THE MARQUIS OF NORMANBY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3357, 7 January 1884, Page 2

THE MARQUIS OF NORMANBY.

Tbe speech delivered by the Marquis of Normanby when proroguing the Parliament of Victoria, has been favorably commented on by several of the leading journals dl: London. The “ Globe ” remarks that, bearing in mind that Lord Normanby speaks with an independence much greater than that of colonial Premiers, from the fact of his being virtually the nominee of tbe Colonial Office, “it is impossible to attach less than the very gravest weight to his protest” against the transportation of French convicts to the Pacific. The “ Morning Post ” expresses the conviction that Lord Derby already regrets that be snubbed the colonies in respect to New Guinea, and thinks that after the Sydney convention have communicated their wishes to the Colonial Office, the Secretary of State will meet them in a different spirit. “ It is impossible," continues the “ Post” “to ignore the fact that the settlement depends exclusively upon the will of the colonies. If they must insist on taking possession of New .Guinea, or establishing a protectorate there, no English Government, even if it had the inclination, can prevent them doing so. The Australian colonists have long since released themselves from their leading strings, and it would be equally insane and ridiculous for any English Government to affect to dictate to them as in times past, when they were insignificant settlements. Though they do not insist on their absolute independence, but, on the other hand, are only too desirous of retaining their connection with the British Empire, they have secured a position which entitles them to claim to have their legitimate wishes complied with. The issue cannot be uncertain, and tbe best thing for her Majesty’s Government to do is to yield with a good grace.” .