THE FEDERAL COUNCIL.

Press, Volume XLIII, Issue 6369, 17 February 1886, Page 3

THE FEDERAL COUNCIL.

m -i : [Br TeuesAPH.l ' [Per 8.8. Sotomahana, at the Bluff.] , n HOBABT, February 9. On Friday laat Mr Griffiths brought up the report T of the Select Committee appointed to prepare an address to the Queen jon the subject of the agreement between Germany and France to enable the latter to take the New Hebrides, The address commences by assurances of loyalty to the throne, and then proceeds "We have heard with alarm that arrangements have been entered into between France and Germany which may seriously affect Australian interests in regard to the New Hebrides. Your Majesty's loyal subjects of Australia have always taken especial interest in these islands, and regard it, as a matter of grt at importance to the colonies that they ehould not fall under any foreign dominion. We place full reliance on the assurance conveyed by Earl Derby in his despatch , addressed to the Governor of South Australia, to the effect that any proposal, having for its object; the annexation of the New Hebrides by France, would never be entertained by her Majesty's Government without consulting the colonies. At the came time, we beg respectfully to urge upon your Majesty the increased neoeesitj that the understanding arrived at in 1878 between your Majesty's Government and the Government of France, recognising the independence off the New Hebrides, should give place to some more definite engagement, which shall secure those ifllande from falling into any foreign dominion." Mr Griffiths moved that the Governor of Tasmania be requested to : telegraph the subßtance of the addrese to 4ie Queen. The colonies ought to be able to place full reliance on such an assurance "jasis contained in Lord Derby's despatch. "Although the changes; of Government were made since they were not likely to weaken the position assumed by LerdDexby, formal resistance should be made by the Council: -This should be backed upby the Agents-General in London. He trusted there was no reason for alarm, but when they caw France and Germany making arrangements with regard to the New Hebrides, they could not fail to be disturbed. He hoped the address would show the Imperial Government what the colonies were doing, and that it was necessary to impress on them that the colonies were very much concerned about these matters. Mr Berry cordially sopported the motion 1 . The address fairly represented the nnanimons opinion of almost all the Australian colonies. Not only was there a question of possible annexation of these islands by foreign powers, but they knew that the matter of transportation of criminals to these islands had -never • been. - satisfactorily settled. Under individual relegation, the criminals were to Buffer no restraint excepting such aa would prevent them returning to France. The New Hebrides would not only be a great loss, but would* if annexed by France, enable that country to extend her area, which might send her worst criminals, whence they might permeate the various Australian Colonies. The importance of the subject would be great at any time, bnt doubly so at the present. J)r. McGregor pointed out the intereetof the British in the New Hebrides I and the dislike of the natives for French transportation to New Caledonia. Thissyei tern must break down, because the islands were ill-adapted for it, but if the New Hebrides were annexed the system would be permanently established. The matter should be referred to the Standing Committee, with a request to take whatever eiergetic action was deemed necessary is the interests of Australia. The motion was agreed to. Mr McGregor moved— ,r That the next session of the Council be held at Hobait" Agreed to. Mr Douglas moved —"That a Standing Committee be appointed, consisting of the senior members of Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, Mr Griffiths being Chairman." Agreed to. Mr Donglai moved—" That, in the opinion of the Council, it is desirable to establish a manufactory in Australia fox the purpose of munitions of war for the colonies." Aftersome discussion, the motion was withdrawn. Mr Douglas moved that it is deBirable the Standing Committee should take steps to prevent the influx of criminals into Australia from New Caledonia or other islands of the Pacific, and the President announced that the Governor of Tasmania had given the-Boyal Assent to the Extension of Judgment Bill, Evidence Bill, Civil Process Bill, and Interpretation BilL The President then delivered a valedictory address. He congratulated them on the dose of the fint session, j So far a> legislation was concerned the! Council had avoided entering into what he termed tabstantial legislation. The few Acts already passed were preliminary, with the view to prepare the way for the work which we hoped to do in fuinre aeerions. Mr Service impressed on members the necessity of a complete federation. Mr Griffiths, os behalf of the Members' Council, expressed regret that prubably Mr Service would aot be a member a«rt meeting, and thanked the the manner in which he had presraea. The motion was agreed to. The Council ad joumed on Saturday.