THE FRENCH AND THE NEW HEBRIDES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 745, 11 June 1886, Page 25

THE FRENCH AND THE NEW HEBRIDES.

By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.

(reuter’s telegrams.)

Sydney, June 6.

Intelligence has been received today from Noumea to the effect that two French men-of-war have left New Caledonia in order to annex the New Hebrides. Great excitement is consequently stated to prevail among the British residents in New Caledonia. Sydney, June 7.

Mr Layard, British Consul, at Noumea, has forwarded a despatch to his Excellency the Governor Lord Carington, in which he inlorms his Excellency that the French war vessel Dives has left Noumea in fighting trim, having taken on board three months’ provisions. The Dives is bound for the New Hebrides, where it is intended to hoist the French flag. No vessel was allowed to leave Noumea within 48 hours from the moment of the departure of the warship. Lord Carington has telegraphed the substance of the despatch to Earl Granville, Secretary for the Colonies. Melbourne, June 8.

The rumored annexation by France of the New Hebrides is the theme of general comment in the Melbourne Press, and the opinion is unanimously expressed that, should the news be confirmed, it will be long since such an insult has been offered to the British flag. (united press association.) Auckland, June 4. The Hon ColoneJ Sargood, of Victoria, telegraphed yesterday morning to the Rev J . Robertson, stating that an important despatch had just been received in Melbourne from Lord Granville on the subject of the .New Hebrides, and asking help to prevent the French claims being granted, A second cable message from Colonel Sargood is as follows ; “ Arrived last night. Granville’s despatch of 22nd April covers French official note declaring that Hebrides are wanted to secure Native labor for their Pacific Islands. As this means slavery, surely New Zealand will never agree.” In view of these messages, it is probable a public meeting will be called at an early date, in opposition to French proposals, Auckland, June 8. At a meeting of the New Hebrides’ Committee, it was resolved to forward a telegram to the Premier, stating that, notwithstanding to-day’s telegrams re New Hebrides, this Committee, on behalf of the community, renew emphatic protests, and beg transmission of protest to the Home Government. It was also resolved that a copy of the telegram be sent to Sir G. Grey.