'il n'a pas etc au prealable rapatrie, contractor de nouvel engagement qu'en vertu dune autorisation ecrite delivree par le Commissaire-Resi-dent ayant eu qualite pour recevoir la declaration d'engagement, ou par la personne deleguee a cet effet. (2.) L'autorisation ne sera donnee qu'apres interrogation de I'indigene eu presence de l'engagiste, de deux temoins non-indigenes et de deux indigenes, pris, autant qu'il sera possible, parmi les homines appartenant a la meme tribu que l'engage, et que si cc dernier declare librement vouloir contracter le nouvel engagement. (3.) Le nouvel engagement ne pourra exceder le terme dune annee. II sera renouvelable dans les memes conditions. Article XLI. — Garnets individuels d'Engagement. (1.) Tout engagiste devra tenir a jour, pour chaque engage a son service, uu carnet individuel d'engagement. (2.) Seront inscrits sur cc carnet: le norn et le sexe de l'engage, les marques permettant de reconnaitre l'identite, le norn de la tribu, le lieu et la date dv recrutement, le norn dv recruteur, le norn dv batiment, la duree et les conditions de l'engagement, telles qu'elles sont stipulees a l'acte d'engagement. Les journees d'indisponibilite de travail pour cause de maladie seront notees par l'engagiste sur le carnet d'engagement. II en sera de meme pour les journees d'absence.

Article XXXVlll. — Submission of Registers of Engagements on Arrival. (1.) Within twenty - four hours of their arrival, all masters of recruiting vessels shall be obliged to present their register of engagements for signature by the competent person. (2.) If irregularities are detected in the operations of the recruiter or in the keeping of the register of engagements, an official report shall be immediately drawn up by the person to whom the register has been submitted. This report shall be sent without delay to the competent authority. The same course shall be followed if the register is not produced within the prescribed period. Article XXXIX. — Notification of Engagements. (1.) Every engagement of a Native labourer shall be notified by his employer within three days from the date of landing. The notification shall be made to the Resident Commissioner to whose jurisdiction the employer is subject, or to the person appointed for the purpose. (2.) The notification shall be registered, and the contract shall be signed by the Resident Commissioner, or by the person appointed for the purpose. (3.) The two Resident Commissioners shall communicate to each other every month a list of the notifications of engagements received by them, or by the persons appointed for the purpose. Article XL. — Tie-engagement. (1.) At the termination of the period of his engagement the labourer shall not enter into a fresh engagement —if he has not been previously sent horne —without an authority in writing from the Resident Commissioner entitled to receive the notification of engagement, or from the person appointed for the purpose. (2.) The authority shall only be given after the Native has been examined in the presence of the employer, two non-Native witnesses, and two witnesses selected as far as possible from the same tribe as the labourer, and if the latter, of his own free will, declares that he wishes to re-engage. (3.) No re-engagement shall exceed the term of one year. It shall be renewable on the same conditions. Article XLI. — Records of Engagements. (1.) Every employer shall keep posted up to date a separate record for each labourer in his service. (2.) There shall be entered in this record the name and sex of the labourer, the identificationmarks, the name of the tribe, the place and date of recruiting, the name of the recruiter, the name of the vessel, and the duration and conditions of his engagement, as stipulated in the contract. The days of absence from work on account of illness shall be entered by the employer in the record, and also any other days of absence.

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Article XLll. — Periodes supplementaires. (1.) La diiree dcs absences irregulieres s'ajoutera a celle de l'engagement. (2.) L'engage pourra, en outre, etre retenu au dela dv terme de son engagement en raison de punitions disciplinaires regulierement prononcees. Dans cc cas, la periode supplementaire ne pourra exceder deux mois par annee d'engageinent. Article XLlll. — Cessions de Contrats d'Engagement. (1.) Auoune cession de contrat d'engagement ne sera admise qu'autant qu'elle aura etc librement acceptee par l'engage et autorisee par le Commissaire-Resideiit ayant eu qualite pour reoevoir la declaration d'engagement, ou par la personne deleguee a cet effet. (2.) Si la cession doit avoir lieu entre ressortissants de l'une et de l'autre Puissance, l'autorisatiou sera conjointement donnee par les deux Commissaires-Residents. Article XLlV. — Obligations dcs Engagistes. (1.) Los eugagistes seront temis de traiter leurs engages avec humanite. Us devront s'abstenir de toute violence a leur egard. (2.) Us seront terms de leur fournir une nourriture suffisante, d'npres les usages dv pays, en comprenant le riz, au moms une fois par jour, dans la composition dcs repas. Les Commissaires-Residents determinerout conjointement la proportion suivant laquelle le riz figurera dans l'alimentation dcs engages. (3.) Les engagistes seront tonus, en outre, d'assurer a leurs engages un abri suffisant les vetements necessaires, et les soins medicaux en cas de maladie. Article XLV. — lleures de Travail. ■ (1.) Les engages ne pourront etre astreints a se rendre au travail qu'entre le lever et le coucher dv soleil. (2.) Us auront chaque jour, au moment dv repas dv milieu de la journee, au moms une heure franche de repos. (3.) Sauf pour les travaux dome.stiques et pour les soins a dormer aux animaux les engages ne pourront etre astreints au travail le dimanche. Article XLV I. — Paiement dcs Salaires. (1.) Les salaires seront paves exclusivement en especes. (2.) Les paiements seront faits, soit devant une personne deleguee a cet effet par le Com-missaire-Resident competent pour recevoir la declaration d'engagement, soit, a defaut, eu presence de deux temoins non-indigenes, gui certifieront le paiement au carnet individuel, i en y apposant leurs signatures a cote de celle : de I'engagiste. , (3.) En cas d'impossibilite manifeste pour un engagiste de recourir ace mode de certifi- < cation, cet engagiste sera autorise par le Com- < missaire-Resident competent ou par la personne ( deleguee a cet effet a mentionner lui-meme au ] carnet le paiement dcs salaires. (4.) Toutes les fois que le livret individuel n'indiquera pas le prix convenu lors de Ten- i gagement, cc prix sera compte a' raison de c l2fr. 50 c. par mois, sans que I'engagiste soit a admis a faire la preuve qu'un salaire moindre t avait etc convenu. >,

Article XLll. — Additional Periods of Work. (1.) Time lost through absence without good cause shall be added to the term of the engagement. X h (2.) A labourer may further be retained after his term of engagement expires as a punishment for breaches of discipline to which he has been duly sentenced.- In such case, the additional period of labour shall not exceed two months for each year of engagement. Article XLlll. — Transfer of Engagements. (1.) No transfer of a contract of engagement shall be permitted unless freely accepted by the labourer and authorised by the Resident Commissioner entitled to receive the notification of engagement, or by the person appointed for the purpose. (2.) If the transfer is between British subjects or French citizens, the authority shall be jointly given by the two Resident* Commissioners. Article XLIV .—Duties of Employers. (1.)-Employers must treat their labourers with kindness. They shall refrain from all violence towards them. (2.) They must supply them with sufficient food, according to the custom of the country including rice at least once a day, as part of their meals. The Resident Commissioner shall fix jointly the amount of rice to be supplied to the labourers. (3.) Employers must further provide their labourers with adequate shelter, the necessary clothing, and medical care in case of illness. Article XLV. — Working-hours. (1.) Labourers shall not be obliged to work except between sunrise and sunset. (2.) They shall have daily, at the time of their mid-day meal, at least one clear hour of rest. (3.) Except for domestic duties and the care of animals, labourers shall not be obliged to work on Sundays. Article XLV I. — Payment of Wages. (1.) Wages shall be paid exclusively in cash. (2.) Payment shall be made either before a person appointed for the purpose by the Resident Commissioner entitled to receive the notification of engagement, or, failing this, in the presence of two non-Native witnesses, who shall certify the payment in the record above referred to by affixing their signatures by the side af that of the employer. (3.) When it is obviously impossible for au employer to make use of this method of verification, he shall himself be authorised by the jompetent Resident Commissioner, or by the aerson appointed for the purpose, to enter the aaytnent of the wages in the record. (4.) Whenever the record does not show the ■ate of wages agreed upon at the time of the mgagement, the rate shall be taken to" be 10s. i month, and the employer shall not be allowed o produce evidence to show that a lower rate iad been agreed upon,

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Article XLVII. — Dep6ts de Prevoyance. (1). Une partie dcs salaires pourra 6tre deposee par l'engagiste entre les mains dv Coni-missaire-Resident competent pour recevoir la declaration d'engagement ou de la personne deleguee a cet efl'et, afin d'etre remise ulterieurement a l'engage sur .sa demande, soit au cours de la periode d'engagement, soit a l'expiration de cette periode. La retenue a effectuer dans cc but sur les salaires devra avoir etc librement consentie par l'engage. (2.) Le Commissaire-Resident ou la porsonne deleguee a cet eft'et pourra toujours prescrire la retenue et lo depot d'office dune partie dcs salaires de l'engage. Article XLVIII. — Punitions disciplinaires. Tout engage ayant donne a son engagiste de justes sujets de plainte en cc gui concerne sa conduite et son travail pourra, sur la proposition de l'engagiste, etre puni par lo Commis-saire-Resident competent ou par la personne deleguee a cet effet, soit dune obligation supplementaire de travail, soit dune amende, soit dune augmentation dv duree d'engagement dans les limites prevues a l'Article XLII cidessus, soit dune peine discipliuaire emportant privation de la liberte et ne pouvant exceder une duree dan mois. Article XLIX. — Absence irreguliere. (1.) Tout engage ayant quitte sans autorisation son engagiste sera puni, dans les memes conditions, de Fiine dcs peines disciplinaires prevues a l'Article precedent, et sera remis a la deposition de son engagiste pour tcrmmer son temps d'engagement. (2.) II est interdit a toute personne de Recevoir et d'employer ou d'admettre a bord dun batiment l'engage ayant quitte sans autorisation son engagiste Article L. — Deces pendant I'Engagement. En cas de deces dun engage, l'engagiste sera soumis aux memes obligations que celles gui sont imposees par l'Article XXXV ci-dessus aux capitaines dcs batiments recruteurs. Article Ll.—Rapatriement. (1 ) Tout engage ayant termine son temps d'engagement sera rapatrie a la premiere occasion favorable par les soins et aux frais de l'engagiste. . (2 ) L'engage devra etre ramene au point mgme ou il aura etc" recrute, et, en cas d impossibility materielle, a l'endroit le plus rapproche de cc point, d'oii l'engage pourra reioindre sans danger sa tribu. (3 ) En cas de retard non justifie de plus dun mois dans le rapatriement dun engage, le Commissaire-Resident competent ou la personne deleguee a cet effet pourvoira d office et aux frais de l'engagiste, par la premiere occasion, au rapatriement de l'engage. (4 ) En cas de mauvais traitements persistants envers un engage, le Commissaire-Resident competent aura le droit, apres deux avertissements donnes par ecrit a l'engagiste, de resilier d'office le contrat et de pourvoir, aux frais de l'engagiste, au rapatriement de l'engage.

Article XLVII. — Deposit of Wages. (1.) Part of the wages may be deposited by the employers with the Resident Commissioner entitled to receive the notification of engagement, or the person appointed for the purpose, to be paid subsequently to the labourer, either during the term of engagement or at the expiration of such term, according as he desires. The free consent of the labourer must be given before any part of his wages can be so dealt with. (2.) The Resident Commissioner or the person appointed for the purpose may at any time order the retention and deposit of part of a labourer's salary. Article XLVII I. — Punishments. Any labourer who has given his employer just cause of complaint in respect of his conduct or work may, at the instance of his employer, be punished by the Resident Commissioner concerned or the person appointed for the purpose, by the imposition of extra work, by a fine, by prolongation of the term of engagement within the limits provided in Article XLII, or by a summary punishment not exceeding one month's imprisonment. Article XLIX. — Absence without Good Cause. (1.) Any labourer who without permission leaves his employer shall be liable in like manner to one of the summary punishments prescribed by the preceding article, and shall be sont back to his employer to finish his term of engagement. (2.) No one shall receive or employ or take on board any vessel a labourer who has left his employer without permission. Article L. — Death during Engagement. In the event of the death of a labourer, the employer shall be subject to the same obligations as those imposed by Article XXXV on masters of recruiting vessels. Article Ll. — Repatriation. (1.) Every labourer who has completed his term of engagement shall be returned to his home at the first convenient opportunity by and at the expense of his employer. (2.) Such labourer shall be taken back to the place where he was recruited, or, if this is impossible, to the nearest place thereto from which the labourer can without danger rejoin his tribe. (3.) In the case of unjustifiable delay exceeding one month in returning a labourer, the Resident Commissioner concerned, or the person appointed for the purpose, shall provide, at the expense of the employer, for the return of the labourer to his home at the earliest opportunity. (4.) In case of persistent ill treatment of a labourer, the Resident Commissioner concerned shall have the right, after two written warnings addressed to the employer, to cancel the contract and provide for the return home of the labourer at the employer's expense.

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(5.) Le Commissaire - Resident competent pourra de meine resilier le contrat et proceder au rapatriement de I'engage dans le cas oil l'engagement n'aurait pas etc librement consenti par I'engage, et oil celui-si n'aurait pas elairemeut compris et librement accepte les clauses de l'engagemeut. Les frais dv rapatriement seront, dans cc cas, supportes par le recruteur. Article Lit. — Registre de Rapatriement. (1.) Les engages rapatries seront inscrits sur un registre de rapatriement tenu par le capitaine dv batiment transporteur dans dcs formes analogues a celles gui sont prevues a l'Article XXXII ci-dessus pour la tenue dv registre d'engagements. . (2.) La signature de I'engagiste, apposee sur le registre de rapatriement, etablira la remise au capitaine dv batiment transporteur de I'engage a rapatrier. (3.) Le capitaine inscrira sur le registre de rapatriement la date dv debarquement de I'engage rapatrie, et indiquera l'endroit precis ou eelui-ci aura etc debarque. (4.) Les regies prevues a l'Article XXXVIII ci-dessus pour la presentation et le visa dv registre d'engagements sont applicables a la presentation et au visa dv registre de rapatriement. Article LIII. — Deces en cours de Rapartriement. En cas de deces dun engage en cours de rapatriement, il sera procede par le capitaine dv batiment transporteur comme il est prescrit a l'Article XXXV ci-dessus. Article LlV. — Pouvoirs de Controle. (1.) Les Hauts Commissaires, les Commis-saires-Residents, et les personnes par eux a cet effet auront, chacun en cc gui concerne ses ressortissants respecifs, le droit de proceder a toutes enquetes gui leur paraitront necessaires pour assurer, a l'egard dv recrutement et de l'engagement dcs travailleurs indigenes, l'execution de la presente Convention. Les engagistes seront, a cet effet, tenus de deferer a toutes requisitions tendant a la comparution dcs engages. (2.) Proces-verbal sera dresse dcs irregularites ou infractions reconnues, et sera transmis sans retard a I'autorite Le proces-verbal fera foi jusqu'a preuve contraire. Article LV. — Engagement de courte DurSe et Emploi sans Engagement de Travailleurs Indigenes. (1.) Les non-indigenes pourront employer librement les indigenes a la double condition de ne pas les engager pour une duree de plus de trois mois, renouvelable, et de ne pas les transporter dans une ile eloignee de plus de 16 kilometres de celle oil reside leur tribu. (2.) Us pourront, en toutes circonstances, employer librement les indigenes ayant uotoirement servi pendant cinq ans au moms chez dcs non-indigenes et pouvant aisement se. f aire comprendre dans une langue Europ4enne ou dans le langage rnixte en usage entre non-indigenes ct indigenes.

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(5.) The Resident Commissioner concerned may in like manner cancel the contract and return a labourer to his home if the labourer did not freely consent to the engagement, or if he did not clearly understand and freely accept the terms of the engagement. In that case the expenses of returning him to his home shall be borne bj- the recruiter. Article Hl. — Register of Repatriation. (1.) The names of labourers returned to their homes shall be entered on a register kept by the master of the vessel, in a similar form to that prescribed by Article XXXII for keeping the register of engagements. (2.) The signature of the employer upon the register shall prove that the labourer who is to be returned to his home has been handed over to'the master of the vessel. (3.) The master shall enter in the register the date when the Native so to be returned to his home was put on shore, and shall mention the exact spot where he was landed. (4.) The rules prescribed by Article XXXVIII with regard to the submission and signature of the register of engagements shall be applicable to the register of repatriation. Article Llll. — Death during the Return Passage. In the event of the death of a labourer occurring during the return passage, the master of the vessel shall proceed as prescribed by Article XXXV. Article LlT. — Powers of Control. (1.) The High Commissioners, the Resident Commissioners, and the person appointed by them for the purpose, shall have, with regard to their respective nationals, the right to employ any method of inquiry which may be necessary to insure, as far as the recruiting and engagement of Native labourers are concerned, the execution of the present Convention. Employers shall be bound for this purpose to produce any labourer at the request of the competent authority. (2.) A report shall be drawn up with regard to any irregularity or breach of regulations which may be discovered, and shall be forwarded without delay to the competent authority. The report shall be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein. Article LV. — Short Engagements and Employment of Native Labourers without Engagement. (1.) Non-Natives may employ Natives without restriction provided that they are not engaged for more than three months, with the option of renewal, and provided they are not removed to an island more than ten miles from the island of their tribe. (2.) They may, in any case, employ without restriction Natives who are known to have served non-Natives for at least five years, and who are familiar with a European language or the vernacular in use between non-Natives and Natives.

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Article LVl. — Penalites. (1.) Les infractions aux dispositions de la preseute Convention commises par dcs nonindigenes en cc gui concerne le reorutement et l'engagement dcs travailleurs indigenes seront punies dune amende de 5 francs a 500 francs et dun emprisonnement dun jour a un inois, ou de l'une de ees deux peines seulement. (2.) 11 pourra, en outre, etre alloue aux engages dcs dommages-interets pour le prejudice gui leur aura etc cause. (3.) Le Tribunal Mixte prononcera les peines et allouera les dommanges-intere'ts. (4.) En cas de condanmation grave et sur recidive, le permis de recruter, ainsi que le droit d'engager, pourront etre retires, pour une periode de deux anne'es au plus, par le Haut Commissaire dont le reeruteur ou l'engagiste sera le ressortissant. Armes, Munitions, et Boissons Alcooliques. Article XVll. — Prohibition de Iα Vente aux Indigenes dcs Armes et Munitions de Guerre. (1.) A dater de la signature de la presente Convention il sera iuterdit dans l'Archipel dcs Nouvelles-Hebrides, y compris les lies de Banks et les lies de Torres, et dans les eaux territoriales dv Groupe, de vendre ou de lirrer aux indigenes, de quelque facon et sous quelque forme que cc soit, en dehors dcs exceptions limitativement enumerees ci-apres, dcs armes ou munitions de guerre. (2.) Ne sont pas comprises dans la presente prohibition les armes de chasse et leurs munitions livrees en cartouches preparees. (3.) Sont comprises dans la presente prohibition les armes a longue ported, les revolvers et les autres armes a repetition a plus de deux coups, les munitions appropriees a, ces armes, les pieces permettant de transformer les armes de chasse en armes de guerre, les cartouches a balle, et les explosifs, de quelque nature qu'ils soient, livres en dehors dcs cartouches specialement preparees pour les armes de chasse. Article LVIII. — Exceptions. (1.) Les deux Gouvernements se reservent le droit d'armer les indigenes gui feront_ partie dcs forces de police regulierement organisees. (2.) Le fait, pour un non-indigene, de confier temper airement a un indigene a son service, et pour les besoms exclusifs de cc service, une anne ou dcs munitions prohibees, ne sera pas considere comme constituant le delit prevu par I'Article LVII ci-dessus. Article LlX. — Prohibition de Iα Vente aux Indigenes dcs Boissons Alcooliques. (1.) A dater de la signature de la presente Convention il sera iuterdit dans l'Archipel dcs Nouvelles-Hebrides, y compris les lies de Banks et les lies de Torres, et dans les eaux territoriales dv Groupe, de vendre ou de livrer aux indigenes, de quelque facon et sous_ quelque pretexte que cc soit, dcs boissons alcooliques. (2.) Ne sont pas compris dans la presente prohibition les medicaments ou cordiaux a base d'alcool donnes en cas de maladie ou d'indisposition. • (8.) Sont compris dans la presente prohibition les spiritueux, les bieres, les vms, efr, dune maniere generale, toute boisson fermentee susceptible de provoquer l'ivresse.

Article LVI. — Penalties. (1.) Any infringement by non-Natives of the terms of the present Convention regarding the recruiting and engagement of Native labourers shall be punishable by a fine of from 4s. to £20 and by imprisonment of from one day to one month, or by either of the above penalties. (2.) Damages may also be awarded to labourers for any injury suffered by them. (3.) The Joint Court shall inflict the penalties and assess the damages. (4.) In the event of conviction on a serious charge, or for a second offence, the recruiting license, as well as the right of engaging labourers, may be withdrawn for a period not exceeding two years by the High Commissioner for the country to which the recruiter or employer belongs. Asms, Ammunition, and Intoxicating Liquors. Article LVII. — Prohibition of the Sale of Arms and Ammunition to Natives. (1.) Subject to the specific exceptions hereafter enumerated, no person shall, from the date of the signature of the present Convention, sell or supply arms or ammunition to the Natives, either directly or indirectly, in the New Hebrides, including the Banks and Torres Islands, and within the territorial waters of the Group. (2.) Shot-guns and cartridges for sporting purposes are exempted. (3.) The present prohibition shall extend to rifles, revolvers, and other repeating weapons, and the ammunition used for such arms, separate parts for the conversion of sporting guns into military weapons, ball cartridges, and all kinds of explosives other than cartridges specially made for shot-guns. Article LVIII. — Exceptions. (1.) The two Governments reserve to themselves the right to arm the Natives who form part of the regular Police Forces. (2.) If a non-Native temporarily intrusts to a' Native employed by him, and solely for the purpose of that employment, prohibited arms or ammunition, it shall not be considered to constitute an offence against Article LVII. Article LlX.—Prohibition of the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors to Natives. (1.) From the date of the signature of the present Convention no person shall, in the New Hebrides,. including the Banks and Torres Islands, and within the territorial waters of the Group, sell or supply intoxicating liquors to the Natives in any form and on any pretext whatsoever. . (2.) Alcoholic drugs or cordials employed in case of disease or sickness are not included in the present prohibition. (3.) The present prohibition shall cover spirits, beer, wine, and generally all fermented and intoxicating liquors.

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Article LX. — Constatation ties Infractions. (1.) Les infractions aux Articles LVII et LIX ci-dessus concernant I'interdiction de livrer aux indigenes dcs armes, dcs munitions, et dcs boissous alcooliques seront constatees par les officiers et agents de la force publique, regulierement iuvestis dun mandat a cet effet par les Hants Commissaires ou leurs Delegu&s agissant conjointement. (2.) Les proces-verbaux dresses en execution dv paragraphe (1) ci-dessus feront foi devant la juridiction competente jusqu'a preuve contraire. (3.) Tout officier ou agent de la force publique regulierement investi dun mandat a cet effet, gui trouvera un indigene porteur dune anne prohibee ou un indigene en etat d'ivresse dans un lieu public, l'arretera, fera une enquete sur les causes dv delit, en dressera pro-ces-verbal et en informera les Hauts Commissaires ou leurs Delegues. Si le delit est etabli, l'indigene sera puni par le Commissaire-Resident sous l'autorite duquel est place l'officier ou l'agent de la force publique gui aura procede a l'arrestation, ou par la personne deleguee a cet effet, et le nonindigene presume complice sera poursuivi devant le Tribunal Mixte (4.) En dehors dcs cas prevus par les reglements sur la procedure dv Tribunal Mixte ou par les Reglements applicables aux nonindigenes en raison dv regime sous lequel ils se trouvent places, les officiers et agents de la force publique ne pourront p6netrer dans liiabitation ou sur les exploitations dun nonindigene que s'ils en sont requis par lvi. Les perquisitions reconnues necessaires chez un non-indigene pourront etre ordonnees par le Jug© de la nation dont le non-indigene sera le ressortissant. Article LXI. — Penalties. *(1.) Les infractions aux Articles LVII, LIX, et LX ci-dessus commises par les non-indigenes seront punies dune amende de 5 fr. a 500 fr. et dun emprisonnement dun jour a un mois, ou de l'une dcs deux peines seulement. (2.) Le Tribunal prononcera les peines et pourra en outre ordonner la confiscation dcs armes, dcs munitions, ou dcs boissons alcooliques, et statuera sur l'emploi gui devra en Stre fait ou sur leur destruction. MUNICIPALITBS. Article LXll. — Creation dcs Municipalites. (1.) Dcs municipalites pourront etre creees dans l'Archipel, sur la demande dcs habitants non-indigenes. (2.) Les demandes a fin de constitution de municipalites seront adressees a l'un ou a l'autre dcs Hauts Commissaires ou de leurs Delegues. Ceux-ci se les communiqueront et decideront conjoijltement de la suite a y dormer. (3.) Sera auta"nt que possible accueillie toute demande faite par un groupe d'habitants nonindigenes adultes au nombre de trente au moms residant sur un mta territoire.

Article LX. — lie-port of Offence*. (1.) Breaches of Articles LVII and LIX, respecting the prohibition of the supply of arms, ammunition, and intoxicating liquors to the Natives, shall be reported by the officers and agents of ( the Police Force specially authorised for this purpose by the High Commissioners or their delegates jointly. (2.) The official report drawn up in accordance with paragraph (1) shall be prima facie evidence before the competent authority of the facts contained therein. (3.) Any officer or agent of the Police Force holding an authority to that effect who finds a Native in possession of a prohibited weapon, or in a state of intoxication in a public place, shall arrest him, and, after inquiry into the circumstances of the offence, shall draw up an official report for the information of the High Commissioners or their delegates. If the offence is proved, the Native shall be punished by the Resident Commissioner having authority over the member of the Police Force making the arrest, or by the person appointed for the purpose, and the non-Native suspected of complicity shall be prosecuted before the Joint Court. (4.) Members of the Police Force shall not enter the house or premises of a non-Native without his consent except as provided in the rules of procedure issued by the Joint Court, or the regulations issued by the authority having jurisdiction over him. Search-warrants, when considered necessary in the case of a non-Native, shall be issued by the Judge with jurisdiction over him. Article LXI. — Penalties. (1.) Any breach by non-Natives of Articles LVII, LIX, and LX shall be punishable by a fine of from 4s. to £20 and imprisonment ranging from one day to one month, or by either of these penalties. (2.) The Joint Court shall inflict the penalties and may further order the forfeiture of the arms, ammunition, or intoxicating liquors, and shall decide as to their disposal or destruction. Municipalities. Article LXll. — Establishment of Municipalities. (1.) Municipalities may be established in the Group, on the application of the non-Native inhabitants. (2.) Applications for the establishment of municipalities shall be addressed to one or other of the High Commissioners or their delegates. The latter shall communicate such requests to one another, and determine jointly what action shall be taken thereon. (3.) Applications made by a group of not less than thirty non-Native adult inhabitants residing in the same district shall be, as far as possible, complied with.

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Article LXlll. — Conseils munici fauna. (1.) Chaque municipality sera administree par un Conseil municipal compose de quatre 1 membres au moms et de huit membres au plus. (2.) Le Conseil municipal elira dans son sem un Maire et un Adjoint. (3.) La duree dv mandat dcs Conseillers municipaux sera de quatre annees. Article LXIV. — Elections. (1 ) Seront electeurs les personnes iion-in-digenes dcs deux sexes, de toute natioualite &gees de vingt et un ans revolus et residant depuis six mois au moms sur le territoire de la municipality a l'exclusion de celles_ ayant encouru une condamnation a plus de trois mois d'emprisonnement. (2.) Seront eligibles les electeurs dcs deux sexes ages de vingt-cinq ans re>olus. (3 ) II sera procede aux premieres elections dans les trois mois gui suivront la creation de la municipality. (4 ) Les elections auront lieu sous la surveillance de deux personnes respectivement designees par les deux Commissaires-Residents. Article LXV. Attributions dcs Gonseils municipaux. Les Conseils municipaux voteront armuellement le budget municipal et les taxes locales destinees a alimenter cc budget, ainsi que les travaux publics municipaux, dont ils determineront le mode d'execution. Ils decideront la creation dcs ecoles et dcs etablisseinents municipaux d'assistance, et, dune mamere generate, prendront toutes les mesures propres a contribuer au bien-Stre commun dcs habitants. Article LXVI. — Dispositions transitoires. ■ Sont reconnus comme municipality les deux Syndicate municipaux existant a l'lle de Vate. Le mandat dcs membres de ces Syndicate leur est jusqu'au terme de la periode pour laquelle ils out etc elus. Article LXV II .—Beglements d'Execution Les Hauts (Jommissaires ou leurs Delegues fixeront conjointement les regies d'application dcs dispositions dcs Articles LXII a LXVI cidessus. Disposition Finale. Article LXV lll.—Duree de Iα Convention. Les regies tracees par la presente Convention resteront en vigueur jusqu'au jour ou de nouvelles regies y auront etc substituees en vertu dun Accord entre les Puissances Signataires. En foi de quoi, les Dengues soussignes ont dressd le present Protocole et y ont appos6 leurs signatures. Fait a Londres, en double expedition, le 27 Fevrier 1906.

Article LXIII. — Councils. (1.) Every municipality shall be administered by a Council consisting of not less than four and not more than eight members. (2.) The Council shall elect a Chairman and a Deputy Chairman from its members. (3.) Councillors shall Hold office for four years. Article LXIV. — Elections. (1.) Non - Natives of either sex and any nationality, who have completed their twentyfirst year and have resided for six months at least in the district, shall be entitled to vote, with the exception of those who have served a sentence of more than three months' imprisonment. (2.) Voters of either sex who have completed their twenty-fifth year shall be eligible for election. (3.) The first elections shall take place within three months of the establishment of a municipality. (4.) The elections shall take place under the supervision of two persons respectively appointed by the two Resident Commissioners. Article LXV. — Functions of the Councils. The Councils shall pass the annual Municipal Budget, vote the necessary local taxation, initiate and carry out municipal works, decide upon the establishment of schools and charitable institutions, and, in general,, take all measures necessary for the welfare of the local community. Article LXVI. — Temporary Provisions. The two existing municipal bodies in the island of Efate shall be recognised as municipalities. Members of these bodies may continue to hold office till the termination of the period for which they were elected. Article LXV 11.—Supplementary Regulations. The High Commissioners or their delegates shall prescribe jointly the regulations for enforcing the provisions of Articles LXII to LXVI. Final Provision. Article LXV 111 .—Duration of the Convention. The provisions laid down by the present Convention shall remain in force until new provisions are substituted in virtue of an agreement between the Signatory Powers. ; In witness whereof, the undersigned delegates s have drawn up and signed the present protocol. F Done at London, in duplicate, the 27th day of February, in the year of our Lord 1906.

(Signed) Eldon Gorst. Saint-Germain. ' Hugh Bertram Cox. E. Picanon. Approximate Cost of PrtoJwff.-Preraration.not given; printing (1,400 copies), M' 2 7s. By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o6.

Price 9d.)