TELEGRAPH CABLES AND WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY (FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO). [In continuation of Paper F.-8, presented on the 23rd December, 1909.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1910 Session I, F-08

F,—B,

1910. NEW ZEALAND.

TELEGRAPH CABLES AND WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY (FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO). [In continuation of Paper F.-8, presented on the 23rd December, 1909.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of Hi* Excellency

INDEX. PACIFIC CABLE :- No. Pag.. Finance, Rates, etc. •• •• •• •• •• •• ■• .. 2-7 Accounts, 1908-9—Capital Account Provident Fund Receipts and Expenditure .. - .. .. .. 1 Reserve and General Renewal Fund Securities Appointment- Sir G. H. Reid as Member of Board .. .. .. .. 2 Press : Proposed Subsidised Service .. .. .. .. .. [20-24, 27] Reduced Rates, New Zealand-Canada .. .. .. .. .. [25, 26] Report, 1908-9 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 Canadian Land Line • • • • • • • • • • • • • • .. 7-io Lease of Canadian Land Line : Approved foe Five Years .. .. .. 11-14 • Cost .. .. .. .. .. .. 9,10 State-owned Line across Canada : Proposed by New Zealand .. .. .. 3-8, 14 DEFERRED CABLE MESSAGES 10-18 Atlantic Companies refuse Special Rate .. .. .. .. .. 17, 19 Canadian Pacifio Railway Company refuses Special Rate .. .. .. 17,19 Deferred Messages between Australia and United Kingdom .. .. .. 15, 1G Marooni Transatlantic Company, Suggested Use of, for Atlantic Transit .. .. 17, 19 New Zealand, Views of .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16, 18 Official Code, Effect of .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 19 PRESS REDUCTION 13-lf, Independent Press Cable Association, Sydney: Proposals for Subsidised Press Service—Cost, &o. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 20-24, 27 Reduced Rates : New Zealand-Canada .. .. .. .. .. 25, 20 WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY 16-20 Australia : New Zealand-Australian Intercommunication .. .. .. 35, 39, 50 Tender accepted for Sydney and Fremantle Stations .. .. .. 63 Berlin Convention: Adhesions .. .. .. .. .. .. 29 Conference, Melbourne, December, 1909 .. .. .. 37,39-41,43,44,46-49,57 Congress, International, on Radiology and Electricity, Bru-sels, 1910 .. .. 30 Cook Islands : Proposed Installation .. .. .. .. .. .. 45, 56, 59 International Bureau, Berne : Report, 1908 .. .. .. .. .. 28 Return of New Zealand Installations asked for .. 52, 00 New Caledonia : Communication with Norfolk Island .. .. .. .. 30, 31 New Zealand Stations : Offer by Mr. F>. Irwin Crookes .. .. .. .. 34,38 Offer by Pacific Radiotelegraphic Company .. .. 32, 33, 42 Resolutions of Melbourne Conference .. .. .. 46 Returns aeked for .. .. .. .. .. 52, 60 Unauthorised Installations, Timaru .. 51,53-55,58,61,62 Norfolk Island: Suggested Station .. .. .. .. .. .. 30,31 Paoific Radiotelegraphic Company : Proposals .. .. .. .. .. 32, 33, 42 Unauthorised New Zealand Installations, Timaru .. ~ 51, 53-55, 58, 61, 62

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PACIFIC CABLE. FINANCE. RATES, TRAFFIC, ETC, No. 1. The High Commissioner to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. Westminster Chambers, 13 Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sir,— 24th September, 1909. Referring to my letter [No. 3, F.-8, 1909] of the Bth October, 1908, I beg to enclose herein copy of a letter from the Colonial Office covering a communication from the Imperial Treasury, showing the amounts recoverable from the Colonial Governments, in respect to the deficit on the working of the (able, for the year ended 31st March, 1909, and asking that arrangements might be made for payment to the Imperial Treasury of the sum of £6,765 ss. 6d., being the amount due from the Government of New Zealand. * * * * * * Payment has been duly made to the Imperial Treasury. * * * * * * I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington. Wμ. Hall-Jones. [I.c. Fin. 10/22 A. 1 Enclosure in No. 1. The Under-Secretary, Colonial Office, to the High Commissioner. Sir, — Downing Street, 16th September, 190!). I am directed by the Karl of Crewe to transmit to you a copy of a letter from the Treasury on the subject of the expenses in connection with the Pacific Cable Board for 1908 9, and to inquire whether you can arrange to pay bo the Imperial Treasury the sum of £6,7(15 ss. (id., being the amount due from the Government of New Zealand. I am to add that copies of the enclosed documents have been Forwarded to the Governor of New Zealand. I am, &c. The High Commissioner for New Zealand, London. H. H. Just. Rub-enclosure 1 to Enclosure in No. 1. The Secretary TO THE TREASURY to the UnDER-SecRETARY OB STATE, Colonial Office. Sir, — Treasury Chambers, 7th September, l!t(tl). I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury to acquaint you, for the information of the Earl of Crewe, that the Pacific Cable Board's account of the expenses of the cable, for the year ended the 31st March last has now been audited. A copy of the auditor's report is enclosed herewith, from which it will be seen that the deficit on the working of the cable for the year in question amounted to £60,887 9s. LOd., and the sums therefore recoverable from the colonial Governments are as follows :— £ s . ( i. Australia (six-eighteenths) .. .. .. .. .. 20,295 16 7 Canada (five-eighteenths) .. .. .. .. .. 16,913 310 New Zealand .. .. .. .. 6,765 5 6 £43,974 5 11 I am accordingly to request that you will move the Secretary of State for the Colonies to communicate with the colonial Governments concerned, in order that these amounts may be paid as soon as practicable to the credit of the account of the vote for telegraph subsidies and Pacific cable. A copy of the printed account as presented to Parliament is also enclosed. I am, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office, London. G. H. Murray. Sub-enclosure 2 to Enclosure in No. 1. The Auditor to the Treasury, London, to the Secretary to the Treasury, London. Sir, — Treasury Chambers, Whitehall. 8.W., 7th August, L 909. 1 have tin' honour to report that I have audited the accounts of the Pacific Cable Board for the year ended 31st March, 1909, in accordance with the instructions conveyed in their Lordships' minute of the 17th April, 1902, and have found them correct,

2

3

F.-8

The aiinun I expenses c>l the cable, .is defined in section '■'> (2) of the l';ic-ilic- Cable Act, 1901, so Ear as they were not met out of tlic receipts arising in connection with tin , cable, amounted in the. year ended 31et March, 1909, to £60,887 9s. lOd. ; and a sum of £43,974 ss. I Id., representing thirteen-eighteenths of the net expenditure, is therefore recoverable from the contributing Governments, viz.: — £ s. ,1. Australia (six-eighteenths) .. .. .. .. .. 20.295 Hi 7 Canada (five-eighteenths) .. .. .. .. .. 16,913 ."> in New Zealand (two-eighteenths) .. .. .. .. 6,765 •"> 6 £13,974 5 11 1 be;i to Bubtnit that the accompanying account, which has been duly certified, be presented to Parliament in compliance with section 7 of the Pacific Cable Act, 1901. 1 have, &c, The Secretary to the Treasury, London. G. H. Hunt, Auditor. Sub-enclosure to Sub-enclosure 2 to Enclosure in No. 1. The Chairman, Pacific Cable Board, London, to the Skcrktary to the Treasury, London. The Pacific Cable Board, Queen Anne's Chambers, Tothill Street. Sir,— Westminster, London, 30th July, 1909. I have the honour, on behalf of the Pacific Cable Board, to submit, in the form hitherto adopted, the following accounts : — (I.) The sum issued out of the Consolidated Fund, and the expenditure of the Board on Capital Account. (II.) The money borrowed and the securities created. (III.) The aggregate amount of capital expenditure up to the 31st March, 1909. (IV.) The expenses of the cable in the year ending 31st March. 1909. (V.) The account of the Provident Fund, and (VI.) The account of the Reserve and General Renewal Fund. 2. The results of the year's working arc set forth in the following statement : — ! . Receipts. t s . <l. £ s. d. Traffic receipts .. .. .. .. 114,825 15 1 Less Atlantic companies' charge for conveying date and time, and for delivering duplicate copies in London and other large centres in United Kingdom .. .. .. .. 3,763 13 8 111,062 I 5 Interest on deposits .. .. .. .... 61 < > Received for survey services rendered by H.M.C.S. " Iris " .. 1,339 16 10 Refund tolls and dues .. .. .. .. .. 629 17 I £113,093 3 7 Expenditure. —— Head Office (salaries and expenses, canvassing, engineers' fees, and royalties, and cost of remitting money Home) .. .. 5,956 011 Cable stations (salaries and expenses) .. .. .. .. 40,738 15 9 Ship's salaries and expenses .. .. .. .. .. 17,16-1 3 2 Provident Fund .. .. •• .. .. .. 1,576 15 7 Renewal Account .. .. .. .. .. .. 31,000 0 0 Excess of receipts over expenditure .. .. .. .. 16,657 8 2 £113,093 3 7 3. The sum of £16,657 was thus available for reduction of the amount (£77,544) contributed annually for interest and sinking fund on the capital advanced by the National Debi Commissioners. The i mount payable by the Government associated in the enterprise is thus £60,888, as against the sum of £62,362 payable by them for the previous year. As compared with the contribution made by the Board towards the Redemption Fund in 1908, this amount shows an increase of £1,474. 4. The receipts during the past year exceeded the receipts of the previous year by £2,933. miscellaneous receipts during the past year amounted to £2,031, whereas during the previous year miscellaneous receipts amounted to £522 only. The actual increase on account of traffic is thus reduced to £1,425. The universal trade depression of last year affected the traffic receipts more seriously in the earlier I ban it did during the latter part of the year. 5. The year's expenditure shows an increase of £1,458. This is entirely due to the normal increase under the incremental scheme of salaries, and to the fact that within the past year practically all of the staff engaged by the Board at the outset for service abroad became entitled to " long leave," and the cost of return passages to their domicile. 6. The maximum salaries have now in a great number of cases been attained, and it is probable that for some years the cost of officers proceeding on leave will be less than the cost incurred on this account during the past year. 7. The forecast of the Board's revenue contained in the annual account for the year ending 31st March, 1909, was exceeded by £5,093, while the actual expenditure was £3,586 below the estimate.

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8. The preliminary forecast of revenue and expenditure for the year ending "Ist March, I'UO prepared on the 16th December, 1908, was as follows : — E £ Traffic reVenue .. .. 118*000 Renewal Fund .. .. 30,000 Working-expenses .. .. f>o.9;Vi Excess .. .. .. 13,045 £113,000 £113,000 !). It will be seen that the Renewal Fund stood at £192,595 on the 31st March, 1909. The balance t>l cash at that date to the credit of this account was £18,791, and this has since been invested. Credit is given to the Renewal Fund for all interest earned by investments on this account, and, as the annual interest now amounts to £7.000. while the appropriation from the revenue for this purpose has recently been £31,000 (for the coming year it will be £30,000), the present growth of the fund is at the rate of £87,000 a year. In addition to this cash reserve there is in hand cable, &c, of the value of £18.!> l">. 10. There were, during the year under review, serious interruptions of the Canadian land-line service on many occasions, and the Board's interests were in consequence adversely affected not only by the considerable amount of traffic diverted to the Eastern route, but also by the loss of prestige caused by the failure of the Board's system to deal with the traffic intrusted to it. There is reason to hope that the frequency and duration of these interruptions will be reduced owing to the stead} increase in the number of alternative routes either completed or under construction in the Dominion of Canada. 11. For several months some delay was caused almost daily to the Board's Australian traffic, owing to the faulty condition of the Southport Sydney line. It is satisfactory to be able to report that the line (between Doubtless Bay and Auckland) placed at the disposal of the Board by the New Zealand Government was maintained in good condition throughout the whole year. 12. Experiments with improved methods of increasing the duplex speed of the Bamfield-Fanning section of the system met with great success, and this cable, laid with the anticipation that the speed would not. in actual practice, exceed sixty-five letters a minute, is now daily working at the speed of ninety to ninety-seven letters a minute. As the traffic-carrying capacity of the entire route is ruled by the results attainable on this section, this increased speed, which has been attained without risk of damage to the cable, greatly improves the revenue-earning capabilities of the Board's system. 13. From the 4th of May till the 14th of May, 1908, the Board's repairing-ship was under charter to the Commonwealth for survey-work in connection with the laying of cables across Bass Strait. The sum of £1,339 was received on this account. 1 1. The ship continues to be in first-class order, and the discipline and efficiency of the ship's company to be satisfactory. 15. The health of the staff has been good throughout the year, and the service rendered by them has continued to be maintained on the high level of efficiency and zeal which has characterized it in previous years. 16. Throughout the year the cable has worked without interruption, and no repairs have been necessitated. The buildings, electrical apparatus, and plant at all stations have been maintained in good order. 17. To the regret of his colleagues, Mr. Pember Reeves, who represented the New Zealand Govern.nient not only on the Board from the beginning, but in most of the Conferences concerning the Pacific cable project, retired from the Board in December, 1908. Mr. Hall-Jones, who succeeded Mr. Pember Reeves as High Commissioner for New Zealand, undertook the representation of his Government on the Board. 18. On the death of Mr. Reynolds, which was recorded in the last annual account, the Board decided to abolish the post of General Manager, and to redistribute the duties between a London Manager and Secretary, and a Manager in the Pacific, who should be the Board's representative in Australasia. and should exercise more immediate control and supervision over the staff in the Pacific. To the post of London Manager and Secretary Mr. A. S. Baxendale was appointed, and that of Manager in the Pacific wa< filled by the promotion of Mr. Milward, Chief Electrician, who continues to perform the duties of that office. 19. The following statement may be of interest as showing the progress of the traffic since the opening of the cable : —

Number of Messages and Words dealt with.

I have, &c, The Secretary, His Majesty's Treasury, Whitehall, S.W. H. W. Pkimbosb, Chairman.

Year. MotiSugos, I Ordinary. Press. Total. Words. i i Remarks, Ordinary. G °™™- Press. | Total. Words. L902-8 1903-4 1904-5 1905-1; 1906-7 1907-8 1908-9 L12.085 3,929 1,021117,035 L69.238 5,680 1,006 176,824 L69.191 6,049 2,058177,298 188,42a 0,408 1,767 196,598 228,250 8,628 2,185239,058 238,088 8,310 3,192249,590 232,804 9,086 2,532 243,922 1,219,152 89,849 77,197 1,386,198 1,858,905 1 35 . 882 103,610 '2, 0y7,897 1,815,370 109,8521124,020 2,049,242 1,949,771 120,169 ! 79,303 2,149,243 2,386,232 188,756155,793 2,730,781 2,442,186 157,430136,386 2,736,002 2,347,384 176,160 216,0002,739,544 I

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Pacific Cable Board (1 Edward VII, c. 31). — Account for Period ended 31st March, 1909. I.—Statement showing the Sum issued out of the Consolidated Fund and the Expenditure.

II.— Statement showing the Sums borrowed and the Securities created.

III.— Statement showing the Aggregate Amount of Capital Expenditure.

IV. — Statement showing the Expenses of the Cable in the Year ended 31st March, 1909.

which issued. ■fum issued (out of an audio- 1901—2 rised issue of £2,000,000) Sum issued (out of an autho- 1902—3 rised issue of £2,000,000) Amount. ■ s. (1. [,060,936 0 0 Expenditure in the period ended 31st March, 1908 039,066 0 i> Expenditure in the jrear ended 31st March, 190!) " Balanoe in hand • — 2,000,000 0 0 Amount. £ s. d. 1,998,680 B 7 441 l<; 3 1,01)0,127 1 10 H~-l IS -2 2,000,000 0 0 2,000,000 0 0

Amount. Honey borrowed. Beouritles created. ■•iiiii igjsiiL'd iis above £ b. il. £ s. (1. 2,000,000 (i 0 In the period to 784,600 o <> Annuity of £77,544 18e. 31s( .March. 1002 Krai payment, let December, 1903. In the year to 31st 1,215,400 n 0 Last payment, let December, 1952. March, 1903 2,000,000 i) ii iMKMi.iKHt 0 0

Details (if Expenditure Tn the Period ending 31st March, L908. In the Year ended 31st March, 1909. Total to 31st Miirch; 1909. (1.) Head offioe (furniture, &c.) (2.) Stations, — Buildings Accessories .. ;:).) Cable, Contract icoessories .. [4.) [nstrumente :.-..) ship,— ( lontraot Accessories .. [8.) Engineers tees and expenses a s. (i. 420 7 8 66,878 18 :i 18,577 -> s 1,790,642 Lβ 6 28,804 8 10 96,910 ii 0 li.'.ITl 8 I 20,135 9 7 £ s. d. 251 1(> 3 190 0 0 £ s. .1. 129 7 8 86,878 In 3 18,828 IK 11 1,790,642 IS i> 336 16 (i 28,804 8 10 l>5.11111 0 0 7.1(il 8 I 20,136 l> 7 1,998,685 5 7 441 Iβ 3 1,998,686 5 7 441 Hi 3 1,999,127 1 ID i ..r.in,»oii t/ t *»■» 1 HI O

Details of Receipts. '■"'"•"'n"'"" Hevenue. Annuity for the ... . , Details of Expenditure. aeplaoement !iS25? e " of Capital. expenses. £ s. d. ' £ B. (I. 20,981 14 8 ; Balanoe on 3ls1 March, 1908 Received from H.M. Treasury out of the parliamentary grant-in-aid Traffic reoeipts (less £3,763 13s. 8d. paid out t < > the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Atlantic companies for the insei tion of date and time and for duplicate copies of messages) Interest on money placed mi deposit ( haiter <if the Board's cable-ship " li'is " Refund of tolls and dues 59,697 11 8 111,062 I 5 t 8. (I. £ s. (I. Sixth annuity-payment .. 77,544 IS 0 Head office (salaries and .. A,VM 0 7 expenses) Head office (advertising ami .. 1,459 0 4 canvassing, engineer fees, royalties, and cost of remitting money Home) Cable-stations (salaries and .. ln,7:iS 15 It expenses) (able - ship (salaries and ! .. 17,164 3 2 expenses) Provident Fund, oontribu- I .. 1,576 15 7 tion to (Statement V) Transferred to Cable Repair .. :'.1,(KM) o 0 Reserve and General Renewal Fund (Statemen! VI) in- I •> - I - iil 8 ii 1,389 Hi 10 628 17 4 96,435 15 r> 77,544 18 0 113,093 80,679 3 7 6 4 Balance cm ISIst March. 1908 173,980 13 5 , 19,791 Iβ 6 193,772 9 11 193,772 9 11

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V.—Statement showing (a) the Sums received and expended, and (b) the Securities purchased and sold on Account of the Provident Fund in the Year ended 31st March, 1909.

VI. —Statement showing (a) the Sums received and expended, and (b) the Securities purchased and sold on Account of the Cable Repair — Reserve and General Renewal Fund for the Year ended 31st March, 1909.

Securities (JSfflL CaahEeeeipts. see below.) Securities sold. (For Details see below.) Cash Payments. £ s. a. Balance on 31st March, 11108 15,100 0 0 Transferred from the account of annual expenses (Statement IV) Contributions of employees Interest on securities Securities purchased (as per 2,018 0 0 contra) £ s. (I. 589 !l li 1,576 IS 7 1,576 15 7 507 0 6 £1,048 Canadian Northern Railway 8-per-oent. debenture stock at 85 £ 1,000 Canada 3iper-cent. stock at par £1,800 Queensland SJ-per-oent. stock at 97 (amount paid on application) Payment to employees on cessation of services Auditor's fee £ s. d. £ s. (I. s'.m in (i 1,000 0 0 no o o 1,407 in 3 10 0 0 Balance on 31st March, 1909 17,148 0 0 3,407 9 !i 842 11 t 17,148 0 0 4,250 1 1 17,148 0 0 4,250 1 1 •

Balance on I Balance,,,, Value at Market Details of purities. """J"*'' i&S&i ™«- d°urh>g Period S^,, 0 ",!!*? 19l)8 - of Account, of Account. xym - .Mar, n, lDUH. [ £ s. d. £ s. (I. £ B. (1. £ s. d. t a. d. £ s. il. London County Council 4,700 0 0 .. 4,700 0 0 .. 4,700 0 0 92] 4,35!) 5 0 3-per-cent. stock London, Brighton, and South 1,800 0 0 .. 1,800 0 0 .. : 1,800 0 0 111 1,998 0 0 Coast Railway 4-per-cent. debenture stock Canadian Northern Railway 1,000 0 0 1,048 0 0 2,048 0 0 .. 2,048 0 0 84 1,720 6 5 3-per-cent. debenture stock (guaranteed by Canadian Government) Metropolitan Water Board ! 2,200 0 0 .. 2,200 0 0 .. 2,200 0 0 92y 2,040 10 0 3-per-cent. B stock North-eastern Railway 3-per- ! 1,700 0 0 .. 1,700 0 0 .. 1,700 0 0 87 1,479 0 0 cent, debenture stock .Straits Settlement 3i-per- 1,900 0 0 .. 1,900 0 0 .. 1,900 0 0 981 1,871 10 0 cent, stock New South Wales 3-per-cent. 1,000 0 0 .. 1,000 0 0 .. 1,000 0 0 86} 866 0 0 stock Canada 4-per-cent. debenture 800 0 0 .. 800 0 0 .. 800 0 0 103 824 0 0 bonds Canada 31-per-eent. stock .. .. 1,000 0 0 1,000 0 0 .. 1,000 0 0 991 996 0 0 Ik inn it ii o.nix n o 17.148 o o 17.us o o . 16.152 il r> 15,100 0 0 2,048 0 0 17,148 0 0 17,148 0 0 .. . 10,152 11 6 I

Securities i>iM ohaeed. l Im Details see below.) Cash Kccipts. Securities sold ±vr hrlow.) Balance on 31et March, I !«is Transferred from the account of annual expenses (Statement IV) Interest on securities Securities purchased (as per contra) £ s. d. 159,466 2 10 £ B, ll. 8,646 0 0 Purchase of stock, oable, fto. Invested in securities, viz. : — £7,000 New South Wales 3-per-oent. stock at 88| £6,000 Victoria 3S-per-eent. stock at par £4,000 Canada 3J-per-oent. stock at 1001 £7,000 New Soutli Wales 3A-pcr-cent. stock at 99 £8,000 Queensland SJ-per-cent, stock at 97 (amount paid on application) £ 8. il. £ s. ll. 3,446 2 S li.lSli li 0 (i,007 11 0 4,015 1 0 6,938 16 0 400 0 0 :ii,ooo o o 21,000 0 0 6,139 0 2 Balance at 31st March, 1909 20,992 10 8 183,405 2 10 18,791 3 (i 183,405 2 10 45,784 0 2 183,465 2 10 45,784 0 2

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Examined and found correct G. H. Hunt, Auditor. "' Pbimbose - Chairman. Pacific Cable Board; 30th July, 1909, No. 2. [News Extract, I Ith February, 1910.] Pacific ('iililc Board SIR , ;; ,, '-' „■ v p t X Melbourne, February 12, 1910. Sard Commissioner for Australia, has been appointed a member of the Pacific Cable [H.I. Tc|. Vol. lir, p. 218.] CANADIAN LAND-LINK . No. 3. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington, to the Right Hon. the Pmme Minister of Canada Ottawa. 8lB >— Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 18th November, 1009 i . hi T y the honou ' *o direct your attention to the increasingly orgeni need for a elegraph land-lme across Canada, to be worked in co-operation with the Pacific cable. I have iv.rntlv been informed that the Pacific Cable Board is endeavouring to bduce the Canadian Pacific Sv Company to improve ita.working, and that some representations have been made to your Government on the subject. It is, however, probably out of the question to hope that a private company unaccustomed to the work difficult ,-able code messagesbetweeJ SKPacS* and Atkntic w>ll be disposed to adopt any extraordinary measures to improve the present unsaSacSy

~~~~~ —' ~ _ , , ___ _____ Details t>! Securities. Balam* m, Securities .Securities SlrtMareh I'luvhased ... . , sold or Balance on Value at Market ions during Period ■ IoM - redeemed 31st March, Prioe on 81st March, 1908 - oIAeoount. during Period 1909. 1909. of Account. Bank of England slock Victoria 3-per-cent. stock Victoria 3.1-per-mit. stock .. New South Wales 3-per-cent. stock New South Wales 3£-per-oent. stock Queensland 3-per-oent. stock.. New Zealand 3-per-cent. stock .New Zealand SJ-per-oeni stock New Zealand 4-]>ei-cent, debenture stock New Zealand 4-per-cent. Treasury bills Bank of New Zealand 4-per-i .'lit. guaranteed stock Canada 3-per-oent. stock Canada 31-per-oent, stock .. Canada 4-per-cent. debenture l>onds Canadian Northern Railway 3-per-oent. debenture stock (guaranteed by the Canadian Government) Metropolitan Water Board 3-per-oent. I! stock Local loans 3-per-cent. stock.. Guaranteed 2J-per-oent. stock India 3-per-oent. stock India :ij-per-cent. stock South Australian 4-|>er-cent. stock 81 raite Settlements 31-per-oent. stock War stock 2J-per-oent. "'«£ I' , \ £ ..'" ' lljoo 0 0 £ .. 9 - ''• 11,600 0 0 264 SojtH) 0 0 ™'™> °, ° ■■ w>760 (ID .. 10,750 () 0 86j! 0.298 lr. 0 1.000 0 0 li.U(M) 0 0 7,000 0 0 .. 7 000 0 0 '»7 7 j 82-i 0 O <M>00 0 0 7.00 I 12.000 0 0 .. l£o00 0 0 Sβ. loS 0 0 7,000 o (i 7.000 0 0, .. 7.000 o 0 i»7 0,790 0 0 '• ' " •■ >.000 0 0 .. 1,000 0 0 86 860 0 0 .}"" ' •• *.«*> 0 0 .. 4,000 0 0 m 3,940 0 0 I4 - ,MMI 0 ° •■ l+.OOO 0 0 .. 14,000 0 0101 IU40 0 0 4 - 1,00 ° 0 .. 4,000 0 0 .. 4,000 0 0 100 4,000 0 0 1 ' r,(MI " " •• 1.600 0 0 .. 1,500 0 Oliio 1,800 0 0 - IMI( " •• 20,000 oo .. 20,000 0 0 92 18,400 0 0 '• 0,MI 0 0 4,000 0 0 .. l, i ( , o 99] 3 980 0 0 !MMM ' ° ° •• 0.000 0 0 .. 9, 03 ii.i'To (I o IMK Oj .. 6,000 oo .. 8,000 0 0 S4 .",,040 o o 4.000 0 0 .. 4,000 0 0 .. i.ooii o 0 92J 3,710 (1 0 U ,- { Z\ n n •' 'I' , " •• l4 - ,l0 ° ° ° i,7 ! l:! - ,i1 "' 0 0 '•'"" ° ° •■ l.KH) (tO .. I loo 0 0 861 <r.4 ■-. II ,; S - ■• 8,000 0 0 .. 8001 97J 7800 0 0 I(, ' ,M •• ie,ooo oo .. leloo o ie|ooo o o '• ,MK, ° ° •■ *.000 0 0 .. t.000 0 0 98j 3,940 0 0 r> -" r> 2 10 '">.H. r > 2 10 .. 6,116 2 10 100! .-,.127 18 7 159",46S 2 10 24,0(M) 0 0 183,465 2 10 183,465 2 10 .. 192,595 is 7

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It is beyond doubt that the present land transmission is the weakest feature in the Pacific cable service. Messages are not only unnecessarily mutilated, but delays are of too frequent occurrence, with the result that the Pacific cable is losing many of its best customers. The position at the present time is becoming somewhat acute, it being difficult to retain in its entirety the large business which has been laboriously built up in New Zealand. Although I have no exaci data before me as to the cost of a suitable telegraph-line across Canada. 1 think 1 am well within the mark in putting it down as under £160,000, which should surely be a small matter for the partners in the Pacific cable scheme to provide for. \part from its value as a link in the Imperial (able scheme, I venture to suggest that your Government would probably find it advantageous to have a proprietary interest in such a line, which would clearly be of great value for the transmission of Government messages. I am forwarding a copy of this letter to the Prime Ministers of the British and Commonwealth Governments, with the request that they will give their representatives on the Pacific Cable Board such instructions as may be deemed necessary. 1 hope that you will see your way to lend your support to bhe scheme. I have, &c, J. G. Ward, Prime Minister. The Right Hon. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Prime Minister of Canada, Ottawa. fP.C. Conetr. 09/52.] ________^_^_____ No. 4. The Right Hon. the I'himk Minister, Wellington, to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. London. Si,,. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 18th November, 1909. I have the honour to forward for your information copy of a letter I have addressed to the Prime Minister of Canada on the subject of a State-owned land-line across the Dominion of Canada. to be worked in co-operation with the Pacific cable. If you are favourably disposed to consider the proposal, might 1 ask that you will give such instructions to your representative on the Pacific Cable Board as may lie necessary. ' have, &c, The RigW lion, (he Prime Minister. London. J. G. W.\ltl>. Prime Minister. [Letter in similar terms sent on same date to the Hon. the Prime Minister of Australia,.] [P.C. Conetr. 09/48.] .^^—— No. 5. The Righi Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington, to the Chairman. Pacific Cable Board. London. ft IR; _ ■ Prime Minister's Office. Wellington, 18th November, 1909. Herewith 1 have the honour to forward for your information copies of letters I am forwarding to the partners in the Pacific cable. I need scarcely say that if the Pacific cable is to retain its present business it is imperative that action in the direction indicated in my letters should be taken at an early date. 1 regret to notice that the record of errors on the Pacific cable system is now comparing very unfavourably with the Eastern Extension Company's results. While il would appear to be the case that the Atlantic cable companies are often responsible for delays, I am of opinion that a Government-owned land-line across Canada, witli a representative of the Pacific Cable Hoard in America,, who would be in close touch with the head offices of the Atlantic companies, would result in a material improvement of the present unsatisfactory conditions. I have, Sec., The Chairman. Pacific Cable Hoard. London. J. G. Ward, Prime Minister. [P.C. Conetr. 09/27.] _____^_^________ No. 6. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Manager in the Pacific, Pacific Cable Board, Sydney. S, R) __ General Post Office, Wellington, 28th November. I D 0 ,.). Herewith I have the honour to forward for your information copies of letters forwarded by the Prime Minister to the Governments of Great Britain, Canada, and the Commonwealth, and to the Chairman of your Hoard, on the subject of a Government-owned land-line across Canada. You may think it necessary to write to your Board on the subject, and to give such further information as you may deem desirable. I have. &c. D. Robertson, Secretary. J. Milward, Esq., Manager in the Pacific. Pacific Cable Board, 64 Pitt Street. Sydney. [P.C. Conetr. 09/46.] __^____^^__^—. No. 7. The Manages in the Pacific, Pacific Cable Board, Sydney, to the Secretary, General Post Oflice, Wellington. g lß __ Dixson's Buildings, 64, Pitt Street, Sydney, Bth December, 1909. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of, and to thank you for, your letter of the 28th ultimo covering copies of letters forwarded by the Prime Minister of the Dominion of New Zealand to the Governments interested in the Pacific Cable on the subject ■>{ a Covernment-ow ned land-line across Canada.

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I feel confident that my Board will welcome the action now taken by the New Zealand Government, as it will considerably strengthen their hands in the efforts made to place the connection across Canada in such a state as will enable the Pacific cable to compete on a more equal footing with that of the rival route. I sincerely hope that Sir Joseph Ward's Communications will result in action being taken in the near future to remove the greatest of our disabilities. 1 have, &c. .1. MILWARD, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Manager in the Pacific I P.C. Conetr. 09/53.] No. 8. The Hon. the Prime Minister ok the Commonwealth, Melbourne, to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. Wellington. Sir, — Melbourne, sth January, 1910. In acknowledging the receipi of your letter of the 18th November, relative to the question of the provision of a State-owned land-line across the Dominion of Canada, to be worked in co-operation with the Pacific cable, I have the honour to inform you that this Government concurs in such a proposal, and our representative on the Pacific Cable Board has been advised accordingly. 1 have, &c, The Right Hon. the Prime Minister of the Dominion of New Zealand, A. Deakin, Wellington. I P.O. Kin. and Conrtr. 10/7. | No. 9. The High Commissioner to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. (Telegram.) London, 6th January. 1910. Your letter of 18th November addressed to the Prime .Minister of Canada : Terms proposed. Pacific Cable Board to pay Canadian Pacific Railway $55,000 pel annum for exclusive use of line from Montreal to Bamfield ; railway company to supply and maintain a copper wire two hundred and ten pounds per mile, also to grant, if available, free of charge office accommodation for Pacific Cable Hoard staff at Montreal. :11 1<I all Pacific Cable Board repeating-stations and other minor details. This will entail further annual expenditure of £6,700 for one year. and following pear about £4,500, based on present receipts, reduced annually if traffic increased. Have reason to think that arrangements being made on these lines, and it appears to me mosl practical way of meeting difficulty. Have yon any objection i | P.C. Pin. ami Conefcr. 09/66.] No. 10. The Chairman. Pacific Cable Board. London, to the Right lion, the Prime Minister, Wellington. (Telegram.) London, 6th .January. 1910. Your letter eighteenth November respecting Canadian land-line : Board's Manager jusi returned from Canada, where he has been negotiating terms with Canadian Pacific Railway for the lease to Board of of wire to be operated byljßoard's staff between Montreal and Bamfield. Yesterday the Board considered and approved the terms, and are prepared to conclude agreement for five years unless you desire to press your suggestion on ihe partner Governments. The Hoard's scheme should provide an efficient service at much less cost than for a new Governmeni line, and without delay, and they much tope you may consider this arrangement would satisfactorily meet the object you have in view. Please cable reply. I P.C. Fin. and Conetr. 09/64.] No. 11. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington, to the Chairman, Pacific Cable Hoard. London. (Telegram.) Wellington, 7th January, 1910. Willi. K lam of opinion that the land-line owned by the several respective countries will lie preferable, I concur in the proposal for five pears, as it will give time in the interval to endeavour to have the requisite co-operation secured lo bring about a State-owned line. No. 12. The Righi lion, the PRIME MINISTBB t<. the HIGH COMMISSIONER. (Telegram.) Wellington, lOth January, 1910. A&BEE with the proposals, providing it is limited to five years. It will give time in the interval to endeavour to arrange for OUT own line, which 1 think is much preferable: but the present arrangement is satisfactory in the meantime. [P.C Kin. and Conetr. OH/58. |

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No. 13. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington, to the Hon. the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 14th January, 1910. Your letter sth, Canada land-line : Am now advised that Board has practically concluded arrangement lease for five years of Canadian Pacific Railway wire. As this meets position meantime, I have cabled agreeing not to oppose provided steps taken secure State-owned line before expiration lease. [P.C. Fin. mill (,'onstr. 10/B.] No. 14. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington, to the Hon. the Prime Minister of thh: Commonwealth, Melbourne. Sir, — Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 20th January, 1910. I have the honour to confirm my telegram of the 14th instant in reply to your letter of the sth idem. At the best, the lease of the Canadian Pacific Railway wire is a mere palliative, whose efficacy is yet to be proved; and I should be loth to agree to it except on the assumption that there is no doubt of the contributing Governments being in possession of their own wire at the end of the five years. This Dominion is ready to join with other contributing Governments at the earliest moment in opening negotiations for a purchase, and I shall await with interest your next communication in the matter. I have, &c, J. G. Ward, Prime Minister. The Hon. the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, Melbourne. [P.C. Fin. and Constr. 10/10.] DEFERRED CABLE MESSAGES. No. 15. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister to the High Commissioner. Sir,— Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 22nd November, 1909. I have the honour to enclose herein copy of a letter, dated the 11th May last, [No. 25, F.-8, 1909], from the Postmaster-General of the Commonwealth, proposing the introduction of a system of " deferred " telegrams between Australia and the United Kingdom at rates lower than the present ones, in order that the Pacific cable may be used to its fullest extent. The proposal is one with which this Government is in accord. I have therefore to request that you will be so good as to inform the Pacific Cable Board accordingly, and to urge that the matter be favourably considered. I have, &c, J. G. Ward, Prime Minister. The Hon. Wm. Hall-Jones, High Commissioner for New Zealand, London. [P.C. Rates 09/51.] No. 16. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Melbourne. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 24th November, 1909. I have the honour to refer to the Acting Postmaster-General's letter of the 6th July last [No. 26, F.-8, 1909] in reply to yours of the 11th May [No. 25, F.-8, 1909], proposing the introduction of a system of " deferred " telegrams between the Commonwealth of Australia and the United Kingdom at rates lower than the present ones. The proposal has received the consideration of this Government, which has decided to support it. The High Commissioner for the Dominion in London has therefore been requested to inform the Pacific Cable Board accordingly, and to urge that the matter be favourably considered. I have, &c, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Melbourne. J. G. Ward, Postmaster-General. [P.C. Rates 09/48.] _____^^^_^^_^^^__ No. 17. The High Commissioner to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. Sir, — Westminister Chambers, 13 Victoria Street, London, S.W., 13th January, 1910. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22nd November last, enclosing copy of a letter, dated 11th May last, from the Postmaster-General of the Commonwealth, proposing the introduction of a system of " deferred " telegrams between Australia and the United Kingdom at rates lower than the present ones, in order that the Pacific cable may be used to

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its fullest extent. lat once communicated the contents of your letter to the London Manager and Secretary of the Pacific Cable Board ; but the matter was one that had been under the consideration of the Board when the Commonwealth Postmaster-General first made his suggestion, and again later. The fact is, the companies controlling the Atlantic and trans-Canadian services are not disposed to make reductions for deferred cables. This can only be satisfactorily done when these services form part of the all-red system. The present position of the matter is shown in the annexed copy of letter from the London Manager and Secretary and its enclosures. I have, &<•.. The Eight Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington, New Zealand. Wμ. Hall-Jonks. [P.C. Rates 10/7.] Enclosure in No. 17. The London Manager and Secretary, Pacific Cable Board, to the High Commissioner. Sir, — ' Queen Anne's Chambers, London, S.W., 6th January, 1910. 1 thank you for your favour of the 4th instant [not printed] covering a letter from your Government relating to a proposal made by the Postmaster-General of the Australian Commonwealth on the subject of " deferred " cable rates. I would remind you that this matter has twice been discussed by the Board, and that it formed the subject of a conference of telegraph administrations, regarding which I submitted a report. After the refusal of the Atlantic cable companies to offer special rates for deferred traffic, the matter was discussed at the meeting of the Board held on the 31st August, with the result that — " Mr. Coghlan suggested that the Canadian Pacific Railway be asked whether they would transmit Marconi telegrams at same rate as present messages, the idea being to use the Marconi system for deferred telegrams or plain English." I now send a copy of the correspondence that passed between the Manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway Telegraphs and myself on this subject. You will observe that not only is it not at present possible to secure a reduction on the transCanadian rate for these messages, but that a specially high rate will be applied to this traffic. The question of securing a lower rate is therefore dependent on the outcome of negotiations now in progress with the Canadian Pacific Railway. I have, &c, A. S. Baxendale, London Manager and Secretary. Hon. W. Hall-Jones, High Commissioner for New Zealand, 13 Victoria Street, S.W. Sub-enclosure No. 1 to Enclosure in No. 17. The London Manager and Secretary, Pacific Cable Board, London, to the Manager, Telegraphs, Canadian Pacific Railway, Montreal. Sic, — The Pacific Cable Board, Queen Anne's Chambers, S.W., 4th September, 1909. I am instructed by my Board to ask whether your company would be prepared to grant a reduced rate for deferred plain-language messages handled by the Marconi Company and transiting Canada. It has been proposed that if the Marconi Company can, with their new installations, provide a reasonably good service for plain-language traffic across the Atlantic, the Board might tentatively introduce a deferred rate ; but before doing this it would be necessary to secure a low transit charge between the Marconi station and Bamfield. Previous correspondence would seem to show that your company has been unfavourable to the concession of Press rates for Marconi Press traffic ; but, no doubt, this is due to the fact that the Marconi service has hitherto been restricted and irregular. My Board is also unwilling to associate itself with any irregular service, but may possibly wish to take advantage of the Marconi system if a much-improved service is secured by the new plant that is being installed in Ireland and Nova Scotia. There would seem no probability at present of the establishment of a reliable wireless transatlantic service for code traffic, but there seems no good reason to suppose that a fairly reliable service for plain language (or plain English) traffic could not be maintained, and if low rates for such traffic were made by all the Administrations concerned, it would be possible to meet (experimentally) the demand for a deferred plain-English rate, and to see whether, with restrictions which would be imposed, a new class of traffic could be fostered and established. I have, &c, A. S. Baxendale, London Manager and Secretary. James Kent, Esq., Manager, Telegraphs, Canadian Pacific Railway Company, Montreal. Sub-enclosure No. 2 to Enclosure in No. 17. The Manager, Telegraphs, Canadian Pacific Railway, Montreal, to the London Manager and Secretary, Pacific Cable Board, London. Si R) — The Canadian Pacific Railway, Montreal, 16th September, 1909. I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant, asking if the Canadian Pacific Railway will grant reduced rate for deferred plain-language messages by the Marconi Company, and transiting Canada. The Marconi Company up to the present time has not been able to maintain any kind of a continuous service with Canada.

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It is very true they have got eeveral messages across the ocean, but it is so irregular that, as far as we are concerned, I do not think it is in our interest to make an arrangement with them for that traffic. Our present rate from Canso to the cable-terminals at the Pacific Ocean is already small enough, and we cannot make any reduction. I have, &c, James Kent, Man age) , , Telegraphs. A. S. Baxendale, Esq., London Manager and Secretary, Pacific Cable Board, London. Sub-enclosure No. 3 to Enclosure in No. 17. The London Manages and Secretary, Pacific ('able Board, London, to the Manager, Telegraphs, Canadian Pacific Railway, Montreal. Sir, The Pacific Cable Board. Queen Anne's Chambers, 8.W., 29th September, 1909. I thank you Eor your favour of L6th instant, concerning messages by Marconi, and note thai you cannot grant a special rate for deferred plain-language messages. 1 take it that the rates which will apply to this traffic will therefore be 8 cents, and I shall be glad if you will verify this figure. Though the fact that the ordinary rate for traffic from Bamfield to the United Kingdom is 24 cents is, of course, a matter of knowledge, the distribution of this sum would, so far as this office is concerned, appear to lie only a matter of conjecture. It is assumed that Hi cents is paid to the cable companies, and that 8 cents represents the share of the Canadian Pacific Railway on ordinary Pacific traffic between Canso and the Hoard's office at Bamfield. 1 have, &c, A. S. BaXENDALK. London Manager and Secretary. James Kent. Esq., Manager of Telegraphs, Canadian Pacific Railway, Montreal. Sub-enclosure No. 4 to Enclosure in No. 17. The Manager, Telegraphs. Canadian Pacific Railway Company, Montreal, to the London Manager and Secretary, Pacific Cable Board, London. Sir, — The Canadian Pacific Railway, Montreal, 16th October, 1909. Referring to your letter of the 29th September, any traffic filed by the Marconi Company with the Canadian Pacific Railway at Glace Hay will be accepted at the same rates charged to any one located in Glace Hay namely, cm commercial messages to Australia and New Zealand 58 cents per word, and on Press despatches addressed to newspapers 11 cents per word. I have, &c, J. Kent, Manager, Telegraphs. A. S. Baxendale, Esq., Pacific Cable Board, Queen Anne's Chambers, Westminster. London, S.W. No. 18. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister to the High Commissioner. Sic. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, Kith March. 1910. 1 have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 13th January last on the subject of the proposal to introduce a system of " deferred " telegrams between Australia and the Itiited Kingdom. 1 note the present position of the matter. Apparently it will not be satisfactorily settled until the Pacific Cabl \ Board has the sole control of an Atlantic cable. I have, &c, J. G. Wabd, Prime Minister. The Hon. Win. Hall-Jones, Hi;_h Commissioner for New Zealand. London. [P.C. Hates 10/78.] No. 19. The High Commissioner to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. Westminster Chambers. 13 Victoria Street, London. S.W., Sir, — 27th January, 1910. In continuation ol my letter of instant, 1 have the honour to enclose herein copy of a further letter from the London Manager and Secretary of the Pacific Cable Board amplifying the information contained in his letter of the 6th instant, relating i<> tin , position in which the Board now stands with regard d> the introduction of " deferred " rates. A copy of the letter in question of the 6th instant went in you with my above-mentioned letter of the 13th instant. I have, &c. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington, New Zealand. Wμ. Hall-Jones. [Acknowledged 26th April. 1910.] ! P.O. EUtee 10, in. I

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Enclosure in No. 19. The London Manages and Secretary, Pacific Cable Board, to the High Commissioner, The Pacific Cable Board, (..hieen Anne's Chambers, London, 8.W., Sir,— 27th January, 1910. [|jam instructed to amplify the information contained in my letter of the 6th instani regarding the position in which the Board now etands with regard to the introduction of " deferred " rates. As stated in the letter to which 1 refer, the Board has been unable to obtain from the Atlantic cable companies any reduction in the existing rate of Is. between the United Kingdom and Bamfield, and has failed to secure from the Canadian Pacific Railway the same terms for traffic handled by Marconi as apply to the traffic transmitted by cable companies. It is argued by the companies that the Official Code, which will be supplied to all telegraph-offices of any importance, will enable, in most cases, a greater reduction to be made in the cost of a message than can be effected by any reasonable lowering of rates, and it will render the illegitimate use of a plain code impossible. The introduction of a deferred rate for code messages has been opposed on the grounds that the strict application of a time-limit delivery would cause so much annoyance as to lender its observance impracticable, and that, unless a time-limit was imposed, competing cable systems would almost insensibly improve the ■■deferred" service until there would be so little advantage in making use of the " ordinary service that nearly all traffic would be sent at the deferred rale. The British Post Office, which is opposed to the introduction of a deferred rate, is in favour of the proposed Official Code, and is actively engaged in its preparation. The Board is now anxious to await the result of the trial of tin , official code system, and. having in view the fact that the acquisition of the control of the Canadian Pacific Railway direct telegraphline will eliminate one of the difficulties of introducing a deferred rate, the time that must elapse before the publication of the Official Code will bring us nearer to the date when the adoption of the latter scheme might be practicable. I have. &c., The High Commissioner for New Zealand. London. A. \V. BaXENDALE. REDUCTION OF KATE R)R PREBS CABLE MESSAGES. No. 20. Mr. Taos. Temperley, Sydney, to the Right Hon. the. Prime Minister, Wellington. Sir,- — Australasian Press Association. Sydney. Ith December. 11J09. 1 happened to be one of the oversea delegates who attended the Imperial Press Conference in England last June, and took an active part in the effort to obtain not only cheaper cables, but more effective communication by the all-red cable line. You are doubtless familiar with the conditions affecting that line, yet I beg, for the purposes of this communication, that you will bear with me while 1 briefly refer to them. It is generally known that the whole of the news of the Northern Hemisphere —of Europe, Asia, and even Canada and the United States has been transmitted to Australasia via London by a. combination of companies known as " The Eastern Extension," while the Pacific cable, which is the national line of the Empire, has been excluded from participating in the service, and practically boycotted so far as the transmission of news is concerned. Moreover, there is but one stereotyped statement of any happening in the Northern Hemisphere—whether political or otherwise —cabled and received by the entire Press of Australia and New Zealand. I may add that it has been charged against this service more than once that ii is not altogether free from bias. Further, it is known that the Metropolitan Press Association contracts with the newspaper-proprietors who receive their cables that they shall take the service for a number of years, and also binds them under a penalty bond to publish no other, thus maintaining a complete monopoly of cable service, as well as an effective control over the establishment of new dailies. The New Zealand papers, for example, are bound to this service for the next two or three years, to the complete exclusion of any other. The proprietors of the provincial newspapers of Australia, whom I was authorised to represent at the Press Conference, are desirous, as a whole, of establishing another cable service, to be independent of the Metropolitan Press Association, and use the Pacific cable for the purpose : but the most prominent of their number, and those in the best position to support a cable service, rind themselves bound exclusively to the Metropolitan Association. It is now proposed by members of the Press who are associated with me in this movement to establish an office in London and one in Canada, and make a start without delay, by supplying Australia with a service of about eight hundred words per day. The project is. however, under the circumstances a formidable one, and is rendered all the more difficult by the passive influence of the Metropolitan Association, which is sufficiently strong to shut out all hope of financial assistance not only from the principal provincial papers, but from the Governments of either the Commonwealth or State Parliaments.

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I venture to put the above statement of the position before you with the view of inquiring whether yoin£Government, which is financially interested in the maintenance of the Pacific cable, can see its way to grant a subsidy or advance to the proposal, say, of fifteen hundred (£1,500) a year for two or three years, by which time a number of the tied papers would-be at liberty to take and effectively maintain the new service. In soliciting this assistance for the proposal, I beg to point out that the establishment of the service will increase the earnings of the Pacific cable by over £2,000 a year, and tend to make it permanently self-supporting, and reduce the contribution which the Empire countries—yours among the number annually contribute to the loss. As an alternative to the subsidy it would doubtless be preferable to you, as well as myself and those who are associated with me, if your Government could see its way to participate in the service, and take the 800 words a day forwarded direct from Norfolk Island, without touching Australia in any part, and distribute and dispose of the news as you deemed fit. Assuming that the extra charge from Norfolk Island will not exceed for the period of this special arrangement the extra halfpenny at present charged over and above the Australian Press rate, we could supply you with this service, averaging ■1,800 words per week, landed in New Zealand, exclusive of any landing-charge, for £2,000 a year — any less number of words to be adjusted on a pro rota basis ; this arrangement to cease as soon as the New Zealand papers were in a position to take on the independent service. 1 would further point out tiiat. using a non-congested cable, such as the Pacific, as compared with the Eastern Extension, and transmitting direct without wasting any time in Australia, we should In , able to hand you European and, specially, Canadian and United States news many hours in advance of the service your New Zealand papers are at present receiving. Trusting you will favour me with an early reply, and be so good as to cable it. My ('able code address is " Indecab, Sydney." I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward. I , rime Minister, New Zealand. Thok. Temperley. [P.C. Press 10/26.] No. 21. Mr. Temperu.y Sydney, I<> the Might Hon. the Prime Ministek, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 11th January, 1910. Find it necessary to decide immediately whether proposed Pacific Press cable service shall start February fourteenth. Kindly cable reply my letter December fourth. [P.O. Press 10/28.1 No. 22. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington, to Mr. Temperley, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington. 18th January, 1010. Yours fourth December, regrei cannot do anything at present. No. 23. The Manager, Independent Press Cable Association, Sydney, to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington. Independent Press Cable Association of Australasia (Limited), Sir, — IV Castlereagh Street, Sydney, 22nd January, 1910. 1 do myself the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your cablegram of the 18th instant. In reply, 1 beg to state that since writing you my letter of the 4th December I received more, accurate information regarding the contract under which the associated papers of New Zealand are tied to the Australian Press Association, and I realised more fully what an insuperable difficulty there was in your Government handling or disposing of the cable sendee I offered them. 1 may add that many of the newspaper-proprietors in Australia are in a similar position —that is, in full sympathy with the proposal for a now service, but unable to take it on. Meanwhile, my association have sent an editor to Vancouver to establish an office there, and have contracted to start the service and supply 4,800 words a week on and after the 14th of next month. Feeling assured of your sympathy for the Press in general of New Zealand and Australia in the position in which they are bound, I venture to ask your assistance in another direction. You are aware that the loss in the earnings of the Pacific Cable Company totals fifty or sixty thousand pounds each year. Last year it was £59,000 pounds, and this deficiency has to be met by your Dominion in conjunction with England. Canada, and Australia. The service which my Association is about to establish will increase the earnings of the cable company by £2,000 a year, and reduce the losses by that amount. Considering the unique position in which we are placed, 1 maintain it is a reasonable proposal to ask the contributing Governments to undertake to refund the amount which the new service will save them in their annual payment for at least this initial year. Your quota of the amount would be £222,

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Canada's quota £555, and England's quota £555: total. £1,333. lam not including Australia in my request, because I realise that the Commonwealth Government could properly reply that any contribution they gave would be open to the objection that they were assisting one Australian association to compete with another Australian association. Is it too much to ask, under all the circumstances of this unique position, that you will make one with England and Canada, as other partners in the Pacific cable deficiency, to guarantee a refund of my company's cable quota for the first year of the new service, in emancipation of the Press '( T have, Sec., Tims. Temperley, Manager. The Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward. I'rime Minister, New Zealand. I I.C. Press 10/31. | No. 24. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister Wellington, to the Manager, Independent Press Cable Association, Sydney. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 25th January, 1910. I have the honour to refer to your letter of the 4th ultimo inquiring whether the New Zealand Government is prepared to assist in the establishing of a Press service from Canada, and England to Australia, the Pacific cable being used Eor the purpose, and to your message of the 11th instant, asking for a reply; and to confirm my telegram of the 18th instant expressing regret that I cannot do anything in the matter at present. I have, &c, Thomas Temperley, Esq., Independent Press Cable Association. Sydney. J. G. Wakd. [P.C. Press 10/29.] No. 25. The High Commissioner to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. (Telegram.) London, 28th January, 1910. Owing to reductions in rates made by Pacific Cable Board on Press messages between United Kingdom and Australasia last July, application has been made to Pacific Cable Board to revise rates of Press messages between Australasia and Canada. Pacific Cable Board are prepared reduie by half existing charges, with proviso that Commonwealth and Dominion Governments will lso agree to allow them advantage of reduced terminal charges granted last July to United Kingdom Press messages. Telegraph if you approve or not, bo thai new tariff may lie notified without delay. [P.C. Press 10/6.] No. 26. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister to the High Commissioner. (Telegram.) Wellington, Bth February, 1910. New Zealand agrees reduction Press message charges granted July last between United Kingdom and Australasia being extended messages between New Zealand and Canada. [P.C. Press 10/11.1 No. 27. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Manager, Independent Press Cable Association, Sydney. Sir,— General Post Office. Wellington, 28th February, 1910. I have the honour, by direction of the Right Hon. the Postmaster-General, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22nd ultimo, asking that the New Zealand Government refund to your association £222, the sum by which you estimate that the deficiency payable by this Dominion on the working of the Pacific cable will be reduced as a result of the establishing of your Press service from Canada and England to Australia ; and, in reply, to say that ii is regretted the request cannot be complied with. The reasons which led the Postmaster-General to decline to accede to your application of the 4th December for a contribution towards the cost of the service still hold good. I have. &c, D. Robertson. Secretary. Thos. Temperley. Esq., Independent Press Cable Association of Australasia (Limited), 17 Castlereagh Street, Sydney. [P.C. Press 10/32.]

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WTRELESS TELEGRAPHY. No. 28. [Translation. | The. Dibectoe, International Bureau (Radiotelegraph. Convention). Berne, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sir,— Kerne, 22nd February, 1909. I have the honour to forward you herewith a copy of the annual report of this bureau for the year 1908 in respect of tin radiotelegraph service. I have. iVc. The Secretary, General Poet Office, Wellington. K. Frky, Director. [Tel. 09/344(10).] Enclosure in No. 28. I Translation.] Report. Organisation and Staff. —Daring the first six months the ordinary staff of the International Bureau performed the duties pertaining to the radiotelegraph.it , service. The special officials mentioned in last report took up their duties, however, on Ist July, the date when the Radiotelegraph Convention took effect. The organization of the radiotelegraphic section was fixed by a decision of the Federal Council, dated the 31st December, 1906, in accordance with the recommendation nl this bureau. In conformity with this decision, the duties of Nice-Director and first secretary extend to both the telegraph business, properly so called, and to the radiotelegraphic business. Berlin Convention. The Convention, Service Regulations, Additional Agreement, and Final Protocol took effect from the Ist July. L9OB. These have been ratified by the following countries: Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Holland, .Mexico. Monaco. Norway. Roumania, Spain. Sweden, and Turkey. The Governments of Greal Britain and Japan have ratified only the Convention, Service Regulations, and Final Protocol. Greal Britain ratified the Convention for Canada. Australia. New Zealand, Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal. India, and all its possessions. Sec., except Newfoundland and Orange River Colony. The New Zealand Administration informs me it has decided to adhere to the Convention, but not to the Additional Agreement. Germany has adhered to the Convention and also the Additional agreement for all its protectorates. On the 31st December, 1908, the number of signatory States of the Berlin Convention numbered i wenty-eight. .\ list of these countries, showing class in which each is ranked, is given [not printed]. Radiotelegraphic Stations. At the cud of 1908 the number of stations was 508 —92 shore stations and 410 ship stations. Of these. Greal Britain leads with a total of 259. Germany has 137, Holland 28. ( 'orrespondence. The number of circulars, &■<•.. amounted to 393. consisting of 2 circulars. 8 notifications, the rest being miscellaneous. Accounts. —The debit balance for the years 1907 and 1908 amounted to 14,796 francs, which has to be contributed by the various Administrations. The amount to lie contributed for 1909 is estimated at 28,580 francs. No. 29. [Translation.] The Director, International Bureau (Radiotelegraph Convention), Berne, to the SecrktarYj General Post Office. Wellington. ,Siu,— Berne, Ist April, 1909. I have the honour to communicate to you the following items of interest to the Telegraph Administrations of the signatory States of the Berlin Convention : — notification of Convention. —The following additional countries have ratified the Convention: viz., Austria, Hungary, Russia. Turkey. Persia and Portugal have ratified the Convention, but not the additional agreement. Adhesion In Convention. —The Commonwealth of Australia; India; Cape Colony, Natal, and the Transvaal (one group) wish to be placed in the first class from the Ist January, 1907. T have. &c., The Secretary. General Posi Office, Wellington. E. Krkv. Director. |Tel. 09/344(13).]

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No. 30. [Translation.] The Director of Posts and Telegraphs, Noumea, to the Hon. the Minister of Telegraphs, Wellington. Sir,— Noumea, 7th April, 1909. Having been intrusted with the duty of inquiring into a scheme of wireless telegraphy in New Caledonia, I have the honour to ask you if you will kindly inform me whether the New Zealand Government intends to, or has already, installed a similar station on Norfolk Island. It is quite evident that direct communication between these two points by this new system would allow of our sending telegrams not only on Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, but also on Fiji. America, and even Europe, with greater despatch and under more favourable conditions than those at present in operation. In the event of our programme being realised, could you also tell me, first of all, what would be— The nature of the apparatus adopted by your Government, the wave-length, and the name of your constructing engineer. Then the rates charged by New Zealand for the exchange of wireless telegrams between the Norfolk station — i.e., what would be the rate fixed per " wireless " word between Noumea. Norfolk, Auckland, and beyond. I should be very glad if you could favour me with a reply as soon as possible, since the Governor of New Caledonia is personally interesting himself in the question. I have, &c, The Hon. the Minister of Telegraphs, Wellington. Director of Posts and Telegraphs. [Tel. 09/344(12).] No. 81. The Hon. the Minister of Telegraphs, Wellington, to the Director of Posts and Telegraphs, Noumea. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington. 11th May. 1909. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th ultimo, asking whether the New Zealand Government has installed, or intends to install, a wireless-telegraph station on Norfolk Island. In reply, I beg to inform you that there are at present no wireless-telegraph stations in this Dominion. This Department has had various systems submitted for consideration, but has not yet entertained any of the proposals, pending further satisfactory developments in the other colonies. A representative conference on the whole question would probably be required as a preliminary method of settling what system, if any, should be established. In view of future requirements, the Department is in the meantime keeping itself informed of all wireless-telegraph systems and their advancement. I have, &c, J. G. Ward, Minister of Telegraphs. The Director of Posts and Telegraphs, Noumea, New Caledonia. No. 32. The Chairman, Pacific Radiotelegraph Company, London, to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister (in London). Sir,— 32 Old Jewry, London, E.C., 24th June, 1909. I am requested by my co-directors to submit for your consideration the following proposal for the co-operation of the Government of New Zealand in establishing and maintaining a radiotelegraph service to communicate between New Zealand, Australia, New Guinea, and the chief islands of the South Pacific. 2. The Pacific Radiotelegraph Company of London has been formed for the purpose of establishing and maintaining reliable radiotelegraph communication between the chief Pacific islands, marked in red, green, and brown on the accompanying chart [not printed], and also with the proposed Government radiotelegraph stations in New Zealand, Australia, and New Guinea, marked in blue (when such stations are erected). 3. Pi'ovidcd sufficient support is forthcoming in the nature of subsidies and guarantees from the different Governments and trading companies interested in the development and administration of these islands, it is proposed to establish and maintain communication between Fiji and the following places : (1) Ocean Island, (2) Samarai, New Guinea, (3) the New Hebrides, (4) Solomon Islands, (5) Tonga, (6) Rarotonga, (7) Tahiti, (8) Makatea. 4. The station proposed to be erected at Suva will have a working radius of 1,250 miles, and will be able to communicate direct with the station proposed for Doubtless Bay. The station proposed to be erected at Rarotonga will have a working radius of 900 miles, and will be able to communicate direct with Tonga, Samoa, and Tahiti, and on to New Zealand through the Fijian station. 5. The total capital outlay required is estimated at £56,000, the Rarotonga station costing £8,000. The total cost of maintenance and operating the service is estimated at about £25,000 per annum.

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6. By reference to the Pacific Radiotelegraph Company's special chart it will be seen that facilities will be given for intercommunication between Australia, New Zealand, and the principal islands of the Pacific, as well as with shipping. Commercial, defence, and administrative interests would thus benefit greatly, whilst life and property would be safeguarded. The long-distance stations at Doubtless Bay, Southport, and Fiji would also be most useful at a stand-by for a supplementary service to the Pacific cable in case of breakdown, or interference in time of war. 7. In addition to the above practical advantages which the establishment of radiotelegraph communication offers, considerable increase of revenue would be obtained by the Pacific cables, as it is estimated that at least four-fifths of the islands' radiotelegraph business must pass over the Pacific cables either from Australia or from Europe via Canada. It is understood that the New Zealand Government would benefit directly by one-fourth of this increase to the Pacific cable revenues, as its present contribution to the working-expenses of the cables would be reduced considerably thereby. 8. From a careful inquiry as to the amount of business which might reasonably be expected to follow on the establishment of the proposed communication, it has been found that the income from this source would be insufficient to enable the service to be maintained on a purely business basis. The project, however, has been very favourably received by all who have considered the scheme, and we have already been given to understand that subsidies and other material assistance will be forthcoming from the respective Governments and companies interested in the administration and development of the Pacific islands. It is also understood that the principal shipping companies trading in these waters are prepared to equip their ships with radiotelegraph apparatus as soon as land-stations are erected. 9. In view of the undoubted direct advantage to New Zealand, as well as the many facilities which this proposed radiotelegraph service will provide for communicating between the various islands and all parts of the world through the Pacific cable, as well as its great importance to shipping, defence, the administration and development of the islands, and also for the safety of life and property, my co-directors and I hope that the Government of New Zealand will agree to co-operate and contribute to the cost of establishing and maintaining the service. In this connection, we beg to suggest the following proposal: — That, in consideration of the Pacific Radiotelegraph Company establishing and maintaining reliable radiotelegraph communication between Fiji, Ocean Island, Pleasant Island, the New Hebrides, the Solomon Islands, and Rarotonga, and also furnishing and erecting a complete radiotelegraph station at Doubtless Bay, and establishing reliable communication between Doubtless Bay and Fiji, the New Zealand Government will undertake to pay (a) the sum of £10,000, being the cost of installing the station at Doubtless Bay, (b) an annual subsidy of £3,000 at such periods as may be mutually convenient for a period of fifteen years, (c) grant suitable sites for the erection of the stations. The cost of operating the Doubtless Bay station is to be borne by the Government. Negotiations are now in hand with the British Government and the principal shipping and trading companies, as well as the Pacific Cable Board, and we have reason to believe that these will be brought to a successful issue, and that we shall be able to maintain the service independently of all foreign assistance. My Board have heard with satisfaction that you are visiting this country to attend the Imperial Defence Conference, and I venture to hope therefore that it may be convenient to you to discuss the proposals with them. My co-directors hope to hear that their proposals will meet with your approval, and that your Government will be willing to enter into a contract embodying them at an early date. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, P.C., G. Hutchinson, Chairman. C/o the High Commissioner of New Zealand, Victoria Street, London, S.W. [Tel. 09/344(24).] No. 33. Mr. J. M. Hamilton, Melbourne, to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington. The Pacific Radiotelegraph Company (Limited), Sir,— 100 Queen Street, Melbourne, 7th October, 1909. Referring to the Pacific Radiotelegraph Company's proposal [No. 32], asking for the co-operation of the New Zealand Government in establishing radiotelegraph communication between New Zealand and the chief Pacific islands, I beg to advise that I have been requested by my co-directors to visit New Zealand immediately, to place all particulars of our scheme fully before you. I therefore propose coming to Wellington for the special purpose at the end of the present month, if convenient to you. I am glad to be able to tell you that Mr. Deakin is in favour of assisting the establishment of the proposed radio service ; we feel confident therefore, with your support assured us, that we shall be able to carry out our scheme successfully. I take pleasure in forwarding a copy of a small pamphlet [not printed] which we are circulating, in order to give some particulars of the Pacific islands and the advantages to be gained by the establishment of radiotelegraph communication between them, New Zealand, and Australia. I have, &c, J. M. Hamilton. The Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, P.C., Prime Minister, Wellington. [Acknowledged 29th October, 1909.]

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No. 34. Mr. 8. [rwin Crookbs, Auckland, to the Right Hon. the Prime Mikistkh. Wellington. Sib,— 15 l'almerston Buildings, Queen Street Auckland, 29th October, 1909. 1 am directed to inquire under what conditions the New Zealand Government would be prepared to permit an all-red wireless telegraphy company (British-owned) to erect one long-distance station in New Zealand. In connection with euch a scheme the New Zealand Government would be able to have control oi the station under circumstances which they considered of vital importance to this country. I should be pleased to be able to send forward to my principals in London your reply to this, as soon as the Government lias been able to arrive at any decision. I have, &c, The Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, Wellington. 8, [rwin Crookks [Tel. 09/844(26).] No. 35. The Hon. the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, Melbourne, to the Right. Hon. the Primk Minister, Wellington. Blß,— Prime Minister's Office, Melbourne, 29th October, 1909. With reference to proposals which have been made from time to time for the establishment or wireless-telegraphy installations in the Commonwealth and New Zealand, to insure, amongst other things, the maintenance of communication in time of war should the cables be damaged, I have the honour, at the instance of my colleague the Postmaster-General, to inform you that, in connection with the question, which is now under consideration, <>f the erection of wireless-telegraph stations at BVemantle (W.A.) and Sydney, a suggestion has been made by the Vice-Admiral in command of the Australian Squadron that the station at Sydney be a high-power station, having a range of not less than 1,000 miles, and therefore probably capable of communicating with New Zealand at night. \ proposal has been made that alternative tenders be invited on this basis. My colleague is of opinion that the reasons for providing wireless communication between Australia and New Zealand would be for defence, for communication in time of war, and to keep in touch with sliipping, and that there is no present justification for providing wireless stations to handle ordinary commercial telegraphic traffic. To give effect to the proposal, it would, of course, be necessary for New Zealand to establish similar stations, and. when tenders are received, for steps to be taken by both Governments to insure that the systems employed in the stations in New Zealand and Sydney shall, when erected, be capable of communicating with each other at least by night. An expression of your views on this important subject is desired, and for your information I enclose copies [not printed] of forms for the tenders which we are about to invite. I have, &<■.. The Right Hon. tlie Prime Minister, Wellington. Alfred Deakin. I Tel. 09/344(2!!). I No. 36. The Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies to His Excellency the Governor. My Lord,— Downing Street, 4th November, 1909. I have the honour to transmit to you, to be laid before your Ministers, copy [not printed] of a note from the Belgian Legation relative to the International Congress on Radiology and Electricity to be held at Brussels in 1910. I also enclose copies of documents [not printed] furnishing particulars of the Congress. 2. I should be glad to learn whether your Ministers desire to be officially represented at the ( longress. I have, &c. Governor the Righi Hon. Lord Plunket, K.C.M.G., X.C.V.0., &c. Crewe. I Xew Zealand was not represented. | [Tel. 09/844(Sl).l No. 37. The lion, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, Melbourne, to the Righi Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington. (Telegram.) Melbourne. LOth November. L 909. With reference h> your letter of 3rd December [not printed]: Propose Conference upon wireless telegraphy, especially in Pacific. (Had to know if you will appoint representative. Pacific Cable Board agree. Am inviting Admiralty send expert. I Tel. 09/344(28).] No. 38. The Hon. the Minister of Telegraphs, Wellington, to Mr. S. [rwin Crookes, Auckland. Sis Wellington, 19th November, 1909. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th ultimo, asking under what conditions the All-red Wireless Telegraphy Company (British-owned) would be permitted to erect one long-distance wireless station in New Zealand. 4—F. 8.

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In reply, I have to inform you that it is considered desirable that any wireless stations in the Dominion should be wholly under the control of the Government. It may be stated that it is the intention of the Government to establish wireless stations on the coast in the near future, and one ai least of these will be a long-distance station. Under these circumstances it is not proposed to prescribe conditions for the establishment by a company of a wireless-telegraph station in the Dominion. I have. &c., J. G. Ward, Minister of Telegraphs. S. twin Crookes, Esq., Electrical Engineer, 15 Palmerston Buildings, Queen Street, Auckland. Tel. 09/344(26).] No. 3i>. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington, to the lion, the Prime Minister of ihk Commonwealth, Melbourne. Sin. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 29th November. 1909. With reference to your letter of the 29th ultimo, regarding proposals that have been made from time to time for the installation of wireless telegraphy in the Commonwealth and in New Zealand, and in which you advise that a suggestion has been made by the Vice-Admiral in Command of the Australian Squadron that the station at Sydney (the erection of which i.s now under consideration) should be a high-power Station, having a range of not less than 1,000 miles. I have the honour to inform you that the question of installing wireless telegraphy has been receiving the consideration of the Government quite recently, and it is highly probable that action will be taken during the next veai to erect one or more stations. \ high-power station having a range of 1,000 miles falls short by aboul only 200 miles of the range necessary to maintain continuous wireless communication between the Commonwealth and New Zealand. Under these circumstances it occurs to me that it would be sound policy to equip the bighpower .stations so as to be able at all times to reliably communicate between the two countries. As the whole distance is only aliout L.200 miles, the extra expense would be insignificant compared with the advantages of having a reliable means of communication always available. Although there may be no present need to handle commercial wireless telegraphic traffic, a condition of increased security would exist if it were known that the stations on both sides of the Tasman Sea could at any moment be used for such a purpose. Although nothing definite has yet been decided as to the site of a long-distance wireless station in this Dominion, it has been considered that Doubtless Bay or that locality (aliout two hundred miles north of Auckland) would be the most suitable place lor such an installation. A range of 1.200 miles would reach Australia. Fiji. Solomon Islands, the .New Hebrides, the Kermadecs, and other places where, later on. wireless installations will no doubt be introduced. If a wireless station that would reach Fiji were established, and there was a similar station at Fiji, it would be possible to take up commercial work if faults developed in the sec ions of the Pacific cable. Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia, to Norfolk Island. The proposal, therefore, to creel wireless stations in Australia and in New Zealand of such a range as to maintain continuous communication is one in which I am disposed to co-operate, and when dealing with the question of the erection of a long-distance station, consideration would be given to having it of a suitable range, and in such a position as to exchange communications with a similar installation in Australia. I have to thank you for the copies of forms for the tenders and for the general conditions. I have. &<•.. The Hon. the Prime Minister, Melbourne. .1. (i. Ward. I Acknowledged 9th December, 1909.] I'l'd. Oβ :>l Iα , !)). I No. 40. The lion, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, Melbourne, to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington. (Telegram.) Melbourne, 29th November, 1909. High Cum mission , ion for Western Pacific advises will send representative Wireless Telegraphy Conference, due in Melbourne 15th December. Informed date named suitable for us. Colonial Office. Pacific Cable Board, sending representatives. Glad your decision early. [Tel. 09/344(28).] No. 41. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington, to the lion, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington. 2nd December, limit. N'kw Zealand will be represented at Wireless Telegraphy Conference. [Tel. 99/344(28).]

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No. 42. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington, in Mi , . J. M. Hamilton, Melbourne. Sim. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 7th December, 1909. I am in receipt of your letter of the 18th November [not printed] in which you inform me that circumstances do not at present admit of your \ isit to New Zealand in connection with the proposed Pacific Radiotelegraph service. I note whal you say relative to the Conference on Wireless Telegraphy 1n lie held in Australia, and may say thai Government has decided to lie represented at the Conference in <|iiestion. I have. &c., J. M. Hamilton, Esq., The Pacific Radiotelegraph Company (Limited), I. c.. Wabd. 100 Queen Streetj Melbourne. Tel. 09/344(24). J No. 4:J. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington, to the lien, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, loth December, 1909. h available, kindly telegraph agenda Wireless Telegraphy Conference. [Mr. J. K.Logan. [.5.0., Superintendent of Electric Lines, lefl Wellington on the 10th December to represent New Zealand at the Conference.] [Tel. 09/344(28).] No. 44. The Hon. the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, Melbourne, to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington. (Telegram.) Melbourne, 13th December, L 909. .\iw:\n\ Wireless ( unlerenee nni vet available. Will send when prepared. Conference convened to consider prospects for wireless telegraphy in Australasia and with islands of Pacific. No. 45. The Resident Commissioner, Cook Islands Administration, Rarotonga, to the Hon. the Minister FOB Cook AND OtHEB [SLANDS ADMINISTRATION, Wellington. Sir. — Cook Islands Administration, Rarotonga, 17th December, L 909. Referring to my letter dated 29th November last [not printed], in reference to the subject of establishing a wireless-telegraph station in this island. I have now the honour to enclose lor your information copy of a letter, dated Bth December, addressed to me from Mr. C. A. P. Uucorron, of Papeete. Before replying to the letter. I think it is desirable to await your reply and instructions. I have, &c. J. Emaiv Smith, Resident Commissioner. The Hon. James Carroll, .Minister for Cook and other [elands Administration, Wellington. ■|VI. 10/191(3).] Enclosure in No. 45. Mr. C. A. F. Ducorrox, Papeete, to the Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga. Sir,— Papeete, Bth December, 1909. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your esteemed favour of the 29th November I not printed], in which you inform me that the New Zealand Government is not prepared at present to discuss my propositions for wireless telegraphy on your island. Will you be good enough to inform me. by return if possible, if your Administration would offer any objection to the temporary establishment on your island of a station, with neither monopoly, subsidy, nor stated time of authorisation to operate. I ask- this, as I may find it possible to put up such a station immediately, for experimental purposes, and in order to give the publics taste of the service. Thanking you in advance for the courtesy of an immediate reply. I have, &c., The Resident Commissioner, Rarotonga, Cook [elands. C. A. 1 ,, . Ducorron.

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No. 46. The Hon. the Prime Minister of phe Commonwealth, Melbourne, to the Right Hon. the I'imu. Minister, Wellington. (Telegram.) Melbourne, 23rd December, 1909. Wireless Telegraphy Conference, has agreed to following resolutions: (1.) That high-power wireless stations be provided, maintained, and operated at or near Sydney in the Commonwealth, at or near Doubtless Bay in New Zealand, and at or near Suva in Fiji. (2.) That it is desirable that a system of wireless telegraphy lie established to conned the groups of islands under British protection with the Commonwealth of Australia, the Dominion of New Zealand, and the headquarters of the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific at Fiji: and thai for this purpose it is desirable that, in addition to those named in resolution No. 1, wireless stations lie established at Tulagi (Solomon Islands). Ocean Island, and Vila (New Hebrides). (3.) That, having heard Mr. Hamilton in regard to his company's proposals, the Conference does not feel justified in recommending to the Governments concerned that the concessions asked for be granted. (4.) That it is desirable that any service of wireless telegraphy established to serve the requirements of the British Western Pacific be established and maintained under direct State control or through a State agency. (5.) That the high-power stations recommended be of such capacity that the stations at Sydney be capable of communicating with Doubtless Bay, and Doubtless Bay capable of communicating with Fiji, and that they shall be able to receive and transmit waves up to 6,000-ft., in addition to ordinary commercial waves. (6.) That medium-power stations be established at Vila (New Hebrides) and at Tulagi (Solomon Islands), the cost of the establishment of these stations to be borne as follows —Two-thirds by the Imperial Government and one-third by the Commonwealth of Australia ; the loss on working-expenses and other annual charges be met by the Governments named in the same proportions; the question of concurrence and co-operation by the French Government in the establishment of the New Hebrides station to be left for consideration and action by the Imperial Government. (7.) That the cost of the establishment of the high-power station at Fiji lie borne in the following proportions—lmperial Government onethird, Commonwealth of Australia one-fourth, New Zealand one-sixth, Fiji one-fourth; and that any loss on the working-expenses and other annual charges be borne by the respective Governments in the same proportions, subject to an additional contribution being made by the Government of Fiji if the station is used in connection with the local Fiji systems, such additional contribution to be determined by arrangement with the respective Governments concerned. (8.) That a station be established at < iccan Island capable of continuous communication with Fiji, and that the cost of the station be borne in the following proportions—lmperial Government two-thirds, Commonwealth Government one-third ; the establishment of this station to be subject to the Pacific Phosphates Company guaranteeing the contributors against loss on working-expenses and all other annual charges including sinking fund. (9.) That the scheme of wireless telegraphy in the islands of the West Pacific, as recommended by the Conference, be embodied in an agreement to be arrived at by the Governments interested or desiring to take part therein, and that such agreement provide for the executive control and management of such works by the High Commissioner and the Government of Fiji under the complete scheme as proposed and outlined in these resolutions. The financial obligations for capital expenditure would be distributed as follows : Imperial Government, for stations at Suva, Ocean Island, New Hebrides, and Solomon Islands, £21,332; Commonwealth Government, for same stations, £11,666; Fiji, for station at Suva only, £3,000; New Zealand, for station at Suva only, £2,000 : total capital expenditure, £37,932. The representatives of the Commonwealth, New Zealand, and Fiji have signed report, and, as far as finances are concerned, undertake to recommend favourable consideration to their respective Governments. If you agree, these recommendations will be forthwith made public. Full printed report, wit b plan of proposed stations in islands, will not be available for about a fortnight. [Tel. 09/344.] ___^______^____^_ No. 47. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington, to the Hon. the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 27th December, 1909. Your telegram 23rd. Wireless Telegraphy Conference: 1 agree to recommendations. I am pleased that such a satisfacton working liasis has lieen'arrived at. No. 48. The Hon. the Prime Minister op the Commonwealth, Melbourne, to the Right Hon. the I 'rime Minister, Wellington. (Telegram.) Melbourne, 28th December, 1909. Much obliged your wire frwenty-seventhjre Telegraphy Conference. Will submit first meeting Cabinet. Please advise whether you nave any objection to publication of report. [Tel. 09/344/(28).] ___»_^__________ No. 49. The Right Hon. tin- I'kime Minister, Wellington, to the Hon. the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 28th December, 1909. ll.wi: no objection to publication of report.

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No. 50. The linn, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, Melbourne, to the Uight Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington. Sir, — Prime Minister's Office, Melbourne, sth January, 1910. With reference to your letter of the 29th November last on the subject of the establishment of wireless telegraphy in the Commonwealth and New Zealand. 1 have the honour to inform you that, in view of the opinions expressed by you and at the recent Conference, the firms to whom forms of tender had been issued from the Postmaster-General's Department have been asked to include in their offers quotations for ;i range of 1,250 nautical miles, so that continuous' communication with a wireless telegraph etation in New Zealand would be assured. I have, &c, The Rif.'lit Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington. Alfred Deakin. I Acknowledged 14th January, 19J0.J [Tel. 09 '344(20).] No. 51. The Senior Naval Officer, New Zealand, to His Excellency the Governor and Commander-in- ( Ihtef, New Zealand. .My Lord, 11.M.5. " Challenger," ai Wellington, sth January, 1910. With reference to the attached reports from 11.M.5. " Pioneer," 1 have, been directed by the Naval Commander-in-Chief to draw the attention of youi Government to the wireless stations noted therein. I have the honour to request that I may be informed whether the stations have been licensed by your Government, and that the Naval Commander-in-Chief may b< l informed when any new station is licensed oi erected. It is further requested that enclosures to this letter may be returned. I have, &c, Herbert C. C. De Costa, Captain and Senior Naval Officer. New Zealand. 11 1> Excellency the Governor and Commander-in-Chief, New Zealand. [Tel. 10 191(1).] Enclosure in No. 51. Bub-Lieutenant W.T.0., 11.M.5. " Pioneer," to the Commanding Officer, 11..M.5. " Pioneer." Sir, 11..M.5. " Pioneer." George Sound, 2nd December, 1909. I have the honour to submit that on thej23rd November, 1909, when in Timaru Harbour and signalling to H.M.S. " Challenger," at Wellington, we were constantly receiving wireless signals oilier than service ones, and, as they were impeding us. I requested them to cease. On the 24th November I. sent Petty Officer. First (lass. R. \Y. Newman, telegraphist, Official Number 183585 Chatham, to inspect this installation, and I submit bis report [not printed]. 1 would suggest that the authorities be informed, and a tuned system used as found in the Post Office Handbook on Control of Wireless Signalling, as the system now employed would seriously affect any of His Majesty's ships on active service should this spread. I also hear that there are similar stations in Duiiedin. The operators mentioned in the report are endeavouring to obtain a more powerful and efficient outfit. I have, &c, The Commanding Officer, H.M.S. " Pioneer." Harold O. Joyce, Sub-Lieutenant W.T.I). . No. 52. [Translation.] The, Director, International Bureau of the Telegraph Union, Berne, to the SECRETARY, General Post Office, Wellington. Str,— Berne, Bth January. 1910. We beg to inform you that we propose to prepare and publish each year general statistics relating to radiotelegraphy, as is done in the case of international telegraphy and telephony, which this bureau publishes annually. This return'Jwill deal with stations, instruments, start', traffic, receipts, and expenditure. The International Radio Convention came into force on the Ist July, 1908, and the first return will therefore be for the second half-year, 1908. We think, however, it would be of real interest to begin with the position as on the Ist July. 1908. This return would serve as an initial starting-point, and it would be possible then to follow from the very beginning the successive development of the new method of communication. We forward herewith three copies [not printed] of each of the undermentioned forms, intended to contain information relative to your Administration. We should be glad it you would return one copy of each of these forms, duly completed, one correct as on the 30th June. 11)08 (Form A), the other correct as on the 31st December, 1908, and the state of business during the intervening period (Form B).

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On tin , first form should We shown information relating to installations working on the 30th June, 1908. under the following beads : 1 (Stations), 11 (Apparatus), 111 (Staff), IV (Expenditure on account of Establishment of Stations existing on the 30th June. 1908). On the second form should be shown under the first three headings similar information correct as on the 31st December, 1908; under IV the figures showing the radiotelegraphic traffic during the intervening period (Ist July 31st December); under heading V. receipts for the same period: and under VI. expenditure incurred during the same period for fche maintenance, working, and initial establishment. We have, &C., International Bureau ok the Telegraph Union. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (E. Prey, Director.) [Tel. 10/191(7).] No. 53. The Superintendent of Electric Lines, Wellington, to Mr. Alfred Hathaway, Timaru. Siu,— Wellington, 18th January, 1910. On complaint of the commanding officer of 11..M.5. " Pioneer," the Senior Naval Officer has communicated with the Government that one or more wireless stations worked by you or under your control at Timaru was interfering with the wireless operations of the " Pioneer " to such an extent that to enable them to carry on their Communications they had to request you to cease. I would refer you to clause Kil of the Post and Telegraph Act. I9OH. under which any person who establishes any plant for working by wireless telegraphy without having first obtained the consent of the Governor in Council is liable to a fine not exceeding £500. It does not appear that you have had such consent for the installations that have been causing the interference referred to. It is understood that you are endeavouring to obtain a more powerful outfit. I have, &c., Mr. Alfred Hathaway, 153 North Street, Timaru. ,1. K. Logan. [Tel. 10/101(1).] No. 54. The Superintendent of Electric Lines, Wellington, to the Telegraph Engineer, Dunedin. (Memorandum.) Wellington, 18th January, 1910. Complaint has been made by 1 1..M.5. " Pioneer " of interference with their wireless-telegraphy signalling operations at Timaru by unauthorised installations existing in that place. In the course of the complaint it is stated that it is understood there are similar installations at Dunedin. It can be quite understood, if these were multiplied to a large extent throughout the Dominion, that the men-of-war might be subjected to a meat deal of interference at critical times. Will you kindly inquire if there are any installations of the kind that are not authorised '. The Telegraph Engineer, Dunedin. J. K. Logax. No. .")."). The Superintendent of Electric Lines, Wellington, to Mb. A. 1). Hathaway, Timaru. Sir,— Wellington. 25th January, 1910. I beg to acknowledge the receipi of your letter of the 24th instant [not printed] in reference lo your wireless-telegraph installation. I regret that the permission given you in .Inly last to install the system for experimental purposes must be withdrawn, in order to avoid the possibility of interference with communications between men-of-war. I have, &c, J. K. Logan, Mr. A. D. Hathaway, 153 North Street, Timaru. Superintendent of Electric Lines. No. 56. The Under-Secretary, Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Minute on No. 45.) Wellington, 26th January, 1910. In reference to the application from Mr. Ducorron, I presume that, in view of the contemplated Government action in resped of wireless stations, the concession asked for should not be granted, 'jvi. 10/191(8).] P. Waidegrave. No. 57. The Secretary, Radiotelegraphic Conference, Melbourne, to the Secretary to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington. Sir, — Melbourne, 10th February, 1910. I am directed by the Chairman of the Radiotelegraphic Conference to forward herewith sixcopies of the report of the Conference 'not printed], together with one copy of the notes [not printed] of the proceedings, and to ask if you will be good enough to bring them under the attention of the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. I have, &c., The Secretary to the Prime Minister, Wellington. G. L. Campbell, Secretary. [Acknowledged 28th February. 1910.] [Tel. 10/191(8).]

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No. 58. Mr. A. I). Hathaway, Timaru, to flu , Superintendent of Electric Links. Wellington. Sir, Timaru, 24th February, 1910. I very much regrei that, through my action in signalling to IT.M.S. " Pioneer" during her recent visit to this port, you have had cause to cancel the permission previously granted me to experiment with wireless telegraphy. I respectfully beg to state that two of the " Pioneer " operators, Messrs. Newman and Jackman, came and saw my outfit, but did not mention to me that I should be interfering if I signalled to their ship. During the " Pioneer's three days' sojourn here no one made any complaint whatever. I also wish to point out that if 1 had persisted in sending, the " Pioneer's" men could easily have adjusted their tuner so that they could not hear me. As my power is derived from a single fourvolt accumulator and a motor-car ignition-coil, it was only while at the wharf, about one mile distant from my home, that the " Pioneer " was able to hear me. I would respectfully beg of you to give these facts your most favourable consideration, and grant me another license to experiment, and 1 will certainly not send when any warship happens to be within leoeiving-distance. Hoping you will see your way to grant me this application. I have, &c., A. D. Hathaway. .1. K. Logan, Esq., Superintendent of Electric Telegraphs, Wellington. [Tel. 10/191(1).] __^_^____________ No. 59. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Under-Secretary, Cook and other Islands Administration. Wellington. (Memorandum.) Wellington, 28th February, 1910. I heg to inform you. by direction of the Postmaster-General, that the New Zealand Government has no intention of giving licenses to establish wireless-telegraph stations in the New Zealand possessions in the Pacific. When such stations are considered necessary they will I reeled and maintained by i In , State. I). Robertson, Secretary. The Under-Secretarv. Cook and other Islands Administration, Wellington, [Tel. LO/l»l(8).] No. 60. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Director, International Bureau of the Telegraph Union. Berne. Sir, - . General Post Office, Wellington, 3rd March, 1910. In reference to your circular of the Bth January last, enclosing forms for the insertion of radiotelegraph statistics, I have the honour to forward herewith " Nil " returns [not printed], there being no radiotelegraph stations in New Zealand. I have, &c, D. Robertson'. The Director. International Bureau of the Telegraph Onion, International Radiotelegraph Convention. Berne. [Tel. 10/191(7). I ___^____^^_____ No. 61. Messrs. 11. P.. CURTIS and M. 11. -Mayo. Timaru. to the SUPERINTENDENT OF ELECTRIC LINKS, Wellington. Sir, Perth Street, Timaru, 13th March, 1910. We. the undersigned. H. B. Curtis and M. 11. Mayo, arc much interested in wireless-telegraphy experiments, and would respectfully request that we be granted your permission to erect an aerial at our respective houses in Timaru. and to attach our instruments, which we are partly buying and partly making, so that we can continue our experiments, which are solely for our instruction, and not for purposes of pecuniary benefit. Trusting that your permission will be granted us. We have. &c., >" M. H. Mayo, J. K. Logan, Ks<j., Superintendent of Electric Lines. Wellington. 11. B. Curtis. [Tel. 10/101(1).] ___^_^____________ No. 02. The Superintendent of Electric Links. Wellington, to Mr. M. H. Mayo, Timaru. Sir,— Wellington, 22nd March. 1910. In reply to your letter of the 13th instant, applying for permission for Mr. H. I!. Curtis and yourself to erect a wireless-telegraph aerial at your respective residences, I beg to inform you that it is regretted the desired permission cannot be given. I have, &c, J. K. Logan, Superintendent of Electric Lines, Mr. M. 11. Mayo, care of H. B. Curtis. Esq., Perth Street. Timaru,

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No. 63. [News Extract. 2nd April. 1910. | (Telegram.) Melbourne, Ist April, 1910. The tender of the Australian Wireless Company (Limited) has been accepted for the construction of wireless telegraph stations at Sydney and Fremantle, at <i cost of £4,150 per station. Five tenders were received for the work. The tender accepted gives the system indorsed by the Admiralty. The stations are to be completed within twelve months. The range of communication will ho 1.250 miles in the daytime, and probablj double that distance at night. I H.I. Tel., Vol. iii. p. 247.] Approximate cost of /mper. —Preparation, nut given ; printing (1,600 ropier), £21 Ijs.

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington. 1910,

Price 9d ]