FRENCH CONVICTS IN THE PACIFIC.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 4122, 20 September 1883, Page 2

FRENCH CONVICTS IN THE PACIFIC.

A Ploa for tho Annexation of tho New

Hebrides.

[reuter's telegrams.]

Melbourne, September 19. In tho Legislative Assembly this evening, Mr James Service, the Premier, replying to a question, took occasion to remark thatLord Derby completely failed to appreciate the importance to Australia of the deportation of French convicts to the Pacific Islands. He declared that if England permitted this deportation the colonies would themselves be obliged to devise means for the prevention of convicts landing on their shores. He considered that the French proposal to populate the Pacific Islands with criminals from French cities is contrary to the acknowledged principles of international comity, and justified the abrogation of any agreement between the English and French Governments with regard to those islands.

A debate on the question ensued, on the motion for adjournment. Tho various speakers unanimously declared that such a calamity must be averted by any means.

London, Sept. 19.

The " Daily News," in its issue this morning, publishes an article strongly urging the British Government to take steps to exclude French convicts from the Australian colonies.