A.—3

9

Eailway Extension. Mr. Moegan moved (seconded by Mr. Mann), That this Conference is of opinion that it is desirable that the capitals of the four colonies of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland should be connected by railway; and with this view the representatives of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland agree to endeavour to have the railways in those colonies extended as follows : —New South Wales : Sydney to Wentworth, and thence to the boundary between New South Wales and South Australia; Sydney to Queensland border. Victoria: Melbourne to Wentworth. South Australia: Adelaide to Morgan, thence to eastern boundary, meeting New South Wales. Queensland : Brisbane to border, meeting New South Wales; After discussion, Mr. Watson moved, seconded by Mr. Beeey, That, in the absence of the necessary detailed surveys and other information, it is undesirable to adopt the proposal of Mr. Morgan at the present time; but the Government of New South Wales will be prepared to consider it when the necessary information is obtained. The Conference then adjourned until Monday next at ten o'clock. Heney Paekes, Chairman.

Monday, 24th January, 1881. eighth day. Present: New South Wales t The Hon. Sir Heney Paekes, K.C.M.G., M.P. The Hon. James Watson, M.P. Victoria: The Hon. Geaham Beebt, M.P. The Hon. William M. K. Vale, M.P. South Australia: The Hon. William Moegan, M.L.O. The Hon. Chaeles Mann, Q.0., M.P. Queensland: The Hon. Aethub Huntee Palmee, M.P. The Hon. Botd Dttnlop Moeehead, M.L.O. Tasmania: The Hon. William Eobebt Giblin, M.P. The Hon. William Mooee, M.L.C. Western Australia: The Hon. Chief Justice Weenfoedsley. New Zealand: The Hon. Thomas Dick, M.H.E. The minutes of Friday's proceedings were read and confirmed. Islands of the Pacific. The Chaibman stated that he had addressed a letter as instructed to Lord Augustus Loftus, enclosing Mr. Palmer's resolution respecting the High Commissioner for the Pacific and the extracts therein referred to, and requesting His Excellency to transmit them by wire to Sir A. Gordon, and that he had received a letter from His Excellency in reply thereto, and a second letter enclosing copy of telegram from Sir A. Gordon. Mr. Palmee moved (seconded by Mr. Moeehead), That the correspondence handed in by the Chairman be read and entered upon the minutes of the Conference.—Agreed to. " My Loed, — " Council Eoom, Public Offices, Sydney, 21st January, 1881. " I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of this date, enclosing copies of telegrams which have passed between His Excellency Sir Arthur Gordon and your Lordship, in respect to the proceedings of this Conference. " I am desired by the Conference to transmit to you a copy of a resolution passed by the Conference in respect to your Lordship's communication, with extracts from the printed proceedings, and to request that you will be good enough to communicate the same to Sir Arthur Gordon. " I have, &c, " Heney Pabkes, " Chairman of Conference. "To His Excellency the Eight Hon. Lord Augustus Loftus, G.C.8." Eesoltttion op Confeeence. Moved by Mr. Beeey (seconded by Mr. Moeehead), That the enclosed extract from the minutes of the Conference be forwarded to His Excellency the Governor of New South Wales, with a respectful request that the said extract be forwarded by telegraph to Sir A. Gordon, with an intimation that the Conference will willingly receive any information Sir Arthur Gordon may desire to communicate by telegraph. JSoetracts referred to. "Islands in the Pacific. " Mr. Palmee moved (seconded by Mr. Moeehead), That, in the opinion of this Conference, it is desirable that a representation be made to Her Majesty the Queen, calling her attention to the lamentable state of affairs existing between the natives of many of the Islands in the Pacific and the subjects of Her Majesty trading in those seas, more particularly since the appointment of a High Commissioner for the Pacific ; and praying that Her Majesty will cause such action to be taken as will prevent the recurrence of such outrages against life and property as have lately prevailed. " After discussion, Mr. Palmer's motion was postponed; and Mr. Watson moved (seconded by Mr. Giblin), That a Committee be appointed, consisting of Messrs. Palmer, Dick, Berry, and Moore, to consider the matters involved in Mr. Palmer's resolution, and to examine the papers relating to the appointment of the High Commissioner, and to report to this Conference.—Agreed to."