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I avail myself of this opportunity of referring to another newspaper statement. It appears that, about the same date as the one first mentioned, a cablegram from London was published in the Australian Press announcing " that the three routes which were proposed by Mr Fleming had been abandoned by Mr Fleming himself as impracticable." I quote from the Sydney Telegraph, Bth January Mr Kidd, Postmaster-General, New South Wales, alluded to this announcement, and based some further statements on it. When the last steamer from Australia arrived at Vancouver Mr Kidd's observations were telegraphed all over Canada, and I have no doubt the story respecting the abandonment of the several Pacific cable routes as impracticable found its way back to London. I have only to remark that, so far as the statement is attributed to me, it is absolutely without foundation. lam thoroughly satisfied that each of the routes mentioned in my memorandum of 11th October last year submitted to the Australian Governments by Mr Bowell, are quite practicable, and that they may be considered on their merits, notwithstanding all that has been said by prejudiced or interested parties. lam unable to conceive who could have telegraphed the false announcement alluded to, unless some one inspired by those who are determined to leave nothing undone to prevent Canada and Australia being united telegraphically by a British cable. Yours, &c, Sandfoed Fleming. Sir Charles Tupper, Bart., High Commissioner for Canada, London.

No. 5. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Pbemieb. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sic— 12th March, 1894. Eeferring to the proposal to establish telegraphic communication with the United Kingdom via Vancouver, I beg to transmit herewith copy of letter which I have received from Dr. Lempriere, representing that the Harbour of Pango Pango, in Samoa, is specially adapted as a landing-place for the Pacific cable. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. W B. Peeceval.

Enclosure in No. 5. Dr Lempbieeb to the Agent-Geneeal. 32, Great George Street, Westminster, London, S.W., Sic,— 10th March, 1894. In reference to our conversation yesterday, and in view of the Pacific cable being carried out in the interest of New Zealand, I venture to hope that the landing-station in the centre will be placed at the Harbour of Pango Pango. This has been recognised by the Foreign Office and the Lords of the Admiralty as possessing unparalleled advantages, both as to depth of water and security of anchorage, over any other in the Central Pacific. The syndicate of owners of land and other properties in Samoa which I represent have a reasonable prospect of obtaining a British charter, with a view of establishing a coaling-station on their own land at Pango Pango, under a guarantee to provide a constant and continuous supply of coal, and material for refitting and repairing vessels of all nations. It would therefore be the natural place of call, and would recommend itself as a proper station for the cable. The only other available port in Samoa is Apia, which has an evil reputation for sailors, and under the present German monopoly is undesirable for the mercantile community I have, &c, Chaeles Lempbieee, D.C.L. Sir Westby Perceval, K.C.M.G., Agent-General, &c.

No. 6. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Peemiee. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sir,— 22nd March, 1894. I beg leave to transmit copies of memoranda and letters relating to the subject of the proposed establishment of cable communication between Canada and Australia. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. W B. Perceval.

Enclosure m No. 6. Sir Chaeles Tuppee to the Hon. Sir Eobert Meade. Office of the High Commissioner for Canada, Deae Me. Meade,— 17, Victoria Street, London, S.W., 23rd December, 1893. I beg to send you herewith, for the information of the Secretary of State, an extract from & letter written to me by Mr San'dford Fleming, relating to the Pacific cable. When Mr. Fleming arrives in London—he is expected in the course of a fortnight—l shall do myself the pleasure of introducing him to you.

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