CO885-(6-7) — Page 515

160

NEW HEBRIDES. things we can hold with our limited resources, and hold advantageously. We have not taken everything it is quite true, and it would have been very con- venient for the Australasian Colonies if we had taken every island in the Pacific. It was simply more than the mother country could manage.

INVESTMENT OF TRUST FONDS.

Mr. Seddon.] It would not have cost you more than it is costing you now. It will cost you just as much now to keep the police boats as it would have cost you if you had taken the whole of the islands.

The Secretary of State.] The whole cost is really thrown upon us and we do not consider that we get any advantage out of it, except--we are not complaining that we are doing it on your behalf. Certainly if we look at them as commercial transactions none of these things pay us.

Sir John Forrest.] You see it is a distinct disadvantage to be a British sub- ject in these islands. If you are a Frenchman you are all right-you can go and sell arms and liquor and everything else, but if you are a British subject you are restricted. I believe that many of them become naturalised French subjects as soon as they can in order to be set free from the restrictions that appertain to being British.

The Secretary of State.] But would you like that we should do wrong because the French do wrong, that is the point?

Sir John Forrest.] Well, I think so. We should be all alike and a British subject should not be at a disadvantage.

Mr. Seddon.] It is now 20 minutes to 2 and I am sorry I must go.

INVESTMENT OF TRUST FUNDS.

Sir Gordon Sprigg.] Are you gong into this question of securities? The Secretary of State.] Do you want this put, Mr. Seddon?

Mr. Seddon.] Yes; I should certainly like that put.

"Those

The Secretary of State.] The resolution moved by Mr. Seddon is assembled are of the opinion that the time has arrived when all restriction "which prevents investments of trust funds in colonial stock should be

removed." Mr. Seddon in favour.

C

Mr. Kingston.] Would Mr. Seddon have any objection to inserting the

word "secure"-" prevent secure investments."

The Secretary of State.] It means the same thing.

Mr. Kingston.] All right. Yes, I vote for it.

The Secretary of State.] Sir John Forrest is in favour of it; and Sir William Whiteway, and Sir Hugh Nelson, Mr. Kingston, and Mr. Escombe, all agree. Mr. Seddon.] Have we now dealt with all the matters requiring attention? The Secretary of State.] As to the island question I will see you again. We ought to have some proposition when you return. If you can communicate here with the Colonial Office, make some definite proposal as to what you would like us to do.

Mr. Seddon.] If the Premiers have no objection, those who remain might go into the question, and submit what their views are upon the question to the Imperial authorities,

521

161

APPENDIX I.

RESTRICTION OF COLOURED IMMIGRATION.

ABSTRACT OF AUSTRALASIAN ACTS; WITH REMARKS.

#7007.

X

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference :-

TLC.O. 885

6

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- | COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO

3

162

COLOURED IMMIGRATION