POSTAL CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9734, 2 February 1895, Page 5

POSTAL CONFERENCE.

PRELIMINARY BUSINESS. THE PACIFIC CABLE. Press Association.—Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Hobakt, February 1. The Postal Conference was opened this morning. The representatives present were : —Victoria: The Hon. J. G. Duffy, Postmaster • General) and Mr. J. Smibert (Deputy Postmaster-General); New South Wales: The Hon, G. Cook (PostmasterGeneral) and Mr. S. H. Lambton (Deputy Postmaster - General) ; South Australia: The Hon. Dr. Cockburn (Minister of Education) and Sir Chas. Todd (Postmaster General) ; Queensland: The Hon. A. J. Thynne and Mr. G. McDonnell (UnderSecretary Postal Department); Tasmania : The Hon. P. 0. Fysh (PostmasterGeneral), and Mr. H. V. Bayly (Postmaster). Western Australia : Sir J. H. Forrest (Premier). Owing to his duties in connection with the Federal Council, the Hon. P. 0. Fysh declined the chairmanship in favour of the Hon. J. G. Duffy, who was elected. The Hon. Mr. Thynne presented the report of Lord Jersey regarding the Canadian Conference at which the latter attended as British representative. The Hon. Mr. Thynne gave notice that it is desirable that the construction, working, and maintenance of the Pacific cable under British control, be undertaken by the Governments of Great Britain, Canada, and Australasia as a joint national work, the'cost to bo borne in the proportion of one-third each; the Australasian quota to be divided ratably according to population ; the route to be via Vancouver, Neckar Island, Fiji, and Queensland; if Neckar Island is not available, then via Fanning Island; the colonies concurring in the resolution to join in appointing a Commission of three representatives (being one each for Britain, Canada, and Australasia), to meet at an early date and discuss the financial arrangements necessary; such Commission to submit its recommendations, with a draft Bill to be laid before the respective Parliaments. The Monowai, with the Hon. J. G. Ward, Postmaster-General of New Zealand, not having arrived at the expected time, the Conference adjourned till to-morrow. VICTORIA AND THE CABLE GUARANTEE.

Hobart, February 1. So far as can be gathered Victoria still maintains a firm attitude over the cable guarantee, although there is some reason to believe she will again fall into line with the other contributing colonies in the matter of the English cable service. The principal difficulty, however, will be over the New Zealand cable. If the question of guaranteeing the later can be separated from that of the English service, Victoria will probably agree to continue the English contri bution, but if the New Zealand cable is coupled with it she may withdraw altogether. ■