ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH CABLES, (FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1873 Session I, F-02a

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1873. NEW ZEALAND.

ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH CABLES, (FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by command of His Excellency. No. 1. Hon. J. Voqel to the Hon. tho Colonial Seceetaet, New South Wales. Sic,— Sydney, 3rd March, 1873. I have the honor, on behalf of Mr. Reynolds and myself, to state that, should you think it desirable that soundings should be made at the cost of the two Governments for the cable between New South Wales and New Zealand, we shall be prepared to recommend to our Government to pay onehalf of the cost of such soundings, provided that the amount so to be paid by New Zealand shall not exceed £600. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New South Wales. Julius Vogel.

No. 2. Mr. Audlet Coote to Hon. J. Yogel. Hobartown, 20th March, 1873. —I have received reply to my telegram from my principals in London, dated yesterday, stating Company formed and registered for direct telegraphic communication between New Zealand, Australia, and London. They are also prepared with deposit of ten thousand pounds. Audlet Coote.

No. 3. Mr. Audlet Coote to Hon. J. Vogel. Sib,— Hobart Town, 29th April, 1873. I had the honor to address you on the 20th ultimo by telegraph, which I now beg to confirm. With regard to the powers of attorney and contracts, I have not yet been able to send you copies, the originals having been left with the Hon. H. Parkes in Sydney, for the purpose of referring to them when the telegraph business came before the Legislature. At the time I left them, it was understood these documents would be required in a few days That gave me no time to have them copied; hence the reason of ray not being able to send them on to you as promised. Permit me also to inform you, I have just received a telegram from the Hon. Saul Samuel (copy of which I enclose), that makes it unnecessary for those documents to be in Sydney until their Parliament meets again. Will you kindly inform me if those documents are still required in New Zealand. I will then telegraph to Sydney and ask Mr. Samuels to forward them direct to you a* Wellington. I have also to thank you for copies of the printed correspondence on the subject of submarine cables. I have, &c, The Hon. J. Vogel, C.M.G., Postmaster-GeneraL Audlit Coote.

Enclosure in No. 3. The Hon. Saul Samtjel to Mr. Audley Coote. This Government could not submit'agreement respecting cables to Parliament this Session. "Will do so early next; which will be nearly as soon as most other Colonies can submit to their Parliaments. Saul Samuel.

Saul Samue_

No. 4. The Hon. J. Vogel to Mr. Audlet Coote. Sic,— General Government Offices, Wellington, N.Z., 20th May, 1873. I have been instructed by the Hon. Mr. Vogel to acknowledge his receipt of your letter of April 29th, in which you explain why you had been unable promptly to send to this Colony copies of certain powers of attorney and contracts having reference to the provisional arrangement made in Sydney for the construction and laying of telegraph cables. I.—P. 2a.

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I am to state in reply, that it is desirable you should forward, without delay, the original documents or attested copies of them, as may be the more convenient to you. I have, &c, Audley Coote, Esq., Hobart Town. E. Fox.

No. 5. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet, Queensland, to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet, New Zealand. Sic, — Colonial Secretary's Office Brisbane, 10th March, 1873. I have the honor to transmit herewith, to be submitted to your Government, copy of an Executive Minute confirming and ratifying the proceedings of the Colonial Secretary and the Secretary for Public Lands of Queensland, as the representatives of this Colony at the recent Intercolonial Conference, held at Sydney during the months of January and February last, in respect of the construction of a telegraph cable between New Zealand and New South Wales, and ono between Normantown, in Queensland, and Singapore, subject to the approval of Parliament, to which the same will be submitted in its next Session. I have, Ac, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New Zealand. W. H. Palmes.

Enclosure in No. 5. Copt of Minute of Peoceedings of the Executive Council, on 27th February, 1873. Re Construction Telegraphic Cables between New Zealand and New South Wales, and between Normantown and Singapore. His Excellency the Governor, at the instance of the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, submits to the Council certain conditions for the construction of a telegraph cable between New Zealand and New South Wales, and one between Normantown, in Queensland, and Singapore, which the representatives of New South Wales, New Zealand, and Queensland, at the Intercolonial Conference, held at Sydney, in New South Wales, during the months of January and February, 1873, have agreed to recommend to their Governments to submit for the approval of their respective Parliaments. The Council advise that the action taken by the Hon. the Colonial Secretary and the Hon. the Secretary for Public Lands, as the representatives of Queensland at the said Conference, in respect of the agreement for the construction of the said telegraphic cables, be approved, and that the said agreement bo ratified, subject to the approval of the Parliament of Queensland, to which it is to be submitted in its next Session. A. B. Deuet,

Clerk of the Council. No. 6. Mr. Ceacknell to the Hon. J. Vogel. Stdnet, 18th June, 1873.—The following resolution has just been agreed to by the Queensland Assembly, viz.:—" That this House approves of the following memorandum of conditions for the construction of a telegraph cable between Singapore and Norman Mouth, and between New South Wales and New Zealand, as agreed upon by the representatives of the Colonies of New Zealand, New South Wales, and Queensland, in Sydney, on the 14th February, 1873; and empowers the Government to enter into a contract, in conjunction with the other Governments named, upon the terms therein stated, for the purpose of carrying out this undertaking." Ceacknell.

No. 7. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet, New Zealand, to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet, New South Wales. Sic,— Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 7th June, 1873. I have the honor to transmit herewith, to be submitted to your Government, copy of an Executive Minute confirming and ratifying the proceedings of the representatives of this Colony at the recent Intercolonial Conference, held at Sydney during the months of January and February last, in respect of the construction of a telegraph cable between New Zealand and New South Wales, and one between Normantown, in Queensland, and Singapore, subject to the approval of Parliament, to which the same will be submitted in the coming Session. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Sydney. William H. Reynolds. [Letter to same effect, and of even date, to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Queensland.

Enclosure in No. 7. Approved.—G. A. Aenet. His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, at the instance of the Hon. the Premier, submit;.! to the Council certain conditions for the construction of a telegraph cable between New Zealand and New South Wales, and one between Normantown, in Queensland, and Singapore, which the representatives of New South Wales, New Zealand, and Queensland, at the Intercolonial Conference,

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held at Sydney, in New South Wales, during the months of January and February, 1873, agreed to recommend to their Governments to submit for the approval of their respective Parliaments. The Council advise that the action taken by the Hon. the Colonial Treasurer and the Hon. the Commissioner of Customs, as the representatives of New Zealand at the said Conference, in respect of the agreement for the construction of the said telegraphic cables, be approved, and that the said agreement be ratified, subject to the approval of the Parliament of New Zealand, to which it is to be submitted in its next Session. Foestee Goeino, Approved in Council, 4th June, 1873. Clerk of the Executive Council.

"""i^™"'" -...ii...... No. 8. Mr. Audlet Coote to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Sic,— Hobart Town, 6th June, 1873. Referring to the Submarine Cable negotiations at the late Intercolonial Conference, and to the agreement between yourself and the Chief Secretary of New South Wales, I have now the honor to enclose for your information a tracing showing two routes, with zig-zag soundings, for the proposed cables. Should the routes shown on the tracing not meet with your approval, will you kindly name the alterations you require to the Sydney Government, for the guidance of Mr. Cracknell, as the steamer "Egmont" is being fitted up for the purpose. I may be permitted to add the contractors, in their letters by the last mail, urge upon me the necessity of having the soundings taken as soon as possible. The Hon. J. Vogel, C.M.G., Colonial Secretary, &c, I have, _c, New Zealand. Audlet Coote.

No. 9. The Hon. J. Vogel to Mr. Audlet Coote. Sic, — Electric Telegraph Department, Wellington, 30th June, 1873. Referring to your letter of Gth June, in which you enclosed a tracing showing two routes for the proposed telegraph cable between New Zealand and Australia, I have the honor to enclose copy of a telegram which 1 have forwarded to Melbourne for transmission to you. You will doubtless have received that message, and will thus have learned that this Government altogether object to the route by the North Cape. I have, &c, Audley Coote, Esq., Hobart Town. Julius Vogel.

Enclosure in No. 9. The Hon. J. Voqel to Mr. Audlet Coote. Wellington, 30th June, 1873. —The Government of New Zealand cannot sanction one of the routes you propose —namely, that by North Cape. It is wholly useless, therefore, surveying it. Julius Voqel.

No. 10. Mr. Audley Coote to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet. Sic,— Hobart Town, 6th June, 1873. I have the honor to forward a tracing showing the proposed routes for the Submarine Telegraph Cable between Queensland and Singapore, and under separate cover I send a tracing showing the route between Australia and New Zealand, and beg to suggest that the neighbourhood of these lines we have laid down on the two tracings should be sounded; the soundings might, with advantage, be taken along zig-zag lines crossing the routes of the cable in the manner indicated on tracing No. 2. With regard to the Queensland and Singapore cable, permit me to state that the contractors and the other gentlemen who have undertaken the responsibility of making these cables a success, have, after giving it their most careful consideration, instructed me to suggest that it would be advisable to land the cable ou the Island of Java, as then, in the event of an accident happening to any part of the cable between Queensland and Singapore, the lines of the competing company might be made use of for part of the distance, and so the total stoppage of traffic over the whole line, during the execution of repairs, would be avoided. They also think it would be best to land the cable in the Strait of " Rotti or Semoa," so as to gain speed by cutting the cable into sections, and, as no business is expected from Macassar, they hardly think it would be worth laying a much longer cable for the sake of going there. On tracing No. 1 is shown alternative routes for the cable, and the contractors have carefully considered the question as to these routes, and they are of opinion that, both for the benefit of the Company and the interests of the three Colonies, the cables should pass south of A, landing near Sourabaya Strait, thence passing by DE F G and H; although soundings would be of use if taken over tho lines B C to F, and from D past E J 7 and G to H. In conclusion I may be permitted to ask that the three Governments again write to the Imperial Government for one of their ships to take the necessary soundings, as marked on tracing No. 1. The Hon. J. Vogel, C.M.G., Colonial Secretary, I have, &c., New Zealand. Audlet Coote.

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P.S.—With regard to the wording of the agreement, permit me to ask that the words " touching at Macassar, or at the Island of Borneo, or at one or both of these places," be omitted from the Bill about to be introduced ; " and that a point in Singapore to a point in Queensland, to be fixed and determined as hereinafter provided," be substituted. This would simplify the arranging of the details in London.—A. C. •

No. 11. The Hon. J. Vogel to Mr. Audlet Coote. Sic,— New Zealand Telegraph, 30th June, 1873. Referring to your letter of 6th June, in which you suggest that the proposed telegraph cable should be landed at Java, I will convey to you the opinion of this Government on the subject, after communicating with the Governments of New South Wales and Queensland. I have to thank you for the tracing enclosed in a separate package. I have, &c, Audley Coote, Esq., Hobart Town. Julius Vogel.

No. 12. The Hon. J. Vogel to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet, Queensland. Wellington, 30th June, 1873. —Received telegram announcing approval, by resolution, of cable proposal. We think of introducing Bill. Do you propose doing so, or are you advised resolution sufficient? New South Wales not signified approval of its Government officially, though verbally it has done so. Have telegraphed on the subject. Will you do so also ? Audley Coote has sent me tracing of two proposed surveys. The one by North Cape this Government could not possibly approve. There are no land lines to it. I hope it will be abandoned. Its real object is to connect with New Caledonia by Norfolk Island, and we have no concern in it. Audley Coote asks us to approve line calling at Java. Let us know your views on this. We shall not express ours until we hear from you, except on the North Cape route. Julius Vogel.

No. 13. The Hon. J. Vogel to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet, New South Wales. Wellington, 30th June, 1873.—We have no official information of your Government approving cable arrangement, although verbally you signified approval. Will you communicate officially on subject? We think of introducing Bill. Do you propose doing so, or simply asking approval of Parliament by resolution ? Audley Coote has sent me tracing of two proposed surveys. The one by North Cape this Government could not possibly approve. There are no land lines to it. I hope it will be abandoned. Its real object is to connect with New Caledonia by Norfolk Island, and we have no concern in it. Audley Coote asks us to approve line calling at Java. Let us know your views on this. We shall not express ours until we hear from you, except on the North Cape route. Julius Vogel.

No. I_. Mr. Geoege F. Ritso, C.E., to the Hon. J. Vogel. Provincial Engineer's Office, Sic,— Christchurch, Canterbury, N.Z., 30th June, 1873. " New Zealand and Australia Telegraph Cable." Could you oblige me by saying whether the Government of New Zealand are open to negotiations in respect to the above ? My father, Fredk. C. G. Ritso, of 7, Lothbury, London, England, writes me to say that if the Government are willing to grant a concession, exclusive for a certain number of years, he will find the capital necessary for laying the above cable, and guarantee the maintenance during the period of the concession. I have, &c, The Hon. Juliui Vogel, Colonial Treasurer. Geo. F. Ritbo, C.E.

No. 15. Mr. C. Lemon to Mr. G. F. Ritso, C.E. Sic, — New Zealand Telegraph, Wellington, 2nd July, 1873. I am directed by the Hon. the Telegraph Commissioner to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 30th June, containing the substance of an offer from your father for connecting New Zealand with Australia by telegraph cable, and, in reply, to inform you that there will be no objection to your father sending in a detailed offer, but, at the same time, the Commissioner cannot lead him to suppose that other negotiations will in the mean time be suspended, pending the receipt thereof. I have, &c, C. Lemon, G. F. Ritso, Esq., C.E., Christchurcli. General Manager.

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SCHEDULE of various offers made to the NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT for establishing TELEGRAPH COMMUNICATION between NEW ZEALAND and AUSTRALIA; also including one for further communication between QUEENSLAND and SINGAPORE.

(a) This is amount on which guarantee is to be given for lines between New Zealand and New South Wales, and Normantown and Singapore. The actual cost of the lines is computed by the manufacturers to so much exceed this that guarantee will only amount to 3 per cent, on capital required. (£) From subsequent unofficial information it appears this guarantee, if offer accepted, would be reduced to 5 per cent. (c) This liability means the amount guaranteed to be paid in the event of receipts only covering working expenses. Any excess of receipts over expenses to go in reduction of guarantee. (d) This amount is one-third of the total guarantee of £50,000 to be paid in equal proportions by the three Colonies of New South Wales, New Zealand, and Queensland. (c) Dielectric to consist of three coatings of gutta percha, weighing 132 lbs. per nautical mile. Total weight of core 232 lbs. per mile ; Or for increase of £6,000 in cost of total length, dielectric to weigh 142 lbs. per nautical mile, total weight of core 251 lbs. per nautical mile. The core iv either case to bo served with best jute yarn. The cable to consist of four sizes : heavy shore end, 10 miles, 13i tons per mile j light shore end, 10 miles, 0 tons per mile ; intermediate cable, 30 miles, 3 tons per mile ; main cable, 1,280 miles, If tons per mile. (/) Dielectric to consist of 250 lbs. per nautical mile. Copper conductor 200 lbs. per nautical mile.' Total length of core 200 lbs. per nautical mile. The electrical resistance of the gutta percha to be not less than 250,000,000 B.A. units per knot at a temperature of 75 Fahrenheit. Core to be Berved with jute yarn. Cable to consist of three classes : heavy shore end, 8 knots ; intermediate, 32 knots ; deep sea, 1,2G0 knots. By Authority: Geobge Didsbubt, Government Printer, Wellington. —1873 [Price Gd] 2—F. 2a.

Nai :es of Persons peo: 'OSING TO LAY C.\B: .k, axd Date of oifi;ii. Synopsis of Proposals. W. T. Henley, October, 1870. 3 ub tn arin e Telegraph Company, February, 1872. Siemens Brothers, July, 1872. C. Trotter and others, by their Attorney, A. Coote, October, 1872. Hon. R. Grrimstone and others, by their Attorney, A. Coote, February, 1873. Capital required or estimated cost of Cable £114,000 £350,000 £330,000 £450,000 £1,000,000 (a). Sato of Interest to be guaranteed Six per centum ... Six per centum (5) Six per eentum ... Six per centum ... Five per eentum. /eiigth of time Interest payable Twenty years Twenty-one years Not stated Fifty years Thirty-five years. 'otal liability of New Zealand in respect of guarantee (<■) £24,840 per annum £21,000 per annum £19,800 per annum £27,000 per annum £16,66G per annum. (d). Lnnual amount to be deducted for expenses before receipts pass in reduction of guarantee No limit stated ... £25,000 per annum No limit stated ... No limit stated ... £12,000 per annum. 'roportion of Profits to go to Government after paying guarantee Not stated Twenty - five per centum Twenty - five per centum. Not stated Tariff to be reduced when profits are more than ten per eentum. 'reposed Tariff To be agreed upon Not stated Is. per word Not stated 15s. for 20 words. Estimated length of Cable ... 1,380 miles 1,107 miles 1,330 miles Not stated Not stated. !lass of Cable Similar to British Indian Telegraph Company's Not stated See note (e) See note (/) To be approved of. 'oints of connection Cape Farewell and Sydney Capo Farewell and Sydney Cape Farewell and Sydney or future arrangement Not stated New Zealand and New South Wales, and Normantown and Singapore. ?ime required for laying Two and a half years from date of concession Within eighteen months Not stated Within 12 months or thereabouts Utmost possible expedition. 'ime guarantee to remain in force during period of interruption Thirty days To be agreed upon While in working order Not stated While in working order. 'ime to be allowed for repairs None stated To be agreed upon Reasonable time ... Not stated Four weeks in each year. Vhcn guarantee to ceaso After interruption of twelve months Communication failing altogether Communication failing altogether Not stated Communication permanently failing. Vhen Government have right to purchase Not stated At any time Not stated Not stated Not stated.