F.—B

Sess. 11.—1897. NEW ZEALAND.

TELEGRAPH CABLES (FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO). [In continuation of Paper F.-8, presented on the 25th August, 1896.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTEALIAN CABLES. No. 1. The Manager in Australasia, Eastern Extension Company, Melbourne, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. The Eastern Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Company (Limited), Sib,— Melbourne, 13th April, 1897. I have the honour to inform you that this company is prepared to make a substantial reduction of the tariff between the Australasian Colonies and China-Japan from Ist July next, subject to the approval of the guaranteeing Governments. The company's proportion would be reduced for China traffic from ss. 2d. per word to 3s. sd. (inclusive of Java transit rate, Id.), making the full rate from New Zealand 4s. 6d. per word, instead of 6s. 3d. The company also hope to introduce a uniform tariff of 4s. 6d. per word for Hongkong, Amoy, Foochow, and Shanghai, with a corresponding reduction for Japan. I have also to intimate that, if there is a probability of Queensland being allowed the benefit of the reduced rates without participating in the guarantee, the company would suggest that the concession should take effect from the Ist July next. An early reply is solicited, in order that the necessary timely notice may be given to Berne. I have, &c, W. Warren, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Manager in Australasia.

No. 2. The Hon. the Minister of Education, Adelaide, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. (Telegram.) Adelaide, 18th June, 1897. Referring to my telegram of 28th May [not printed], Queensland declines to join in duplicate cable subsidy; but Mr. Dickson will recommend Cabinet to concur in international and New Zealand guarantees if this includes engagements for Tasmanian cable. I suggest concurrence, as duplicate cable subsidy runs out in October, 1899.

No. 3. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Postmaster-General, Adelaide. Post and Telegraph Department, General Post Office, (Telegram.) Wellington, 28th June, 1897. New Zealand agrees to Queensland joining in cable guarantees.