CONFEDERATION AND ANNEXATION. NEW GUINEA. (PAPERS RELATING TO THE PROPOSED ANNEXATION BY QUEENSLAND, AND GENERALLY AS TO THE ACTION OF THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT.)

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1884 Session II, A-03b

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Sess. 11.—1884. NEW ZEALAND.

CONFEDERATION AND ANNEXATION. NEW GUINEA. (PAPERS RELATING TO THE PROPOSED ANNEXATION BY QUEENSLAND, AND GENERALLY AS TO THE ACTION OF THE IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT.)

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by Command of Sis Excellency.

No. 1. The Agent-Genekal for Queensland to the Colonial Office. Queensland Government Office, My Loed, — 1, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, London, S.W., February 28, 1883. I have the honour to transmit herewith copy of a telegraphic despatch received from Sir Thomas Mcll wraith, Premier of Queensland, instructing me to urge on the attention of the Imperial Government the expediency of annexing to the Colony of Queensland the Island of New Guinea, only those portions of the island not claimed by the Government of Holland being meant. In addition to the reasons stated in the telegraphic despatch, I beg to call your Lordship's attention to the rapid development of several industries on the coast of New Guinea and the islands adjacent, carried on principally by Queensland colonists. ' The principal of these industries are goldmining, pearl-diving, and beche-de-mei? fishing, which employ a rapidly-increasing number of colonists, among whom it becomes more and more difficult for the authorities appointed by the Queensland Government to exercise adequate control, the jurisdiction of that Government extending at present only to islands within sixty miles of the Queensland coast. The High Commissioner of the Western Pacific is also quite unable, on account of the very extended nature of his jurisdiction, to exercise an adequate supervision over those settlers who are rapidly peopling the islands and coasts of New Guinea, who are beyond the sixty-mile radius, and therefore practically outside all legal restraint in their dealings with the natives and with each other. A glance at the map will show that whoever is in possession of the southern coast of New Guinea, and more especially of the mountainous peninsula forming the south-eastern extremity of the island, practically dominates Torres Straits and its numerous and important islands, commands the only direct approach to Queensland from Europe, and is able to establish an effectual blockade of the northern terminus of the trans-continental railway about to be extended from Brisbane to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Queensland has already experienced much inconvenience and some loss from the escape and landing on her coast of political convicts and other malefactors from the French penal settlement of New Caledonia, though that island is separated from her by nearly a thousand miles of ocean; it is not unreasonable, therefore, that some apprehension should exist in the colony at the possibility of a similar establishment being formed by some foreign Government almost within sight of her territory, and that the Government of the colony should be desirous of taking timely steps to prevent the occurrence of such a misfortune. It is hoped that these reasons will induce your Lordship to give the sanction of the Imperial Government to the proposal embodied in Sir Thomas Mcllwraith's telegraphic despatch. I have, &c. THOS. i\.BCHEB, Agent-General for Queensland. To the Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. TJbge Imperial Government annex New Guinea to Queensland; reasons, large increase steamer traffic through Torres Straits. Population settled there require government; Imperial coaling depot established; danger to colonies if other Powers take possession. Queensland will bear expense of Government, and take formal possession on receipt of Imperial authority by cable. Letters by mail. Mcllweaith. Brisbane, February 26.

Note.—Extracted from tho Imperial Blue Books, C.-3617 and C.-3814, 1883; and C.-3863, 1884. Farther correspondence is printed in A.-8, Session I. pp. 77-90. I—A. Sb.

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■ No. 2. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby to Governor Sir A. E. Kennedy, G.C.M.G. C.B. Sib, — Downing Street, March 8, 1883. I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of a letter from the Agent-General for Queensland, enclosing a telegram from Sir Thomas Mcllwraith, instructing him to urge Her Majesty' s Government to annex New Guinea to Queensland, and stating that the colony would bear the expense of government, and would .take formal possession on receipt of authority from the Imperial Government. 2. On the day after the receipt of this letter I had an interview with Mr. Archer, who gave further explanations of what he understood to be the views and objects of the Queensland Government in making this important proposal. Mr. Archer stated that it was to be distinctly understood that the Queensland. Government did not desire to throw upon this country either the expense or the direct responsibility attendant upon the course proposed to be taken, but requested only such powers and authorities as would enable them to preserve order and repress abuses. He laid stress on two points : First, the number of British subjects and other Europeans .scattered along the coasts of New Guinea, who are practically under no jurisdiction or control, and who enjoy immunity from the consequences of all outrages and offences they may commit; and, secondly, the serious inconvenience and danger which would be caused not only to Queensland but to the other Australian Colonies if any Foreign Power were to take possession of that portion of New Guinea which is not claimed by the Netherlands Government, and is in immediate proximity to Queensland. He also drew my particular attention to the continued increase of Colonial and other British traffic through Torres Straits, and the probability that the greater part of the commerce between Australasia and the far East would before long take this route. 3. In answer to a question which I put to him on the subject, he stated that in his opinion it would not be sufficient to establish an effective jurisdiction over British subjects in New Guinea, inasmuch as foreigners and ships hoisting a foreign flag would not be subject to such jurisdiction, and there would still be, as now, no Power responsible for and capable of enforcing peace and good order generally. 4. I pointed out to him that before so grave a step could be considered it would be necessary to be 'assured that public opinion in the colony would approve the annexation, and that the Legislature would adopt the necessary resolutions, and that there would be no danger of any proposal hereafter to reverse the action now recommended. 5. Mr. Archer expressed himself as decidedly of opinion that the Government would receive such strong and general support in this matter as to prove that the colony fully approved the annexation, and that there need be no apprehension of any attempt being hereafter made to throw off the obligations and responsibilities when once assumed. 6. I inquired whether it might not be apprehended that the occupation of the island in the manner proposed would lead to difficulties with the natives, and Mr. Archer replied that he did not anticipate any such consequence, as he believed that there is no intention of interfering with them, at least for the present, except in those places on the coast where they are already in contact with whites. 7. I then informed Mr. Archer that the subject is one of the greatest importance, as to which a decision could not be formed without very full and careful consideration, and that I presumed that before long I should receive through you full explanations of the proposals and such details as might enable Her Majesty's Government to judge whether it can be entertained. In the meantime I stated that I could express no opinion upon the questions raised by the telegram, which must be considered by me with my colleagues in the Government when it has been more formally brought under notice. 8. I shall be obliged by an expression of your own opinion, accompanied by any observations that may occur to you as likely to assist Her Majesty's Government in arriving at a right conclusion on this question. I have, &c, Sir A. E. Kennedy. Debby.

No. 3. Governor Sir A. E. Kennedy, G.C.M.G. C.B. to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Debby. My Loed. — Government House, Brisbane, March 14, 1883. I have the honour to transmit for your consideration copies of a letter dated 26th February, 1883, with other papers, on the subject of the annexation of New Guinea. 2. The subject is one of growing daily importance. I have, &c. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby. A. E. Kennedy.

Enclosure. Youe Excellency,— Colonial Secretary's Office, Brisbane, February 26, 1883. I have the honour to direct your attention to a correspondence between the Governments of New South Wales and Queensland and the Imperial Government, extending from 17th April, 1874, to 14th January, 1878, on the subject of the colonization or annexation of New Guinea. A partial result of this correspondence was the annexation to Queensland of certain islands in Torres Straits, viz., Tuan, Saifeai, Talbot, &c.; but the main question, that regarding New Guinea itself, seems to have been dropped, chiefly on account of the Australasian Colonies (with the exception of Queensland) having shown a disposition to regard it as a purely,. Imperial question, so far at least as the necessary expenditure was concerned.

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This Government is of opinion that the time has now arrived for reviving the subject of the annexation of New Guinea ; understanding by this not merely the extending of British sovereignty over such portion of it as is not claimed by the Government of the Netherlands, but the including of such within the territorial jurisdiction of Queensland. With regard to the general question of annexation, I may simply remark that the statement of the considerations in favour of it, as summed up in the Earl of Carnarvon's despatch to Sir H. Bobinson, dated Bth December, 1875, still hold good, and with even greater force than at that period, viz. —" (1.) That the possession of New Guinea and adjacent islands would be of value to the Empire, and conduce specially to the peace and safety of Australia, the development of Australian trade, and the prevention and punishment of crime throughout the Pacific. (2.) That the establishment of a Eoreign Power in the neighbourhood of Australia would be injurious to British, and more particularly to Australian interests." On the first of these considerations no stricture was made by the Imperial Government; and against the second nothing was advanced except an expression of confidence—probably quite justified at the time—in the quiescence of other Powers, so far as new attempts at colonization were concerned. I do not think, however, that such confidence is any longer justifiable. Without entering into particulars, I may take for granted that your Excellency is fully cognizant of various recent events which give evidence of the fact that the Pacific region generally is now attracting the attention of more than one civilized Power, with the view to the establishment of centres of influence as well as sources of profit; and I may state that, having regard to the circumstances referred to, and especially to the accompanying letter from the Agent-General, covering a communication from the Honorary Secretary of the Colonial Institute, regarding a recent article in the Allgemeine Zaitung (a translation of which is attached), I am myself of opinion that the probability of the colonization of New Guinea, or, at all events, the formal occupation of some favourable point on the island, by some other Power than Great Britain, is very largely increased. Independent of the fact that the occupation of some portion of the coast of New Guinea can now with little difficulty be undertaken by the Government of Queensland, I would further observe, having still reference to the previous correspondence on the subject, that should it be decided to annex New Guinea to any one of the Australasian Colonies, the same arguments, geographical and otherwise, which weighed with the Imperial Government in favour of the annexation of the abovementioned islands to this colony in particular, are equally cogent toward determining the selection of Queensland as the colony under whose jurisdiction New Guinea should be placed. Further, such changes, having relation to this subject, as have arisen since the period of the previous correspondence are of a nature to furnish fresh grounds of expediency for the annexation of New Guinea to Queensland, inasmuch as they prove how rapidly the activity of the colony is developing in that direction, and show also the closer relationship, through increased facilities of communication, existing between Queensland and New Guinea. Among these I may enumerate,— (1.) The extension of telegraphic communication from Cooktown to Thursday Tsland. (2.) The establishment of the Torres Straits mail service by the Government of Queensland. (3.) The establishment of a steam mail service between Thursday Island and Normanton. (4.) The appointment of Thursday Island as a station for one of the gun-boats now being ordered by the Queensland Government. And to these I would add the establishment by the Imperial Government of a naval coaling depot in the vicinity of Thursday Island—a circumstance that, besides having an evident bearing upon the general question of the possession of the large island which in the hands of another civilized Power would divide with Great Britain the command of these waters, points also to the nearest territorial jurisdiction, viz., that of Queensland as the natural source of responsibility for the safety and order of all settlements in Torres Straits. As one of the first questions likely to arise in connection with this subject, should Her Majesty's Government be disposed to give it full consideration, is that of the initial point at which to commence settlement, I would request your attention to the accompanying extract from the report of Captain Pennefather, of the Queensland Government schooner "Pearl," from which it will be seen that a splendid harbour exists between Yule Island and the mainland of New Guinea. This place the Queensland Government, having regard to its extraordinary fertility, as well as safety of anchorage, would bo disposed to make the headquarters of colonization; and, in the event of the Imperial Government deciding upon the annexation of New Guinea to Queensland, this Government w.ouki also be prepared to recommend. Parliament to grant the necessary appropriation for defraying the cost of settlement, and maintaining, if necessary, an armed force for the defence of the settlers—in this way meeting the objection which, more than any other, seems to have determined Her Majesty's Government against taking action in the matter at the period of the previous correspondence. I have, &c. Thomas Mcllweaith. His Excellency Sir A. E. Kennedy, G.C.M.G. C.B. Toowoomba.

In re Annexation of New Guinea by German Government. Queensland Government Office, Sic, — 1, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, London, S.W., December 15, 1882. I have the honour to transmit enclosed, at the request of the Honorary Secretary of the Royal Colonial Institute, a copy of a letter, together with a newspaper of the 27th November last, about annexation of the Island of New Guinea by the German Government. I have &c. Thos. Aechee, The Hon, th~e Colonial Secretary, Brisbane. Agent-General.

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Sib, — Eoyal Colonial Institute, 15, Strand, W.C. December 13, 1882. I have the honour, on behalf of the Council of the Eoyal Colonial Institute, to request your attention to an article contained in the AUgemeine Zeitung of the 27th of November last, recommending the German Government to annex and colonize New Guinea. On referring to Parliamentary Papers C.-1566 of 1876, you will observe that on the 29th of April, 1875, a large and influential deputation waited on Lord Carnarvon to present a memorial from the Council and Fellows of the Eoyal Colonial Institute, strongly advocating the annexation of the eastern half of New Guinea by Great Britain. Among the arrangements adduced in favour of such action being taken, one of the most important was, that its possession by any Foreign Power would for many reasons be highly detrimental to British interests. One of the deputation, the Hon. Arthur (now Lord) Kinnaird, remarked that Germany was determined to be a great naval Power, and would look to colonization as the principal means to that end, and if she looked to New Guinea we may lose a very important colony. (Proceedings of the Eoyal Colonial Institute, Vol. vi., page 204.) The Council of the Eoyal Colonial Institute, still holding the opinion expressed in the memorial referred to, request me to beg that you will draw the attention of your Government to the article, of which I enclose a copy, as it is evident that the proposed action would be most disadvantageous to the interests of the Australasian Colonies. I have, &c. Fbedekick Young, The Agent-General for Queensland, London. Honorary Secretary.

Geeman Annexation of New Guinea. We (Sydney Morning Herald) have been favoured by the Colonial Secretary with a copy of the AUgemeine Zeitung of the 27th November, which contains a long description of New Guinea, and finishes by urging that the island should be annexed by Germany as the foundation of a future German colonial kingdom. We give a summary of the first part of the article :— " 1. New Guinea is a part of the Australian division of the world and of the tropics. "2. It was neglected on account of the attraction of gold in Australia, and still remains a comparatively unknown land. " 3. New Guinea was explored by the Portuguese in the sixteenth century ; in the seventeenth almost exclusively by the Dutch, who seemed better satisfied with the country than other European nations had been, but had already too large a field for their labours (three times the size of the German kingdom) in Java, Sumatra, and Celebes, so that gradually they gave up the larger island. "4. The explorations of Powell, Moresby, Macfarlane, &c, have made the island now worth some consideration. It is considered useful by geological and biological people as holding in its forests the key to solve problems—by London missionaries as a field to win new souls—by better informed colonial politicians of all nations as a profitable field for cultivation; therefore geographical inquiries about it are now little likely to come to a standstill. As we Germans have learnt a little about conducting colonial policy, and as our wishes and plans turn with a certain vivacity towards New Guinea, here is a short resume of the geographical knowledge of others. " 5. Physical geography may well be in doubt whether New Guinea, which is more than half the size of Germany in extent, belongs to the Asiatic island world or to the Australian. No doubt the island forms a sort of connecting link between these two so remarkably different regions of the earth. "6. On closer survey it is not cut off so roughly from Asia as Wallace originally thought. The principal axis of the island is directed, just like Sumatra's, to the south-east, as also the mountain chains, whereas in New Holland the direction is meridianal. Also with respect to height, the New Guinea mountain chains seem to belong to the same date as those of Sunda and Asia. If the two-mile-high Hercules Hill of Lawson belongs to the category of imagination, yet the summits of the south-east half-island attain tremendous heights; and quite on the northern edge, behind low fore ■ ground hills, there rise Alpine heights, one nearly three thousand metres high. It can scarcely be doubted that the central ridges—the Charles, Louis, and Victor Emmanuel Mountains—which by European explorers have only been touched on their southern point, will be found to be considerably higher. Through this we may, perhaps, account for the strong descent and the waterfalls which the Fly Eiver already has in its upper course. " 7. As in the Sunda and Philippine Islands, volcanic agency seems to have had an important share in the formation of the surface of the island. Numerous mountains show just as rounded a form as Mount Junghahns in Java. In the immediate neighbourhood of the north coast an island volcano burst forth into eruption just in sight of Miklouho-Maclay (the explorer), and the frequent earthquakes are best explained by the active volcanic agency of New Guinea. The sedimentary formations also seem, as far as known, to be allied to those of the Moluccas and Sunda Islands. The lime rocks of younger formation especially, which are characteristic of the north-west island, Papua-Onim, seem strongly to correspond with those of the so-called Asiatic islands; and the other sandstone formations, which form the predominant stone in the north of New Holland, take their place in the south-east of New Guinea, only very gradually. " 8. That the world of New Guinea organism does not leave so sharp a line of division between New Guinea and India as Alfred Eussell Wallace wished to draw, Eosenberg first proved, and .the inquiries of Eai'fray, Beccari, D'Albertis, &c, seem to result in the same, although the reports of the inquiry as to this question are as yet by no means finished. Undoubtedly the kingdom of Indian plants and animal forms isjn New Guinea a very marked one, and when we survey the world of organism of the large island with the practical eye of the merchant, cultivator, and colonial politician—when we reflect that the nutmeg tree, sago and cocoa palms, jute plant, sandalwood, ironwood, ebony, and yams form the most important plants in a commercial point of view, we especially think of India. That the different Indian cultivation plants, before all the coffee and cinchona trees and. tobacco, would find a particularly favourable soil in New Guinea, is also not to be doubted. Also,

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it does not seem quite to be wanting in great mammals of the highly organized order, though the affirmed occurrence of the rhinoceros in the island so far cannot be proved. The climate of New Guinea is, of course, a perfectly Indian one, exactly like that of Java, characterized by an everlasting monotonous tropical heat, and by the damp and dry monsoons, changing with the times of year. The connection with India extends even to ethnological relations, since clear-coloured Malay races have occupied a great part of the coast as far as the extreme south-east, whilst the dark-coloured aborigines, who, ethnologically, are also not to be divided from the negroes of the Indian islands, seem to have, for the greater part, retreated to the mountainous interior." The following is a translation of the conclusion of the article from the newspaper:— " When, therefore, New Guinea is, according to our opinion and without doubt, to a certain degree the extreme branch of the East India island world that cannot be considered otherwise than in relation to Java and Sumatra with respect to cultivation and civilization, it is yet on the other side, and perhaps in a still much higher degree, also the first branch of the Australian island world. We do not in the least doubt that once there existed a neck of land between New Guinea and Ceram, and Bulu and Celebes ; but just such a neck of land existed even more probably between the North Australian Cape York and the New Guinea Maikassa coast, and this last neck of land probably lasted on into the younger geological formation, like the former. The high sandstone rock islands of the Torres Straits—Tauan, Boigu, Saibai—are in a certain measure the remains left behind of the isthmus, and the gigantic sandstone blocks which cover these islands, like the traces of fresh landslips much noticed by travellers, point out to us one of the geological forces which have destroyed the isthmus in the course of millenniums. The erosive effect of streaming rain is on the coasts of New Guinea so powerful that it perhaps would suffice quite alone to explain the work of destruction. But also the wash of the sea is in the whole of the south-east during the south-east monsoon a fearfully strong one, and the breakers naturally also gnaw into the rocks. "In interesting contrast to these disturbing forces, we notice moreover in the geological appearances exactly on the same spot turned towards Australia very active building forces, which appear to be endeavouring to join again together the broken band. We are alluding now above all to the reef-building madrepores and millepores which to the number of billions are at work straight across the Torres Straits, and which, partly through their reefs, make the passage of the Straits, as also the harbours on the New Guinea south-east coasts, so extraordinarily difficult. Also the mangrove woods which cover the south-east coasts of New Guinea for a long distance, which retain on the land through their root-work the deposited products of the flowing waters, and which thereby effect a perpetual increase of the land, must not here be forgotten. "When we reflect that the land connection of New Guinea with Australia consisted of this until the geological later period, we cannot wonder if we, through its living world, are reminded in a still higher degree of Australia than of India. In the midst of the thick mangrove, cocoa, and sago woods appear in hard dry places extended tracts of the Australian kangaroo grass and eucalyptus bushes; and to the New Guinea, Papuan, and Malay the kangaroo is the principal game and the principal animal food, just as to the Australian black of New South Wales. The predominance of pouched animals and the poverty of large and highly-developed mammals remain characteristic of the island at first sight, and also after its thorough investigation. "If we fix our eyes upon this large island according to its physical geography and possible developing characteristics only from the standpoint of the colonial politician and cultivator, it appears to us, from what we thus far know of it, not in the least as a contemptible object of possession. And in case the German Government make attempts, as many wish, to acquire the island, we might perhaps, in the interest of our nation, congratulate ourselves on the acquisition. According to our opinion it might be possible to create out of the island a German Java, a great trade and plantation colony, which would form a stately foundation-stone for a German colonial kingdom of the future. People will perhaps reply : The climate of New Guinea is a tropical one, unhealthy for Europeans. Wo thereupon answer: Not so unhealthy as Java. And this report of the tropical climate is, according to our opinion, through false inferences from the former experiences of the history of colonization, a much worse one than it ought to be. " Pioneers of civilization, in the midst of mangrove woods and swarms of mosquitoes during the tropical rain and during the tropical heat of the sun, without sufficient comfort, face all possible hardships. European soldiers, who must camp in the open air; European sailors, who, after the monotonous ship fare, allow themselves to be beguiled through the splendid tropical fruits into all sorts of mistakes in diet, feel the tropical climate certainly unhealthy. But would it remain deadly if European cultivated people could be sufficiently considerate about their health ? Besides, do not the numerous Germans, who in foreign service—we are thinking particularly of Holland—work as cultivators in the tropics, face just the same dangers ? From the German or European colonists in New Guinea one ought to require just as little strained physical work as is the case in other tropical colonies. For that one would require tropical people. The natives of New Guinea offer in this respect no better prospects, but also scarcely much worse, than those of Java or Sumatra, and of Cuba have offered each in its time. Where they are rightly handled they appear, as a rule, to be very friendly to Europeans, and much is their diligence praised already in their present primitive stage of civilization. From different races, at least with reference to this, something might be expected if these, so to say, were placed under European guardianship. That the natives are not advanced |to the formation of a State might, perhaps, rather make their civilization easy than difficult. Effectual resistance to an occupation by the Europeans at least would not be much to be feared from them. But naturally, in case of need, Chinese labourers could just as easily be procured as for Queensland. "Finally, so far as the places are concerned which are fit for the founding of trade factories, there are on the coast more than enough of them. All parts of the island possess good harbours, and the Fly Eiver offers an excellent natural road also into the innermost heart of the land.

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" That.other nations would not despise the colonization of New Guinea if they were not too .powerfully, engaged elsewhere, is well known. Captain Moresby even affirms, in the appendix to his book about the island, that it is for the English nation a 'duty' to annex and colonize New Guinea,-- Perhaps we might, with quite the same right, affirm it is the duty of the German nation to'take, in hand the colonization of. New Guinea. The claims to possession of the Dutch on the -west half of the island inspire us with no very great consideration, and we deem it therefore quite superfluous to enter further into them in this place."

,Jj.xt»Ac.t .from the Beport of Captain Pennefatheb, of the Queensland Government Schooner -' '~;.;,.■;:.,.■.' .'.[, "Pearl." . Mabch 6th, 1880. Made sail across the Gulf of Papua to Yule Island, arriving there at 11 a.m. on the Bth. The chart not showing the passage between the island and the mainland, anchored outside, intending to sound with the boats for a channel reported to me to exist between the south-east end of Yule and the mainland. • Brought the vessel through a fine channel carrying fifteen fathoms by the lead ; anchored in the bay within two hundred yards of Yule in ten fathoms. •■;■;. I.iound this to be a magnificent harbour, capable of affording shelter and anchorage in any winds. •. ■• •■, • • The scenery here is very grand, Mount Yule 10,000 ft. high, and the Owen Stanley Ranges- appearing to tower over us,' while the island had a beautiful green appearance, being apparently highly cultivated. • • • • The people here do not live in villages, but in families, half a mile or so apart, with neatly-fenced plantations surrounding the clean comfortable houses which are so well suited to the climate. The soil (black) is very rich, and capable of growing, any tropical productions. I should say the island is healthy, judging from the appearance of the people, and its height; there being no low country, but undulating hills, all apparently capable of cultivation. Sugar appears to-thrive here. ■ This harbour and the Island of Yule would form a splendid basis of operations should New Guinea, be colonized, the harbour offering every facility for shipping in the immediate vicinity of the richest and most accessible part of the island.

»,«« : ■-■.;■ No. 4. The Baron Db Miklouho Maclay and the Eev. J. Chalmebs to the Colonial Office. My Loud,^- Cooktown, Queensland, June 1, 1883. From our long connection with different parts of New Guinea and the knowledge we possess of the natives, their language, customs, and country, we beg to lay the following before your Lordship:— ,j 1. "We.'know that there is no land unclaimed; that wherever we have been every inch of soil pear the villages is claimed by natives, who reside in villages and largely cultivate. We trust, therefore, that the rights of natives to their soil, as well as their right to various reefs on the coast, which have belonged to them from all past times down to the present, will be fully respected and that they may not be alienated from them. .2. Jhe natives of New Guinea are very much attached to their homes and dislike much to be long a,way from thorn, we therefore think that if the system of recruiting "labour" by other countries, should be introduced (an attempt of it Las already been undertaken from Mackay, ■Queensland, in sending for this purpose the brigantine " Fanny," which has left for New Guinea in March of .this year), it will be the cause of much misunderstandings, trouble, and bloodshed. No native, we are.perfectly sure, will willingly leave his home for the long period desired by planters and.otherstowork for them, therefore the danger is that a "respectable" system of kidnapping i may be tried. We therefore beg your Lordship may prohibit the traffic entirely, in so far as regards New Guinea. ■ , -~3, From,the well-known and long-ascertained fact of the bad effects of spirits on the islands pf the Pacific,. demoralizing and decimating the native races, we hops measures will-be taken to ■prevent their.introduction into New Guinea. Being of opinion that a great number of injustices and wrongs could be prevented by a few measures taken in time, and knowing the natives of New Guinea cannot at present help themselves : in claiming: their own rights, we therefore thus appeal on their behalf to your Lordship, and hope pur. application will not be without effect. We have, &c. j.ia. ■ ', ,'■...■! Jambs Chalmebs, ■.-.,. . . ;. London Missionary Society, New Guinea. ■~■■■■• N. De Miklouho Maclay, The Eight Hon. Lord Derby. Of the Maclay Coast, at New Guinea.

:.... : . , Enclosure. •';.; , ■ ■■ [Prom the Adelaide Observer of April 14tli.] ',: * The M'ackay sugar-planters are looking to New Guinea as a field for labour. The Mackay Mercury '■". states '■' tliat the brigantine 'Fanny,' Captain Wawii, left the river on 19th March, and after anchoring for the night at Sound Top, finally sailed on Tuesday morning at 6 o'clock. Her destina- ... .tionis New Guinea, where her enterprising owners, Messrs. E. S. Rawson and Co., are hopeful of obtaining a plentiful supply of labour. The question of labour is becoming such a really serious " one, : .tha,t it is "with much pleasure we record this prospect of opening up new fields, and we hope to be in a position to announce the return, at an early date, of the 'Fanny,' with a full complement of recruits."

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The Foreign Otfice to the Colonial Office. ' :.:-•• . r ■-■-.-- Sic,— Foreign Office, July 11, ISB3. I have laid before Earl Granville your latter of the 2nd instant, communicating the Earl of Derby's observations in regard to a remark made by Count d'Aunay in the course of conversation with Lord Granville, in regard to a supposed understanding between England and France on the question of annexations in New Guinea, and I am now to enclose, for Lord Derby's information, a., copy of an instruction which Lord Granville has in consequence addressed to Her Majesty's Ambassabor in Paris. I have, &c. The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. J. Pauncefote.

Enclosure. ' My Loed,- — Foreign Office, July 7, 1883. I have to inform your Excellency that I communicated to Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonial Department a copy of my despatch to you, of the 20th ultimo, recording a conversation which I had had with Count d'Aunay on the question, among other matters, of the intentions of Her Majesty r's Government in regard to annexation in New Guinea, in the course of which the French Charge d'Affaires adverted to a supposed understanding between the Governments of England and France that neither country should adopt a policy of annexation in that quarter without previous notice and agreement. .■'■ : The Earl of Derby has in reply called attention to the fact that Her Majesty's Government are not aware of the existence of any such agreement or understanding with the French Government in the case of New Guinea, and suggests that it may not be unlikely that the mutual assurances given by both Governments in 1878 in respect of the independence of the New Hebrides, may have been in Count d'Aunay's mind when referring to New Guinea. Although the matter has no practical bearing after the assurances given by M. d'Aunay^.and afterwariis by the President of the Council, that the French Government had. no intention of interfering with the Island of New Guinea, I have to request that your Excellency will take an early opportunity of putting this matter right with the Minister for Foreign Affairs. I have, &c. • ..■■•■ His Excellency the Viscount Lyons, G.C.B. Geanville.

No. 6. Lord Lyons to the Eight Hon. the Earl Geanville. My Loud,— Paris, July 17, 1883.: With reference to my despatch of the 14th instant, I have the honour to transmit to your Lordship a copy of a note verbale which was sent to me last evening by M. Ch. Lacour in answer to that which, in execution of instructions from your Lordship, I addressed to him on the subject df New Guinea. The note states that the French Government, like that of Her Majesty, is unaware of any exchange of views having taken place between the two countries with regard to New Guinea. It appears from it, however, that the French Government desire to receive a written answer to the note verbale respecting the New Hebrides, which was given to your Lordship by the French Charge d'Affaires, on the 10th instant. I have, ko. The Earl Granville, E.G. Lyons.

Enclosure. :. Paris, le 16 Juillet,, 1883. ~ .; Le Ministre dcs Affaires Etrangeres a I'honneur de transmettre a Son Excellence I'Ambassadeur d'Angleterre la note verbale ci-jointe. M. Ch. Lacoue, Saisit etc.

Sub-Enclosure. Paris, le 16 Juillet, 1883. La note verbale que Son Excellence I'Ambassadeur d'Angleterre a Paris a bien voulu faire parvenir de 14 de cc mois au Ministre dcs Affaires Etrangeres de referer a une conversation que le Charge d'Affaires de France a Londres a eu le 20 Juin dernier avec Son Excellence le Comte Granville, et dans laquelle il aurait fait allusion a une entente supposee entre les Gouvernements Francais et Britanniques touchant la Nouvelle Guinee. :; Pas plus que le Cabinet de Londres, celui de Paris n'a connaissance que la Nouyelle Guinee ait jamais fait entre les deux pays I'objet dun echange de vues, et Ton s'explixu d'autant moms le inal-entendu gui parait s'etre produit dans l'entretien sus-mentionne, que le Comte d'Aunay etait uniquemeut charge de rappeler les declarations faites en 1878 par les deux Gouvernements au sujet de l'Archipel dcs Nouvelles Hebrides. • 6x3 Si quelque doute a cet egard avait pu rester dans l'esprit dcs Miuistres de la Eeine, il n'aurait pas manque d'etre entierement dissipe par les termes de la note que le Charge d'Affaires de France a remise, le 10 de cc mois, a Son Sxcelience le Comte Granville, et gui etait destine a etablir -que les declarations de 1878 conservaient toute leur valeur a nos yeux. .. . Les explications fournies depuis lors au Parlement Angiais nous donnent la confiance' que la response dv Gouvernement de Sa. Majeste . Britannique a. notre. derniere communication., ne

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tardera pas k constater definitivement I'accord gui parait subsister dans les intentions dcs deux pays relatives a l'Archipel dcs Nouvelles Hebrides.

No. 7. The Colonial Office to the Admiealty. Sib,— Downing Street, July 24, 1883. I am directed by the Earl of Derby to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th instant in connection with the proposal for the annexation of New Guinea. Lord Derby is glad to observe that the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty intend to instruct Commodore Erskine to take an early opportunity of sending one of Her Majesty's ships to visit the coast of New Guinea, and trusts that provision will be made for the presence of a man-of-war on the coast of New Guinea without any avoidable interruption for some time to come. I am to state that Lord Derby would be glad if their Lordships would cause him to be informed whether it is proposed to instruct Commodore Erskine by telegraph, for in that case it will be necessary to communicate by the same means with Mr. Eomilly, a Deputy Commissioner under the Western Pacific Order in Council, who will be directed to proceed from Sydney to New Guinea, and it will doubtless be convenient that he should be allowed passage in the vessel which will be detailed for the service above referred to, should there be no objection. I am, &c. The Secretary of the Admiralty. Eobeet G. W. Heebebt.

No. 8. The Foeeign Office to the Colonial Office. Sib,— Foreign Office, August 6, 1883. With reference to the letter of the 11th ultimo, from this department, I am directed by Earl Granville to transmit to you herewith for the information of the Earl of Derby, copy of a despatch from Her Majesty's Ambassador at Paris, enclosing copy of a note verbale addressed by His Excellency to the French Government on the subject of New Guinea. I am, &c. The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office. Philip W. Cubeie.

\o. 5

Enclosure. My Loed,— Paris, July 14, 1883. I had the honour the day before yesterday to receive your Lordship's despatch of the 7th instant, directing me to point out to the French Minister for Foreign Affairs that Her Majesty's Government are not aware of the existence of any agreement between Great Britain and France that neither country shall adopt a policy of annexation in New Guinea without previous agreement with the other. I enclose a copy of a memorandum or note verbale which I have in consequence presented to the French Minister. I have, &c. The Earl Granville, K.G. Lyons.

Bub-Enclosure. Paris, July 14, 1883. In the course of a conversation which he had with Earl Granville on the 20th June last, Count D'Aunay, the French Charge d'Affaires, in speaking of New Guinea, adverted to a supposed understanding between the Governments of Great Britain and of France, that neither country should adopt a policy of annexation in that quarter without previous notice and agreement. On the 27th of the same month Lord Lyons, in pursuance of instructions from Lord Granville, recited the substance of the conversation in question to His Excellency M. Jules Ferry, President of the Council, who had charge of the Department of Foreign Affairs in the absence of H.E. Monsieur Challemel Lacour. Her Majesty's Government are not aware of any agreement or understanding in the case of New Guinea, such as that adverted to by Count D'Aunay, and they think it probable that the mutual assurances given by the two Governments in 1878, in respect of the independence of the New Hebrides, may have been in Count d'Aunay's mind when referring to New Guinea. They regard, however, with satisfaction the assurances given by Count d'Aunay to Lord Granville and repeated by the President of the Council to Lord Lyons that the French Government has no designs of annexation in New Guinea.

No. 9. Governor the Eight Hon. Lord A. Loftus, G.C.B. to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Debby. My Lobd, — Sydney, August 4, 1883. I have the honour to enclose to your Lordship, by desire of Mr. Alexander Stuart, Colonial Secretary and Premier of this colony, a letter, with its enclosures, which he has addressed to me, conveying the views of this Government on the subject of the New Guinea annexation. 2. Your Lordship will observe that this correspondence is confined to the question of annexing New Guinea, and no mention is made of the annexation of the New Hebrides or other Pacific Islands.

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3. Mr. Stuart urges a reconsideration by Her Majesty's Government of the question of the annexation of New Guinea, on the ground that there may be a danger, in consequence of the prominence now given to the subject, of its being taken possession of by a Foreign Power as a strategical point of importance in the future domination of these seas, which, in the event of a European war, might prove disastrous to Australian and British interests. 4. In his letter to Sir Thomas Mcllwraith, Mr. Stuart refers to the question of expense, and considers that it should be fairly looked at and a division of expense suggested as to the proportions to be borne by the countries interested. 5. In regard to the proposal of an Intercolonial Conference to discuss the question of federation, Mr. Stuart states that, if it be considered that the present is a fitting time, he will gladly accede to the suggestion, and that such discussion should then take the form of putting forward the basis on which a federal government should be constituted. I have, &c. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby. Augustus Loftus.

Enclosure. My Loed, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney, August Ist, 1883. I have the honour to address you on the subject of New Guinea annexation, with the view of inviting your Excellency to convey to the Secretary of State for the Colonies the views of this Government. 2. I beg to enclose a copy of a communication received from Sir Thomas Mcllwraith, with a minute of the Executive Council of Queensland, and of my reply thereto. 3. I would respectfully urge a reconsideration of the question by the Imperial Government, because that, although I am not prepared to say that there was an imminent prospect of New Guinea being taken possession of by any Foreign Power, yet I do fear now that the prominence which has been given to the subject will of itself cause some nation to take it up as a strong strategic point in the future domination in these seas. 4. From its close proximity to the northern part of Queensland, and from the control over that important highway of commerce, Torres Straits, which would be given to any possessor of the southern shores of New Guinea, its occupation by a foreign nation might be, in the event of European war, most disastrous to Australia, and therefore to British interests. 5. I was at one time inclined to think that a protectorate of the southern coast would have been sufficient, and even yet it may be so if its effect would be to keep any other nation from obtaining a footing, but if a protectorate be inefficient for that purpose it would be better to accept the annexation, so that there might be no ground for the future disquiet arising from foreign settlements so close upon our shores. I have, &c. His Excellency the Eight Hon. Lord Augustus Loftus, G.C.B. Alex. Stuakt.

Sir, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney, July 31, 1883. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 17th instant, communicating to me the views of your Government, as expressed in a minute of your Executive Council, upon the refusal of the Imperial Government to confirm the annexation of New Guinea. In reply I desire at the outset to assure you that I deprecate as much as any one that New Guinea should ever be taken possession of by any Foreign Power, as it not only would tend to cripple the trade in Torres Straits, which has proved a beneficial enterprise both to your colony and to ours, but would at all times, and especially in any European conflict, be highly inconvenient and menacing to the whole Australian group. Holding this view, I had no hesitation in sending, in April last, instructions to our Agent-General to state to Lord Derby that this colony viewed with the utmost favour the annexation of New Guinea by the British Crown, in place of permitting any Foreign Power to take possession of it or obtain further footing therein. While strongly holding these views, I am not altogether surprised at the attitude taken by Lord Derby, because it seems to me that, while deeply impressed yourself with the danger to be apprehended of immediate foreign aggressive movement upon the island, you have not very definitely shown to Lord Derby the grounds for your fears, but have urged him to accept your strong feelings as evidencing the facts, rather than submitted definite proofs of the facts themselves, or pointed out sufficient overt acts of any Foreign Power upon which he could come to the same conviction as yourself. I take a somewhat different view from you with regard to the expense of annexation. It is contrary to the English genius of colonization to be content with exhibiting the mere nominal symbol of her flag. When England annexes she must govern, she must rule. She cannot be content with the laisser faire system, which you point out as having been followed by the Dutch, not interfering with the aborigines, but waiting and simply holding the country as against any other Power. It seems to me, therefore, to be unwise to brush aside the matter of expense as a mere fancy. It should, on the contrary, be fairly looked at, and a division suggested as to the proportions to be borne by the countries interested: the Imperial interests are probably as great as the Australian, and the colonies would doubtless respond to any liberal basis for its apportionment. I have always looked upon the question of federation as one which would not probably assume a definite shape until the outwaigl pressure of some common danger compelled the various colonies to sink many minor differences and jealousies in the necessity for combined action for common safety. Whether such danger exists in the present refusal by the Imperial Government to recognize the action you have taken with regard to New Guinea, I feel hardly called upon at present to decide; but I gladly accede to your suggestion that the question of federation should be discussed 2—A. 3b.

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by the colonies, and, if it be considered that the present is a fitting time, then that such discussion should take the form of putting forward the basis on which a federal government could be constituted. This Government is also prepared to accede to your request to urge upon the Imperial Government that it is desirable that the question of annexation be reconsidered, and with that view I have addressed a letter inviting His Excellency Lord Augustus Loftus to lay our views before the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and of such letter I beg to hand you a copy. I have, &c. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary of Queensland, Brisbane. Alex. Stuabt.

No. 10. Administrator Sir A. H. Palmee, K.C.M.G. to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Debby. My Loed, — Government House, Brisbane, August 13, 1883. I have the honour to enclose for your Lordship's information a letter addressed to me by the Hon. the Premier, covering a memorandum on the refusal of the Imperial Government to confirm the annexation of New Guinea, which has been laid before the Executive Council of Queensland. I have, &c. The Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies. A. H. Palmee.

Enclosure. Sib, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Brisbane, August 2, 1883. I have the honour to forward to your Excellency, for transmission to the Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, a copy of an extract from the minutes of proceedings of' the Executive Council at a meeting held at Government House on the 17th ultimo, and to request that you will direct Earl Derby's attention especially to the fact that the suggestion made in the first portion of the last paragraph has been enthusiastically responded to by the Australian Colonies; the only exception to their unanimity, that of South Australia, being capable of such explanation as will not be likely to exclude that colony from taking a share in future negotiations on the subject. With regard to the next suggestion, that Her Majesty's Government should be invited to move in the direction of providing for a form of Federal Government suitable for the Australian Colonies, I think it would be advisable to urge upon the Secretary of State that, if the Imperial Government regard the" federation of these colonies as a desirable end, the latter have now arrived at a point in their history more favourable than any occasion that has hitherto presented itself for the promotion of such federal union. The revival of the subject of certain necessary annexations, and the clear recognition that only through federal action can their desires in this direction be carried into effect, have suddenly brought the question of federation, which had hitherto been treated as an abstract speculation, within the range of practical politics, and, together with the almost universal advocacy of the Press, constitute an opportunity of which Her Majesty's Government would do well to take prompt advantage. I have, &c. Thomas Mcllweaith.

A.-3, Sess. I. p. 67, App. B,

No. 11. Administrator Sir. A. H. Palmer, K.C.M.G. to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Deeby. My Loed, — Government House, Brisbane, October 9, 1883. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your despatch of the 11th July last, which I have submitted to my Responsible Advisers. I now do myself the honour to enclose copies of a communication which I have received from the Premier on the subject. Sir Thomas Mcllwraith has gone so fully into this question that it does not appear necessary for me to enlarge upon it. I have, however, to express my entire concurrence in the view taken by him, and my deep regret that the Imperial Government has not seen its way to indorse the action of Queensland. I have, &c. The Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies. A. H. Palmek.

A.-3, Sess. I, p. 89, No. 21,

Enclosure. Sm, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Brisbane, September 28, 1883. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the despatch addressed to your Excellency by the Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated the 11th of July last, containing the refusal of Her Majesty's Government to confirm the recent action of the Government of this colony in taking possession, in Her Majesty's name, of so much of the Island of New Guinea as was not in the possession of any civilized Power. . 2. The action of your predecessor, the late Sir Arthur Kennedy, in authorizing the annexation of New Guinea, was taken after due deliberation and several consultations with his Ministers, throughout which he showed himself fully alive to the interests and responsibilities of Her Majesty's Government. Nor were-his Ministers behindhand in studying, as far as they possibly could, in connection with the question of annexation, the interests of the Empire generally, as well as those of Queensland. It is therefore with much regret we have received the announcement of the decision referred to, and find that the only result of our appeal is the expression of a hope that " the time is -now-not distant when, in respect of questions of annexation, the Australian Colonies will effectively

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combine together and provide the cost of carrying out any policy which, after mature consideration, they may unite in recommending, and which Her Majesty's Government may think it right and expedient to adopt." 3. It is also with regret that we are compelled to notice throughout Lord Derby's reply a certain incomplete conception of the aims of the Australian people and Governments in connection with such matters as that under consideration. In this portion of the Empire we are daily cognizant of a ceaseless process of development and expansion, as natural as it is inevitable, which it is difficult for any one who is not at least on the skirts of the movement to realize, and I believe that it is partly in a mistaken conception of the attitude which Colonial Governments assume toward this movement that any misunderstanding arises as to the desired extension of Her Majesty's dominions in our vicinity. Their purpose is not, as is apparently assumed, to stimulate unduly this process of expansion. On the contrary, the object of all our appeals to Her Majesty's Government in this connection has been to obtain such powers as may enable us to control this inevitable process and restrict it within the bounds of law and order. 4. In reply to that portion of the despatch in which Lord Derby remarks that " it is much to be regretted that your Advisers should, without apparent necessity, have taken on themselves the exercise of powers which they do not possess," I desire to observe—what must have been already clearly perceived from the purport of previous despatches—that in formally annexing New Guinea we were perfectly aware that the efficacy of our action was altogether contingent on subsequent ratification by Her Majesty's Government. That we had no right, however, without the sanction of Her Majesty's Government, to annex territory in which there exists no settled government is contrary to the whole history of colonial acquisition. So far also as concerns the phrase, " without apparent necessity," I would submit that political necessity is constituted in a large measure by the pressure of public feeling and opinion; and that these were not wanting in this case is abundantly proved by the favourable verdict of the Australian Press, and the support given to our action by the Governments of the other Australian Colonies. 5. As a matter of fact, such apprehensions as made the annexation in question an act of necessity have by no means been allayed by the assurance of Her Majesty's Government that they are unfounded; and subsequent events, which show how eagerly the eyes of another nation are turned towards colonial acquisition in this part of the globe, have rendered the Australian people still more sensitive to the danger of leaving to the mercy of the first-comer a territory the possession of which by a Foreign Power might prove disastrous to our trade and to our peace. The measure recently adopted by the French Chamber of Deputies for the deportation, in tens of thousands, of their most dangerous convicts to various islands in the Pacific, to be set free on arrival at their destinations, renders it doubly necessary that every point of vantage in our vicinity should find our jurisdiction firmly established thereon before these spreading hordes of criminals, who will inevitably converge towards the large communities of Australia, attempt to settle within the neighbourhood of Australian waters. It is unnecessary for me to show how this project of utilizing the Pacific for.. the free immigration of untrammelled vice connects itself with the New Guinea question. . 6. Not only has Lord Derby's despatch failed to allay the apprehensions of the Australian people as to the possible occupation of New Guinea by a Foreign Power, but they have derived as little comfort from his statement in Parliament that the formation of a settlement on the coast of that island by such a Power would be regarded by Her Majesty's Government as an unfriendly act. At the stage at which the act could be regarded as an unfriendly one, it must have been already accomplished ; so that Lord Derby's words are either a mere prognostication of regret or a declaration that Her Majesty's Government would submit the matter to the arbitrament of war. If the Imperial Government mean eventually to annex, not only is no advantage to be gained by postponement, but in the meantime the course, which is now open and clear, will have become beset with difficulties, and our lost opportunities will have to be recovered at a much greater cost than would be incurred if we were to avail ourselves of them without delay. 7. In coming to the conclusion that, " even granting that the extension of the Queen's sovereignty to the eastern portion of New Guinea has become necessary, the proposal that the territory so annexed should form part of the Colony of Queensland would be open to strong objection," Lord Derby has omitted to consider the position in which the question rested when negotiations last took place between the Governments of Great Britain and Queensland. Lord Carnarvon, when appealed to by the colonists to annex New Guinea, virtually consented, provided the colonies relieved the Home Government of the cost. The expense of government was then the only obstacle, and we have removed that obstacle by offering to provide the necessary funds. With regard to the objection raised by Lord Derby in the extract from his despatch quoted above, I may point out that the annexation of New Guinea to this colony is not considered by the Government to be a vital part of the question : on the contrary, they would prefer that the territory should be made a Crown colony, or, better still, placed under the control of the " United Australian Colonies." Queensland does not desire an increase of territory. The part she has taken, and is still prepared to take, is to provide for the necessary expenditure, should the territory be annexed to her, and thereby remove the only difficulty which, previous to the initiation of the present correspondence, was supposed to exist. The colony will, however, be quite satisfied if annexation to the British Crown takes place in another form. 8. Allusion is made by Lord Derby to a statement in the Press that one reason why Queensland desires the annexation of New Guinea is the facility which would thereby be afforded for obtaining a large sup|)ly of coloured labour for the sugar plantations without going beyond the limits of the colony. On behalf of the colony I deny that we have been actuated by any such motive, nor was there.the slightest ground for believing the statement. The only attempt at an assertion of fact in favour of such a position was that made by Lord Lamington in the House of Lords, that immediately the annexation had taken place a labour-ship was despatched from Mackay

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to New Guinea in quest of labour. As a matter of fact no labour vessels have as yet cleared from any port in this colony for New Guinea, nor have any natives of that island ever been introduced into Queensland. The inhabitants on the coast of New Guinea are agriculturists themselves, with abundance of land to cultivate, and it is quite likely that any improved system of European cultivation would give employment to a large body of New Guinea natives in their own country; but there is no probability, nor was it ever contemplated, that natives would be taken to the Australian coast. 9. The proposal of Lord Derby to place one or more deputies of the High Commissioner on the coast provided that a reasonable annual sum to meet the cost thereof be paid by this colony, does not at all meet the requirements of the case. The powers of the High Commissioner do not extend beyond British subjects. Men from all nations are flocking towards the settlements in Torres Straits, and these are the people we should find it most difficult to deal with. The Government must therefore decline to contribute in any way to meet the cost of these officers. The proposal that, in the event of the High Commissioner's deputies being sent out, the Imperial Government would take steps for strengthening the naval force on the Australian Station, is connected with a much wider subject—the defences of our coast. The Government consider that the naval defence of the colonies ought certainly not to fall exclusively on Her Majesty's Government; a large portion of it should be made a charge upon colonial funds ; and I believe that, were proposals made to the various colonies, or the united colonies, for better and more permanent protection, Great Britain would be met in a patriotic and loyal spirit. 10. The present condition of New Guinea, uncontrolled by any civilized Government, and liable at any moment to be taken possession of by a foreign nation, is a constant source of uneasiness to the colonists of Queensland, who clearly perceive the evils and dangers likely to arise from the close proximity to our shores of a Foreign Power, and from the establishment, as the probable result, of penal settlements even nearer to the colony than those already formed. Lord Derby insists that we cannot of ourselves annex, but this in no way impeaches our contention that now is the opportune time for annexation, that delay will only result in an increase of Imperial responsibilities, and that what might appear to be a policy of enterprise is simply a prudent provision against future complications. If England, therefore, formally annex at once, the well-grounded fears of the colonists will be allayed. I have, &c. Thomas Mcllweaith. His Excellency the Administrator of the Government of Queensland.

No. 12. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby to Administrator Sir A. H. Palmee, K.C.M.G. Sik,— Downing Street, October 13, 1883., I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 13th of August, enclosing a letter from the Premier of Queensland, with a memorandum, which had been laid before the Executive Council of the Colony, on the subject of New Guinea. This important memorandum will receive the careful attention of Her Majesty's Government, but the full text of my despatch of the 11th of July had not reached the hands of your Ministers when the memorandum was written, and Her Majesty's Government will now await the further consideration, at the approaching Conference at Sydney, on the subjects to which Sir Thomas Mcllwraith's Memorandum refers. I have, &c. Sir A. H. Palmer. Derby.

No. 10,

No. 13. The Baron De Miklouho Maclay to the Colonial Office. My Loed,— Sydney, October 17, 1883. Our (Eev. T. Chalmers' and mine) apprehensions have not been deceived. A telegram appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, dated the 14th October: —" Brisbane.—The Colonial Secretary has received a telegram from the Eev. Mr. Chalmers, of New Guinea, confirming the statement that 15,000 acres of sugar land on that island have recently been bought for a Sydney syndicate at Id. per acre, the real owner of the land being unaware of the transaction." I have, &c. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby M. De Maclay.

No. 14. Administrator Sir A. H. Palmes, K.C.M.G. to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Dubby. My Lobd, —■ Government House, Brisbane, October 24, 1883. I do myself the honour to enclose, for your Lordship's information, extracts from the Brisbane Courier of the 13th, 15th, and 20th October, giving the details of what is said to have been a land-purchase which has been effected lately in New Guinea. It is hardly necessary for me to point out to your Lordship the very serious difficulties which are likely to arise, if speculative Europeans are permitted to trade upon the ignorance and simplicity of the natives of New Guinea. It appears from the article of the Courier's correspondent that the land said to have been sold is the sole support of the natives in the particular district referred to ; that the native chiefs have no power whatever to part with the land, they simply holding it for the people ; that the bargain was an unjust one, inasmuch as the value put upon the land, Id. per acre, was absurd; and that the

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agreement was not understood, and was translated into a different dialect to that spoken by the people of the district. I have every reason to believe that the correspondent of the Courier is a man who thoroughly knows the country and its inhabitants, and his statements are fully confirmed by those of the special correspondent of the Melbourne Argus, Mr. Armit, a gentleman who was for many years in the service of the Government of this colony as an officer of police; as also by the letter of the Eev. James Chalmers to the Colonial Secretary (copy enclosed). It is highly undesirable that the troubles experienced in New Zealand and Fiji should be repeated in the case of New Guinea, and I have ventured to draw your Lordship's attention to these articles, because I am convinced that British rule in some form or other will have to be established in New Guinea at once, if we wish to avoid the constant trouble, expense, and bloodshed likely to arise through the contact of European traders with the Native population of the island. I have, &c. The Eight Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies. A. H. Palmee.

Enclosures 1, 2, and 3. [Extracts from the Brisbane Courier during October, 1883.] [All the essential facts are stated in the letters of Mr. Chalmers, Mr. Lawes, and Mr. Cameron.]

Enclosure 4. My deab Sic Thomas, — New Guinea, September 24, 1883. Remembering your request, that, if we had anything to report, we should do so direct to the Colonial Secretary, who would attend to the same, I therefore beg to draw your attention to the following sale of land at Kabadi, off Eedscar Bay, one of the finest districts in New Guinea. Four years ago I visited the district, and one of my party, who knew what good land was, gave Mr. Goldie, a beche-de-mer fisher, information that the best land he had ever seen was at Kabadi. When Mr. Chester was here last April, Goldie, although he had never visited the district, spoke of trying to get land there, but was informed by Mr. Chester he could not purchase land until some responsible Government officer was here to watch over native interests, and that all land sales must be made through said officer, and not with the natives. A few weeks ago Goldie, accompanied by a Mr. Cameron from Sydney, both, I believe, representing a Sydney syndicate, went to Kabadi, and. induced the natives to part with 15,000 acres of land for a little more than a penny per acre. We followed soon after, to arrange for teachers being placed at the various villages, and found the land sold did not belong to the man called a chief by Goldie, nor to the people who got the trade ; that the real owner was Urevado, Kabadi's greatest chief, who held it as trustee for his nephew. G«ldie's chiefs and people pay tribute to Urevado in the shape of best bananas, yams, sugarcane, pigs, birds, fish, and other things, and they admit that he only can tell them where and when to plant, and he only can give orders to burn grass during hunting season. Urevado told us Goldie must not go on to his land, and he would not sell his land to any foreigner. All begged of us to tell the land-purchasers to return and get their trade. Apart from the illegality of the present sale, I think the system of buying land from natives bad, and will doubtless lead to serious trouble in the future. No native thinks he is parting with his land for ever, nor does he imagine that any other one will come on to it but he who paid the tomahawk, and that on his leaving or dying the land reverts to its original owner. These natives are like children : the glitter of the new tomahawk will draw from them their best and only treasure —their land. Again, selling land now will interfere with the government hereafter, and, instead of a responsible government to care for ousted natives, we shall have capitalists who will care for themselves and not the natives. The land at present claimed as bought by Goldie is in a district that supplies during one season of the year nearly sixty miles of coast-line with provisions, and to have their land go to foreigners will not only be a very serious affair for themselves, but will be so for several thousands of people. The present purchasers think it is a missionary dodge, and that we are merely, through spleen or something else, opposing them; but I assure you, my dear Sir Thomas, it is nothing of the kind ; it is not merely because we are missionaries that we are determined to use all our influence to upset this land scheme, but because we, as men, feel it to be an unjust act to the ignorant natives and an injustice to any Government that may come hereafter. Why begin now in New Guinea what has caused so much trouble in New Zealand, Fiji, and Samoa ? Let it be distinctly understood that no native can sell land but through a Government officer and no land sales made in any other way will be recognized, and this land-lifting will be stopped. Believe me, &c. Sir Thomas Mcllraith, Brisbane. James Chalmeks.

No. 15. Geoege Palmee, Esq., M.P., to the Colonial Office. My Loed, — 58, Grosvenor Street, December 11, 1883. The enclosed letter fogm the Rev. W. G. Lawes I take the liberty to hand to your Lordship, assuring you that Mr. Lawes is a most trustworthy man. He is a missionary of the London Missionary Society)-known by myself. He is a man of more than common good sense and judgment, and therefore, I think, one whose evidence is likely to be trustworthy. I have taken a copy of this document, and leave the original with your Lordship, asking that such use may be made of it as

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may appear proper. It will be seen that Mr. Lawes designed that it should be made a public paper. I shall be glad if this may be its use. I am, &c. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby. Geoege Palmbe. i

Enclosure. Deak Me. Palmer, — Port Moresby, New Guinea, September 21, 1883. I had the honour of addressing you some time ago respecting .the annexation of New Guinea, and I want now to call your attention and that of the society you represent to a case of gross injustice, by which it is sought to deprive the natives of a large tract of country. The district of Kabadi, in Bedsear Bay, about sixty miles from here, comprises a number of villages, with a population of about two thousand. The soil is particularly rich, and admirably adapted for the growth of sugar-cane. It is the more valuable from the fact that it is bounded on two sides by navigable water, a salt-water creek on one side and a fresh-water river on the other. This has excited the cupidity of some adventurers, who see in it a source of speedy wealth. A land surveyor named Cameron, said to represent some Sydney syndicate, went three weeks ago, in company with a Mr. Goldie, to Kabadi, and they profess to have bought 15,000 acres of land from the natives. We are well known at Kabadi, and the day the land speculators left we arrived on a visit to the people to select sites for teachers' houses. We found that a large quantity of trade, such as the natives prize most highly, had been given them, but they had no idea that it was in payment for their land. One chief led Messrs. Cameron and Goldie about (neither of them had ever been to Kabadi before), and when he saw it was an opportunity for getting tomahawks and tobacco he told them that the land they had Seen was his. They accepted his word, guided his hand to sign a paper, the meaning of which he did not know, gave him about ten pounds worth of trade, put up their marks, and now claim to be the rightful owners of the land. The true owner of the soil they never saw, and he was in utter ignorance of the whole transaction. On the speculators' own statement, they gave seventy pounds worth of trade away altogether at Kabadi, and claim fifteen thousand acres of land valued by a scientific agriculturist at £2 an acre. They have now gone along the coast to make other purchases in the same way. When they have obtained some thousands more acres of the best land in New Guinea they will probably ask the British Government to ratify their title and secure to them the lands which have been the hunting-grounds and garden-plots of the natives for many generations. It is here that the Aborigines Protection Society can be of great service in protecting the natives of New Guinea. Before the so-called purchases can be utilized as sugar lands a large amount of capital will be required to procure the necessary plant of machinery, &c, and no capitalists will advance money unless their title to the land is recognized by the British Government. We feel sure that, if the facts of the case are laid before Her Majesty's Advisers, they will never sanction the wholesale transfer of native lands, especially when it carries with it no responsibility with regard to the future of the true owners of the soil. In the above case the claim must be void, from the fact that the vendor was not the owner and had no right to sell; also that the parties to the contract on the one side did not understand its terms. But cases may arise in which the owners understand the terms and yet dispose of their land : a display of new axes, red cloth, beads, and tobacco would entice almost any native to give up his land, but he would soon repent when he saw his ancestors' lands possessed by foreigners. Surely no Government will recognize any contract made under such circumstances between two such unequal parties. Let it be distinctly known that the Government will not recognize any purchases of land from natives by private individuals and an immense amount of trouble will be saved. If not, collision with the natives is inevitable, and British interests will be damaged for the aggrandisement of a few land-grabbers and sugar-planters. The evil that must ensue to the natives is self-evident. A large influx of foreigners, for whose good behaviour no one would be responsible, and who would be under no restraint but self-interest, could only result in cruelty, wrong, and injustice : the natives would soon be cleared off the land. Whatever the relations between the British Government and New Guinea may be, it is of first importance that the land of the natives should not be at the mercy of white men "making haste to be rich." If there is to bo any transfer of native land, it should only be through the representative of a responsible Government. Only thus can anything like justice be secured between barbarous and civilized races. It is not only the immediate owners of the soil that have to be considered, but the interests of the natives generally. Every district such as that of Kabadi supplies a large outside population with food in return for pottery and other articles of trade. The alienation of any large tract of country would cut off the food supply of neighbouring places, close a large market, and stop useful native industries. These are responsibilities which none but a representative of a civilized Government can assume, and no other can protect native interests. I need not encroach further on your valuable time. lam writing also to the Secretary of our own society, the London Missionary, and I trust steps may be taken at once to obtain from the Government a declaration that will put a stop to speculation in native lands. A statement made by the Earl of Carnarvon some years ago in reference to a proposed New Guinea Colonization Society quashed it at once, and, more recently, a reply of Sir Arthur Gordon's to a similar association in Victoria had the same effect. Apologizing for the length, of this, I remain, with very kind regards, Yours very sincerely, G. Palmer, Esq. M.P. Member of Aborigines Protection Society. W. G. Lawes,

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No. 16. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby to Governor the Eight Hon. Lord A. Loftus, G.C.B. My Loed, — Downing Street, October 24, 1883. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 4th of August, forwarding a copy of a letter, with its enclosures, from Mr. A. Stuart, respecting the proposed annexation of New Guinea. I have read Mr. Stuart's important letter with attention. I have, &c. Lord A. Loftus. Deeby.

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No. 17. The Colonial Office to H. E. Maclvee, Esq. Slß,— Downing Street, October 24, 1883. I am directed by the Earl of Derby to acquaint you that inquiry has been made at this office respecting the projected New Guinea Exploration and Colonization Company, of which you appear to be the promoter, and a copy of your prospectus has been placed in his Lordship's hands. Lord Derby has also seen the letter from you printed in the Times of the 19th instant, and that from the Agent-General for Queensland, which preceded it in the same issue. Lord Derby concludes that you must be aware that in 1875 a similar project was abandoned after its promoters had been made aware that Her Majesty's Government strongly disapproved it; and, also, that you are fully cognizant of the important proposals in connection with New Guinea which are now under the consideration of the Australian Governments and of Her Majesty's Government. If you had communicated with this department, Lord Derby would have caused the objections to your scheme to be explained to you ; and, as his Lordship has now otherwise obtained information respecting your proceedings, he feels himself under the necessity of intimating to you, explicitly and without delay, that your contemplated operations in New Guinea cannot be permitted, and that, if an attempt should be made to carry out the project described in your prospectus, Her Majesty's Government would be under the necessity of instructing the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific and the officer commanding Her Majesty's naval forces on the station to interfere for the protection of the native inhabitants of the island. I am, &c. H. E. Maclver, Esq. Edward Wingfield.

No. 18. ' Captain J. Kennbeley to the Colonial Office. My Loed,— 58, Lombard Street, London, B.C. October 24, 1883. In the absence of General Maclver, I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of a letter from your Secretary, written at your direction, and referring to our intended expedition to New Guinea. Your Lordship's communication has had due and respectful consideration on our part, and we beg to reply thereto as follows : — It is quite evident that your Lordship is under a complete misapprehension as regards the purposes of our expedition. We have no political purposes of any kind in this matter, our intention being merely to acquire land in the most legitimate way from those who are entitled to sell it, thereby procuring an outlet for a large number of families who at the present moment have no means of livelihood in this country. We will not intrude upon your Lordship to-day by exposing, in a long letter, the peaceful manner in which we intend carrying out our project; but, if your Lordship will grant us an interview, we shall be pleased to explain fully our purposes, and are convinced we shall be able to show your Lordship that, so far from our expedition foreboding evil to any of the natives, the success of our enterprise will, on the contrary, contribute towards their civilization and advancement. I have, &c. J. Kenneeley, The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby. Second in Command of the Expedition.

No. 19. Brigadier-General H. E. Maclveb and Captain J. Kennbeley to the Colonial Office. My Loed, — 58, Lombard Street, London, B.C. November 2, 1883. Since the receipt of the letter from Mr. Wingfield, this matter has received most anxious and careful consideration, with a view to meet your Lordship's objections to the scheme as originally proposed by us, and we have determined' to form a purely trading company. We beg to enclose a draft prospectus of the intended company (upon which we propose to base our proceedings) for your Lordship's perusal, and we shall be obliged if your Lordship will favour us with an interview, when we shall be glad to explain our views in greater detail, and trust that they may meet with your Lordship's approval. "We are, &c. Heney E. Maclvee. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby. J. Kenneeley.

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Enclosure. The New Guinea Trading Coepoeation (Limited). —Incorporated under the Companies Acts, 1862 to 1883. Capital, £250,000, in 12,500 shares of £20 each. Payable—£ per Share on application ; £ on allotment; and the balance as required. Prospectus. This company is formed for the purpose of trading with the natives of the Island of New Guinea, and developing the immense natural resources of what is considered to be probably the richest island in the world. Although the information possessed by Europeans with regard to the interior of New Guinea is still very meagre, it is well known, from the reports of credible persons who have navigated and explored the coasts, that along the northern coast-line the natives are numerous, industrious, and friendly; they raise large quantities of tropical produce, and have shown themselves willing to exchange their productions for European goods. Their crops include among other things the most valuable varieties of tropical vegetation, such as spices, camphor, gums, sandalwood, ebony, tobacco, sugar, and vegetable ivory, besides which birds of paradise, pearls, tortoiseshell, and other exotic products are to be met with in abundance. The mineral resources of the island are as yet unexplored, but ample evidence exists to prove that the mountains of the interior contain gold, iron, tin, copper, and other minerals, for the working of which the numerous rivers afford ample facilities. In the higher land of the interior, which ranges from I,oooft. to 15,000 ft. above the sea, are numerous table-lands, affording extensive fields for the culture of grain crops of all kinds, and the breeding of cattle and sheep in large numbers. The pursuit of agriculture and stock-raising in New Guinea will, in the future, be of the highest importance to the food supplies of the world, as the universal presence of ample supplies of water will enable the farmer to compete on the most favourable terms with the occupants of the arid flats of Australia. The company proposes to immediately despatch a large and fully-equipped screw steamer with a full cargo of such articles as are considered to be the most useful for opening up a trade with the natives. The staff who go out will be instructed to open friendly relations with the different tribes at the places where the steamer calls, and to obtain permission to erect trading stations for the collection and exchange of the produce; each of these stations will thus form a nucleus of civilization for the surrounding district. This system has been proved to work in the most satisfactory manner on the Congo and other African rivers, and there is no doubt that it is equally applicable to New Guinea, the people of which are probably more advanced than most of the uncivilized peoples which have been encountered by early pioneers of commerce. As this company will be purely a commercial enterprise, without any ulterior political motives, the question of annexation or land acquisition will not affect its operations, although, if the British Government should decide to assume the protectorate of the island, this company, as the first trading body in the field, will acquire a most advantageous position. The commercial history of Great Britain conclusively proves that in all times corporations of this kind have been of the greatest advantage, both to the country at large and more particularly to the acute and far-sighted individuals who have embarked their capital in such enterprises. We need only allude to the East India Company, the Hudson's Bay Company, the Falkland Islands Company, the Canada Company, and many others. It should also be remembered that many British colonies were originally planted by similar companies. By opening New Guinea to British commerce this company will lay the foundations for the eventual settlement of the islands in a peaceful and regular manner, thus advancing the outposts of civilization, and, while affording a new outlet for the teeming population of this country and facilitating the utilization of a most fertile region, it will shed the light of progress over another of the dark places of the earth. At this stage it would be premature to attempt any estimate of dividends, but it is only necessary to refer intending investors to the history of previous enterprises of the kind to prove that the profits accruing from this class of business are very large. In the enclosed pamphlet will be found a number of corroborative opinions on the Island of New Guinea from the pens of a number of well-known authorities on the subject. The only contracts entered into are No promotion moneys will be paid. Prospectuses and forms of application may be obtained at the bankers and offices, and of the Company.

No. 20. The Colonial Office to Brigadier-General H. E. Maclvek. Sib, — Downing Street, November 3, 1883. I am directed by the Earl of Derby to acknowledge the receipt of Captain Kennerley's letter of the 24th of October and yours of the 2nd instant, in which an interview with his Lordship is requested in relation to your projected company in connection with New Guinea. These letters will receive his Lordship's early attention, and a further communication will be made to you on the subject next week. I am, &c. Brigadier-General H. E. Maclver. Eobeet G. W. Hebbeet.

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No. 21. The Glasgow Chamber of Commerce to the Colonial Office. My Loed, — Chamber of Commerce and Manufactures, Glasgow, November, 1883. I have the honour to enclose herein a memorial to your Lordship by the Chamber of Commerce of Glasgow on the subject of New Guinea. I am, &c. William H. Hill, To the Eight Hon. Earl Derb\'. Secretary.

Enclosure. To the Eight Hon. Earl Deeby, Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs. The Memorial of the Chamber of Commerce and Manufactures in the City of Glasgow, incorporated by Royal Charter in 1783, confirmed in 1860, respectfully showeth, — That this Chamber, representing the extensive commercial and trading interests of Glasgow and the West of Scotland, is necessarily deeply interested in all that relates to the continued prosperity of the Australian Colonies, with which a large, rapidly-increasing, and mutually-beneficial trade is carried on. Your memorialists have given consideration to the correspondence which has recently passed between your Lordship and the Colonial Government of Queensland respecting New Guinea. While appreciating the necessity of Her Majesty's Government proceeding with due deliberation in a matter involving, in its varied relations, such important consequences as a protectorate by this country over, or the annexation of, the Island of New Guinea, it is considered by many that the question of annexation is so material to the future welfare of these colonies, particularly in tending to avert the establishment of disturbing influences in the islands of the Western Pacific, that this Chamber feels warranted in respectfully urging that Her Majesty's Government should give their best consideration to the representations about to be made to them on this subject by the Federal Council of Australian Ministers, to be held at Sydney this month. Signed in name, on behalf, and by appointment of, a general meeting of the Chamber held at Glasgow this first day of November, one thousand eight hundred and eighty-thres. John McLaren, President.

No. 22, The Colonial Office to the Glasgow Chambbe of Commebce. Sic, — Downing Street, November 8, 1883. I am directed by the Earl of Derby to acknowledge the receipt, on the sth instant, of you** letter, enclosing a'memorial from the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce on the subject of New Guinea. Lord Derby desires me to request that you will inform the President that Her Majesty's Government will not fail to bear in mind this expression of opinion on the part of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce when they have before them the result of the deliberations of the Conference to be held at Sydney to which the memorial refers. I am, &c. The Secretary to the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce. Robert G. W. Heebeet.

No. 23. The Colonial Office to Brigadier-General H. E. Maclveb. Sic, — Downing Street, November 9, 1883. I am directed by the Earl of Derby to acquaint you that his Lordship has read the draft prospectus enclosed in the letter addressed to him by you and Captain Kennerley on the 2nd instant, but that, as this is not a case in which Her Majesty's Government can give the approval which you desire to receive, there would not, in his Lordship's opinion, be any advantage in his hearing your further explanations at an interview. I have, &c. Brigadier-General H. E. Maclver. John Beamston.

No. 24. Brigadier-General H. E. Maclver to the Colonial Office. My Lobd,— 58, Lombard Street, London, B.C. November 12, 1883. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's letter of the 9th instant, the contents of which I note. I beg to point out that your Lordship is not treating me and my friends who are interested with me in this matter, fairly. We did not originally apply to your Lordship for your approval; but your Lordship, upon information acquired from a printed paper which accidentally came into your hands, took an unfavourable view of the plan contained therein and informed us of your strong disapproval. This expression of dissatisfaction was immediately communicated to the newspapers, and has caused us heavy losses. We took the earliest opportunity of supplying your Lordship with authoritative statements of our intentions, and we thought we had a right to expect that you would give these views your attention, and let us know that, inasmuch as the intended company is purely meant for trading purposes, the disapproval expressed before by your Lordship, on insufficient information, does not extend to our present plans. We shall assume, unless your Lordship informs 3—A. 3b.

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us to the contrary, that no objection does exist at the Colonial Office to our trading, in the way we propose, with New Guinea, and that we shall not be interfered with by Her Majesty's forces in any way, as long as Aye strictly carry out our present programme. Trusting that your Lordship will see fit to favour me at your earliest convenience with a few words in reply confirming these views, I have, &c. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby. Henry E. Maclver.

No. 25. The Colonial Office to Brigadier-General H. E. Maclvbe. Sib, — Downing Street, November 15, 1883. I am directed by the Earl of Derby to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th instant, in which you again state that the company which you represent is meant purely for trading purposes, and you add that you shall assume, unless his Lordship informs you to the contrary, that no objection exists at the Colonial Office to the company trading in the way you propose with New Guinea, and that you will not be interfered with by Her Majesty's forces in any way so long as you strictly carry out your present programme. Lord Derby desires me to inform you, in reply, that his Lordship is unable to regard your company as a trading company. A circular which has been placed in Lord Derby's hands signed " Charles Eeynolds, Secretary (pro tern.)," dated "58, Lombard Street, London, November, 1883," and headed "New Guinea Expedition," commences by referring to " the enormous number of applications to join this expedition " ; and goes on to state that, although the company would " be in a position to take out a great many people simply on payment of their passage-money," they " are unable at present to fix an executive, or to make.any absolute appointments except resident officials " ; that " the others will be dealt with when the preparations for the expedition are further advanced, when, according to the capabilities of each individual, choice will be made." The circular further intimates that the passage-money is £20, and, as this represents the cost only of a steerage passage, such as would be taken by labouring men and their families, or other persons possessed of little or no capital, it is impossible to avoid the conclusion that the proposal to take out agricultural settlers has not been definitively abandoned. The statements contained in your circular are, in fact, inconsistent with the representation that a trading company only is contemplated, " which proposes to despatch a cargo of such articles as are considered to be most useful for opening up a trade," .... "to obtain permission to erect trading stations for the collection and exchange of produce," and of which "the question of annexation or land acquisition will not affect the operations." (See Prospectus.) I am therefore to warn you that, if any persons are induced to join your projected expedition in the belief that New Guinea is a place in which English working-men and their families can settle and maintain themselves by labour or by trading, or that land can be acquired there by them on any secure tenure, they will have been seriously misled, and will run great risk of losing not only their property but their lives ; and any persons who are providing funds for the equipment and promotion of the expedition should consider carefully the position in which they will stand in the probable event of its failure. I am, &c. Brigadier-General H. E. Maclver. John Beamston.

No. 26. Cikculab issued by the New Guinea Explobation and Colonization Expedition. 58, Lombard Street, London, November, 1883. New Guinea Expedition. In consequence of the enormous number of applications to join this expedition, it is found perfectly impossible to reply to all the applicants by letter. lam therefore instructed to tell you, by means of this circular, exactly how the matter stands at the moment. Up to the present we have not issued our full " Prospectus," owing to a correspondence with the Colonial Secretary. This delay will, we hope, be obviated within the next few days, when everybody on our application list will receive a full prospectus by post. It is obvious that, for an expedition of this kind, capital is necessary, and, although we shall be in a position to take out a great many people simply on payment of their passage-money, we are unable at present to fix an executive, or to make any absolute appointments, except resident officials; the others will be dealt with when the preparations for the expedition are further advanced, when, according to the capabilities of each individual, choice will be made. Should you wish to go out with us, I am requested to ask that you will fill up the annexed form and return to me, when your letter will be put before the directors in due course. The expedition will sail for New Guinea, calling at an Australian port. Yours faithfully, Chables Beynolds, Secretary (jyro tern.)

It is a waste of time to make application, unless at least the passage-money of £20 can be paid. Address all letters to " The Secretary."

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No. 27. Brigadier-General H. E. Maclvee to the Colonial Office. My Loed, — ■ 58, Lombard Street, London, E.G. November 17, 1883. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's letter of the 15th instant, and now beg to enclose, for your Lordship's perusal, a proof of our final and complete prospectus, which contains the names of the proposed directors and officials. The originators of this scheme regret to find that your Lordship still seeks to invest this simple trading company with belligerent intentions, although they have positively and distinctly stated to your Lordship that such intentions are entirely foreign, and would indeed be harmful to, their scheme, besides endangering their own persons and interests. The circular to which your Lordship takes exception, although sent out by my colleagues during my absence from London, does not, I may venture to say, contain anything inconsistent with our assurances to your Lordship. The officials therein alluded to are the resident officials in London, and the managers to whom would be intrusted the foundation of the stations in New Guinea. Those persons who are to be allowed to go out on payment of £20 only are not necessarily agriculturalists, our intention being that all the employes of the company should be induced, by their having an interest and share in the profits of the undertaking, to do their best in their several positions. Families are, by the very nature of the scheme, altogether excluded. Your Lordship appears to assume that the originators of this scheme are entirely ignorant of the first principles of business, viz., a knowledge of the scene of their intended operations, the various customs of the natives, the extent of trade and the produce of the island. In that your Lordship is mistaken. For your Lordship's information, I may say that it is not our intention to land trading parties which may have to rely upon the produce of the country for an extended period. The steamer or steamers belonging to the company will be provisioned for at least twelve months, and will supply the stations. The operations of the company's servants will in the first place be directed to the valuable pearl-shell fisheries, and to the development of the timber trade, and mineral deposits which are known to exist. The stations will, by means of the company's vessels, be in constant communication with the Australian ports, to which will be carried the various products obtained by barter with the natives. Having now given your Lordship a further resume of our objects, together with the names of responsible gentlemen who are prepared to direct the scheme, I cannot but be sanguine that your Lordship will withdraw your disapproval of our enterprise, as you will be convinced of its perfect bona fides, and of the advantages that must accrue from it to British commerce. In conclusion, should your Lordship continue to withhold your consent to this enterprise, we shall, in view of the large expenditure which we have made over preliminary arrangements, be reluctantly compelled to accept only the services of foreign applicants, and proceed to New Guinea under a foreign flag. This will be the more disappointing to us, as our foremost aim was to found a grand and commercial corporation under distinctly British auspices and in the interests of British trade. Still hoping to be allowed to proceed with your Lordship's approval. I have, &c. The Eight Hon the Earl of Derby. Henby B. Maolver.

Enclosure. The New Guinea Trading Coepobation (Limited). —Incorporated under the Companies' Acts, 1862 to 1883. Capital, £250,000 in 12,500 shares of £20 each. Payable—£ per share on application, £ on allotment, and the balance as required. Directors. —Major-General G. de la Poer Beresford, late Assistant Adjutant-General, Madras Army ; William A. Cox, Esq. M.E.C.S. L.S.A. and L.M.; Bolt C. Baynton, Esq. Sutton, Surrey; Captain William Bell McTaggart, late of 14th Hussars; General H. J. Bogle, late Eoyal Horse Artillery. Managers in New Guinea. —Brigadier-General Henry E. Maclver, &c.; G. P. Milne, Esq. late Engineer D.P.W. and District Local Fund Board, India ; Captain J. Kenneriev, late B. Mercantile Marine. Solicitors. —Messrs. Tibbitts and Son, I" Field Court, Gray's Inn, W.C. Chaplain. —Eev. H. de Burgh Sidley (M.A.), Chaplain to Lord Borthwick. Secretary. —Major C. J. Fallon, 34, Eadipole Boad, late Ist Leicestershire Eegiment. Temporary Offices. —58, Lombard Street, E.G. Prospectus. This company is formed for the purpose of trading with the natives of the Island of New Guinea, and developing the immense natural resources of what is considered to be probably the richest island in the. world. Although the information possessed by Europeans with regard to the interior of New Guinea is still very meagre, it is well known, from the reports of credible persons who have navigated and explored the coasts, that along the northern coast-line the natives are numerous, industrious, and friendly; they raise large quantities of tropical produce, and have shown themselves willing to exchange their productions for European goods. Their crops include among other things the most valuable varieties of tropical vegetation, such as spices, camphor, gums, sandalwood, ebony, tobacco, arrowroot, sago, sugar, and vegetable ivory, besides which birds of paradise, pearls, tortoiseshell, and other exotic products are to be met with in abundance,

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The mineral resources of the island are as yet unexplored, but ample evidence exists to prove that the mountains of the interior contain gold, iron, tin, copper, coal, and other minerals, for the working of which the numerous rivers afford ample facilities. In the higher land of the interior, which ranges from I,OOOft. to 15,000 ft. above the sea, are numerous table-lands, affording extensive fields for the culture of grain crops of all kinds, and the breeding of cattle and sheep in large numbers. The pursuit of agriculture and stock-raising in New Guinea will, in the future, be of the highest importance to the food supplies of the world, as'the universal presence of ample supplies of water will enable the farmer to compete on the most favourable terms with the occupants of the arid flats of Australia. The mildness of the climate compared with that of other tropical countries will obviate many of the extra risks and dangers which might prove detrimental to the carrying out of the company's objects. The company proposes to immediately despatch a large and fully-equipped screw steamer with a full cargo of such articles as are considered to be the most useful for opening up a trade with the natives. The staff who go out will be instructed to open friendly relations with the different tribes at the places where the steamer calls, and to obtain permission to erect trading stations for the collection and exchange of the produce ; each of these stations will thus form a nucleus of civilization for the surrounding district. This system has been proved to work in the most satisfactory manner on the Congo and other African, rivers, and there is no doubt that it is equally applicable to New Guinea, the people of which are probably more advanced than most of the uncivilized peoples which have been encountered by early pioneers of commerce. The number of stations at present contemplated is six, and they will be kept in communication with each other and the Australian ports by means of the company's steamer, which will carry cargo, mails, and passengers to and from the company's establishment. As this company will be purely a commercial enterprise, without any ulterior political motives, the question of annexation or land acquisition will not affect its operations, although, if the British Government should decide to assume the protectorate of the island, this company, as the first trading body in the field, will acquire a most advantageous position. The commercial history of Great Britain conclusively proves that in all times corporations of this kind have been of the greatest advantage both to the country at large, and more particularly to the acute and far-sighted individuals who have embarked their capital in such enterprises. We need only allude to the East India Company, the Hudson's Bay Company, the Falkland Islands Company, the Canada Company, and many others. It should also be remembered that many British colonies were originally planted by similar companies. By opening New Guinea to British commerce this company will lay the foundation for the eventual settlement of the islands in a peaceful and regular manner, thus advancing the outposts of civilization, and, while affording a new outlet for the teeming population of this country, and facilitating the utilization of a most fertile region, it will shed the light of progress over another of the dark places of the earth. At this stage it would be premature to attempt any estimate of dividends, but it is only necessary to refer intending investors to the history of previous enterprises of the kind to prove that the profits accruing from this class of business are very large. The following quotations from recognized authorities will show the exceptionally favourable conditions enjoyed by this fertile land, and they will satisfy any inquiries as to the climate and temperature of the country. Speaking of the Island of New Guinea at the Eoyal Geographical Society, on 7th May, 1883, Mr. Wilfred Powell says (from a long experience), " A more beautiful and healthy spot for settlement than this can scarcely be found in any tropical country in the world. The coast is bold and steep, rising in many places sheer from the sea to the height of above 1,000 ft., and ranging inland to the mountains in terraces and table-lands of open grass country, with every facility for cattle raising, well watered with streams that take their rise in the heights some 15,000 ft. above." Admiral Moresby, at the same meeting, in indorsing Mr. Powell's statements, says, "It is a grand, a splendid, coast, abounding in beautiful harbours. The whole country is apparently very healthy and very fertile, with an enormous amount of cleared land, and the natives were friendly." Admiral Moresby further says of the island as follows: " The high range of mountains which run through New Guinea, with the numerous spurs extending to the coast, confer upon it a splendid river system. Some of the streams are known to be navigable for nearly two hundred miles into the interior of the country. From its very situation, New Guinea enjoys all the luxuriance of tropical vegetation. The cocoanut tree grows along the whole coastline ; the nutmeg tree is indigenous, and is plentiful in all parts of the country, so far as they are known, while the researches of later explorers show that the sago palm, the plantain, and the pineapple grow on the river fiats in great profusion and perfection. The island also produces the sugarcane, yam, and sweet potato, with arrowroot and rice as good as any grown in South Carolina. The timber is of the most splendid description, and consists of ebony, mahogany, the odoriferous rosameta-ragubuhu, much in request for cabinet-work, with the tree that prodjices the valuable massery bark so well known and prized by the Japanese for its medicinal virtues. The temperature is not so high as might be expected in a country in such close contact with the Equator, and thus adding the quality of humidity to the comparative coolness of the atmosphere. In this respect it contrasts strongly with the climate of the opposite Continent of Australia, with its barren and cheerless wastes of sandy, waterless, and almost treeless deserts." The only contracts entered into are No promotion moneys will be paid. Prospectuses and forinf of application may be obtained at the bankers' and offices, and of the company.

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No. 28. Captain J. Kennerley to the Colonial Office. My Loed,' — 40, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C. November 22, 1883. I have the honour to enclose you a prospectus of the New Guinea and Western Pacific Trading Company for your perusal, and beg to inform your Lordship that I have withdrawn from the company named "The New Guinea Exploration and Colonization Expedition," or "Trading" ditto. I am appointed as commander by a few gentlemen who wish to proceed to New Guinea and' the islands of Western Pacific for the sole purpose of trading with the natives, and making purchases of land when obtainable by legal and lawful means. I would beg to call your Lordship's attention to the fact that no person can proceed with this intended party who cannot find at least £100. Part of our capital will be expended in merchandise for purposes of barter with the natives. The greater number of this party will be men with more or less means ; so your Lordship need not be concerned about their future welfare. Trusting your Lordship may see no objection to the purposes of this trading company, I have, &c. J. Kennef.ley. The Eight Hon, the Earl of Derby, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Enclosure. New Guinea and Westeen Pacific Trading Syndicate (Limited.) — Capital, £10,000, in 500 shares of £20 each, fully paid up. £5 per share payable on Application, and the remainder on Allotment. This syndicate is formed for the purpose of purchasing a suitable steamer and providing the necessary provisions and outfit for a voyage to New Guinea; also to purchase or secure consignments of merchandise for purpose of barter with the natives of New Guinea and the islands of the Western Pacific. The mineral wealth and riches of various kinds contained in these productive islands are too well known to require further comment. A considerable trade is at present being done with the natives by way of exchanging produce for goods; it is the intention of this company to form several trading stations on the coast to collect produce and conduct the operations of the company. The steamer, after landing the expedition, will be kept at the disposal of its members, calling at intervals at the various stations to collect cargo to be carried on to the large Australian ports, also to take mails and passengers. The pearl-shell fishery on Thursday Island is proving a mine of inexhaustible wealth to those embarked in the business : special attention will be paid to this feature. Exploration and purchases of land will be attended to in due course. It must be distinctly understood that the company is co-operative. Each subscribing member will be part owner of the steamer, its outfit, merchandise, &c, and receive a pro rctta share of; profits. The commander of the expedition will be Captain J. Kennerley, an experienced officer, who possesses a practical knowledge of the coast and its resources; the subordinate officers will be: chosen from the members of the expedition ; a committee of direction will be formed, and the operations of the company will be controlled by their decisions. No expense has been incurred up to the present. The party will consist of from thirty to forty gentlemen. No application will be entertained to proceed with, the expedition from those who do not take at least five £20 shares. A provisional contract has been made for the purchase of a suitable steamer, and the expedition will start at an early date. Only one contract has been made, which can be seen on application. Applications for shares, with a deposit of £5 per share, to be made to Captain J. Kennerley, 40, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, W.C. or to the Secretary.

No. 29. The Aberdeen Chamber of Commeece to the Colonial Office. Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, 137, Union Street, Aberdeen, My Loed,— November 30, 1883. As instructed by the President of this Chamber of Commerce, I beg to enclose memorial by this Chamber with reference to the question of the annexation of New Guinea to the Australian Colonies, and which, we trust, will receive your favourable consideration. I have, &c. The Eight Hon. Earl Derby. James Tytlee, Secretary.

Enclosure. To the Eight Hon. Earl Deeby, Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs. The Memorial of the Chamber of Commerce of Aberdeen, incorporated by Eoyal Charter, respectfully shbweth,— That this Chamber, representing the community and City of Aberdeen and the whole of the northeast of Scotland in connection with trade and commerce, is necessarily deeply interested in all that

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relates to the continued prosperity of the Australian Colonies, with which a large, rapidly-increasing, and mutually-beneficial trade is carried on. Your memorialists have given consideration to the correspondence which has recently passed between your Lordship and the Colonial Government of Queensland respecting New Guinea, and, having considered this correspondence, at the monthly meeting of the Council of this Chamber of Commerce, held at Aberdeen, on Tuesday, the 27th current, the following motion was unanimously carried, to wit :• — "This Chamber, recognizing that the annexation of New Guinea is a question of great importance to the future welfare of the Australian Colonies, resolves to petition Her Majesty's Government to give their best and, if possible, favourable consideration to any representation made to them on this subject by the Federal Council of Australian Ministers, to be held at Sydney this month." Following on this resolution, the memorialists respectfully urge Her Majesty's Government to give the same their most favourable consideration. Signed in name, on behalf, and by appointment of the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, this thirtieth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-three. David Stewart, President.

No. 30. The Colonial Office to Brigadier-General H. E. Maclvee, Sib,— Downing Street, November 23, 1883. I am directed by the Earl of Derby to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th instant, containing further explanations with regard to the objects and intentions of the company which you represent. Although in the prospectus which accompanied your letter the company is designated as " The New Guinea Trading Corporation (Limited)," yet the form of application appended to the circular adverted to in ray last letter speaks of the " New Guinea Exploration and Colonizf tion Expedition;" and, while your letter now under acknowledgment does not state that there is no intention on the part of the company to attempt to acquire land in New Guinea, the prospectus states that it is proposed to form six stations on that island. Lord Derby can therefore give no sanction or approval to the project, and must repeat the caution given in the letter from this department of the 15th instant against taking part in it. I am, in conclusion, to observe that the use of a foreign flag would not exempt the proceedings of the company's managers and promoters from control, and that not only the Australian Colonies but the natives of New Guinea have asked Her Majesty to afford protection. I am, &c. Brigadier-General H. E. Maclver. Eobeet G. W. Heebeet.

No. 31. The Colonial Office to Captain J. Kennebley. Sib, — Downing Street, November 28, 1883. I am directed by the Earl of Derby to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22nd instant, enclosing a prospectus of "The New Guinea and Western Pacific Trading Syndicate (Limited)." Lord Derby desires me to inform you that Her Majesty's Government are unable to approve any project, although styled a " trading company," of which it is a feature that a number of persons who are to be interested in purchases of land, as mentioned in your prospectus, should proceed from this country to New Guinea. It is obvious that, when only trading is contemplated, it is not usual that a number of persons not connected with commerce should take part in an expedition from this country. I am, &c. Captain J. Kennerley. Eobbbt G. W. Hebbebt.

Captain J. Kennerley. Eobert G. W. Herbert.

No. 32. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Dbbby to Governor the Eight Hon. Lord A. Loftus, G.C.B. What foundation statement Herald 14th October pretended purchase land New Guinea? London, December 3.

No. 33. Governor the Eight Hon. Lord A. Loftus, G.C.B. (New South Wales), to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby. Toubs, 3rd. Speculators have purchased land New Guinea. Eesolution annulling such land speculations will probably submitted Convention. Sydney, December 6.

No. 34. Governor the Bight Hon. Lord A. Loftus, G.C.B. to the Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby. My Loed, — Sydney, December 6, 1883. I have the honour to enclose to your Lordship a letter published by the Sydney Herald

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from Mr. Cameron (formerly an officer in the Ministry of Mines in this Colony), replying to certain statements of the Press that he represented a syndicate of speculators with the object of purchasingland in New Guinea. 2. Mr. Cameron admits that a purchase of land (some twelve thousand acres) was made by him from the natives, but states that it was made in the most fair and legitimate way. I hfi,ve, &c. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby. Augustus Loftus.

Enclosure. [Extract from the Sydney Morning Herald of November 23, 1883.] An Account op Mb. John Camebon's Visit to New Guinea. Sic, — To the Editor of the " Herald." I left Sydney on the 21st July last to visit New Guinea, and I arrived back in Sydney on the 15th instant. I find that statements have been made in various public journals with reference to my visit, and these statements are to the effect that I represented a syndicate of speculators in Sydney, that the sole or primary object of my visit was to " grab " land from the natives for next to nothing, and I am told that the proclamation by the Queensland Government, that purchases of land from the natives of New Guinea would not be recognized, was mainly caused by my late visit. Instead of answering categorically these several statements, I will simply state the facts of the matter. I am a geodetic surveyor, and hold one of the highest positions on the trigonometrical staff of New South Wales, and have been connected with the surveying staff of that colony since 1875. During the years 1869, 1870, and 1871 I was employed in a private business as surveyor in Fiji, and surveyed and laid out the Town of Suva, the present capital of Fiji, and at the same time I selected and bought a thousand acres of land on the Navua River. During my sojourn in Fiji I became thoroughly acquainted with the language and customs of the natives, and had considerable experience as to the employment of native labour. I was also employed in sugar and cotton growing. I had, whilst in Fiji, considerable experience in the buying of land from the natives, and I may state that none of the purchases made by me, or under my supervision, have ever been upset, although they were investigated by a Commission appointed for the purpose by the Government appointed by the Home authorities. Purchases also in New Hebrides, made by British naval officers and others on exactly the same terms as those I made in Fiji, have never been questioned. At the beginning of this year I had twelve months' leave (without pay) granted me. After my leave commenced I was induced to undertake a survey of a large tract of country, which occupied my time for some six months. On my return to Sydney I heard, like the rest of the public, a good deal of talk about New Guinea. When in Fiji I had, and ever since have had, a strong inclination to visit New Guinea, and, as I had nothing particular to do for the rest of my leave, I determined to pay that country a visit. My idea was that, in the event of New Guinea corning to the fore, my knowledge might prove of considerable professional value to me, and I also intended to see if any other than Port Moresby might prove a better port, and, if so, to take up land there. I also thought it quite possible that I might find auriferous lands. I estimated roughly that such a visit would cost me about £500, including the cost of a small schooner with which to survey the coast and rivers. I saw a gentleman in Sydney with reference to buying a boat, as I knew he was interested in a company which employed a great many boats on the coast of New Guinea, and he *at once offered to afford me every assistance, and offered to join, me in the venture. I accepted his offer, as I considered that having the benefit of introduction to his commercial connections in the Torres Straits and coast of New Guinea would be much better than going, as it were, alone. (The w Tord " syndicate "is comparatively new to me, and I must leave to others to decide, from the above facts, whether I represented a syndicate of landgrabbers in any sense of the word.) I left Sydney, as before stated,fon the 21st July last, and Thursday Island, the 6th August, and took nineteen days to sail to Port Moresby in the " Alice Meade," of fourteen tons. I found there were some eight hundred natives at Port Moresby, with some six white men. The natives are, in my opinion, indifferently honest, except those, as a native naively explained to me, who have not felt the civilizing effects of the white man. I noticed that further inland the natives had more sense of decency in dress than in the neighbourhood of the missions. The cause of this lam unable to explain. The natives of New Guinea do not appear to me to average over 5 feet 4 inches. They appear intelligent, and will work well for themselves, but not for employers. The country around Port Moresby disappointed me greatly, as there was a total absence of tropical vegetation, and the soil for a radius of some ten miles appeared very sterile. I travelled 125 miles along the coast (from long. 146-0 to 14730), and went thirty-two miles inland, and formed a general opinion of the country for over ten miles inland along the 125 miles. The land I saw was low and flat, and the sago palm appeared very prevalent, which from my experience is evidence of poor swampy soil. The principal vegetable productions are yams, sweet potatoes, bananas (which latter are of a very inferior quality), sago, arrowroot, cocoa-nuts in limited number, sugar-cane, bread-fruit, mummy apple, beetel-nut, and tobacco; but noticeable by their absence were oranges, grandillas, guavas, and limes. I did not discover that the missions had done anything in increasing the variety or improving the edibles of the natives. Tobacco, cotton, coffee, and sugar could unquestionably be grown in New Guinea : but .there is but a limited quantity of land fit for such purpose along that portion of the south coast which I saw, for the coast land is, as already stated, poor and swampy, and the valleys are., far too narrow ; and, from all the reliable information I could gather, the same objection to the land exists all along the south coast. I now come to the subject of the purchase of land which I made. I bought some 12,000 acres, of which I estimate 1,000 acres to be fit for

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sugar and 2,000 acres for cotton-planting, the remainder being poor and swampy soil. But there is a drawback to the cultivation of sugar which is most serious, and that is, that the rainfall on the south coast does not exceed 35 inches, whilst my experience has taught me that even 50 inches is too low an average for sugar-planting; and again, the rainfall in New Guinea is not sufficiently distributed throughout the year. To purchase these 12,000 acres cost me over £500, without reckoning the loss of time (which in my case would, at the very least, be another £500), and the risk of health, if not life. As to what the natives received for their land, I have no hesitation in avowing that, having taken every precaution to make the natives fully and unquestionably understand the transaction, I bought it as cheap as I could. The amount actually received by the natives (exclusive of presents, which valued over £50) was £140, which is comparatively more than I ever paid for land in Fiji for sugar- or cotton-growing. I took the following precautions to make the purchases of land binding on the vendors : The natives at Port Moresby are called Motu and their language the same, and which language is understood for forty miles east and sixty miles west of Port Moresby. The land I purchased is situated thirty miles west of Port Moresby and seven miles inland, and here the natives are called Kabadians and their language Kabadi, but 10 per cent, of them understand Motu, and all the natives I dealt with understood Motu. Before leaving Thursday Island for New Guinea I met Mr. Goldie, the well-known naturalist, who had been exploring the New Guinea coast from the Papuan Gulf to the extreme east for the last eight years, and he told me that the only land he knew of fit for sugar or cotton-growing was between the Ipisi and Aroa Eivers, about thirty miles west of Port Moresby, and he informed me that he had applied to the Home Government for a grant of such land, in consideration of his services in exploring, and the good he had done the natives of New Guinea. When Mr. Goldie understood my capabilities as a surveyor, and that I had had experience in Fiji in purchasing land from natives, he proposed to join me, and to go and endeavour to purchase the land he referred to from the natives. I accordingly accompanied Mr. Goldie, in his schooner the "Alice Meade," to Port Moresby. Here Mr. Lawes, the missionary, kindly translated the portion of a deed which I had prepared, and which referred to the actual conveyance of land, into the Motu language. There is no written Motu language, but the mission have taught some of the natives to write and read their language in the Eoman characters, and these natives are called teachers. As the interpreters who were to accompany me could not read, I caused Euatoka, a teacher at Port Moresby, to explain the clause translated by Mr. Lawes to my interpreters, which he did until they knew the clause by heart. When I arrived at Boera, which is about ten miles west of Port Moresby, I took another interpreter, named Daru, chief of Boera, who was a Motu, but also spoke Kabadi language perfectly, and I caused the teacher at Boera, named Piri, to read Mr. Lawes' written translation to him, which he did several times. I then proceeded to Ivio, a village in the country of the Kabadi, in the neighbourhood of which the land referred to by Mr. Goldie was situated. I should here state that I found that, as in Fiji, the land did not necessarily belong to the chiefs, but to certain individuals who may be described as the landowners. Ido not know how they acquire their rights, but they are recognized by the natives as the owners of the land. My interpreters explained to the landowners that the object of my visit was to purchase land, and they promised to have a talk over it amongst themselves, and which talk, as far as I could see, consisted of addresses from the verandahs to the whole of the inhabitants of the village. I would mention that, on the occasion of public speeches, the speaker has a prompter, who kindly does the needful when the speaker is at a loss for a word. On the occasion I now refer to a man named Vagi was the prompter; but often the speaker's wife is the prompter. These palavers lasted for a week, and at last the landowners agreed to sell us land, provided we did not bring more than six white men on to the land. I found that one inducement for selling the land was that the owners thought we should assist to protect them against a neighbouring tribe, named Koitapians, with whom there was a feud. The owners all made their mark to the deed of sale, and it was witnessed by the interpreters and the chiefs. I marked out the land by triangulation, and I took every precaution that all parties concerned, and the natives generally, should understand that they had parted with their land for ever, and that such land would be used for the purpose of growing sugar and cotton. But even if I was duped by the vendors, I do not see that it can be a matter of any public interest, and therefore I leave the subject. But Ido most emphatically say that the purchase was made, as far as my experience goes, in the most fair and legitimate way possible. There is one incident occurred on my visit to New Guinea which I regret to have to mention, but which Ido not thing I ought to suppress. After completing the purchase of the land as above mentioned, I went east, and I heard from Mr. Chalmers, the missionary, that the natives repudiated my purchase, as I had not purchased of the right owners. I therefore determined to return to Kabadi. I sailed up the Ipisi as far as I could, and then rowed up in the dingy. I arrived at dark, and went up to the village, with four other white men. As soon as the villagers saw us I discovered they meant mischief; but eventually they were pacified, and I had a talk with them, and then the natives informed me that Mr. Chalmers (or Tamasi, as the natives call him), the missionary, had told them that they must return the trade—[for the information of the uninitiated I may here state that all barter, such as tomahawks, beads, cloth, tobacco, knives, &c, is called " trade " in the South Sea Islands—and must not sell their land, as the white men would steal their women and take them away in vessels, and that, if the men interfered, they would be shot and driven back into the mountains; and, in fact, these natives gave me to understand that I and my companions had been made out to them to be the advance guard to the lowest type of villains. Mr. Chalmers may possibly say that all this was the invention of the natives, but I will venture to say that the natives have not the necessary genius to invent such a tale, and, what is more, that they had no motive in doing so. Mr. John Exton, Mr. Charles Hunstein, and Mr. Edward Snow were with me, and will confirm what I have above recited. However, after some talk, the sale of land was confirmed by Urevadu and his people. I will next speak of the question of annexation. As far as my individual interests are concerned, if I were assured that no other nation would annex, I should be indifferent whether the British Government did or did not do so. As a colonial, I should be glad to see New

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Guinea become one of the Australian Colonies. As to the commercial advantages to arise from annexation, I do not think they would be of much importance for many years, as, except sugar and cotton (which could only be cultivated to a limited extent), it does not appear to me that New Guinea produces naturally anything which would form the basis of extensive barter with the white man. But no doubt many reasons may be urged in favour of annexation besides those of commercial benefits, which space will not allow me to discuss here, even if I were competent to do so. I should strongly advise that the Australian Colonies should send some competent man to report on New Guinea, as, whether annexed or not, it would be most desirable that the colonies should have thoroughly reliable information about that country. If Mr. Thurston, of Fiji, could bo induced to go, I am satisfied that a more competent man could not be found; or Mr. Thurston might be able to recommend some one. I made a careful search for auriferous deposits, but found but slight traces of such existing. Any one prospecting for gold must do so from April to November, or will be greatly impeded by the rains. The natives have no gold ornaments, and appear to be ignorant of what gold is. In conclusion, I may state that the natives keep their villages clean, build their houses substantially and with some taste, and have a regular system of cultivation. The staple food is sago, yams, and bananas. Smoking is practised by men, women, and children. The tribes of natives differ considerably in character, some being fierce and warlike, whilst others appear comparatively gentle and peaceful. I must apologise for occupying so much space in your journal, and I must ask the kind consideration of my readers, as the above has necessarily heen compiled, in great haste. I am, &c. John Cameeon, Pfahlert's Hotel, Sydney, November 21. Geodetic Surveyor.

No. 35. The Colonial Office to the Abbedeen Chambee of Commerce. Sic,— Downing Street, December 8, 1883. I am directed by the Earl of Derby to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th ultimo, forwarding a memorial from the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce with reference to the question of the annexation of New Guinea. Lord Derby desires me to state, in reply, that the Chamber may be assured Her Majesty's Government will not fail to consider carefully the resolutions recently passed by the Intercolonial Convention now assembled at Sydney. I am, &c. The Secretary of the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce. John Beamston.

By Authority : Geobge Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB4. 4—A. 3b.