THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12006, 1 April 1901, Page 5

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

A. PETITION FfiOM NATIVES OF EPI. : Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. MELBOURNE, March 30. (Received March 30, at 11.35 a.m.) The Rev. Mr Frascr lias forwarded from the New Hebrides to the Committee of the New Hebrides Mission Synod a petition from Hie natives of tho island of Epi to the King, asking Great Britain to annex the island. The petitioners state: " There are many white men coming to the New Hebrides, and at the hands of some of these—mostly have, suffered cruel wrongs. Some of them have forcibly possessed themselves of our lands, burnt down our houses, shot our pigs, and harassed us in other ways. We wish to live in peace, but at present have no protection from such injuries, . Many of us know the English language, and appreciate and cling to the 'blessings of-the Gospel and the civilisation which has come to us through the men of your nation. We also feel the conduct of the British race to be more just and ■humane towards the black races than that of other white men. Therefore we earnestly beseech your Majesty to take us under your protection, and that our islands be annexed to the British Empire." Mr Eraser says,that the petition simply 'voices the feeling of the natives throughout the .whole group, and adds:." Surely such a call for protection cannot be lightly laid aside by the British nation." '