NORFOLK ISLAND.

Hastings Standard, Issue 87, 6 August 1896, Page 3

NORFOLK ISLAND.

A PROTEST AGAINST ITS CONTROL BY N.S.W. Sydney. August 5. In the Assembly Mr C'opeland moved the adjournment to discuss the control of Norfolk Island. He viewed with misgiving the extension of New South Wales territory ; the administration of the island would be very costly if it was intended to give it the same selfgoverning powers as the rest of the colony with full Parliamentary and civic rights. It was a serious constitutional difficulty whether New South Wales had power to differentiate in regard to the government of any part of its territory. The Premier, in replying, hinted at an advantage to both sides arising from its acquisition, and said it would have been churlish to refuse the offer of the Home Government. Mr Logue urged that if Australia refused to take over the control of the island England might abandon it and a large foreign Power occupy it. Mr Lee saw difficulties in connection with the the Customs administration, especially with regard to the liquor traffic, which at present was prohibited. Before the motion was formally negatived Mr Copeland referred to the strong opposition of the islanders to a union with New South Wales, and prophesied it might yet prove a Cuba to the colony. The Premier promised to supply further information and afford an opportunity to discuss the matter when the Estimates were submitted.