Clearly my Uncle (an in-law), Charles Hearn, was horrified about the French Annexation of the New Hebrides. I guess the French must have been quaking in their boots, enough that they even agreed to one of the strangest power sharing arrangements you could imagine. I can’t help but notice that my uncle and the Mayor seem to be in cahoots here. The New Hebrides became part of Vanuatu in 1980, so I hope the influx of criminals has ceased.
Advertising. (1886, April 15). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), p. 18. Retrieved September 21, 2011, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13638945
TO S. G. DAVISON, ESQ., J.P,.
MAYOR OF LEICHHARDT,
Sir, We the undersigned, Ratepayers and Residents of the Borough of Leichhardt, do hereby request that you will convene a Public Meeting of the above, to be held at the Council-chambers. Leichhardt, for the purpose of protesting against the annexation of the New Hebrides by France, as we think it would be detrimental to the interests of the Australasian colonies of a further influx of criminals, knowing that it is within three or four days’ steam of the principal ports of the colonies.
Hoping that you will consent to a meeting to be held on our behalf at your earliest convenience,
We remain, Sir,
Yours obediently,
CHARLES HEARN. R. G. CHRISTMAS.
CHARLES ARTLETT. T. HALL.
CANSDELL BROS.
ROBERT HENDERSON.
Leichhardt, &c, &c.
April 14,1886,
TO THE RATEPAYERS SIGNING THE ABOVE
REQUISITION.
Gentlemen, In compliance with the above requisition I hereby convene a PUBLIC MEETING, to be holden at the Council chambers, Parramatta-road, Leichhardt, on THURSDAY, the 15th April, at 8 o’clock p.m., for the above-mentioned purpose.
S. G. DAVISON,
Mayor. Council-chambers, Leichhardt,
April 14, 1886.