THE NEW HEBRIDES.

Waikato Times, Volume LVII, Issue 8057, 15 November 1906, Page 3

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

AN IMPERIAL DESPATCH. LONDON, November 14. Mr Winston Churchill has pre- : pared a despatch of considerable | length regarding the New Hebrides, 1 dealing with the negotiations and the I convention. On the merits of a J despatch sent by Lord Northcote and i as soon as it reaches him, the Govern- | ment will publish the papers justifying it as far as the future is concerned. The Government always desire to consult with the colonies in the fullest manner on any subject affecting them both before and during negotiations. At the coming conference furiher opportunity will arise of considering the machinery to be employed in this direction. DEPUTATION TO MR DEAKIN MELBOURNE, November 11. A deputation representing the directors of the Natives Association waited ou Mr Deakin with reference to the New Hebrides Convention. The deputation said the directors had carried a resolution expressing regret that the wishes of Messrs Deakin and Seddonhad not been further embodied in the convention. It strongly urged Mr Deakin to have the matter reopened. The question the deputation particularly wished asked was, Did the Prime Minister consider that Australian interests were being sufficiently safeguarded ? If he did they were prepared to let the matter rest at that ; if not the Association was ready to make the whole matter a live public question and New Zealand would be asked to co-operate in having the terms made more favourable to Australasia." Mr Deakin, replying to the question as to whether the Government was satisfied, certainly could say emphatically it was not. On receipt of fuller correspondence on the subject it would be their duty to obtain the sanction of the French Republic for as many of the desired amendments as possible. When the details arrived he would be in a position to say what further action was necessary in the interests of Australia and Britain,