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condition of the extension of the Cape cable to Australia, to collect and deliver their own international messages at Perth, Adelaide, and Melbourne with the same freedom as they enjoy in this country, Cape Colony, and Natal. I am, &c, The Most Hon. the Marquess of Tweeddale, K.T. Selboene.

No. 120. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Peemiee. Westminster Chambers, 13 Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sib,— 15th December, 1899. I beg to transmit herewith copy of the instrument received from the Colonial Office, appointing the members of the Pacific Cable Committee. The first meeting (at which I was present) of the Committee was held at the Colonial Office yesterday, the 14th instant. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. W. P. Reeves.

Enclosure in No. 120. WAREANT. I heeeby appoint the Right Hon. William Waldegrave, Earl of Selborne, Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies ; Sir Francis Mowatt, X.C.8., Permanent Secretary to the Treasury; Sir George Herbert Murray, X.C.8., Secretary to the Post Office; the Eight Hon. John Campbell, Earl of Aberdeen, G.C.M.G. ; the Right Hon. Donald Alexander, Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal, G.C.M.G., High Commissioner for Canada; Sir Julian Emanuel Salomons, Q.C., AgentGeneral for New South Wales ; Lieut.-General the Hon. Sir Andrew Clarke, R.E., G.C.M.G., C.8., CLE., Agent-General for Victoria; and the Hon. William Pember Reeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, to be a Committee to further examine and elaborate the scheme for laying a telegraph cable between British North America and the Colonies of Australia, which was submitted by the Pacific Cable Committee which reported in 1896. Sir Francis Mowatt will act as Chairman. The first duty of the Committee will be to consider the following points: (1.) The cost of (a) laying and (b) maintaining the line, and whether as a single or duplicated cable. In order to arrive at a conclusion on this point the Committee will be at liberty, if they think proper, to advertise for tenders, on the understanding, however, that no tender can be accepted without reference to the several Governments concerned. (2.) The rates to be charged for messages, and the revenue which the cable may be expected to earn therefrom. (3.) The steps which should be taken in order to secure that all messages between this country and Australasia should be sent solely through British territory or through cables owned and worked by British companies. (4.) The framing of a scheme for the permanent administration and working of the cable when laid. The conclusions arrived at by the Committee on these points will be laid before the several Governments concerned, who will then decide what further steps should be taken. All questions as to the mode of raising the capital necessary for the undertaking are reserved for the Imperial Government alone. 25th November, 1899. J. Chambeelain.

No. 121. The Hon. the Peemiee to the Agent-Geneeal. Sir, — Premier's Office, Wellington, sth January, 1900. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th August last, covering copy of the Pacific Cable Act, 1899, passed by the Canadian Dominion Legislature. Two copies of the Pacific Cable Authorisation Act of this colony had already been transmitted to the Hon. the Premier at Ottawa. I have, &c, R. J. Seddon. The Hon. W. P. Reeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

No. 122. The Hon. the Peemier to the Agent-General. Sir, — Premier's Office, Wellington, Ist February, 1900. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th December last, transmitting copy of the instrument appointing members of the Pacific Cable Committee, and advising that the first meeting of the Committee was held at the Colonial Office on the 14th idem. I have, &c, R. J. Seddon. The Hon. W. P. Reeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, London,