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The Hon. Mr. Eeeves said New Zealand could not accept the suggestion that the cable should go simply to Queensland, New Zealand being left out. He must represent that to the Conference. If reference was made to the report of the Wellington Conference it would be seen that a resolution was passed on the question of route, which clearly suggested that the route should be from Queens l and to Auckland, thence to Fiji, or from somewhere on the coast of New Zealand to the north of Auckland to Fiji. The Hon. Mr. Tiiynne objected to the Wellington Conference resolution so far as Queensland was concerned. It was not accepted by the Queensland Government. The Hon. Mr. Cook: What is your objection, Mr. Thynne, to this Fiji to Auckland and Auckland to Brisbane suggestion? The Hon. Mr. Tiiynne : There are several objections to it. It was, in the first place, very much further, and involved some 600 or 700 miles of cable more than was required. The Hon. Mr. Eeeves : We submit, of course, that the very trifling increase of distance caused by passing to us in going from Fiji to Brisbane is absolutely no injury to Queensland. We submit that, there being no injury to Queensland, the interests of New Zealand should bo conserved on a point we take to be of vital importance to us. (After some further remarks.) Well, we much prefer that route. The Hon. Mr. Cook: North Cape, in New Zealand? The Hon. Mr. Eeeves : No; the most convenient landing place north of Auckland. Perhaps it will not be the North Cape. It is not desired to leave Queensland out at all. The cable could go from New Ze.aland to Brisbane by as short a route, but by going to Brisbane direct it simply leaves New Zealand out altogether. Why leave us out, when by taking us in you can be equally well served ? Further desultory conversation ensued, and the Hon. Mr. Thynne said he would like to have certain figures verified, as they differed very considerably from the information given by his papers. The Hon. Mr. Eeeves said one difference might be explained by a misunderstanding that had arisen. People talked about the distance from Fiji to Auckland, but it was not going to Auckland, but to some place north ; that would probably mean a difference of some 200 miles. Mr. P. B. Walker, being called in, explained that the slack had been allowed for in some calculations, and much greater percentage in some cases than in others. Moreover, he did not take the figures as at all correct on some of the papers. One engineer allowed 20 per cent, for slack : Mr. Walker only allowed 10 per cent., which he thought ample. Only 6 per cent, slack was used on the New Cale lonia line. Mri Fleming's estimate of 20 percent, was altogether too much :no cable engineer would think of putting so gre<at an excess as that on a cable, unless it was \eij deep sea. It might be a mistake on the right side, but it was unnecessary, as 10 per cent, was ample ; and seldom more than 7| per cent, was used on the Atlantic cables, which were in very deep water. Mr. Walker explained the reason of a deviation in the case of the New Caledonia-Fiji route was to escape a very deep hole to the north-west of New Caledonia, and the probable damage that would be occasioned to the laying machinery in this deep water. The Hon. Mr. Cook : I think we had better settle to take Norfolk Island as the point of bifurcation. The Hon. Mr. Eeeves : The object in accepting a compromise is generally to have a friendly settlement of a difficulty ; would it be a friendly settlement ? If the majority of the Conference want to settle it so, under the circumstances I will not contest the matter. I think my Government would, when I explain the matter, stand by me in accepting the position. The Hon. Mr. Thynne : On behalf of Queensland I am very well satisfied with the compromise proposed. I think it is the best route yet suggested, and will probably cost less than the direct line from Fiji to Queensland. The Hon. Mr. Cook : Very well. Perhaps it would be as well for it to be moved and seconded by two of the other Colonies. The resolution was read : " That the route from Fiji to Australia be to Norfolk Island, thence bifurcating to the nearest convenient landing place in the north of New Zealand and Moret.n Bay." The Hon. Dr. Cockburn thought the proposition a fair one; at the same time, he deemed it a mistake to fix these details —it would only be hampering the Commissioners. Here they had figures at variance, which the Commissioners would be able to have correct and would know more about, and altogether he thought it would be better to leave the Commission untrammelled, as they would have better data to work upon. The Hon. Mr. Gay an Duffy moved, and the Hon. J. Cook seconded: — " That in the opinion of this Conference the route from Fiji to Australia be to Norfolk Island, thence bifurcating to the nearest convenient landing places in the north of New Zealand and Moreton Bay respectively." Carried unanimously. The Hon. Mr. Cook : Now as to the apportionment of cost between the Colonies. Thoro has been an understanding that the Colonies should take equal responsibilities in this matter. The Hon. Mr. Eeeves : Well, personally, so far as my judgment goes, I take that view too, but I am absolutely without any communication from Mr. Ward or from my Government as to their views. The Hon. Mr. Duffy : I should think New Zealand would take a little more than her proportion, as she has no extra expense. The Hon. Dr. Cockburn : Until we get some idea what the cost is expected to be, it is only making difficulties trying to apportion the shares. The Hon. Mr. Cook : 1 do not think so. The Hon. Mr. Eeeves : I am rather inclined to take Dr. Cockburn's view. The Hon. Dr. Cockburn : It practically precludes three Colonies from coming in ; Tasmania could not come in on that basis. The Hon. Mr. Cook : I do not _cc myself, I candidly confess, how Tasmania and Western Australia could ever come in. The Hon. Dr. Cockburn: South Australia could hardly be expected to be an equal contributor, the advantages she would get would be The Hon. Mr. Cook: 15d. or 18d. a word reduction on messages. What does it cost you now to get to London ? The