WELLINGTON.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 6405, 5 January 1888, Page 2

WELLINGTON.

January 5. The Postmaster-General has receivt A a telegram from tbe Eastern Extension Company notifying an inoreaie in rate a of 8s 6d per 10 words, in addition to the terminal charges. The question of continuing the reduced preis rates is still under consideration. The Premier has rep'ied to tbe effect that tbe Government have no objeotion to revert to the maximum as laid down in cUuse 11 of contract, viz— 7 3 6d for the first 10, and 9d for every additional word, bat that if farther inoreased the Government wilt consider the question of making a terminal charge, Operations for the restoration of tbe General Post Office will be set on foot r.pon the return of the Minister for Public Works to Wellington, The Governor, aooompanled by his Aide-de-camp (Lieutenant Portoscue), will proceed to Sydney by the Nelson abon! the 16th for the purpose of attending the Australian centenary celebrations. No member of tbe Government will be present, owing to the urgent business to be transacted here.

Tbe Premier h»s received a cable from Mr Pender re the oable rates. Mr Pecder urges the olaim of the company to incre>.ied returns, and gives figures pointing to the conclusion that the compiny oannot obtain a moderately fair return on their capital under a lower tariff than 10s for the first ten words or its equivalent In subiidy . Thfl Government are considering what thould bs done. They are prepared to imist on terminal charges should the companj impose, extortionate ratal ; but if the litter can show that their position is reasor »blo probably this would not be insisted uf,om