PENNY POSTAGE.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4260, 21 January 1901, Page 5

PENNY POSTAGE.

NEGOTIATIONS IN AUSTRALIA. SWEEPING PRESS COMMENTS. (Received January 20, 5.1 p.m.) 'MELBOURNE, January 20. The “Australasian’’ says it is remarkable how a policy commends itself to the official mind of the postal authorities, who are dead against letters coining to Australia from New Zealand under the penny rate. “Wo incur no loss,” says the paper in question, “by receiving such letters. There is no reason but one for objection, and tliijt is that the authorities fear tne sight of penny letters from New Zealand will contaminate or demoralise Victorians, and cause them to lose faith In the statements constantly made by tho Victorian officials that penny postage must prove ruinous.” MINISTERS IN CONFERENCE. (Received January 20, 5.10 p.m.) SYDNEY, January 20, Mr'Seddon. who has returned from Queensland, had an interview with the Hon J. G. Drake, the Queensland Post-master-General, on the question of penny postage. The Hons W. C. Crick and W. Gurr, Postmasters-General of New South Wales and Victoria respectively, have also conferred on the same subject. While they do not wish to depart from the decision of the Postal Conference, at the same time they are personally inclined to deliver letters.

Sir John Forrest (Federal PostmasterGeneral) takes over the Federal- Post Office Department on the first of next month. Mr Seddon is now in communication with him, and if he offers no objection, the State Post Office will not surcharge Now Zealand letters.