D.—No. 8

These gentleman are now laying down a Line to Calcutta, which is expected to be finished by the beginning of next yeai-, when Mr. Clark intends to proceed to Calcutta to inspect the work, and he informed the writer that he would most probably visit Australia at the same time, for the purpose of calling attention to the subject of Telegraphic communication with England. In these circumstances, I have been requested by my Correspondent to make inquiries in New Zealand whether it is probable, were Telegraphic communication resolved upon by our neighbours, that the Government here would undertake connecting this Colony with Australia, and thus with England, India, ifcc. As to the cost of forming such a connection between this and the neighbouring Colony of Australia, a correct Estimate could not be given until the route was agreed on and a survey made ; but in round figures it would cost £30,000 to lay the Cable, and the Cable would cost about £150 per mile, in England, and say that one thousand miles would be required, the total cost of the undertaking would be, in round figures, £180,000. The Engineers would, I believe, guarantee any Cable they lay to work for thirty years. I may mention that I understand there would be no difficulty in raising the money for the undertaking in England, provided six per cent, per annum were guaranteed by the Colony. My Correspondents are also in a good position to undertake to connect all the Provinces in New Zealand together by Telegraph wires, which could be done at a trifling cost. I need scarcely say that were the order to do so put in the hands ot Sir Charles Bright and Latimer Clark, their great experience in connection with Telegraph, and high position, would prove a sufficient guarantee that the work would be properly and speedily performed. The cost of Land Telegraph, Moss' system, f.o.b., at London, is about £16 10s. per mile, if long stretches are taken, and every Station costs £20 to £25. These prices do not include posts or labor. The labor costs in England £G to £7 per mile, erecting posts, &c. If, however, the Government here preferred making Telegraph connections themselves, my Correspondents will be happy to buy all necessary material and instruments, and test them properly and ship them, for a small commission. This Country is peculiarly well adapted for Telegraphic operations, being in a great measure free from electric and magnetic attraction. Should you wish further information in reference to this matter, I beg to refer you to Sir Charles Bright and Latimer Clark, 1, Victoria Street, Westminster, London. Soliciting the favor of an early reply, I have, <fec, Robert Macintyre. The Honorable the Colonial Secretary, Auckland.

No. 11. SECRETARY TO TIIE POSTMASTER-GENERAL TO MR. MACINTYEE. General Post Office, Auckland, Gth July, 1863. Sir,— I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 20th ultimo, in reference to Telegraphic communication for this Colony, and to inform you in reply that it is intended to bring this matter before the General Assembly of New Zealand in its next Session. I have, dec, G. Eliott Eliott, Secretary. R. H. Macintyre, Esq., at Morrison, Law, and Co.'s, Merchants, Dunedin.

Circular. New Zealand.

No. 12. copy of DESPATCH from his grace the duke of Newcastle, e.g., to governor sir george GREY, K.C.B. Downing-street, 16th July, 1863. Sir,— I have the honour to transmit to you copies of communications which have been addressed to this Department by Mr. G. S. Walters, the Agent-General for South Australia in this country respecting the establishment of Telegraphic communication with the Australian Continent.

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TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION.