F.—Bc.
No. 13. Cable received by Premier, New Zealand, from the Agent-General, dated London, 15th October, 1903. Send Home as soon as possible the names and addresses of the London firms reported to have ordered their telegraphic correspondence with local branches vid the Eastern Extension Company.
No. 14. The Right Hon. the Premier to the Hon. Mr. Deakin. Sir, — Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 23rd October, 1903. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th instant relative tothe Pacific Cable Conference, and forwarding copies of telegrams which have passed between us on the subject of such Conference. Doubtless the recent correspondence which has passed between us, as between all the partners in the enterprise, will be submitted and made public. I quite concur with you that the Conference should be held as soon as possible. I was under the impression that all the Australian Governments had agreed that the following are to be the matters discussed : (1.) Agreement between Australia and Eastern Extension Company. (2.) Terminal rates. (3.) Customs duties charged on cable material. I anticipate that the place of meeting will be London ; failing that, it is only natural, as stated to you in my cable of the 13th, to suggest New Zealand. If it is decided to hold it in London, I would suggest that the representatives of the various Governments on the Pacific Cable Board should be appointed to represent trie partners, as they are thoroughly conversant with the whole matter in dispute, and are on the spot. It would not be convenient to appoint a Minister as representative, for, in the first place, one could not be spared, and, if he could, it would mean further delay, and in these matters time is the essence of the contract. I am of the opinion that the Conference should be consultative, without any authority to bind any of the Governments concerned. I have, &c, R. J. Seddon. The Hon. A. Deakin, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, Melbourne.
No. 15. The Right Hon. the Premier to the Hon. Mr. Deakin. (Telegram.) 28th October, 1903. Be your letter 14th October. Concur Conference should be held soon as possible. Understand Australian Governments have agreed that following are to be matters for discussion : (1) Agreement between Australia and Eastern Extension Co.; (2) terminal rates; (3) Customs rates charged on cable material. If Conference held in London would suggest that representatives various Governments on Pacific Cable Board be appointed represent partners as thoroughly conversant whole matter in dispute, and are on the spot. Would not be convenient appoint Minister, for, in first place, one could not be spared, and, in second, it would mean further delay. Concur with you that Conference should be consultative, without any authority to bind any of Governments concerned. Letter posted. Seddon. Deakin, Melbourne.
No. 16. Copy of Cable from Sir Sandfqrd Fleming, dated 2nd November, 1903. Anniversary completion Pacific cable. No Press messages yet transmitted. Would you favour immediate limited news service between New Zealand and Canada ? Ottawa, Ontario. Sandford Fleming.
No. 17. The Right Hon. the Premier to Sir Sandford Fleming. (Telegram.) 2nd November, 1903. Hearty congratulations anniversary Pacific cable. The shortening of time in transmission and reduction in rates has proved great boon. An immediate limited news service between New Zealand and Canada would bring the Dominion and our colony, which have so much in common, closer together, to the advantage of both. Sir Sandford Fleming, Ottawa, Canada. Seddon.
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