CONTROL OF THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 115, 15 May 1906, Page 3

CONTROL OF THE NEW HEBRIDES.

ACTION" by: thh federal goveezt- I iviEifr. '•■;'. The London correspondent of a French. : < newspaper published in Xew Caledonia ' gives some interesting particulars of the * Anglo-French. Commission, which, recent- .< Iγ met to consider the future control of t the New Helirides. The three French. < Commissioners—Messrs Saint-Germam. j Picanon and Weber —returned to> Par» < at the end of February, the discussions > on this important international question i having occupied a month. It is believed J that the agreement which, has been, arriv- { ed at between the two Powers will duly ■< safeguard the interests of all concerned". < The delicate task which tlie commission J had in hand was muck facilitated by the . friendly uncieifeitandfng prevailing en i both sides of -which, (says the eorres- 1 pondent) there is ample evidence. The ; French, delegates received from the ' English members constant proofs of courtesy and kindness. Although the text of the agreement will not be published until it lias been laid before the two Governments- it is said that no point Las been neglected I . which is likely to aid the colonisation 'of the islands and to contribute to their agricultural prosperity. The form of . procedure in case of disputes over land is such that the sales in former ticies will be confirmed without difficulty when the facts shall have been placed before the tribunal. In the ease of more * recent sales there may be some troußle, \ but the regulations will allow the Court ' a considerable degree of liberty. The ] :main points for consideration "will be : good faith and the rights of the owners, j with, due regard to the protection of the natives. The registration of the titles of all owners was not forgotten. It is expected- that the application of the principles of Torrens Act to the New Hebrides will permit of the most satisfactory results. The necessary machinery wD*I be provided for giving effect to the judgments of the Court. The agreement provides for the appointment of high commissioners, who will act either by themselves or their delegates. Protection to persons and property will be placed in their hands, and they will aefc under ciear and definite instructions. Matters of police and navigation, the recruiting of native labourers, the prohibition of the sale of arms and munitions of war_. and alcohol, gave rise to much discussion hut complete agreement was come to upon them. Security will have full and desired- guarantee. "Brietly, the convention will, it is said, put an end to the difficulties resulting from the absence of jurisdiction over the >Tew Hebrides natives, and wi]! settle all lar.d disputes between the French and British in the islands. The commission thoroughly discussed all questions likely to arise in carrying out that double object. The correspondent adds that ia London everyone who was able to judge of the work of the commission admits that it has done full justice to all concerned, aad that, no doubt, there will be the same feeling in France when the labours jof • he French members are appreciated jat tl'eir true worth. | The Federal Government seems at last Ito bo reeognis/iur the importance of the iXew Hebrides question, and- of having (pi, voice in iijs set&lemenf. It is said (\£hat the Prinfe Minister, Mr Doaidn. intends to forward by cable to the Ira-jjeria-l Government certain propositions which will tend to greatly modify the agreement lately concluded France ion the subject of the future control of the islands.