THE ANNEXATION QUESTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6815, 20 September 1883, Page 5

THE ANNEXATION QUESTION.

DEBATE IN THE VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT. Melbournk, September 19. In the Legislative Assembly this evening Mr. James Service, the Premier, replying to a question,, took occasion to remark that Lord Derby completely failed to appreciate the importance to Australia of the deportation of French convicts to the Pacific Islands. He declared that, if England permitted this deportation, the colonies would themselves be. obliged to devise means for the prevention of convicts landing on their shores. He considered that the French proposal to populate the Pacific Islands with, criminals from French cities is contrary to the acknowledged principles of international comity, and justified the abrogation of any agreement, between the English and French Governments with regard to those islands. A debate on the question ensued, on the motion for adjournment* The various speakers unanimously declared that: such a : calamity must he averted by any means. :' ' ~ Loudon, September 19. ■JfThe'Daily News in its issue this ■ morning' publishes an article strongly urging the British GoTernment to take steps to exclude French convicts from the Australian colonies.