The Annexation Conference.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4863, 30 November 1883, Page 3

The Annexation Conference.

The Proposals Submitted. [Reutbr's Telegrams,] fKeoeivad Nov. 30. at 1 p.m ] SYDNEY, Nov. 30. The following information has transpired regarding the series of reso- ■

lotions tabled by Mr Service -at the Conference :— First, that it is neoessary to prevent New Guinea and the Islands from the Equator to the New Hebrides falling into the hands of a Foreign Power. Second, that to preclude such a disaster it is desirable to urge tbe Imperial Government to annex or to establish a protectorate over those islands. Third, that the Oolonies are willing to bear a reasonable proportion of the oost of suoh annexation or proteotion. Fonrth, that the Colonies protest against the proposal of the Frenoh Government with regard to Reoidivistes, and appeal to \he Imperial Government to prevent snoh a dire calamity as is threatened, j Fifth, that in view of the foregoing and many other important matters, the time has arrived for binding the Colonies in a federal anion on snoh matters as the Convention may determine. It is nndersteod that there is a divergence of views among the delegates on the question of annexation, Borne being in favour of limited aotion only. Mr Griffith, the Premier of Queensland, has tabled a series of resolutions similar to those of Mr Service, bnt limiting annexation to New Guinea, and urging the immediate establishment of British jurisdiction there. Mr Dalley, the Attorney- General of New Sonth Wales, proposed an amendment en Mr Griffith's motion. The amendment is similar to the first and second clauses of -Mr Service's motion, but emits the others. Mr Whitaker has strongly advocated that the Conference should define the relations of the Navigators and Friendly Islands towards Australia.