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and even acknowledged by Lord Carnarvon as an important representation of Australian feeling. Similar addresses came from South Australia and Victoria, and the Government of New South Wales went so far as to recommend not only the annexation of New Guinea but also of all the adjacent islands. Mr. Eobcrtson, who was then Premier in New South "Wales was very anxious to have everything annexed, but like Mr. Palmer in Queensland, he declined to "co-operate" with the Queen's Government. He did so, however, for different reasons. He assigned as his chief reason " the apparent impossibility of this Colony having any share in the control of the Colony contemplated commensurate with the amount subscribed." That is to say, he was very anxious to have a finger in the pie if he could pull out all the plums. But Lord Carnarvon could not see it in this light. If the Australian Colonies would not contribute, they could not expect the Queen's Government to annex New Guinea and the islands of the Pacific for nothing. And so the matter ended for a time with a polite refusal, but an assurance that " Her Majesty's Government would contrive to examine the arguments for and against the extension of British sovereignty over New Guinea by the light of such information as they may be able to procure." And so must Lord Derby. The light now shed upon this subject is the provisional annexation which has been authorized, accompanied by the offer to bear the preliminary expenses. The proposal has already, as we now learn, been favourably received by the leading journals in England, and whatever reluctance Lord Derby may feel in giving effect to the proclamation, the annexation will ultimately be carried out. The course adopted by Sir Thomas M'llwraith in appealing to the several Australian Governments to support his action is quite justified by the position of affairs, and we trust that he will be successful in his spirited endeavours to bring to an issue such an important negotiation. We understand that the Governments of the various Australian Colonies have been requested to communicate with their Agents-General in London, and to authorize them to support the proposed annexation of New Guinea. In doing so, it has been explained that no preferential right has been "set up to any special territorial advantages on the part of this Colony" further than this, that the Government of Queensland has expressed 'its willingness to accept a territorial extension, if it is considered desirable to carry out the annexation in that form. But it is to be clearly understood that Queensland desires no exclusive possession, and that the action in this case has been taken chiefly in order to set at rest any doubt as to the ultimate possession of New Guinea by some Foreign Power. It is sought, in fact, in the first place, to extend the sovereignty of Great Britain to that portion of New Guinea not claimed by the Dutch. Whether it should be included within tho territorial definition of Queensland, or whether it should be constituted a separate territory under the protection of Great Britain, must be matters for further consideration ; and the Premiers of the several Australian Colonies have been advised that the action taken has been with a view to serve the interests of the Australian Colonies as a whole, without any undue prominence being given to the special interest which Queensland undoubtedly has in the settlement of the question.

No. 9. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby to Administrator Sir A. H. Palmer, K.C.M.G., (Queensland). Telegraphic. June I.—Governor's despatch 19th April.* "What specific information led Government to believe occupation New Guinea by Foreign Power probable ?

No. 10. Administrator Sir A. 11. Palmer, K.G.M.G. (Queensland), to The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby. (Eeceived June 4, 1883.) Telegraphic. General rumours of Germany and Italy ; special rumour, German corvette " Carola" was leaving Sydney for South Seas withoutf object of annexation. She left on the 18th March.

No. 11. The Agent-General for Queensland to Colonial Office. Queensland Government Office, 1, Westminster Chambers, Victoria-street, Sir, London, S.W., June 4, 1883. I have the honor to forward you, for the information of the Eight Honorable the Earl of Derby, a copy of a telegram I have received this morning from the Premier of Queensland, the Honorable Sir Thomas Mcllwraith, K.C.M.G., dated Brisbane, 4th June, 1883 ■— " Press annexation to Queensland or Crown Colony. Protectorate not acceptable to Australia." I have, &c, THOS. AECHEE, Agent-General.

No. 12. Governor the Marquis of Nornianby, G.C.M.G. (Victoria), to The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby. (Received June 6, 1883.) My Lord, Government House, Melbourne, April 10, 1883. I have the honor to inform your Lordship that I prorogued the First Session of the Twelfth Parliament of Victoria this day* I beg to enclose herewith copies Jof the speech I read on that occasion. I have, &c, NOEMANBY. . (Extract).

# No. 6. t Query " with," but sic in original. J Extract only printed.