THE NEW HEBRIDES.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 5843, 9 March 1906, Page 5

THE NEW HEBRIDES.

COMMENTS ON THE AGREEMENT. AUSTRALIA IGNORED. MELBOURNE, March 8. The “ Age,” iu urging the unsatisfactory nature of tho New Hebrides agreenient, says;—“ If Parliament had been sitting, it is quite certain that an adjournment of both Houses of Parliament would have been moved to discuss the situation, especially the absolute ignoring of tho representations of every Federal Minister of External Affairs since federation was consummated.” Tlie , “Age” summarises the case against the settlement in so far as the ■position is revealed in the cable messages, and adds:—“lt follows that it was arrived at without any communication or consultation with Australia or New Zealand. The agreement deals with only on© question—land disputes. It refuses Australia representation on the land tribunal, lays down no basis for the regulation of trade, and.sets out no code of laws outside the suggested communes. In other words, it means the continuance of the old dual control system, under which France will be able to further increase her hold on the islands. Tho agreement also ignores the expressed desire of influential native rulers to bo placed definitely under British rule.” SYDNEY, March 8. Island traders in Sydney consider that the New Hebrides agreement will give France a preponderating influence. Tho system of municipal government will enable French settlers to control the group, owing to the British holdings being scattered, while the French settlements are on strategic points and provide tir'd only important base on the future route between England and Australia via the Panama Canal.