F.—Ba.

"If New South Wales Government will not agree to Australasian members Pacific Board acting, will it call conference of colonies interested to discuss question? " It is understood that the Governments of South Australia and Western Australia have accepted the company's proposals; and I am disposed to advise the Government of this colony to do the same, on condition that it agrees to reduce the tariff at once as regards such colonies as accept the proposals, and that the promised payment of £5 per mile per annum for use of our land-lines be made concurrently with the reduction of tariff, or so soon as we can place a wire at its disposal. We should thus secure an immediate reduction oi rates without subsidy or guarantee, whilst under the most favourable circumstances the Pacific cable could not be completed for at least three years. It is desired to learn the views of the Governments of Victoria, Queensland, and New Zealand on the subject before a final decision with regard to it is arrived at here. The Queensland and New Zealand Governments should be communicated with, as partners in the proposed Pacificcable scheme, and I would suggest that the latter be asked to reply by cable. It might be added that the Agent-General for New South Wales, in a letter dated 10th November, 1899, addressed to you, makes the following statement: ". . . The present enhanced value of all the materials needed for the manufacture of cables has made the obtaining of tenders for the Pacific cable within the limits contemplated for the present, perhaps, impossible." It seems to me that, unless we come to terms with the company, we will be at the company's mercy for at least the next three years. The Hon. the Premier, Sydney. W. P. Ceick.

No. 145. The Hon. the Peemiee, Ottawa, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington. (Telegram.) Ottawa, 22nd January, 1900. Would sincerely hope that project of Eastern Extension Telegraph Company will not be accepted. Any kind of delay at this moment might be fatal.

No. 146. The Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Ottawa. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd January, 1900. New Zealand will not accept Eastern Extension Company's offer, and has protested against Australia accepting, as inimical to Pacific cable.

No. 147. The Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington, to the Hons. the Peemiees, Melbourne and Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd January, 1900. Have you received recommendation from the Secretary of State for Colonies to accede to Eastern Extension Company's Cape to Australia cable scheme? New Zealand considers acceptance of such scheme breach of faith Pacific-cable arrangement, seeing it must reduce earnings and increase liabilities.

No. 148. The Hon. the Peemiee, Melbourne, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington. (Telegram.) Melbourne, 24th January, 1900. Victoeian Government has received no direct communication from Secretary of State for Colonies concerning Eastern Extension Company's proposals ; but Mr. Lyne, Premier of New South Wales, has forwarded a copy of letter from Colonial Office to Agent-General for New South Wales, dated third November, which states that Mr. Chamberlain sees no objection to acceptance of proposals by Government of New South Wales. The whole question is now before the Premiers' Conference in Sydney.

No. 149. The Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Brisbane. (Telegram.) Wellington, 24th January, 1900. I yesteeday sent following cablegram to Premiers, Melbourne and Sydney : Have you received recommendation from Secretary of State for Colonies to accede to Eastern Extension Company's Cape to Australia cable scheme ? New Zealand considers acceptance of such scheme breach of faith Pacific-cable arrangement, seeing it must reduce earnings and increase liabilities.

No. 150. The Hon. the Peemiee, Brisbane, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington. (Telegram.) Brisbane, 24th January, 1900. Befeeeing to your telegram to-day: Have received no recommendation from Secretary of State on subject. Yesterday telegraphed, in reply to Sir Wilfrid Laurier, that Queensland most desirous see Pacific cable immediately proceeded with, and would not lend countenance to any proposals of Eastern Extension Company -which might tend to delay or prejudice Pacific-cable scheme.

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