THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1517, 10 June 1886, Page 1

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Melbourne, June 7,

The Victorian Government have received no official information concerning the rumored French annexation of the New Hebrides group. The Argus and Age, referring to the subject this morning are both inclined to discredit the report, <

June 8

Ihe rumored annexation Ly France of the New Hebrides is the theme of general comment Tn the Melbourne Press, and the opinion is unanimously expressed that, should the news be con firmed, it will be long since such an insult has been offered to the British flag.

Sydney, June 7,

The French steamer Dives, which recently left for, the New Hehridea, took a number of troops and a quantity ot building material. <

Later.

M/ Layard, British Consul at Noumea, has forwarded a despatch to His Excellency the Governor, Lord Oarington, in which he informs His Excellency that the French war vesse Dives had left Noumea in fighting trim, haying on board three months’ previsions. The Dives is bound ■ f>-r th* New Hebrides, where it is intended to hoist the French flag. No vessel waallowed to leave Noumea for 48 liour.from the moment of departure ot tin warship. Lord Carington has tele grftphed the substance of the despatch to Karl Granville, Secretary for the Colonies.

The following is a copy of the telegram from Lord Carington to thGovernor of New Zealand;—“Jim7lh_On receipt of Consul’s letter Irom New Caledonia sent Secretary of Stat for Colonies following telegram : ‘Latest news from British ' Consul. French man of-war Dives left for New Hebrides 30th May, taking on boar troops and provisions for three months, and put in figh f ing order. Suppose that their intention is to hoist Frenc l national flag. Senior Officer ot Gidinance Department, transport ordered t proceed to New Hebrides day after with timber and corrugated iron for barracks Entrance to New Caledonia reported watched,’ ”