THE SAN FRANCISCO MAIL SERVICE.

7

E.—No. to.

Australia, on the ground that such letters had been forwarded by a " private merchant vessel;" and that the New South Wales Government had protested against this course, but with what result is still unknown. After discussion, it was found that no agreement could be come to for this temporary service. The subject of telegraphic communication with Europe was considered. It was suggested that as soon as the overland line was completed, and its actual cost ascertained, the Governments represented at the Conference, might negotiate for the purchase of the line, with a view to their taking measures in common to reduce the proposed charge on telegrams to and from Europe at least 50 per cent. The Delegates considered they had no authority to determine this question, and it was therefore postponed. Lord Kimberley's Circular Despatch of the 13th of July having been brought under consideration, the Delegates from New South AVales proposed a memorandum on the subject, which was accepted by the Delegates from South Australia and Tasmania, and objected to by the Delegates of A'ictoria, and which the Queensland Delegates did not consider themselves authorized to adopt. The Delegates of A rictoria then proposed certain resolutions insisting on the right of the Colonies to make Intercolonial tariffs without limitation, which were unanimously adopted, subject to the consent of the Queensland Government being obtained. The Queensland Delegates, however, having been instructed to confine their labours to the Postal question, the resolutions proposed by the Victorian Delegates were adopted by the other Colonies. The Delegates from South Australia having brought under consideration the necessity for legislation in the different Colonies for the purpose of facilitating the enforcement of claims against absconding debtors, it was agreed that the Government of each Colony should take the subject into consideration at an early period. It was agreed that the contract and the memorandum of business transacted should be published in all the Colonies represented at the Conference simultaneously, on Saturday, the 7th ' . of October. (Signed) C.G.D. G.B. J.H. W.M. W.M. J.M. G.W.L. J.D. J.M.T. T.L.M.P. J.M.W. Friday, 22th September, 1871. J.D. Fiscal Legislation between the Colonies. The Delegates from the Governments of New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, and Victoria, in Conference assembled, having had under their consideration Lord Kimberley's Circular Despatch of the 13th July, 187.1, have unanimously adopted the following resolutions :— Ist. That the Australian Colonies claim to enter into arrangements with each other, through their respective Legislatures, so as to provide for the reciprocal admission of their respective products and manufactures, either duty free or on such terms as may be mutually agreed upon. 2nd. That no treaty entered into by the Imperial Government with any foreign power should in any way limit or impede the exercise of such right. 3rd. That Imperial Interference with Intercolonial fiscal legislation should finally and absolutely cease. 4th. That so much of any Act or Acts of the Imperial Parliament as may be considered to prohibit the full exercise of such right should be repealed. sth. That these resolutions, together with a memorandum from each Government, or a joint memorandum from such Governments as prefer to adopt that method, shall be transmitted to the Secretary of State through the Governors of, our Colonies respectively. Signed at Melbourne, this 27th day of September, a.d. 1871. James Martin, Attorney-General and Premier, 1 XT „ ~ Geo. AY. Lord, Colonial Treasurer, I a j^ Joseph Docker, Postmaster-General, J. M. Wilson, Colonial Secretary aud Premier, 1 .- t -n T./r xi n , 1 asmania. James Dunn, M.E.C., j John Hart, Treasurer and Premier, „ , William Milne, Chief Secretary, > . , v ~ W. Morgan, M.L.C, j Australl** C. Gavan Duffy, Chief Secretary and Premier, 1 ,-. . Graham Berry, Treasurer and Commissioner of Customs. J