THE NEW HEBRIDES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7658, 8 June 1886, Page 5

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

FRANCE TAKES POSSESSION. [reoter's telegram.] Sydney, June 7. The French war steamer Dives, which recently left for New Hebrides, took a number of troops and a quantity of building material. Melbourne, June 7. The Victorian Government have received no official information concerning the rumoured French annexation of the New Hebrides Group. The Argus and the Age, referring to the subject this morning, are both inclined to discredit the rumour. THE OPINION IN WELLINGTON. Wellington, Monday. The Government have received no intelligence regarding the movements of the French men-of-war mentioned in this morning's cables, and express disbelief that France is likely to take any such steps while negotiations are proceeding. THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO THE GOVERNOR OF VICTORIA. Iter te anau at the bluff]. Melbourne, June 1. The Governor has received the following cablegram from the Secretary of States for the Colonies :—" Re New Hebrides. In reply to the AgentGeneral I informed him that an intimation has been givf-o to France at the outset that it was exucmely doubtful which proposal would be acceptable to the colonies, and that Her Majesty's Government intended to strictly adhere to the pledge not to take any steps without fully consulting the colonies. Her Majesty's Government thought friendly proposals embracing the cessation of transportation ought to be fully and carefully considered. Australian opinion is divided, but I did not anticipate any difficulty on general consent such as would warrant Her Majesty's Government taking any steps. Despatches have not been received from all the colonies, but private intimation has been given to the French ambassador as to the probable result. A formal reply has been deferred pending the receipt of despatches."