17

13. Question of enlarging the scope of Detailed Regulation 19 so as to include small packets of merchandise. Wo recommend that paragraph 1 of these Regulations bo amended so as to admit small packets of merchandise, not exceeding 1 ffi». (not necessarily samples), being allowed to pass at printed paper rates, as is the practice in British possessions and in the Colonies. 14. Detailed Regulation 32. We advise that Regulation 32, paragraph 5, be amended by inserting after the words " British Colonies of Australasia " the following words : —" (New South Wales, Victoria, New Zealand, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, and Fiji)." 15. Question of amending Clause 34 of the Detailed Regulations, so that the statistics required under tha clause be less voluminous. The statistics required under clause 34 of the Detailed Regulations of the Union are, in our opinion, of an unnecessarily voluminous character, and entail a large amount of clerical labour ; and we suggest that the Australasian delegate be instructed to press for an amendment in the direction of simplicity. IG. Question of introducing uniformity of practice amongst Union Administrations in connection with the demonetization of staynps. We recommend that a copy of the statement laid before the New Zealand Conference in 1894 be forwarded to the delegate, with an intimation that Australasia favours such a system as would provide for all stamps which have been sold to the public being accepted in payment of correspondence irrespective of the date of issue. 17. Question of names of ships being allowed to be inserted in shipping advices. This question has been raised by the New Zealand Post Office, and we bring it forward accordingly. Sub-section (i), paragraph 3, detailed regulation 18, permits the indication in manuscript, in advices of the departures of ships of the dates of those departures, and we consider that this necessarily allows the insertion in such advices of the names of the ships ; but should there be any doubt in the matter we advise that the question bo brought forward for decision at the Washington Congress. 18. Question of French Consular correspondence posted in Australia addressed to the French Government being forwarded unstamped. This question has been the subject of considerable correspondence. Whilst it may be argued that the Consular officers are strictly within their rights in claiming the transmission of their letters unpaid, seeing that the Union Convention permits of unpaid letters being forwarded through the post subject to a charge of double the deficient postage on delivery, we consider that the spirit of the Convention is overridden, and the practice operates to the detriment of the Colonies ,which have to pay for the carriage of the correspondence by sea and land, and are, therefore, entitled to the postage. The object of the provision in the Union Regulations in allowing unpaid letters to be sent is to avoid public inconvenience and to meet urgent necessities, but is discouraged by a charge of double the deficient postage to be collected from the addressee. This deterrent does not, however, apply in the case of correspondence of the nature referred to where the charges marked by the office of posting are waived on delivery. As pointed out by the London Office in a letter dated 4th October, 1895, the practice complained of is "one which it is considered difficult to defend, and which is contrary to the views and practices of this country, and indeed of almost all countries of the civilised world." As an illustration of how this provision operates, it would be possible for the French Consul at Melbourne to post for transmission by the Messageries Maritime steamers a quantity of correspondence weighing 1 kilo, unpaid—not only would Victoria be deprived of the postage, but she would have to pay the French Government 15 fr., or 125., for the sea transit to Marseilles. We strongly urge that the Australasian delegate be instructed to represent the unfairness of the practice complained of.

Whilst advising, as we have done, the reduction of the Union territorial and sea rates, we strongly advise that no reduction of the postage rates be agreed to as affecting the Australasian Colonies. It must be borne in mind that these Colonies have to pay large subsidies for their mail services to ensure speed and regularity, which subsidies are not nearly covered by the postages at present rates. In conclusion, we have to report that the first Book of Proposals to be submitted to the Washington Postal Congress only came to hand whilst the Conference was sitting. The proposals are in French, and very voluminous, and we have not had time to consider them. Further proposals have yet to arrive, and so soon as they reach us, and have been translated, it will probably be necessary to hold another meeting to enable us to confer and report to Ministers what other instructions may be required for the Australasian delegate in regard to the whole of the proposals, many of which will, no doubt, be of an important character, requiring careful consideration. S. H. LAMBTON. General Post Office, Sydney, C. TODD. 17th November, 1896. JOHN McDONNELL.

80—C

APPENDIX