NEW GUINEA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7680, 15 April 1903, Page 3

NEW GUINEA.

A SYNDICATE'S TROUBLES. United Press Association — By Electric

Telegraph — Copyright. (Received April 15, 8.22 a.m.)

SYDNEY, April 18.

A syndicate, headed by Sir Somers Vine, whiah some years ago obtained large land

concessions in New Guinea, wilh tho object of rubber growing, but which were subsequently revoked owing to the strong objections of the New South Wales aud Victorian Governments, is pressing the Federal Government for payment of £4000 compensation far ■surrendering its concessions. Correspondence shows that Mr Chamberlain undertook to urge tho State Governments interested to honourably meet -he-ir obligations in the matter, that the Agents-General for the State GoVemmemts, who were appointed to inquire, recommended payment of compensation, and that Sir E. Barton, when in London (New Guinea in the meantime having been token, over by the Common wealth) , promised to u?e his best efforts to obtain a. settlement. The syndicate strongly complains of the delay amd disinclination to meet an admitted obligation. Sir Somen's Vine says be doubts if the nima.ls of colonial Governments disclose a more disgraceful repudiation of a solemn agreement or a more shocking broach of good faith than tlie action of tho New South Wales and Victorian Governments, the Queensland Government- having previously expressed its willingness to pay its „lia.re.