The Postal Conference.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume X, Issue 1838, 26 January 1888, Page 3

The Postal Conference.

NEW ZEALAND PKOPOSALS.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) [Received January 26, 2 a.m.]

SYDNEY, January 25.

At the Postal Conference to-day, Sir William Fitzherbert, on behalf of the New Zealand Government, made a statement expressing the views of the Government on the cable question. Sir William men tioned tbat, under tbe old rates, the Eastern Extension Cable Company had made a net profit of £4500 per annum. Under those circumstances, the New Zealand Government declined to swell the profit of the company by agreeing to a renewal of the eubsidy previously paid. New Zealand, he stated, favored the proseoution of the survey of the Pacifio route, and also urged that tbe offer made by the Canadian Government to provide a survey vessel if the colonies interested shared the other expenses Bhould be accepted. He suggested the advisability of the colonies considering tho propriety of purchasing all existing cables, and it would be wise to stipulate in any agreement with the Pacifio Cable Co. for the right of the colonies to acquire the cable at a stipulated price. He directed the attention of the Conference to the commercial benefits which wonld accrue to tbe Australian colonies from their connection by cable with America and the Paoifio islands. Sir William spoke well, and his speech made an evident impression ; and it was considered that he put New Zealand's case in an exceptionally favorable light. During the discussion which followed, Mr. Johnston, on behalf of South Australia, stated tbat that colony would not pledge itself to the slightest expenditure for the Pacific route. The conference is still sitting.