DUAL ADMINISTRATION

Evening Star, Issue 14703, 21 October 1911, Page 2

DUAL ADMINISTRATION

A FAILURE IN THE HEBRSSSS. WILL THE FRENCH GAI2C CONTROL? [Special to the Stae.] AUCKLAND, October 21. An erstwhile resident of Auckland, Mr'D. H. Kerr, who has for manj years been associated with the Sydney New Hebrides trade, is at present on s brief visit to his native city. Inter, viewed, Mr Kerr had something in, teresting to say about the position in the Hebrides group under joint British and French control. The condominium has now had a five-years' trial, and, in Mr Kerr's opinion, it has proved an utter failure. It aimed at giving the subjects of the two Powers equal right, but dual control. This has from the first proved to be impossible. Asked which nation it was thought would ulti' mately gain control if the condominium were ended, Mr Kerr said the general impression was that the French would gain complete administration over the New Hebrides. At present both the French and British Governments were spending a lot of money in carrying on their respective administrations ana getting rio actual return for it, inas"uch as they gathered no taxes. The French, however, were doing most foi their colonists, and there were three Frenchmen in the Hebrides to every Britisher. Settlement amongst the French was being encouraged by big subsidies, and they were increasing their influence all the time right through the group. Questioned as to the desirability of annexation by either New Zealand or Australia, Mr Kerr said the idea would no doubt commend itself to the British subjects in the group, but as the French predominated it could not be ix;garded as altogether feasible. Speaking of the possibilities of establishing a trade between the Now .Hebrides and New Zealand, Mr Kerr said that Auckland was only 1,300 miles distant, while Sydney, which at present received all the trade, was 1,500 miles away. For some time past there had been ; talk at Vila of a Christchurcl firm having purchased a steamer from Lever Bros, in Sydney to enter tht trade, but so far nothing has been done. The trade in copra, coffee, cocoa, and cotton was large, and the opening for a market for general New Zealand produce and merchandise would be a good one.