POSTAL RATES.

Press, Volume XLVII, Issue 7541, 3 May 1890, Page 5

POSTAL RATES.

[per peess association.} Received May 2nd, 8.20 p.m. jUwDON, May 2. It has been arranged that the proposed postal reductions shall take effect forthwith if the Colonial Governments are unanimous in the matter. If, however, there is a diversity of opinion Mr Bailees, the Postmaster? General, will adopt the views of the majority of the leading cplouies. IJew Zealand is to be treated separately. • Received May 3rd, 3120 a.m. May 2. Mr Chas. Todd, Postmaster-General and Superintendent qf Telegraphs, has reported in favor of adopting the proposed reductions in postal jcates tween the colonies and the Mother Country. He suggests that a special conference be sefc up by the colonies to discuss the question. He adds that it will be necessary for South Australia to reduce the inland postage to Id, so as to keep the rates in pro portion with the reduced oversea rate. [PBaSS ASSOCIATION TBIBQEAK.3 WELLINGTON, May 2. To-day Mr Mitehelson, PostmasterGeneral for the colony, received a cable message from the Agent-General in London containing the official announcement of Mr Baikes' proposals for the reduction of colonial postal rates. The message was a short one, merely stating that the proposal was to reduce the outward rate of postage from 6d to 2d, and that if a majority ef the colonies wexe agreeable to such redaction, it was probable that steps would shortly be taken to give effect to Mr Baikes , suggestion. The Agent-General impressed upon the Go* vernment the necessity of coming to » decision in the matter without any dfilay, and added that replies from the various colonies were being anxiously awaited.