A.—3

34

Ages. Noes. Mr. Francis, Mr. Vogel, Mr. Langton, Mr. Reynolds, Sir Henry Ayers, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Barrow, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Samuel, Mr. Barlee. Mr. Parkes. Mr. Innes did not vote. The numbers being equal, and the Chairman not having a casting vote, no decision was arrived at. Mr. Francis moved: —" That, as it is very essential a first-class lighthouse should be established at Cape Bridgewater, on the south-west coast of Victoria, adjoining the Colony of South Australia, it is desirable the same should be erected, at the joint cost of Victoria and South Australia, and be afterwards maintained by contributions from the various Australasian Colonies, based on the amount of tonnage of each Colony using the said light." When, after discussion, Mr. Barrow proposed, and Sir Henry Ayers seconded, the following amended resolution, which was carried unanimously:—" That, as it is very essential a first-class lighthouse should bo established at Cape Bridgewater, on the south-west coast of Victoria, adjoining the Colony of South Australia, this Conference determine to refer this question to the immediate consideration of the Committee to be appointed on the subject of lighthouses, the Victorian delegates having expressed their willingness to pay half the cost of the erection, and to contribute to its maintenance in proportion to the tonnage of Victorian shipping using the light." Mr. Vogel proposed the following Resolution, but did not press the same, in consequence of the Chairman (Mr. Parkes) considering that it was not fair to New South Wales: —" That immediately before the report of the Conference is signed, the resolutions which have been carried on postal services be telegraphed to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, with a statement showing what Colonies have voted for and against each resolution, and a request that his Lordship will communicate the resolutions to the Agents-General of the several Australasian Colonies. The telegram also to state that the Hon. Mr. Parkes desired the Secretary of State to know that the representatives of New South Wales handed in a protest against the change of terminus." The Committee appointed to draw up the report of the proceedings of the Conference submitted the same, which having been read over paragraph by paragraph, and amended in certain particulars, was finally approved, and signed by the members of the Conference. Mr. Francis proposed, and Mr. Vogel seconded, the following resolution : —" That the thanks of the Conference be given to the Chairman, Mr. Parkes, for the great services he has rendered in the arduous and important position he has occupied as Chairman of the Conference,"—which was unanimously carried. Mr. Eeynolds proposed, and Mr. Barlee seconded, the following resolution : —" That the Chairman be requested to convey the thanks of the Conference to A. C. Budge, Esq., Clerk of the Executive Council, for the efficient services rendered by him as Secretary." The Conference then adjourned sine die. Hewbt Pabkes, Chairman.

Return of the specified and actual Days of Arrival and Departure of the Contract Steamers of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company during the year 1872, showing the Number of Days taken in the Passage from and to London, via Suez and Brindisi, and via Suez and Southampton. \_Laid lefore the Conference hy Mr. Samuel.]

SDFASD