NEWS FROM THE ISLANDS

Oamaru Mail, Volume XIV, Issue 4459, 28 August 1889, Page 2

NEWS FROM THE ISLANDS

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. ]

(PEE UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Received August 27, at 0 p.m. Melbourne, August 27. Thß Argus correspondent at tho New Hebrides says:—"M. ChevillUne, President to the new Commune of Fraocsville, Noumea, says the Australians are not content with a newspaper war againßt French enterprise In the New Hebrides bat are ratsiig powerful companies for the express purpose of disputing French preponderances in those islands. The creation of French municipalities iti the New Hebrides is a most efficacious method of preserving the situation conquered with so much difficulty. We Intend to show our adversaries that wo are able to organise one of those Belf governments of which they are proud. E7en our own compatriots agree we are incapable of colonising, but we will prove what a few French colonists can do by union. The Noumea Council voted 1000 francs towards the expense of ereoting a town hall at Franceville." The Daily Telegraph says that while the group is of no intrinsic value, France has chosen to play an. evil part in the Pacific, and the extension of her influence to its full extent is a menaoe to Australasia, and meanß a larger field for the transportation of criminals. The Argus says the alarm in New South Wales at the influx of criminals into that colony ought to Induce her to co-operate with Victoria to maintain the integrity of the New Hebrides.