IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5914, 28 April 1887, Page 3

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE

The New Hebrides.

lt slbctrio telegraph — vopyriqet.'] [Rbuteb's Tslbgeams.] LONDON, April 26. At to-day's mooting ol the Imperial Conference the New Hebrides question was discussed. The Marquis of Salisbury made a statement, announcing the policy of the Imperial Government with reference to these islands. Mr Deakin, of Victoria, regarded the policy as unsatisfactory, and protested against its being carried out. Sir F. D. Bell, of New Zealand, expressed himself satisfied with the Imperial policy. It was announced that the diplomatic negotiations between the British and French Government 8 relative to the New Hebrides are still proceeding. April 27. The Marquis of Salisbury's speech at yesterday's sitting of the Conference was entirely private. It is understood that the Imperial Government is anxious for a speedy settlement of the New Hebrides question, and is doing everything possible to preserve the interests of the Australian Colonies. The opinion of the Australian delegates generally is that the Imperial Government is doing its utmost for the good of the Colonies. At the afternoon sitting of the Con - ference, the S^moan question was discussed, when Sir D. Bell's proposals met with approval. Sir Henry Holland expressed a hope that a joint agreement would bo arrived at between England, Germany, and the United States regarding the administration of the Islands, and announced that the Samoan question would be referred to the Conference of delegates of those Powers, to be held in Wellington.