F.— s
thousand five hundred to be divided between the contributing Governments and the cable companies, instead of fifty-five thousand as was sustained last year. If this alteration of tariff is approved by the cable companies, New Zealand's liability will be largely reduced, and the international tariff for New Zealand messages, ordinary, five and twopence per word ; Government, three and elevenpence—that is, reckoning your proportion as one penny per word.
No. 16. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Manager in Australasia for the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 16th August, 1892. Mr. Ward much obliged to you for telegram. Proposal to raise international rate somewhat of a surprise. Mr. Ward would have preferred that no increase had been suggested, but as other colonies approved, he will also acquiesce, although raising our rate from four and six to five and threepence is a very material advance. As the extra rate will largely reduce company's share of loss, Mr. Ward of opinion that your company should now bear larger proportion of loss on intercolonial cable traffic, and he would be obliged if you submit matter to your London office for favourable consideration. Have not the figures to verify Mr. Kidd's. Have asked Mr. Browning to supply, but perhaps you can more readily do so. Will not the twopence to Adelaide about wipe out her loss on land line ? Is Queensland now likely to come in ?
No. 17. The Manager in Australasia for the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Melbourne. 17th August, 1892. Consider company treating you very liberally in taking quarter risk loss intercolonial traffic, and as they also bear half loss international traffic, think they are taking full share responsibility and should not be asked further increase it. Therefore hope Mr. Ward will withdraw request and leave matters as already arranged. Proposed increase ninepence word approved by all contributing colonies, and should materially reduce your liability. Please remember Tasmania takes whole risk her intercolonial guarantee.
No. 18. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Manager in Australasia for the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 17th August, 1892. It should not be overlooked that increased rate reduces company's loss as well, and materially changes position this end. . . . Increased European rate creates new phase altogether. In view these facts Mr. Ward still thinks that your company should bear further proportion of intercolonial cable risk, say, an eighth, and he will feel obliged by your cabling London. Bernard's figures O.K.
No. 19. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 17th August, 1892. Cable rates : Much obliged for telegram, and gratified that Conference accepted proposals. Quite understand why principal colonies recommended increase European rates. Hope Queensland will now come in.
No. 20. The Hon. J. G. Ward, Wellington, to the Hon. J. H. Gordon, Adelaide. (Telegram.) Wellington, 17th August, 1892. I am gratified at result Cable Conference promoted by you; and this colony indebted to you for your advocacy of its proposals. Quite understand why principal colonies recommended increase European rates. Hope Queensland will now come in.
No. 21. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 17th August, 1892. Intercolonial cable rates: I propose to reduce our land rate for first ten words from sixpence to threepence. Will be pleased to learn that you agree make similar reduction. A ten-word message between New South Wales and New Zealand would then be two shillings and sixpence. Will other colonies reduce ?
5