I\—2b

2

freedom from competition. In event of communication being totally interrupted the guarantee to continue for period one month. Since Australian cables were duplicated in 1880 the service with Australia has been interrupted for only 26 days, or average of less than four days annually. Chairman, The Hon. Sir J. Vogel, Wellington. Eastern Extension.

No. 2. The Hon. Sir J. Vogel to the Chairman, Eastern Extension Company, London. (Telegram.) Wellington, 18th May, 1887. Your cablegram received. Government will not recommend Parliament renew subsidy to cable to Australia, though will endeavour enable subject to be discussed. Larger question of rates to Europe may be discussed with other Governments. The Chairman, Eastern Extension, London. Julius Vogel.

No. 3. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Melbourne, to the Hon. Sir J. Vogel, Wellington. Post Office and Telegraph Department, Sir,— General Post Office, Melbourne, 6th May, 1887. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 25 th March, and, in reply, beg to state that, as soon as the result of the deliberations of the Imperial Conference becomes known, I will gladly invite the co-operation of all the Australasian Colonies in settling cable questions upon as satisfactory a basis as possible. I therefore hope to have the pleasure of communicating with you again shortly on this subject. I have, &c, Fredk. T. Derham, Postmaster-General. The Hon. Sir Julius Vogel, K.C.M.G., Postmaster-General, Wellington. * [Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,425 copies), £1 Is. 6d.]

Authority: George Didsboby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB7.