THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1355, 17 November 1877, Page 6

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Referring to one of the subjects alluded, to by Mr W. D. Stewart, at the meeting in Knox Church the other evening, we extract the following from a contemporary, as, the question' seems to be one of some, interest: "The Chief , Secretary received a deputation on October ,< 9th from , the Presbyterian denomination, who -desired to urge that united action should be taken on the part of the Australian colonies to represent to the Imperial Government the--ad-visability of annexing the New Hebrides group. The importance of forestalling any other power was dwelt on, as it waa^deeined highly undesirable, both in the interests of the natives themselves and; of the Australian colonies, that any power but England should assume control over ihem. ' It waa stated, on the authority of the Rev. J. J. Paton, a missionary, that the natives themselves would welcome annexation by England.' Mr Berry expressed his full sympathy with the- object, but pointed out that the Imperial Government might well decline to assume further responsibility, when the Australian colonies, who were specially interested, had declined in the case of Fiji to bear any portion of the expense o£ the new acquisition. At the same time Mr Berry did not see that any other answer than a refusal to contribute was o^en to these colonies, as they wouidhave had no control over the expenditure. He promised to communicate with the Agent-General and with tbe Governments of the neighbouring Oolenies, in order that joint action might be taken in the matter. •

A man" went out the other night to see if he could ascertain the colour of th§ wind, and foiwd it blew,