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" this colony, which is believed to be shared by all the Australasian Colonies, is " that the deportation of convicts by France to any of her possessions in the " Western Pacific should cease; and, next, that, failing Great Britain being will- " ing to extend her protectorate to those islands, the rights and interests of Her " Majesty's subjects in those islands should be secured to them, and that this " will best be attained by such an agreement with other Powers as will recognize " the independence of the governments of the different groups of islands, subject " to freedom of trade, commerce, and security of civil and religious liberty to all " nations." Dr. Menzies has given notice of a similar amendment in the Upper House. 6. On the debate being resumed last night Mr. Montgomery gave notice of .another amendment in the House of Eepresentatives, viz.: " That this House is " of opinion that Great Britain should strenuously object to France occupying or " annexing the New Hebrides." 7. Information had been received by public telegram that France was taking steps to annex the New Hebrides, and many members who had been disposed to support Mr. Scobie McKenzie's amendment now state that they prefer that of Mr. Montgomery. 8. Meanwhile the discussion has been adjourned pending information as to the course which Her Majesty's Government intend to pursue. The debate on Sir Frederick Whitaker's resolutions in the Legislative Council has also been adjourned. I have, &c, W. F. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. the Earl Granville, K.G.

Enclosure. Pacific Islands Committee.—lnterim Eepoet. The Committee appointed to consider the question of the attitude that the colony should assume in relation to the Pacific Islands have the honour to report that they have passed the following resolutions :— That it is desirable that an arrangement should be concluded between England, France, Germany, and the United States neither to occupy nor annex any island or islands in the Western Pacific Ocean. If possible, the recognition of this convention by other Powers should be obtained. That, following the analogy of the Mixed Commission for the Suppression of the Slave Trade which sat for many years at the Cape of Good Hope, such a mixed Commission for the Pacific might be created, consisting of the Commissioners appointed by the contracting Powers ; the said Commission having all the powers conferred by the Imperial Act, 38 and 39 Viet., 1875, c. 51, on the High Commissioner for the Pacific, whilst the united Governments would exercise over the Pacific the powers which are by the same Act conferred upon Her Majesty in Council. J. Macandeew, 28th May, 1886. Chairman.

No. 23. (No. 56.) My Loed,— Government House, Wellington, 21st June, 1886. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt this day, through the Governor of South Australia, of a telegram from your Lordship, of which a copy is herewith enclosed. I have, &c, W. F. DEUMMOND JEEYOIS. The Eight Hon. the Earl Granville, K.G.

Enclosure. Loed Lyons telegraphs that he is informed by M. de Freycinet to-day that French Government have not received news that flag had been hoisted at New Hebrides; but, nevertheless, orders have been sent to Governor, New Caledonia that, if hoisting has taken place, it should be at once discontinued. No intelligence received by French Government in confirmation of other newspaper reports.