For years past the idea has been gaining force in the public mind, both
in the colonies and at home, that ultimately England would annex New
Guinea. To any careful student of our history for the last century, it
may appear strange that we have not done so long before. Our practice in
the past has been to annex first, and to find reasons for it afterwards.
To others, the very fact that even now the extremest step is only to
proclaim a protectorate over a part, may appear to indicate that we are
not quite so sure as we have been that annexation is wholly a blessing
either to us or to the land annexed.

As already noted, in 1873, Captain Moresby did good service by accurately
laying down the coastline of Eastern New Guinea. In accomplishing this,
he discovered that there were several beautiful islands that had hitherto
been considered part of the mainland. It is best perhaps to give what
followed in his own words:--

"The importance of our discoveries led me to consider their bearing on
Imperial and Australian interests. There lay the vast island of New
Guinea, dominating the shores of Northern Australia, separated at one
point by only twenty miles of coral reef from British possessions,
commanding the Torres Straits route, commanding the increasing pearl-
shell fisheries, and also the _beche-de-mer_ fishery. It was also
improved by the richness and beauty, and the number of their fine
vegetable products--fine timber, the cocoanut, the sago palm, sugar-
cane, maize, jute, and various vegetable fibres, fruits and rich
grasses--and my conclusion, after weighing all the considerations
involved, was, that it was my duty to take formal possession of our
discoveries in the name of Her Majesty. Such a course secured a
postponement of occupation by any Power till our Government could