GIN AND FIREARMS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 14284, 26 August 1910, Page 5

GIN AND FIREARMS.

TRADERS V. MISSIONARIES. (Press Asfiociation-By Telegraph-Copyright Received 6.85 p.m., August 25th. SYDNEY, August 25. With reference to the charges by M. Colonna, against tile missionaries in the islands, Mr Harris, a well-known island trader; Mr Parke, who is in close touch with the missionaries; Mr Cameron, a merchant with,great knowledge of the islands, all agree that the French object to the missionaries because the latter vigorously protest against the French trading in gin and firearms with the natives, which' is against tho law. They point out that the English resident is not able to stop this; if he did, he would be arrested. The officers of British warships and the French authorities wink at the practice. Britishers are unable to touch French subjects. Ever since the condominium was established the French have been trading in this manner, thus wiping out British competition. They allege that the French also maltreat, the natives, and strongly resent missionary interference. Another grievance against the missionaries is that they educate the natives, and the latter then want remuneration for labour instead of gin and firearms.