PACIFIC POSSESSIONS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1216, 26 August 1911, Page 6

PACIFIC POSSESSIONS.

VIEWS OF THE AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER, When -Mr. I'ishcr, tbo Australian Prime Minister, was in London ho had snwo conversation with tho Imperial authorities with respect to the Pacific possessions, the New Hebrides, and tho position and prcdomii'Mice of Australian interests in tho racifio. The future was discussal on both sides. Jlr. Fisher took the view that in Die Pacific Australia ought to be paramount. Tho impression which ho gathered was that the Imperial Government was not "unkindly disposed" lowards his opinions. He holds strongly to the idea (hat tho size, tho growth, -and tho population interests of Australia will, in any ease, mako it a predominant factor in the Pacific. Tho New Hebrides wero referred to generally, but' there was no development from the conversation which would lead to tho supposition that any change from tho present position was contemplated.

. Jlr. Fisher thinks that tho arrangement by which tho Colonial Office separates the Dominion interests from the interests of Crown colonies, with the samo Minister over both, will prove satisfactory. The permanent head receives communications from each, but under him am two sub-heads—ono to deal with the alfairs of tho Crown possession ruled from Downing Street, tlio other to deal with tho affairs of tho self-governing Dominions. This system is working well, and to tho Prime Minister it seems tho best, adjustment that could have been effected. ■ Mr. Fisher was asked in Melbourne on August 15 whether he had heard of any suggestion that Fiji should bo attached to t'ho Commonwealth? Ho answered that he had not, though ho thought that it might yet como within tho range of practical politics. No suggestion was mado to him in England that (ho administration o r the Crown possessions in (he Pacific should be conducted from Australia, as practically dependencies of the Commonwealth. Mr. Fisher thinks, however, that this subject will become more pressing in the future, and that the extent and importance and geographical proximity of most of these islands will render control from. Australia more and more desirable.