THE NEW HEBRIDES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7647, 26 May 1886, Page 5

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

[beotkr's cablegrams.] London, May 24. The decision of England in regard to the New Hebrides has not yet been officially notified to France. A Press Association message says:—The formal decision respecting the New Hebrides will not be notified to the Agents-General at present for diplomatic reasons. Mr. Graham Berry concurs with these reasons. [BT TELEGRAPH. —rRBSS ASSOCIATION.] Christchorch, Tuesday. The committee of the Chrietchuroh Preefeytery have drafted a series of resolutions in reference to the New Hebrides. They euhmit that the Presbyterian Church has never allowed self-interest to stand in the way of any real public good, as is shown by their attitude with regard to national education. They fail to recognise that France has any claim to annex the New Hebrides, and do not believe such annexation would be a public good, but are convinced the annexation would popularise the misaionaries , work, and believe the natives themselves would not be willing to trust their future destinies to France. Aβ to the cessation of the deportation of criminals to the South Seas being made a reason for the cession to France of these islands, they believe the time is not far distant when no European nation will be allowed to cause a moral nuisance to the Australian colonion. While not wishing to furnish a casus belli, they consider that a firm diplomatic front is more likely to maintain peace than any temporary policy as to the ownership of the Pacific Islands. The committee desire to thank Mr. Stout for hia courtesy and consideration, but hope the Government will unite with the great majority of the Australasian people in protesting against the annexation of the New Hebrides by France; also against the deportation of recidivistes to any island in the Pnoific.