ANNEXATION OF FIJI.

Waikato Argus, Volume IX, Issue 774, 8 October 1900, Page 2

ANNEXATION OF FIJI.

STRONG AUSTRALIAN PROTEST.

[united mess association.). (by electric telegraph—copyrluht). Received October 7, 5.10 p.m.) Sydney, October 7. Speaking at the Federal League at Yass Mr Lyne stated that something had recently been. . said to the effect that certain islands in the Pacific were to be annexed by New Zealand. Some little time ago when the matter was referred to the Imperial authorities assurance was given that the Colonial Premiers should be consulted before any action was taken, as the colonies were on the eve of Federation. It seemed to him the proper thing for Britain to defer linking together any of the islands to New Zealand until such a time as the Federal Government and Federal Parliament discussed what was best in the interests of both Australia and New Zealand. He had sent a strong protest to the Imperial authorities, asking them to do nothing in the meantime, as they had only to wait a month or two, until the uiiited voice of Australia could be expressed.' He thought this was but little to ask of the colonial office, because Australia must have control over the islands belonging to Great Britain in the South Pacific. He also believed that the sentiment of the people of New Zealand would force that Government into an Australian Federation. With New Zealand's productiveness and a uniform tariff against the outside world, he felt it must be best in the interests of the people of New Zealand to fall into line with them, such linking together under the Australian Commonwealth to form one impregnable whole, which will fight whether against their own enemies here or if requested against those of the Old Country. '