FIFTY YEARS AGO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22004, 10 January 1935, Page 6

FIFTY YEARS AGO

NEW ZEALAND AND SAMOA

ANNEXATION QUESTION

The question of annexation in the Pacific was a much-discussed topic 50 years ago. In connection with the Samoan question the following, appeared in the issue of the New Zealand Hkramj of January 10, 1885: — " No final decision lias yet been come to by the New Zealand Government respecting the Samoan question, but in view of Lord Derby's telegram it is considered doubtful whether any action will now be taken by the Ministry to annex Samoa. Ministers are naturally exasperated at the attitude of Home authorities, and at the consequent disarrangement of their plans. Had their original intention been carried out it is probable that Lord Derbv would not have been made aware or their designs. until they had been ac* complished. But to this course the Governor was reluctant to consent, ami in deference to his wishes it was finally agreed that a telegram should be sent to the Colonial Office. "We have reason to believe that should the Hinemoa ultimately proceed to Samoa it will be found that wjF" many has anticipated the action of the New* Zealand Government and declared a protectorate over the group. [The telegram referred to, from Lord Derby, Secretary of State for t-h Colonies, was in reply to a message from Sir William Jervois, the Governor, urging Royal to the annexation of Samoa by New Zealand* and stated:—" Government disapproval proposed annexation Samoa by >e Zealand Government pending presen negotiations and Royal assent given act specified."']