§ * SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies which are the chief Solomon Islands which are the subject of the new protectorate; and in which of them the Government station is to be established?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.The protectorate to which the hon. Member refers was proclaimed in 1893, and extends to all the islands of the Solomon Group south of the line of demarcation fixed by the agreement with Germany in 1886. The principal islands are New Georgia, Guadalcanar, Malaita and San Christoval. The Government station is to be on the small island of Tulage, on the north side of Guadalcanar, the largest island of the group, and close to it. A Report by Mr. Woodford, the Resident, has been laid, and will shortly be in the hands of the Members.