A.—6c

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Enclosure. Kksolution carried unanimously at a Meeting of Cleegy and Laity of the Chuech of the Peovince of New Zealand, commonly called the Church of England, on the 21st May, 1886. This meeting, representing the interests of the Church of the Province of New Zealand, commonly called the Church of England, in the north-eastern islands of the New Hebrides group, concurs in the opinion expressed by the representatives of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, acting in the interests of its long-continued and important mission in the south and western islands of that group, and earnestly deprecates the annexation of the New Hebrides Islands by France. W. G. Auckland, Bishop.

No. 74. Lord Cakkington to His Excellency the Goveknoh. New Zealand, 7th Juno, 1886. (Eeceived IGJ p.m.) On receipt of Consul's letter from New Caledonia, sent Secretary of State for Colonies following telegram : " Latest news from British Consul at New Caledonia. French man-of-war " Dives " (?"Decres") left for New Hebrides 30th May, taking on board troops and provisions for three months, and put into fighting order. It is supposed that their intention is to hoist French national flag. Senior officer Ordnance Department transport, to proceed to New Hebrides day after with timber and corrugated iron for barracks. Entrance to New Caledonia reported watched."

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