44

A.—3

I may add that, with the assurance of support I have received, I have little doubt of obtaining the sanction of the Queensland Parliament to the agreement. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, A. H. Palmee, New South Wales. Colonial Secretary.

(No. 8.) Copy of Cabinet Minute. Approved: Ministers having read the letter of Colonial Secretary to Colonial Secretary of New South Wales, and the conditional agreement with Mr. Alex. Fraser, approve of and confirm same. A. H. P. T. L. M. P. W. H. W. J. M. T.

(No. 9.) The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey to Mr. Alexandee Feasee. Sib, — Queensland, Colonial Secretary's Office, Brisbane, 17th April, 1872. With reference to the agreement conditionally entered into between the Government of Queensland and yourself for establishing and maintaining a steam service between Batavia and Sydney, via Torres Straits and the principal ports of Queensland, to which you signified your assent on the 14th October last, I have the honor to inform you that two copies of the Queensland Government Gazette Extraordinary, of the lGth April instant, have been forwarded to your address under separate cover, in which is published the Speech delivered by His Excellency the Governor on the opening of Parliament on the same day; and you will perceive that special reference is made in the ninth paragraph to the postal route via Batavia, which is recommended to the consideration of Parliament as being of the utmost importance to Queensland. You will also receive by the same opportunity two copies of the Brisbane Courier, in which is reported the debate that ensued upon the Address, by which you will also observe that the adoption of this route wps favourably entertained hy the House; and ii •: intention to table a formal resolution in the course of the ensuing week, in which your proposals for establishing a regular steam service via Torres Straits, which have been conditionally agreed to by the Government, will be submitted for the approval of Parliament. I have, &c., Alexander Fraser, Esq., Batavia. A. H. Palmer.

No. 2. Copy of Telegrams received and despatched re Fraser's Postal Service. (No. 1.) Telegram received from Phaser by Eldbed and Spence, 26th October, 1872, transmitted to Colonial Seceetaby, Brisbane. London. Telegraph whether Singapore-Queensland contract completed—also date commencement—whether Calcutta extension probable—any coal charters perfected ? (No. 2.) Messrs. Eldbed and Spence to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet, Brisbane. Sydney, 28th October, 1872. We infer Fraser arranging steamers; what can we reply? When is Colonial Secretary expected? (No. 3.) The Under Colonial Secretary to Messrs. Eldred and Spence. Brisbane, 30th October, 1572. Colonial Secretary returned. Fraser having broken faith in regard to arrangements agreed upon, no further negotiations will be made through him. Do not understand telegram re prior message. (No. 4.) Messrs. Eldred and Spence to the Hon. the Colonial Secretaet. Sydney, 31st October, 1872. Eegbet Colonial Secretary views Fraser's proposal, see our letter of 23rd, as breach of faith. Twelve months having elapsed without confirmation of preliminary agreement, and consequent withdrawal of Dutch, obliged Eraser in undertaking the arrangement with Colonial subsidy alone to seek for some modifications. We are prepared and authorized to negotiate fairly on his behalf. (No. 5.) The Under Colonial Secretary to Messrs. Eldeed and Spence. Brisbane, Ist November, 1872. Instead of " Fraser having broken faith," should be, " arrangements with Batavia as proposed having fallen through; but further negotiations under altered circumstances still considered useless."