consider its own interests, and whilst the acquisition of these
islands might commend itself, and my act result in annexation on the
one hand, it might be negatived on the other with easy simplicity, by
a neglect to confirm it."

Accordingly, a cocoanut tree was transformed into a flagstaff, the
British flag was run up, and duly saluted with cheers and volleys, and a
picture of the proceeding adorns the captain's book as frontispiece.

Ever since that time events have tended in the direction of bringing New
Guinea into closer relations with England. On the one hand, there has
been the conviction that if we do not annex it some other country will,
and thus threaten Australia. Then many Australians have looked upon New
Guinea as a possible paradise for colonists, and have been eager to
establish themselves securely upon its soil. The attempts in this
direction have produced little but disaster to all concerned.

On the other hand, missionaries feel that there is much to be said on the
same side. Perhaps the opinion of no one man deserves more weight than
that of Mr. Chalmers. We give his views, as he expressed them before the
protectorate was proclaimed.

"This question of the annexation of New Guinea is still creating a good
deal of interest, and although at present the Imperial Government,
through Lord Derby, has given its decision against annexation, yet the
whole matter must, I have no doubt, be reconsidered, and the island be
eventually annexed. It is to be hoped the country is not to become part
of the Australian colonies--a labour land, and a land where loose money
in the hands of a few capitalists is to enter in and make enormous
fortunes, sacrificing the natives and everything else. If the Imperial