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No. 6. The Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal, Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal, Melbourne. (Telegram.) General Post Office, Wellington, 30th November, 1894. Telegeam received. I very much regret decision re cable guarantee. Trust, however, that notwithstanding difficulty of position you may yet see your way to recognise the advantages to colonies, and especially to commerce, from a continuation of cheap cable communication. I have asked Postmaster-General, South Australia, to confer with the guaranteeing colonies.

No. 7 The Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal, Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmastees-Geneeal, Sydney and Hobart, and the Postmastee-Geneeal, Perth. (Telegram.) General Post Office, Wellington, 4th December, 1894. Refebeing Victoria's withdrawal from cable guarantee: I strongly urge that other colonies immediately make joint representation endeavour persuade her not to withdraw Am advised that if volume last month's cable business continues next three or four months, payments to Guarantee Fund comparatively trifling. Should Victoria actually withdraw, other colonies must do the same, and cable rates necessarily materially increased, adversely interfering with commerce. lam cabling other guaranteeing colonies. Would be glad if you would obtain their views and arrange. Let me know what considered best to be done.

No. 8. The Hon. the Ministee for Education, Adelaide, to the Hon. the Postmasteb-Genebal, Wellington. (Telegram.) General Post Office, Adelaide, Ist December, 1894. In reference to withdrawal from guarantee, will do all I can to urge reconsideration.

No. 9. . . The Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal, Wellington, to the Hon. the Ministee for Education, Adelaide. (Telegram.) General Post Office, Wellington, 4th December, 1894. Thanks for your telegram. Have sent following to Postmasters-General, Sydney, Hobart, and Perth:—[See No. 7.]

No. 10. The Hon. the Postmastee - Genebal, Hobart, to the Hon. the Postmastee - Genebal, Wellington. (Telegram.) Hobart, 4th December, 1894. Victoeia's notice to us of withdrawal is only in respect of agreement to join us in loss by reason of reduced charges across Straits. lam unaware of any other withdrawal. Other colonies have so far declined to share in said loss, and the proposal for them to do so will be reopened at March Conference, until when existing rates continue.

No. 11. The Seoeetaky, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Deputy Postmasteb-Genebal, Melbourne. Sic,— General Post Office, Wellington, 6th December, 1894. T have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 19th October last, advising that it was the intention of the Victorian Government to give notice of withdrawal from all agreements of guarantee in respect of cable receipts for business transacted over European, New Zealand, and Tasmanian cables, as from the 30th April, 1895, and requesting an expression of opinion on the subject. As you are no doubt aware, the Postmaster-General communicated with the Hon. Mr Duffy on the 28th and 30th ultimo by telegram, urging a reconsideration of the determination of your colony to withdraw from the guarantee. In sending you copy of the telegrams lam desired by the Hon. Mr. Ward to again express the hope that in the general and commercial interests of Australasia the Government of your colony will yet be able to see its way to continue a party to the guarantee agreement. I have, &c, The Deputy Postmaster-General, Melbourne. W. Geay, Secretary

No. 12. The Hon. the Peemibe, Melbourne, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington. Sic, — Premier's Department, Melbourne, 11th December, 1894. I have the honour to inform you that it is the intention of this Government to withdraw, from the 30th April next, from the following guarantees:—