23

F.--8

2. I take this opportunity of enclosing for your Ministers' information a copy of a despatch on the subject from the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. [See enclosure in No. 29. j 1 have, etc., L. Harcourt. Governor-General His Roval Highness the Duke of Connaught and of Strathearn. K.G., K.T., K.P., G.C.8.. G.C.5.1., G.C.M.G., (J.C.l.hi., G.C.V.O, &c Sub-enclosure 5 in No. 31. The Right Hon. the Secretary of State for the Colonies to His Excellency the Govf.rnorGbNEBAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF A.UBTBALIA. Sir,-- Colonial Office, Downing Street, sth January, 1915. With reference to my telegram of to-day, I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, for record, copies of the memorandum [see sub-enclosure to enclosure I in No. 27] by the Pacific Cable Board on the subject, of the terminal rates in Australia and New Zealand. I have, &c, L. Harcourt. Governor-General His Excellency the Right, Hon. Sir R. Munro-Ferguson, G.C.M.G., &c.

No. 32. The High Commissioner to the Right Hon. the Prime .Minister. Westminster Chambers, 13 Victoria Street, London S.W., Sir,- 12th February, 19J5. Referring to my letter of the 19th ultimo and to previous correspondence, 1 have the honour to enclose for your information copies of cablegrams exchanged between the Pacific Cable Board and their Manager in the Pacific with regard to the proposed reduction in the New Zealand tariff, and the announcement thereof. I have, &c, The Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington, Thos. Mackenzie. Enclosure 1 in No. 32. The Manacer in the Pacific, Pacific Cable Board, Sydney, to the Secretary, Pacific Cable Board, London. (Telegram.) Sydney; 26th January. 1915. AnviSED by Secretary, Wellington, New Zealand, rate to United Kingdom reduced from Ist April. May this be announced ? ,jv Enclosure 2 in No. 32. The SECRETARY, Pacific Cable Board, London, to the MANAGER l.\ THE Pacific, Pacific Cable Board, Sydney. (Telegram.) London, 28th January, 1915. PUBLICATION hardly necessary at present, as reduction does not take effect for two months. Board would prefer to await, decision of Australian Government, in order to make comprehensive announcement. Communicate with Secretary, Wellington, suggesting this, and cable his reply. Enclosure 3 in No. 32. The Manacer ix the Pacific, Pacific Cable Board, Sydney, to the SECRETARY, Pacific Cable Board, London. (Telegram.) Sydney, sth February. 1915. Your telegram 28th January: Secretary, Wellington, says no announcement reduction New Zealand rates will be made pending further advice, but thinks public should he given at least month's notice.

No. 33. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Manager in Australasia, Eastern Extension Company, Adelaide. (Telegram.) Wellington, 22nd February. 1915. Has company arrived at any decision regarding reduction of rates to lit in with reduction announced bv Pacific Cable Board (