The Annexation Question.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4747, 18 July 1883, Page 4

The Annexation Question.

[Pbb Pbbss Association.] WELLINGTON, July 17. The following report of the Paoifio Islands Annexation Oommittee waa rsad in the House : — "The Committee to whom waa referred the consideration of the question of the Paoifio Islands annexation have the honour to recommend the House to approve the steps taken up to this time by the Government in oonjunotion with other of the Australian Colonies to promote the establishment of British rule in oertain islands in the Pacific, and oonsider that it is the duty of the British Governmont, under existing oircumstancei, to take steps for the establishment of its rule over all the islands in the Paoifie which are not already oooupied or under the protectorate of foroign powers ; and that on annexation of any islands taking place, care should bs taken that provision be made for preserving the indisputable rights of the inhabitants. Also, that in the event of the British Government making it one of their conditions of establishing its authority over any islands in the Paoifio, it is hereby reoommended tbat New Z*aland, jointly with the Colonies of Australia, should contribute ita fair proportion of the necessary expense calculated on the basis of the European population of the Britiah Colonies now comprised in Australasia, provided that he amount of suoh proportionate expenditure when ascertained does not exceed the means at the disposal of New Zealand. The Committee have also the honour to reoommend tbat the ' Confederation and Annexation Bill,' with the amendment proposed by the Committee, be passed by the House, and that the papers named in the schedule laid by the Oolonial Treasurer before the Oommittee, relating to the annexation of islands in the Pacific, togsther with such other papers relating to ihe subjeot as Govarament can supply, hi printed for the information of Parliament."