§ SIR JOHN HAYbogged to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether there was any truth in the report that Her Majesty's Dominions had been extended by the occupation of New Guinea by the Queensland Government?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYSir, all the information Her Majesty's Government have was received to-day, in reply to a telegram sent on Saturday to the Governor of Queensland, in consequence of the report which appeared in the newspapers. The Governor telegraphed as follows: —
To prevent Foreign Powers from taking possession of New Guinea, the Queensland Government, through the police magistrate of Thursday Island, took formal possession in Her Majesty's name on the 4th instant, pending the decision of the Government on my despatch just gone this mail.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLasked whether the action of the Queensland Government in taking possession of New Zealand—[Laughter]—he meant New Guinea, was the action of Her Majesty's Governor of Queensland; and, if so, whether that action of the Governor was authorized or sanctioned by Her Majesty's Government?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYThe Question answers itself. I have given the House the whole information we possess.