AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 40, 16 February 1901, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, last night.

Mr John Higginson, a prominent member of the New Hebrides Company, is visiting Sydney. In an interview he said he did not think there was any chance of France giving the New Hebrides for an adequate concession elsewhere. He denied that the French were using unfair means to acquire land in the New Hebrides. He claimed the right of the French Government to the islands on the grounds that French settlers were there. The English were merely traders and preachers. It was practically a French settlement. It would be best for everybody to be under the French flag. He suggested that it be made a condition qf annexation by France that they adopt an open-door policy. Melbourne, last night. Mr Barton addressed a monster gathering in the Town Hall. Messrs .Deakin, G. Turner, and Drake were present. The speeches were in a great measure a repetition of former ones.

Mr Barton favored citizen soldiers for Federal defence. He said the people would have to support the Ministry getting eight to eight and a half millions of revenue before they talked too loudly about freetrade and protection. Perth, last night. Mr Throsscl has been sworn in as State Premier and Treasurer. He will also continue as at present, Administrator of Lands.

Hobart, last night. Amongst a number of invalided soldiers by the Rimutaka is G. M. H. Black, a New Zealander.

Adelaide, last night. Much-needed good rains have fallen in the northern districts.