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1884. NEW ZEALANP.

CONFEDERATION AND ANNEXATION. PAPERS RELATING TO THE NEW HEBRIDES GROUP, AND TO ALLEGED LARGE PURCHASES OF LAND THERE, BY FRENCHMEN AND OTHERS.

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

No. 1. The Eev. F. E. M. Wilson and the Eev. J. G. Paton to the Colonial Office. Your Lordship,— Kew, Victoria, March Ist, 1883. Permit us to bring under your Lordship's notice a matter of great importance to the cause of Christian Missions in the New Hebrides Islands, and involving the interests and properties of British subjects there. We have been informed by one of the missionaries on the island of Efate, in the New Hebrides, that the French are purchasing large tracts of land in Pango Bay in that island, and appear as if they intend to take possession of the whole island. The natives, though urged, would not sell to them, being afraid of them, from what they had heard of their conduct in New Caledonia, on the Loyalty Islands, and in Eastern Polynesia. The French then purchased land from British settlers, and, having thus got a footing, compelled the natives to sell, or, in the event of their refusal, took possession. They profess to have purchased the small island of Iririki, in Fille Harbour, which was bought many years ago by the -missionaries as a mission station, and occupied as such for three or four years. Of this property the missionaries have the title-deeds. The natives told the person who sought to buy it lately, that they could not sell it, as it belonged to the missionaries ; but the man would not listen to them. He said he would throw the payment into the sea if they did not receive it, and would take possession. A company has been formed in New Caledonia, with a capital of £22,000, which was subscribed within twenty-four hours ; the avowed intention of which company is to colonize the New Hebrides with Frenchmen, and " force France to take possession of the group, as Britain had to do with Fiji," and also to be able, without interference from Great Britain, to deport the natives to New Caledonia and elsewhere, and make them work on their sugar plantations and in their mines. We fear that, if this spoliation of British property be overlooked, none of our mission property on the islands will be safe ; and if France shall take possession of these islands the results will be utterly destructive of the native population, as well as of our mission. British missionaries have been labouring on these islands for over thirty years, and there have been expended on mission work over £70,000. At present about £7,000 are spent annually on the support of the mission. About 8,000 natives, on thirteen islands, have been brought under Christian instruction. Five thousand of these have been converted. The result of this instruction, and of the influence of the missionaries, has been to render life and property comparatively safe on most of the islands. The French, who have not expended a farthing in preparing the way, have now come in to reap the harvest from this expenditure of British money and Christian work. We implore the protection of Great Britain for our mission and the property connected with it. Petitions were sent last year from five of the Australian Colonies, and one from the New Hebrides, to Her Majesty, asking for the annexation of that group of islands, or for the British protectorate over them. Her Majesty graciously answered these petitions, informing us that it was inexpedient to take steps to annex the islands. We trust that something may be done to protect the British missions and British property there. And we take the liberty of earnestly pleading with your Lordship, that you would favourably consider the whole matter, and use your powerful influence to help us. We beg, &c. F. E. M. Wilson, Convener of the Presbyterian Board of Missions, Victoria. John G. Paton, Senior Missionary, New Hebrides, and Mission Agent, Presbyterian Church of Victoria. The Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Note.—This correspondence is, mainly, extracted from the Imperial Blue Books, C.-3814, 1883, and C.-3863, 1884. I—A. 3b.

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No. 2. The Colonial Office to the Foreign Office. Sir, — Downing Street, April 21st, 1883. With reference to the question which is to be put on the 23rd instant in the House of Commons by Mr. A. McArthur, respecting the New Hebrides, I am directed by the Earl of Derby to transmit to you, for communication to Earl Granville, a copy of a letter from Mr. Wilson and Mr. Paton, relative to the alleged intention of the French to take possessionTif the island of Efate, and the formation of a company in New Caledonia having for its object the colonization of the New Hebrides. Lord Derby would suggest, for Lord Granville's consideration, that the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty should be requested to instruct the Commodore on the Australian Station to cause an investigation to be made into the circumstances of which Mr. Wilson and Mr. Paton complain, whenever a vessel can conveniently be despatched to the New Hebrides; and that Lord Lyons should be instructed to request the French Government to take such steps as may be necessary, if these statements are correct, to restrain French subjects from interfering with the property of British subjects in the New Hebrides. I am, &c. The Under-Secretary of State, Foreign Office. Edward Wingfield.

No. 3. The Foreign Office to the Colonial Office. Sir,— Foreign Office, April 30th, 1883. I have laid before Earl Granville your letter of the 21st instant, forwarding copy of a letter from Mr. Wilson and Mr. Paton, complaining of French proceedings in the New Hebrides, and especially of the action taken by French citizens in the islands of Efate and Iririki; and I am now directed by his Lordship to state to you, for the information of the Earl of Derby, that he concurs in the expediency of instituting an investigation on the spot into the facts complained of, and that the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty will accordingly be requested to instruct the British Commodore on the Australian Station to inquire into the circumstances of the case, and to furnish Her Majesty's Government with a report thereupon. . lam to add, with regard to the second suggestion contained in your letter, that Her Majesty's Ambassador has been requested to make a representation to the French Government in the sense desired, and I am to enclose herewith a copy of the instruction in question for Lord Derby's fuller information. I have, &c. i. The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. T. V. Lister.

I Enclosure. My Lord,— Foreign Office, 30th April, 1883. With reference to my despatch of the 25th instant, and to previous correspondence relating to the New Hebrides, I transmit to your Excellency herewith copy of a letter from the Colonial Office, forwarding copy of a letter from Mr. Wilson and Mr. Paton, complaining of the French proceedings in the New Hebrides, and especially of the action taken by certain French settlers in the islands of Efate and Iririki. Eeports to a similar effect have reached this country from other quarters, and have attracted some attention both in Parliament and the Press. I have, under these circumstances, to request that your Excellency will communicate the substance of this complaint to the French Government, so far as relates to the islands of Efate and Iririki; and inform them that inquiries into all the circumstances of the case will be instituted on the spot, but that, pending the result of such investigation, Her Majesty's Government trust that they will take such steps as may be necessary, "if the statements thus made should prove correct, to restrain French citizens from interfering with the property of British subjects in the New Hebrides. ; I have, &c. His Excellency the Viscount Lyons, G.C.B. Granville.

No. 4. The Foreign Office to the Colonial Office. Sir,— Foreign Office, May 2nd, 1883. With reference to my letter of the 30th ultimo, I am directed by Earl Granville to transmit to you herewith, for the information of the Earl of Derby, copy of a letter which has been addressed to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, in compliance with the suggestion contained in your letter of the 21st ultimo, relative to the New Hebrides. I am, &c. The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. T. V. Lister.

Enclosure. Sir,— Foreign Office, 30th April, 1883. With reference to your letter of the 18th instant, relating to the New Hebrides, I am directed by Earl Granville to transmit to you herewith, to be laid before the Lords of the Admiralty, copy of a letter which has been addressed to the Colonial Office by Mr. Wilson and Mr. Paton, and which contains a complaint as to certain alleged proceedings of French settlers in that group of islands, and more especially as to their action in the islands of Efate and Iririki.

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As their Lordshipr, are no doubt aware, reports to a similar effect have reached this country from other sources, and have attracted some attention both in Parliament and the Press; and I am, under these circumstances, to request that, if their Lordships should see no objection, the British Commodore may be instructed to cause an investigation to be made upon the spot into the facts 'complained of by Mr. Paton and Mr. Wilson, whenever a vessel can conveniently be despatched to the New Hebrides; and that the result may be communicated to this department. I am to add, that Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies concurs in the course proposed. I have, &e* The Secretary to the Admiralty. T. V. Listee.

No. 5. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby to Governor the Marquis of Noemanby, G.C.M.G. + My Loed, Downing Street, May 9th, 1883. I have the honour to transmit to you, for your information, a copy of a letter from Messrs. Wilson and Paton, of the Presbyterian Mission, Victoria, and of a correspondence between this department and the Foreign Office, respecting certain alleged proceedings of French settlers in the New Hebrides, particularly in the islands of Efate and Iririki; and I request that your Lordship will be so good as to inform Messrs. Wilson and Paton of the action which has been taken in the case. 1 have, &c. The Marquis of Normanby. Derby.

No. 6. The Foreign Office to the Colonial Office. Sm Foreign Office, July 25th, 1883. With reference to my letter of the 11th instant, I am directed by Earl Granville to transmit to you herewith, to be laid before the Earl of Derby, copies of a correspondence, recording certain explanations which have taken place, between Lord Granville and the French Charge d'Affaires at this Court, with regard to the New Hebrides and New Guinea. With reference to the allusion to the New Hebrides question, made m the last paragraph of the note enclosed in Lord Lyons's despatch of the 17th instant, I am to add that Lord Granville proposes, if Lord Derby concurs, to reply, to the note verbale communicated by the French Charge d'Affaires on' the 9th instant, to the effect that Her Majesty's Government consider the declarations of 1878, concerning the New Hebrides, as remaining in full force. I am, &c. The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. T. V. Listee.

As to understanding re New Guinea,

Enclosure 1. Le 9 Juillet, 1883. Vees la fin du mois dernier, le Beprcsentant de la France a Londres a entretenu le Principal Secretaire dZtat de la Eeine de la demarche faite recemment par les colonies Australiennes en vue de provoquer la reunion a la Couronne de divers groupes d'iles du Pachique et notamment des Nouvelles Hebrides. En ce qui concerne les Nouvelles Hebrides la question avait ete des 1878, posee dans ies memes termes; elle avait alors fourni l'occasion d'un echange de notes, dans lesquelles chacun des deux Gouverneinents avait declare qu'en ce qui le concernait, il n'avait pas l'intention de porter attemte a l'independance de l'archipel. *__,■____ II n'est survenu depuis lors aucun incident qui pariit de nature a modifier cet accord de vues. Le fait meme qui Lord Lyons a cru devoir, au mois de Mars dernier, remettre sou les yeux du Ministre des Affaires Etrangexes a Paris le texte des notes susmentionnees attestait qua, ce moment encore le Gouvernement de Sa Majeste Britannique y attachait la meme valeur et persistait dans les memes dispositions. . Cependant, dans le recent entretien, dont la demarche des colonies Australiennes a fait ie sujet, le Principal Secretaire d'Etat s'est borne a dire que le Gouvernement Anglais n'avait encore pns aucune decision relativement ala reponse qui leur serait faite. Les autres membres du Gouvernement qui out eu depuis a traiter de la question au Parlement, se sont memes montres plus reserves et n'ont fait aucune mention des declarations de 1878. Des cette epoque le Gouvernement Francais avait fait comaitre le pnx qu'il attachait, en raison des rapports etablis entre ses etablissements de la Nouvelle Caledonie et les Nouvelles Hebrides, a ce qu'aucun changement ne flit apporte ala situation politique de ce dernier groupe d'iles. Loin de diminuer l'importance de ces rapports, n'a, depuis lors, cesse de s'accroitre; lis presentent aujourd'hui pour notre colonie un interet de premier ordre. Le Gouvernement de la Bepublique a, par suite, le devoir de s'assurer si les declarations de 1878 ont pour le Gouvernement de la Peine, coinme pour lui, conserve tout leur valeur, et d'msister, s'll y a lieu, pour le maintien de l'etat actuel des choses. Le Cabinet de Londres ne-^era pas surpris qu'en presence du mouvement d'opimon auquel la demarche des colonies Australiennes a donne lieu et des manifestations qui pourraient en resulter inopinement de part ou d'autre le Gouvernement Franchise tienne a etre fixe, a bref delai, sur la maniere dont la question est envisagee par le Gouvernement de Sa Majeste Britannique,

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Enclosure 2. My Lord,— Foreign Office, July 10th, 1883. The French Charge d'Affaires called upon me this afternoon, and gave me the memorandum, of which I enclose a copy. He said he was instructed by his Government to ask for an explanation as to whether Her Majesty's Government abandoned the understanding into which the two countries had entered in 1878, with regard to the New Hebrides. I told Count d'Aunay that I was myself about to ask him for an explanation, on the subject of a report that the French flag had been hoisted on one of that group of islands. I was sure that the answer would be to the effect that the report was incorrect, eh' -account of the agreement which he had just referred to, and which was considered by us to be perfectly valid. Count D'Aunay said that, in putting the question he had been instructed to ask, he had expected the same reply, because his Government also considered the agreement to be still binding. I have, &c. His Excellency the Viscount Lyons, G.C.B. Granville.

No. 7. Governor the M.arquis of Noemanby, G.C.M.G. to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby.: My Lord, — Government House, Melbourne, July 30th, 1883. I have the honour to enclose, for your Lordship's information, the copy of a memorandum which I have received from Mr. Service on the subject of the annexation of the New Hebrides. The subject is one which excites very deep interest in this colony, and I am bound to say that I have never known any question in Victoria which has commanded such universal support. It has received the unanimous approval of Parliament, and is advocated by the Press of all shades of politics, and it has also been adopted by various large and influential public meetings. I have, &c. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby. Noemanby.

Enclosure. My Lord— Premier's Office, Melbourne, July 27th, 1883. It becomes my duty to again address your Excellency on the subject of the annexation of Pacific Islands, treated of in my letter of the 18th ultimo. Information has, since that date, reached me to the effect that the Imperial Government has declined to sanction the proceedings taken by Queensland for the annexation of New Guinea. I have to request that your Excellency will announce to the Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies the profound regret of this Government at that decision—a regret which Ido not hesitate to say is echoed by the Governments and people of Australasia. With reference to the annexation of the other islands, the movement for which was set on foot by Victoria, I desire to draw your Excellency's attention to the position at which that question has now arrived. Your Excellency has already received, and telegraphed to the Secretary of State, the resolutions of both Houses of Parliament, not only in favour of the measure, but also guaranteeing our quota of the expense. Since then, your Excellency has similarly received and telegraphed the resolutions on the subject of a large representative and enthusiastic public meeting held in Melbourne; and, further, within the last few days, the question has commenced to be taken up by Municipal Councils. The Government are in receipt of resolutions from several such bodies, and from a public meeting at Horsham, expressing hearty sympathy with the action of the Government. I doubt not that this movement will be general. I beg now to add that there is in favour of annexation, or a protectorate, unanimity amongst the Governments of these colonies. South Australia must not be taken as an exception, as she only refrains from pressing immediate action because she rests on a supposed assurance that Great Britain will prevent occupation by any Foreign Power. The newspapers announce, however, that the attitude of the South Australian Government in the matter does not satisfy their Parliament, and I have little doubt that in a short time it will be found that the voice of South Australia will join with the general voice of Australasia. But the position of the matter so far is this :— 1. On the policy of annexation or a protectorate, the Governments of Australasia are unanimous. 2. The Governments of Queensland, Victoria, and New Zealand have declared in favour of contributing towards expense, and in Victoria and New Zealand this has been formally indorsed by resolutions of both Houses of Parliament. New South Wales has probably expressed herself to the same effect, through the Governor or Agent-General. However, one-half of the colonies, at least, having already pronounced in favour of bearing the expense, I think we may fairly ask that this portion of the question may be eliminated from the discussion. Indeed, the question of annexing the Pacific Islands has evoked throughout Australasia so strong, unanimous, and patriotic a sentiment, that I feel it would be a waste of time on our part, as well as that of the Imperial authorities, to treat the question of expense as a point really in dispute. I make bold to say that Australasia will provide for the expense. v I must now point out tjjat the danger apprehended, of some other Power stepping in and anticipating us, has received illustration in the short interval sines I wrote to your Excellency. I mentioned in my letter, the rumour that the Erench Consul here was telegraphing to his Government on the subject. It is now reported that a strong agitation has sprung up in the Erench

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Colony of New Caledonia, the Governor being urged, by petition and by Press articles, " to lose no time in annexing the New Hebrides, before Great Britain should have time to do so." Immediately upon this, the French war steamer " D'Estrees " left, with sealed orders, to be opened when twenty miles from Noumea. It is almost certain that her destination is the New Hebrides. I have regretted to observe, from reports of interviews with Lord Derby, that the danger of annexation by Foreign Powers has been treated by the Colonial Office as somewhat chimerical. The foregoing narration, however, evinces that the danger is more real and immediate than .was supposed. I desire now officially to urge, what has already been brought under the notice_pf the Imperial Government viva voce by the Agent-General for Victoria—namely, the objection which Australia must entertain to the planting of convict settlements in these parts, a course which is almost certain to follow the leaving of the islands open for annexation by other nations. Surely, it must be unnecessary to remind the Colonial Office of the action taken by us in years gone by, to prevent the continuance of transportation to the then remote corner of Western Australia. And is it to be supposed that Australia can possibly tolerate from a Foreign Power that which she so strongly objected to when done by the Mother-Country ? It ha;S been a serious and irreparable error to allow of French intrusion amongst us in New Caledonia : for New Caledonia has been constituted a convict settlement, and the expense of our penal establishments is already appreciably swelled by the re-convictions here of escapees and expirees from that colony. I attach an excerpt from the "Argus," indicating the difficulties with which the colonies are threatened by the establishment of convict settlements in these seas. What France has done in New Caledonia she may do elsewhere, and other countries may follow her example. I would, therefore, through your Excellency, urge upon Lord Derby's attention that, while we object to foreign guns on those islands, we object to foreign convicts there with all the emphasis which respect for the Mother-Country permits us to express. I feel that I should be misleading the Imperial authorities, if I failed to make them aware of the depth and earnestness of Australian convictions on this subject. The position of the native races in this question is a point that seems to have been quite misapprehended in some quarters. It has been supposed that the present movement was in the interests of the oppressors of those people. A more signal error could not be made; and in proof I draw attention to the personnel of the movers in this matter. The political advantages of the annexation had long been apparent to me and to other public men in these colonies; but it was a letter from the Eev. D. MacDonald, a well known New Hebridean Missionary, followed by a large deputation of missionaries, clergymen, and other prominent philanthropic gentlemen, which formed the means of bringing to a focus the existing feeling on the subject. In order to make this point perfectly clear, I need only refer Lord Derby to the Enclosure No. 2, in my previous letter of the 18th June ; but I will now add the report, herewith enclosed, of the large public meeting held in the Melbourne Town Hall, on the 16th instant, the resolutions passed at which have already been telegraphed by your Excellency to the Secretary of State. I append the report of this meeting, as showing alike the stirred public feeling on the question, and the truly philanthropic character of the movement as regards the aboriginal islanders. lam informed that a French Commission has just delivered a report to the Governor of New Caledonia, urging the annexation of the New Hebrides, "with a view to resuming the labour traffic thence." It is to protect those weak races from this, as well as from unscrupulous persons of our own nation, that the missionaries earnestly desire Great Britain to take possession. There is a weighty consideration which I am inclined to think has not yet attracted attention in this discussion. It has been assumed that Great Britain avoided responsibility by declining possession of these islands. It seems to me that the responsibility lies wholly in the other direction, and that, if the united voice of Australasia declares that the annexation is a measure essential to our safety and welfare, there is a great responsibility in disregarding that voice. If Australasia guarantees the cost, and possibly the trouble of the measure, where is the responsibility, except in refusing? If, after this, these islands become depots for convicts and posts for foreign guns, what then about responsibility ? In Australia's determined resolve to keep her ports and her territories free from foreign convicts, who shall say what complications may not arise; and where will then rest the responsibility for those complications ? But, looking at the matter in the most practical light, there is really no ground for timidity in taking possession. The islands are rich and fertile, and will be a source of wealth, instead of a burden. As to trouble or responsibility, I would repeat that the only cause for apprehension would arise from the opposite course to that which we advocate. I have, therefore, to request,, through your Excellency, an early reconsideration of the decision of the Imperial Government as to New Guinea, and to ask for a favourable decision upon our application as regards the other islands. The intrinsic value of these territories, the important questions that arise from their contiguity to our country, together with the fact that the annexation is called for by the united voice of Australasia, are considerations which I feel it would be very serious to either undervalue or ignore. I have, &c. James Seevice, His Excellency the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, G.C.M.G. Premier.

No. 8. Governor Sir W. C. F. Eobinson, K.C.M.G. to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby. My Lord,— Adelaide, August Ist, 1883. I have the honour to forward copy of a memorandum from my Ministers, on the subject of the proposed annexation of New Guinea and the New Hebrides. I have, &c. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby. William C. F. Eobinson,

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Enclosure. Ministees respectfully request His Excellency the Governor to inform the Secretary of State for the Colonies that, while they are favourable to the annexation of New Guinea, as intimated by cablegram, they have instructed their Agent-General in London not to join the Agents-General of the other Australian colonies in urging the Imperial Government to take immediate action with reference to the New Hebrides and adjoining islands. Ministers understand, from statements made by Her Majesty's Government in the Imperial Parliament, that some agreement exists between England and France with respect to these islands, and they would be exceedingly unwilling to press on the Imperial Government the adoption of any action which might lead to complications with other nations. Ministers believe that no such objection can be urged against the annexation of New Guinea, and, from its proximity to the northern coast of Australia, it is extremely desirable that this island, or so much of it as is not claimed by the Dutch, should be placed under British rule. Ministers would remind your Excellency, that both Houses of Parliament in this colony passed addresses to Her Majesty in favour of the annexation of New Guinea, in the year 1875. Eeports that the French Government propose to obtain possession of some of the New Hebrides or adjoining islands, for the purpose of- establishing large convict depots there, having been circulated, Ministers would respectfully point out to the Imperial Government, that the transportation of a number of criminals to any of these islands would be a source of serious danger to the welfare of the Australian Colonies. J. C. Beay, Chief Secretary's Office, Adelaide, 31st July, 1883. Chief Secretary.

No. 9. The Fobeign Office to the Colonial Office. Sib, — Foreign Office, September 6th, 1883. With reference to your letter of the 10th ultimo, I am directed by Her Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to transmit to you, to be laid before Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies, copy of a despatch from Her Majesty's Minister at Paris, enclosing copy of a memorandum left with the French Government, recording the fact that the Governments of Great Britain and France mutually recognize as valid the understanding relative to the New Hebrides, at which they arrived in 1878. I have, &c. The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. T. V. Listee.

Enclosure. My Lobd— Paris, 31st August, 1883. With reference to your Lordship's despatch of the 25th instant, I have the honour to enclose herewith a copy of the note verbale which I left this afternoon in the hands of M. Challemel Lacour's Chef de Cabinet, informing the French Government, on the part of that of Her Majesty, that Great Britain considers the declaration of 1878, concerning the New Hebrides, as remaining in full force. I have quoted in the note verbale the declarations lately made in the same sense by the French Government. M. Marcel promised to submit the document without delay to M. Challemel Lacour, who was at that moment engaged with the President of the Council. I have, &c. The Earl Granville, K.G. F. E. Plunkett.

Sub-Enclosure. On receiving the memorandum which the French Charge d'Affaires placed, on the 10th July, in his Lordship's hands, Earl Granville replied verbally that he considered as perfectly valid the understanding into which Great Britain and France had entered in 1878, with regard to the New Hebrides. In reply to the memorandum which the French Minister for Foreign Affairs communicated to Her Majesty's Ambassador on the 16th July, repeating that the declaration of 1878 preserves its value in the eyes of France, Mr. Plunkett has been instructed by Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to inform the French Government, that Her Majesty's Government likewise consider the declaration of 1878, concerning the New Hebrides, as remaining in full force. Her Britannic Majesty's Embassy, Paris, 30th August, 1883.

No. 10. The Agent-Geneeal, Victoria, to the Colonial Office. 8, Victoria Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W. My Lobd — September 10th, 1883. With reference to previous correspondence on the subject of the annexation of New Guinea, the New Hebrides, and other islands in the Western Pacific, I have the honour to inform you that I have received a telegraphic despatch from my Government, stating that their attention has been directed to the announcement which has appeared in the French Press, to the effect that two war steamers of the Eepublican Navy have been lately despatched to the New Hebrides. It will be within your recollection that, in the joint despatch of the Agents-General for New South

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Wales, New Zealand, Victoria, and Queensland, addressed to your Lordship on the 21st of July, particular attention was directed to the debate in the French Chamber of Deputies on the 7th May last, in the course of which M. Waddington said that the French flag might very soon be hoisted on these islands. In a despatch which I had previously addressed to your Lordship, on the 12th July, I also referred to " the uneasiness excited by French movements in the Pacific, which my Government are of opinion indicate danger to the New Hebrides group of islands." Parliament is now sitting at Melbourne, and Her Majesty's Government there have, I am. informed, been questioned on the subject; but, in the absence of any reply from your Lordspip to the communications I have referred to, they are unable to give sueh an indication as they would desire to be able to lay before Parliament of the common policy which they very strongly feel ought to be now promptly pursued by Her Majesty's Imperial and Colonial Governments; and lam instructed to say that they fear that any appearance of hesitation at the present moment, may have the result of losing those valuable islands, which ought, in their opinion, to form part of the British Empire. I am also informed by Mr. Service that a Gonvention of all the Australasian Governments has been agreed to, and will be held in the month of November. I have, &c. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby. Eobert Murray Smith.

No. 11. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby to Governor Sir W. C. F. Eobinson, K.C.M.G. Sir, — • Downing Street, September 21st, 1883. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the Ist ultimo, forwarding a copy of a memorandum from your Ministers, on the subject of the proposed annexation of New Guinea and the New Hebrides. Your Ministers are correct in supposing that an understanding was arrived at in 1878, between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of France, in pursuance of which the independence of the New Hebrides has been, up to the present time, recognized and respected by both Powers. I have, &c. Sir W. C. F. Eobinson. Derby.

No. 12. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby to Governor the Marquis of Normanby, G.C.M.G. My Lord, —■ Downing Street, September 22nd, 1883. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 30th of July last, enclosing a copy of a memorandum from the Premier of Victoria, respecting the annexation of the New Hebrides and other islands in the Pacific Ocean. The representations made in this memorandum will, of course, receive the fullest consideration of Her Majesty's Government; but I observe that it was written only a few days after the date of my despatch of the 11th July, to the Officer Administering the Government of Queensland, the full text of which, when received, will have explained the views of Her Majesty's Government in regard to New Guinea; while the letter addressed to the Agents-General of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and New Zealand (a copy of which is enclosed in my circular despatch of the 18th instant), contains similar explanations in respect to the New Hebrides and other islands of the Western Pacific. I have also received your despatch of the 12th July, transmitting copies of an address from both Houses of the Legislature of Victoria, advocating the annexation of New Guinea and the other islands; and, as lam informed that a meeting of delegates from the Colonial Governments will assemble in November next, to consider this matter, I shall await the result of that meeting, at which the whole question will no doubt be thoroughly examined. I have, &c. The Marquis of Normanby. Derby.

See A.-3, p. 89. No. 21.

See A.-3, p. 136.

No. 13. The Colonial Office to the Agent-General, Victoria. Sir, — Downing Street, September 24th, 1883. I am directed by the Earl of Derby to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th instant, respecting the proposed annexation of New Guinea, the New Hebrides, and other islands in the Western Pacific. The letter which has been recently addressed to you and the Agents-General for New South Wales, Queensland, and New Zealand, will have explained to you that Her Majesty's Government have given very full and careful attention to the views and proposals of the Australian Governments, and are now awaiting the consideration by those Governments of Lord Derby's despatch of the 11th July, and of his letter to you and the other Agents-General above referred to. I have, &c. The Agent-General for Victoria. John Bramston.

See A.-3, p. 136,

No. 14. The Foreign Office to the Colonial Office. Sir,— Foreign Office, October 10th, 1883. With reference to the letter from this office of the 2nd May last, I am directed by Earl Granville to request that you will state to the Earl of Derby that he has received from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty a copy of a letter from Commodore Erskine, of the 31st July last,

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reporting the results of his investigations into the complaints made by Mr. Wilson and Mr. Paton, in connection with the proceedings of the Anglo-French Compagnie Caledonienne des Nouvelles Hebrides. A copy of this report has, it appears, been also communicated to the Colonial Office, and I am to state that Lord Granville will be happy to receive any observations which Lord Derby may have to offer upon the various points referred to in it. I have, &c. The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. T. V. Lister.

No. 15. The Colonial Office to the Foreign Office. Sib,— Downing Street, October 29th, 1883. I am directed by the Earl of Derby to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th instant, respecting the complaints made by Mr. Wilson and Mr. Paton, in connection with the proceedings of the Anglo-French Compagnie Caledonienne des Nouvelles Hebrides. The further information now supplied on the subject indicates that M. D'Arbel had, unfortunately, purchased an island which was already the property of British subjects, but that, as the natives have, as far as possible, restored the consideration for the sale through the Commodore on the Australian station, the incident is apparently closed. I am to enclose a copy of the " Argus " newspaper of the 27th August containing a paragraph (p. 9) on the subject. Lord Derby would suggest, for the consideration of Earl Granville, that Lord Lyons should be instructed to inform the French Government [Tit\\ reference to the despatch of which a copy was enclosed in your letter of the 30th April) of the nature of the particulars which have been learned since he was directed to make a representation to them on the subject. I am, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Foreign Office. Edward Wingfield.

No. 16. The Admiralty to the Colonial Office. Sie, — Admiralty, 16th November, 1883. With reference to former correspondence respecting the sale of the Island of Iririki, in Vila Harbour, New Hebrides, to a Frenchman, my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty desire me to forward herewith, for the perusal of the Earl of Derby, a copy of further correspondence between the Commodore and the Officer Commanding the French Naval Forces in those parts, on the subject. 2. A similar letter has been addressed to the Foreign Office. I have, &c. The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. G. Tryon.

Enclosure 1. Nouvelle Caledonie et Dependences. Cabinet du Gouverneur Chef de la Division Navale, No. 743. Monsieur LE Commodore, — Noumea, le 10 Septembre, 1883. J'ai l'honneur de vous adresser la copie d'un lettre qui fut ecrite le 10 Aout, 1882, a M. Chevillard, colon francais bien connu, etabli a Port Vila, par Mr. Cyprian Arthur George Bridge, Capitaine, E.N. commandant le batiment de S.M.S. " l'Espiegle," au sujet de l'acquisition, que cet officer manifestait l'intention de faire, de l'tlot Leliki ou Iririki. J'ai la pleine confiance, Monsieur le Commodore, que la lecture de cette piece vous demontrera que l'autorite Francais etait en droit de supposer que ce petit ilot n'appartenait a aucun sujet Anglais; Monsieur le Capitaine Bridge s'annoncait a M. Chevillard, comme venans d'etre nornme Deputy Commissioner pour les Nouvelles Hebrides, et c'etait encore la une raison de plus pour nous de penser qu'il etait bien au courant des titres de la mission evangelique. Cette affaire, au reste, est bien simple, Monsieur le Commodore, et si, malgre la presomption qui resulte de la demarche du capitaine de " l'Espiegle," l'ilot Leliki, appartient aux Missionnaires d'Brakor, par tin Acte en regie pass6 en 1870, la mission n'a qu'a en produire le titre, et toute personne venue apres elle n'aura qu'a s'incliner. C'est l'a le nceud de cette affaire de peu d'importance, et vous me permettrez de vous dire que les attestations du chef indigene declairans qu'il a agi contraint et par intimidation, sont de peu de valeur a cote de la reproduction du titre. Le caractere prudent de l'officier du "d'Estrees," M. le Lieutenant de vaisseau, Marin d'Arbel, et les instructions formelles qu'il avait recues, ne me portent pas a penser que cet officier ait agi par intimidation aupres de ce chef. Le batiment a vapeur de la Compagnie des Nouvelles Hebrides, " le Caledonien," a board duquel M. Marin d'Arbel avait pris passage, n'etait guere de nature a influencer la decision da l'indigene, et si quelque impression de ce genre, involuntaire de la part des personnes, bien entendu, pouvait se produire dans l'esprit du chef, c'eut ete plutot par la vue d'un puissant batiment de guerre ou il venait prononcer sa retractation. Mais, je le repete, les dires varies de Tindigene n'ont aucune action sur la seule pifeuve, qui est le titre. J'aurais ete heureux que vous croyez devoir entretenir de cette affaire, le Commandant du "d'Estrees" pendant qu'il se trouvait aupres de vous. Cet officier, fort au courant de ce qui a pu se passer dans les Nouvelles Hebrides, vous aurait fait connaitre la demarche du capitaine, de *

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" l'Espiegle," qui eut ecarte de vous toute idee de procede nuisible a la mission Anglaise. Ses explications eussent ecartes aussi la meprise qui a pu vous faire croire que M. Macleod, directeur de la societe francaise des Nouvelles Hebrides ctait pour quelque chose dans cette question d'achat. Ici, encore, c'est le lieu de repcter, qu'il n'y a rien de plus simple et de moins cache que les motifs qui ont precede I'acte. Les deux nations amies vivent en ce qui concerne l'archipel des Nouvelles Hebrides, sur le pied d'une Convention qui exclut pour chacune d'elles tout acte d'annexation, et je mets un soin tout particulier, a observer cet accord. Mais cette situation permet aux deux puissances, placees dans ce voisinage, de se menager les moyens qui peuvent assurer la protection de leur commerce et de leurs nationaux. L'ilot Leliki paraissait approprie' naturellement a ces sortes de depot qui sont necessaires a la navigation, et comme le fait que j'ai eu l'honneur de vous communiquer, me portait a penser que l'ilot n'appartenait a aucune personne europeenne, j'ai employe le procede bien itltil6 dans ces sortes de circonstances. En vous adressant ces explications cordiales, Monsieur le Commodore, je suis heureux de vous dire que j'ai ete sensible a l'attention que vous avez en de me remercier par l'intermediare du Consul Anglais, pour les soins que recoit a l'hopital de Noumea l'officier du " Dart," blesse a Ambria. Nous n'avons fait que reconnaitre les egards que les Francais regoivent dans les Colonies Anglaises. Veuillez agreer, Monsieur le Commodore, I'assurance de ma plus haute consideration. Le Gouverneur, A Monsieur James E. Erskine, Pallu. Commodore Commandant les Forces Navales Anglaises en Australie.

Sub-Enclosure. My deab Sib,— H.M.S. " Espiegle," Vila Harbour, 10th August, 1882. I shall be very much obliged to you if you will kindly undertake a commission for me. I wish to buy the small island of Leliki in the harbour, and I shall be glad if you would be so good as to get the proprietors to sell it. lam not prepared to give for it, at the most, more than ten pounds (£10), but I suppose it can be purchased for a much smaller sum. Should you be able to buy it for me, I will give the money to your agent in Sydney or Noumea, as you may wish, provided it does not exceed the maximum (£10) which I have named. I would ask you not to mention my name generally, or it may raise the price. Yours, &c. Cypeian Arthue Geoege Bridge, Captain, B.N. M. Chevillard, France Ville, Vila Harbour.

Enclosure 2. Sib,-— " Nelson," at Sydney, 20th September, 1883. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's letter and enclosure, respecting the small island of Iririki in Vila Harbour, Port Sandwich. 2. I am happy to be able to agree entirely with your Excellency that this affair is a very simple one, and am obliged to your Excellency for the assurance that, "in spite of the conclusion arrived at in view of the proceedings of Captain Bridge, of Her Majesty's ship 'Espiegle,' and as the islet of Leliki belongs to the missionaries of Erakor, the Mission have only to produce their title-deed thereto, and every one coming subsequently to them will have no course open but to give way." 3. I also entirely agree with your Excellency that "the agreement between France and England, which excludes any act of annexation on the part of either, does not preclude either of the two Powers established in this neighbourhood from taking steps to insure the protection of their commerce and of their subjects, and that the islet of Leliki seemed to be by nature adapted for one of those depots which are necessary for shipping;" and I presume it was in that view that Captain Bridge entered into negotiations for its purchase, through M. Chevillard, the owners, viz. the Presbyterian Mission, being absent at the time. 4. Your Excellency will observe that it was impossible for me to have acquainted Captain Communal with this affair when I had the pleasure of meeting that officer at Havannah Harbour. It was not until my subsequent arrival at Port Vila that I was aware that a French gentleman on board the " Caledonien " had been negotiating for the purchase of Iririki, and not until my return to Sydney that I heard for the first time that that gentleman, who I had supposed was an agent of the French Company, was Lieutenant d'Arbel, of the " D'Estrees." I was quite aware of the action taken by Captain Bridge, with reference to the Island of Leliki, and had Captain Communal (knowing I was about to proceed to Port Vila) informed me of Lieutenant d'Arbel's proceedings in the matter, this small affair would have been immediately set right by the production of the titledeed, which was in the hands of the Bev. P. Mackenzie, of Erakor. 5. I cordially reciprocate the view expressed by your Excellency, that the two friendly nations, France and England, are bound, as regards the New Hebrides group, to respect the convention which excludes any act of annexation on the part of either, and I am happy to know that your Excellency places great store on the observance of this agreement. 6. Again thanking your Excellency for the frank explanations contained in your letter, and with the assurance of my most profound esteem, I have, &c. James E. Erskine, His Excellency Captain Pallu de la Barriere, Commodore. Commanding the French Naval Forces, and Governor of New Caledonia. 2—A. 3b.

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No. 17. The Foeeign Office to the Colonial Office. Sib,— Foreign Office, November 20th, 1883. I am directed by Earl Granville to state to you, for the information of Her Majesty's Secretaryof State for the Colonies, that Her Majesty's Ambassador at Paris has been instructed, in the sense of your letter of the 29th ultimo, relative to the complaints made by Mr. Paton and Mr. Wilson in connection with the proceedings of the " Compagnie Caledonienne des Nouvelles Hebrides." I am to add that Lord Granville does not propose to take any further action in the matter. I am, &c. The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. J. Pauncefote.

No. 18. The Foeeign Office to the Colonial Office. Sib, — Foreign Office, December 4th, 1883. With reference to the letter from this department of the 20th ultimo, I am directed by Earl Granville to transmit to you, to be laid before Her Majesty's Secretary of State for .the Colonies, copy of a despatch from Her Majesty's Ambassador at Paris, forwarding a copy of the note which, in compliance with instructions, he has addressed to the French Government, respecting the alleged purchase, by Frenchmen, of the islet Iririki or Leliki, in the New Hebrides group. I have, &c. The Under Secretary of State, Colonial Office. J. Pauncefote.

Enclosure. My Loed,-- Paris, November 27th, 1883. I have this morning had the honour to receive your Lordship's despatch of the 22nd instant, directing me to communicate to the French Government the result of the inquiry respecting the alleged purchase from the natives by Frenchmen of the islet Iririki or Leliki, in the New Hebrides group. I have the honour to enclose a copy of a note which I have, in consequence, addressed to the French Minister for Foreign Affairs. I have, &c. The Earl Granville, K.G. ■ Lyons.

Sub-Enclosure. M. le Pbesident du Conseil, — Paris, November 27th, 1883. On the 3rd of May last, in pursuance of instructions from Her Majesty's Government, I addressed to your Excellency's predecessor a note respecting the alleged purchase from the natives by Frenchmen of an islet in the Hebrides group named Iririki or Leliki, which in fact belonged to British missionaries, and I stated that Her Majesty's Government proposed to cause inquiry to be made on the spot into the circumstances of the case. A report on the subject has now been received from Captain Erskine, Commander on the Australian Station, to whom the inquiry was intrusted. The information which it supplies indicates that Lieutenant Marin d'Arbel had, in fact, unfortunately purchased the islet in question, which was already the property of British subjects, who held a regular title-deed to it; but that, as the natives have, through Commodore Erskine, as far as possible restored the consideration received by them from Lieutenant d'Arbel, the incident is apparently closed. I have, &c. His Excellency M. Jules Ferry. Lyons.

No. 19. The Foreign Office to the Colonial Office. Sib,— Foreign Office, December Bth, 1883. I am directed by Earl Granville to transmit to you herewith, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, copy of a despatch from Her Majesty's Consul at Noumea, forwarding a newspaper report on the proceedings of the " Compagnie Caledonienne des NouvellesHebrides," during the past year. I have, &c. The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. J. Pauncefote.

Enclosure. My Lord,— Noumea, October 6th, 1883. In my despatch of the 20t>h November, 1882, and previous despatches, I informed your Lordship of the formation of the " Compagnie Caledonienne des Nouvelles-Hebrides." I now have the honour to forward a report on the proceedings of the said society for the past year, extracted from the local paper, the Neo-Galklonien, of the 3rd instant. I have, &c. The Bight Hon. Earl Granville, E.G. E. L. Layabd.

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Sub-Enclosure. [Extract from the Neo-Caledonien of October 3rd, 1883.] Compagnie Cai_donienne des Nouv_-__es-H_be_des (Soci_tk Anonyme). —Capital: 500,000 francs.—Assemble. Generale Ordinaire du 29 Septembre, 1883. Rapport du Commissairc de Surveillance. Messieues, — Conformement a l'article 30 de nos statuts, j'ai l'honneur de vous rendre»compte de la mission que vous rn'avez confiee dans notre reunion du BNovembre dernier. L'exercice, dont votre Conseil d'Administration vient de vous faire connaitre les resultats, ne comprend qu'une periode de buit mois, ainsi que l'avait prevu le paragrapbe 2 de l'article 44 des statuts; ils'etend du mois de Novembre, 1882, date de la constitution definitive de notre Societe, jusqu'au 30 Juin, 1883. Qu'a fait la Compagnie pendant ce court espace de temps ? Son pacte social lui imposait comrne but de son activite I'establissement de comptoirs dans lgs diverses lies de l'arcbipel Neo-Hebridais: ce but est des aujourd'hui atteint! De vastes acquisitions conclues avec autant de bonheur que de promptitude et dans des conditions de publicite et de regularite, qui, quelles que soient les eventualites politiques, leur assurent le respect de tous, et les placent sous la protection du droit des gens, ont mis en nos mains un reseau de stations parfaitement choisies, et tin immense domaine agricole qui n'a pas moins de 245,000 hectares. Ces stations ont deja, donne une vigoureuse impulsion aux operations agricoles et commerciales dont elles doivent etre les instruments. Pour cette premiere ann6e seulement, nous pouvons compter sur une exportation de 500 tonnes de coprah, de 2,000 sacs de mais, de 12 tonnes de cafe, soit une valeur d'environ 200,000 fr. Une exploitation chaque jour plus active du coprah de 'la part des indigenes, les vastes et intelligentes plantations de cafoiers et de mais operces par nos agents, nous garantissent une rapide progression dans le chiffre de nos produits. L'acquisition du steamer " Le Caledonien," et les deux bateaux a voiles " l'Ambroua " et " Le Caledonia," maintiennent des relations faciles et constantes entre nos comptoirs Neo-Hebridais et cette colonie. Un magasin place au centre de l'archipel, pourvu d'un stock de merchandises important et varie, facilite les echanges, stimule la production indigene, et etend nos relations. L'achat des soufrieres de Tana a dote notre actif social d'une valeur industrielle de premier ordre, dont l'exploitation doit fournir a notre Compagnie un nouvel element de prosperite. Messieurs, j'ai pu m'assurer de la regularitc du bilan, de l'inventaire, et des comptes que votre Conseil soumet a votre approbation, et je vous propose de les ratifier par vos votes. Fait et depose a, Noumea, au siege social, le 10 Septembre, 1883. Le Coinmissaire de Surveillance, G. Cudenet.

Authority: Geobgb DidBbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB4.