NEW ZEALAND AND SAMOA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9495, 26 April 1894, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND AND SAMOA.

Press Aißjodattofc— Telegraph.— London, April 24. Sir W.EBTBY Pbrceval, in his communication to Lord Kipon, urged that New Zealand's trade with Samoa exceeds twenty thousand pounds per annum, and that the German residents would welcome any ohange which would restore confidence. In the House of Commons Sir E Grey, Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, declared that the New Zealand proposal re Samoa appeared inconsistent with the provisions of the Berlin Act. London, April 25. New Zealand's proposal for the annexation of Samoa has been referred to the Foreign Office. Berlin, April 24. The Kreuz Zeitung maintains that the interest of Germany in Samoa still overweighs that of all the other countries put together, and says the national prestige demands that the claims of 1887 shall be again advanced. The National Zeitung opposes New Zealand's demand for the annexation of Samoa, and refuses to accept Sir Robert Stout's assertion that Samoa desires British rule. Hobart, April 25. The Tasmanian Premier has replied to Mr. Seddon's message re the annexation of Samoa, stating that he has instructed the Agent-General for this colony to give cordial support to the New Zealand application to the Imperial Government respecting Samoa, bub to urge undivided control rather than control on behalf of the Treaty Powers, which may be unsatisfactory in practice. The Agtimb-General is also instructed to co-operate with other AgentsGeneral on the subject. ellington, Wednesday. The Premier hat) received the following telegrams from the Premiers of Victoria and South Australia : — The Hon. R. J. Seddon, Premier, Weilington.—Your important telegram respecting Samoa received. I congratulate you upon the course you are taking, and upon the favourable conjuncture of circumstances. The proposed action is in the direction of the principle which Australasia generally has constantly advocated, that the control of the islands of the Western Pacific should rest with Australasia. I think you should press for undivided control. I fear that aotmg on behalf of the Treaty Powers would sooner or later prove unsatisfactory. Without committing this Government to the details, we will most cordially support your representation to the Imperial. Government. I will immediately telegraph instructions to the Agent-General to that effect.—(Signed) J. B. Patterson, Premier, Melbourne. To the Hon. R. J. Seddon, Wellington,— We have asked the Governor to wire to the Secretary for the Colonies earnestly supporting your action re Samoa, and hoping that your request may be granted. We nope for Australasian concert on the question.— (Signed) W. Holder, for Premier, Adelaide.