The Annexation Conference.

Manawatu Times, Volume IX, Issue 1118, 4 December 1883, Page 2

The Annexation Conference.

Renter's Telegrams. v Sydney, December 3. At to«day'st Sitting pf the Conference the question of annexation -was not dealt with. A long discussion took place on the subject of federation. All the delegates spoke, and finally a sub-committee was appointed to consider the best means of constituting a fedei'al council and deciding upon iti'. functions. The Hon. Mr Whitaker laid on the table certain amendments to the repoit of tho Committee on annexation, but they make .no substantial change m the report. Mr Fraser presented a note from Mr Broome, G/ovemor of West Au&tralia, refer- j ring to several points, of federal in* terest, notably to the -question pf cable communication with Ceylon. Mr Broome points out that communication by land telegraph with the coast of West Australia will soon be completed. The Conference • adjourned at midday until to-morrow. Later. The amendment proposed by Mr Whittaker to the report p£ the committee to the conference, consists of ten clauses, the main points bein^as follows: — It provides that the an** thority of Great Britain over the Pacific islands may be established by cession, annexation, or by protector** ate over the various islands, as may be severally suitable, and that measures be adopted to prevent inter ference by. foreigners. It recom* mends the annexation of New Guinea as far as that country is unclaimed by Holland. It is proposed that effective guarantee should be given by the Australasian colonies for their snaije, ip the cost, by permanent aj> prbpriation according to.pppulatiqb. It declares that there is no intention of -placing Great Britain m a pbsi- I tipn of tibs til-ty-to' ' foreigners m the Racine.,./ !« .;. A ...; ...'''['".'..i'.f. '7 vMessrs, Stuart- and Atkinson have telegraphed to -London for details of -matters' now before tho Conference: The! Melbpure Argus has published a special /telegram stating' that the convention .has, agreed to the, principle of applying for an Imperial _jq. aty'ug Aot to fix the "formation Of a federal union of the Austroliah oo' ■ lonies.