THE FRENCH AND THE NEW HEBRIDES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11692, 29 June 1901, Page 5

THE FRENCH AND THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Bv Telegraph.—Press Association.— • . Sydney, June 28. Aimers from the New Hebrides! s];ate" that > v ; French residents are petitioning for ilie ap-' V pointment of Dr. Faran, of Vila, to represent French interests in the New Hebrides _ with magisterial powers to deal .with all matters relating to French subjects, and conduct affairs between the French and' <i natives. British, residents strongly oppose ; this arrangement, and consider at an underhand move for obtaining for the French the 1 ' government of the islands. - ; • June 28. ' The Argus, in dealing with the French' ' Consul-General's recent statements in • re- ' 1 . ference to the New Hebrides, " says they, ■ ' clearly indicate the urgency for Federal action. There is no further excuse for the :, feeble fluctuating policy pursued in the past, but every need for exercising, stricb . ' ■ vigilance, in order to prevent the Commonwealth rights being jumped. , Until the . . policy of drift has ceased, it is merely throwing dust over our eyes to talk of exrehang-" ing the New Hebrides for some French advantage in Nigeria or elsewhere. .. . Mr. Barton has received a. letter from the French Consul-general, stating that his remarks published ' in a .Sydney journal in reference to the New Hebrides were not/ accurately reported on the points specially, noted. He is confident Mr. Barton recognised that he ' would not confuse'private , ;: ownership of land, with territorial rightsThe conversation was unofficial. His personal views ' were a private matter, and in ;. the alleged interview he confined himself - ' generally to admitted facts, and did. riot; . . refer to- matter of controversy;''