The Press. SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 1885.

Press, Volume XLI, Issue 6028, 10 January 1885, Page 2

The Press. SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 1885.

Whbzt it was rumored a few days ago that the Government steamer Hinemoa was about to be despatched to the South Seas on a mission of annexation, the news was received with general incredulity. The pub Ho* ware aware, it is true, that some,of. the Ministers entertained views regarding the duty and mission of New Zealand with reference to the South Sea Islands not quite in keeping with the

opinions of the majority of colonists. But few thought it probable that any attempt would be made to put those notions into practical operation. The idea that »ha "Hinemoa was to be employed on any such ridiculous mission as was, surmised was scouted as a wicked fabrication intended to oast ridicule on Ministers. It was, neverthe-' less, assorted most positively by our Weiliogton mat there was some foUadatidn for the report, whatever might be the final decision arrived at. It now turns out that the absurd surmise, as it was called, was as nearly as possible correct The official explanation of the " Hinemoa mystery," which we publish in this morning's issue, substantially confirms the report sent by our correspondent that Ministers were really seriously considering the i propriety of annexing Samoa and of employing the Government steamer for that purpose. This course had, it appears, been decided on from a conviction of " the imperative necessity of the " Government of New Zealand taking " immediate action for the purpose of " preventing" the Navigator Islands falling into the hands of a foreign power. But how Ministers hope that the sending of tue Hinemoa to the islands with the Colonial Secretary and some half-a-dczan policemen, would have the effect of causing the German Chancellor to panse before he ventnred to proceed further, is not quite clear. We can understand the Government of the colony protesting in the most emphatic terms against the intended action of Germany, and urging the Imperial authorities to take whatever steps may be considered necessary to prevent Samoa from being absorbed by that Power. Bat action can alone be taken by the British Government. If it were determined to anticipate the German authorities with regard to Samoa, the task of doing so i would most certainly not be entrusted to the Hon. Mr. Buckley and his little force of Armed Constabulary. The present case is not even similar in any respect to the proceedings of the Queensland Police Magistrate. In the latter case it was not known what course the Imperial authorities might pursue. It was just possible that the action of that official might, for State reasons, have been confirmed. But on that occasion the principle was most emphatically laid down that the colonies could not be permitted to perform Imperial acts of that nature, and that under no circumstances would such lawless proceedings be tolerated in future. The information which we print in another column does not tell us whether the New Zealand Government contemplated in the first instance imitating the action of the Magistrate at Thursday Island. But if they did they were evidently overruled. They consented to go through the form of informing the Home Government as to the course they wish to pursue. They told the Secretary of State for the Colonies that they deemed " the annexation of " Samoa by New Zealand imperative;" that they "had resolved on that step;" and the latest news is that in spite of the disapproval of the Imperial Government, Ministers intend te despatch the Hinemoa to Samoa.

Notwithstanding the intimation printed elsewhere, it is difficult to imagine that Ministers really intend to make jthemaelves and the colony so utterly tyuEleulous in the eyes of the world at" large as such a step would involve. What possible end can be served by taking such a course in the existing circumstances wo cannot imagine. Even if Sir Gkoege Grey's foolish Act had received the Imperial sanction, the proceedings of the New' Zealand Government could have no possible effect against Germany, if tha*; country had made up its mind to annex Samoa. The Confederation and Annexation Act promoted by Sir Geobge Gbhy was passed, it may be remembered, in 1883, and was reserved for her Majesty's pleasure, but the Boyal assent has not been given to it, so it has no force of law whatever. But had it been in {force, any "'proceedings nnder it, as we have said, would, in the earlier .stages, be of no effect in the event of Germany deciding on annexation. Its provisions briefly are that when the Parliament of New Zealand deems it desirable to confederate with or annex any island or islands not under the protectorate pf a foreign Power, or when the ' constituted authorities of such islands made proposals to New Zealand, the - Governor may appoint a Commission to 'make and receive proposals and conduct negotiations, and report to the Government. That j report has to be laid before the Legialaturs of the colony. If the Legislature approves of the report, it may pass a resolution to that effect, and the Governor has then to transmit the resolution and correspondence to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, with a request that the determination of the New Zealand Legislature may be given effect to by her Majesty. Were the Confederation and Annexation Act assented to to-morrow, nothing could be done till Parliament was called together, for the Legislature has passed no specific resolution on the subject annexation to: New Zealand, and none of the steps which the Act contemplates could be taken till that has been done. Be that, however, as it may, tbo Act is not in force. The colony has no authority whatever to deal with Samoa, without the ■ direct sanction of the Imperial Government, and that sanction has bseu refused in distinct terms.

But apart from the above aspect ot the question, there are two points which have to be determined, even were Lord DbEbt to agree to the wild demands cf the New Zealand Ministry. Is it expedient that this colony should hare anything whatever to do with foreign terri toryp la it desirable that we should attempt to get ourselves involved in complications which would necessarily arise were we administering the Government of a native race situated some 1500 miles distant from New Zealand, and numbering some 30,000 or 40,000. We certainly are of opinion that the colony should undertake no each responsibility. We have had quite enough experience in the governing of Natives to make us pause before we enter upon new engagements of a similar character, and we believe the vast majority of New Zealand colonists will be of the same opinion. The-other point which has to be settled is whether Great Britain or Germany has the greatest claim upon Samoa. A calm consideration of the question will probably convince any candid mind that it is by no mean* established that we are justified in excluding the rival power from the islands. A treaty between Germany and Samoa was communicated by Prince Biskaxck to the Reichstag in 1879, and there is also a tre 1y between the United States and the same

islands. If proper representations are made, it may be possible to secure the continued independence of the little Sta,te, and if that can be brought about New Zealand should be satisfied. But to talk; of taking action to prevent Samoa facing under the, dominion of a foreign by. sending, the Hinemoa on a .fill»bastering expedition to the islands is "nan the whole colony, if indeed nothing more serious arises oat of Buch a foolish enterprise.