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1883. NEW ZEALAND.

PACIFIC ISLANDS ANNEXATION (PAPERS RESPECTING THE PROPOSED).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command, of His Excellency.

No. 1. The Premier, Victoria, to the Colonial Secretary. Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Confidential. Have been urged by weighty deputation invite Australasian co-operation to induce Imperial Government annex Islands from New Hebrides to New Britain and New Ireland. Credibly reported in Melbourne that French annexation is imminent, and will be accomplished unless prompt action be taken. Suggest each Colony telegraph urgently through Governors, to Colonial Office, representing importance to Australasia that these Islands should not fall into hands of any Foreign Power. James Service, Premier. Melbourne, June Bth.

No. 2. The Premier to the Premier, Victoria. Hon. Premier, Melbourne. Appended message sent Agent-General. Governor has telegraphed Colonial Office to like effect: —" Eeported Foreign Powers propose appropriating Pacific Islands. TTrge strongly Imperial Government prompt measures avert such catastrophe from Australasia. Act concert Victorian AgentGeneral." Feed. Whitaker. Wellington, June 9th.

No. 3. The Premier to the Agent-General. Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Eeported Foreign Powers propose appropriating Pacific Islands. Urge strongly Imperial G overnment prompt measures avert such catastrophe from Australasia. Act concert Victorian AgentGeneral. Whitaker. Wellington, 9th.

No. 4. The Agent-General to the Premier. Premier, New Zealand. Pacific Islands perfectly safe. Turning point in question will be, as in New Guinea, whether Colonies will provide expense of any action taken by Imperial Government. Therefore, strongly advise immediate concert between Governments, for enabling assurance Lord Derby that effect. Bell. London, 11th.