THE HINEMOA MYSTERY.

Press, Volume XLI, Issue 6028, 10 January 1885, Page 3

THE HINEMOA MYSTERY.

[FKSBB A3BOOUHOK TXUKXAK.] AUCKLAND, January 9. The following is the official explanation of the Hinemoa mystery: — " On December 27th the Government re--ceived a telegram from the Agent-General stating that the British Ambassador at Berlin believed that Germany intended to ■ annex Samoa, or proclaim a protectorate pver the Navigator Group.? A Cabinet Council was ha»tUy convened at Welling~ton, and a telegram was despatched to Mr Stout, who was then at Dunedin, requesting bis immediate return ti Wellington, and the Coloai&l Secretary, who was also in Dunedin, was likewise desired to return to the seat of Government. In consequence of the importance of the communication received from London it was considered advisable the Governor should be present at the Council of Ministers, and Sir W. Jervois accordingly returned in haste to the o^rptoliu On December Slat, Ministers met n Cabinet Council. The subject of German annexation in the Pacific was discussed generally, but the attention of the Cabinet was mainly occupied with the Samoan question, and. .the alleged designs of Germany in regard, to that group of islands. Sir Julius Vogel strongly urged the imperative necessity for the government- of New ; Zealand taking immediate action for the purpose of preventing these islands from falling under the dominion of a foreign power, and pointed out that this colony by reason of its geographical position and trade was deeply interested in the Navigator Group. The evident desire.of the natives of theje islands to be brought into close alliance with New Zealand aa shown by a petition addressed by some of their most influential chiefs to the New Zealand Government, was referred to as an argument in rarer of the colony being entrusted with tbe task of extending British dominion in these parts in the event of the Imperial Government declining to take action. Mr Stout coincided with the views expressed by the Treasurer, and they were generally acquiesced in by the ether members of the Cabinet. The decision arrired at by the Cabinet, after mature and prolonged deliberation, was that the Governor should be requested to communicate, to Lord Derby the opinion of bis advisers that Samoa should forthwith be annexed to New Zealand by the Colonial Government, and that her Majesty should be advised to assent to Sir G. Grey's Act. In the meantime, it waa . decided, with a view to practical effect Jjeng given to the decision of the ■Cabinet, that the Hinemoa should be made ready for a voyage to Samoa immediately after the termination ■ef the Cabinet Council. The Governor despatched a telegram to the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the following effect:—" December 31st. My advisers deem annexation Samoa by New Zealand 'operative. Have resolved on that step, •Bd strongly urge Royal assent to Confederation Annexation Act, 1883." Extra stores having been laid in by the Hinemoa, ' and the necessary preparations made for the contemplated voyage to Samoa, the 1 weamer left Wellington the same evening, to Waiwera, where she arrived on Monday morning. Da the means*"[_* reply had been received from Lord jr 3 ** to the telegram sent by the Gover1a °' o * l *he following is understood to be the substance:—"Government disapprove of the proposed of by the New Zealand Government ending present negotiations, and Royal -> *"***« fcep* given to Act," A certified copy of Lord Derby's telegam was communicated to Sir J. Togel at Waiwera by the Governor's Private Secretary, and an informal Cabinet Council was nmhwithhald at Waiwera, at which Sir Hona. Buckley and Tole, wera fftfeat, when it was decided to again org*

upon the Imperial Government the importance of sanctioning the proposed action of New Zealand. Government anticipate tbat the further pressure brought to bear upon Lord Derby will induce the Imperial Government to consent to the wishes of the Colonial Ministry, and in tie meantime, pending advices from London, the Hinemoa is being kept in a state of readiness to proceed at a moment's notice.

The Binemoa is now lying at the wharf with steam up, waiting orders. It is believed Ministers intend to dispatch her. despite the adverse telegram from Lord Derby. The Hinemoa's departure has been postponed till to-morrow. She has gone over to the North Shore slip to be cleaned.