THE NEW HEBRIDES

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1955, 11 September 1886, Page 2

THE NEW HEBRIDES

[Reuter’s Telegrams.J Melbourne, Sept. 9

Sir S. Griffiths replying to Mr Gillies communication in refererce tft united action being taken by the col mies in regard to the New Hobrides, and for the purpose of adop'ing the necessary measures for the protection of the colonies from the influx of recidivistes, has proposed that bills be introdue d in each colony for the purpose of preventing the landing of escapees. Mr Gillies is r.ow in communicition with the Premiers of the co'onies, with the view of carrying his proposal into effect. News has ben received from McDonald, Presbyterian Missionary at Havannah Harbor, New Hebrides, that the French are forcibly taking possession of land in those islands. Later. Further advices from Mr MacDonald, the Now Hebrides Missionary, repo't that a French Company is fencing through land belonging to the Preshyte-ian Mission, and of which the Synod is the trustee, the title being perfect. The French commandant h>s cl -imed compensation and threatens to burn the bouses on the Mission land on most hollow pretext, Mr MacD maid Ins appealed to Admiral Iryon to take measures for the pro ection of the Mission. D irp feeling is exci'cl in the i lands by ill 1 action of the French commandant, which will pro’ ably lead to disastrous results.

RecoveJ Sept. 10th, 1 a.m. Melbournk, Sept. 9. In the Legislative Assembly today Mr Maclntyre asked the Premier who her the Government, in view of the Ihrea'ermd influx of recidivistcs to the Pacific, would submit measures to prevent escapees and others landing in Australia aud ask the co-oper »t on of the other Colonies in such le islation. M. Gidies replied that the matter avis under the cjDsideration of the Government.