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
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.
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