THE FEDERAL COUNCIL. [BY TELEGRAPH-COPYRIGHT.] [REUTER'S TELEGRAM.] Hobart, February.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2120, 9 February 1886, Page 2

THE FEDERAL COUNCIL. [BY TELEGRAPH-COPYRIGHT.] [REUTERS TELEGRAM.] Hobart, February.

February. In the Federal Council yesterday, an address vrai adopted for presentation to the Queen stating that the Council had hoard with alarm that arrangements had been concluded between France and Germany ■ for the disposal of the New Hebride«, a matter which was of deep interest to Her Majesty' subjects in Austraalsio. The Council could fully reply on the assurances contained in Lord Derby's despatch of April 31, 1885. but consider nevertheless that it was a matter of urgeut necessity that the provisional arrangement of 1878, whereby England and France mutually undertook not to occupy the Islands in question should give a definite recognition ot their independence. A resolution was carried that the next session of the Council be held in Hobart, and a Standing Committee was appointed to act during the recess, to consist of the senior representatives of the Council of Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria; and the question of the influx of French criminals into the Pacific was referred to this committee. The President of the Council, Mr Servie?, made a valedictory speech, in which he was satisfied that the work done would prove valuable^ The Council was, to a certain extent, incomplete, in consequence of the absence of representatives from New South Wales, South Australia, and New Zealand, and he urged the Standing Committee to use every endeavour to induce them to join. Mr Griffith moved that the thanks of the Council are due to Mr Service for the able manner in which he had presided over its deliberations. The Council will be formally adjourned to-day.