("AGE" SPLCIALS)

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 4126, 24 September 1883, Page 3

("AGE" SPLCIALS)

Queensland and tho Labour Traffic,

London) September 12. Tim " Daily Nows " this morning demands the abolition of tho kidnapping i system which is now being carried on in the South Seas by Queensland plautors. Baron McLeny, who recently explored 1 New Guinea, and who has had extensive experience among the natives of tho islands of the South Pacific, has written to Lord Derby denouncing the existing Queensland labour traffic system. The Press on tho Madagascar Embrogllo Discussing tho Tamatavo outrages, the Press generally condomns tho aggressivo line of conduct pursued by Captain Johnstone of the Dyrad in impeding the operations of Admiral Pierre prior to the bombardment of Tamatave. French Convicts for Now Hebrides. Messrs Higginson and Morgan, of Noumea, the latter gentleman being n member of tho linn of Messrs Morgan and Nephow, land speculators, New Hebrides, aro at present in Paris. It is reported that they are arranging for a shipment of French convicts to the islands of tho South Pacific. Tho Fronch Frosa on Annexation. An animated discussion is being carried on in the Frenoh papers as to tho propriety of France annexing tho Now Hebrides. Considerable divergence of opinion is exhibited, the press being very equally divided on tho point. Tho Luther Celebration. A grand festival in celebration of tho 400 th anniversary of tho birth of Martin Luther, the reformer, in being held at Wurtemburg, Germany. The festival formally opened yesterday by the Crown Princo of Prussia.

Lord Derby's Reply to tho Agents-GeneraL

Tho Agents-General for the different Australasian Colonies to-day received a reply from Lord Derby in answer to a letter written by Mr Smith, Agent-Geneial for Victoria, requesting a definite announcement of tho course which the Imperial authorities intend to pursno in regard to tho proposed annexation of Now Guinea and is ew Hebrides. Lord Derby's statement consists of several vague assurances of the interest taken by Government in the welfare of tho colonies, but the general tonor ia evasive and unsatisfactory. He states, however, that Government intends to adhere to thei" previous dotermination as to tho annexation^ of Now Guinea, and^ also that they will decline to annex any^ other islands of the I'acifiCf In regard to the [report that the French Government intend to deport habitual criminals to the New Hebrides, Lord Derby promises to confer with Earl Granville with a view to determination on tho line of policy which tho English Government shall adopt. Ho points out that tho Tongan and Samoan islands aro protected by existing treaties, and'that tho independence of the New Hebrides is recognised by the French Government. Lord Derby a!so refers to representations which have been made to him concerning alleged outrages committed by Queensland planters engaged in the South Sea labour traffic, and states that he will communicate with Sir Arthur Gordon, High Commissioner for the Western Pacific, upon tho subject, with a view to having tho statements thoroughly understood.

Tho "Times" this morning advocate) tint the Agents-Genoral of the various British colonies should form a Council for the purpose of advising the Secretary of State for tho Colonies on all questions pertaining to Colonial interests.

Australian Hops in London.

Australian hops aro being sold for £9 per cwt in the London market.

A cricket match was played at Home Bay on Saturday between the St. Mary's and Home Bay Cricket Clubs. Tho lattor won easily with an innings and 17 runs to spare. J. Kane and A. Cooke played well for Homo Bay, as did R. Done and Quinlan for St. Mary's,