The adoption of a uniform rule, therefore, implies either the imposing of a rate in those cases where newspapers go free, or the extension of free conveyance to those newspapers which are now charged, an alternative which would not only cause some loss to the revenue but would augment an inconvenience already serious! 7 felt by this department. Parliamentary Proceedings it is very desirable, for the sake of simplicity to place on the same footing as other books; as however this would, in many cases, involve an increase in the present rates (generally from Id., though in a few cases from 2d. per quarter pound, to 6d. per half pound), this charge, as well as the establishment of a rate on all newspapers, would tend to produce dissatisfaction, which I fear would scarcely be allayed by the very moderate and exceptional reduction implied in the establishment of a uniform letter rate of Is. If, however, the interests of the revenue should be found to admit of a decided reduction in the general rate, all minor dissatisfaction would probably disappear amidst the gratification arising from so popular a measure. Considering the vast importance of strengthening the ties between the colonies and the mother country, I am of opinion that some revenue may wisely be sacrificed, or at least risked, for the purpose of multiplying correspondence, and giving to the Colonies a valuable and acceptable privilege. Impressed with the importance of these views, I submit for the consideration of your Lordships, without at present suggesting any change in the inter-colonial postage, the propriety of lowering the present postal charges between the mother country and the Crown colonies to a uniform rate of 6d. to be divided, as regards colonies,'the ports of which are not under any control, in the same proportions as originally proposed in regard to the Is. rate; thus giving sd, or 3d. to the mother country, and Id. or 3d. to the colony, according as the letter is conveyed by packet or private ship, and the course of proceeding being in oil other respects the same as recommended above. With so large a reduction on letters, I should have no hesitation in recommending that Parliamentary proceedings should be placed on the same footing as other books, and that a uniform rate of Id. (also to be paid in advance) should be established on newspapers, the same freeing them to their destination either way, and the postage being retained by whichever party collects it. Under this combined arrangement Heligoland would of course be no longer (as formerly proposed) an exception to the general rule ; and what is more important, the scale for letters would be the same (substituting ounces for pounds) as that recently adopted for books. Supposing the rates to be thus reduced, I think a corresponding reduction should take place in the gratuities payable to the masters of private ships; and I propose that the present payment of 2d. per letter and Id. per newspaper be reduced by one-half. I would suggest also a proportionate reduction in the allowance to the Custom House officers for letters landed at Gravesend, viz., from to |d. per letter, as also the allowance to boatmen for bringing ship letters ashore in the Channel, and in any other allowance now made in respect of ship letters. There are no exact data for ascertaining the amount of revenue which would be risked by either of the uniform rates proposed, but so far as can be judged from a rough estimate founded on the state of things in 1848, it would be £10,000 per annnm in case of the Is. rate being fixed, and above £50,000 per annum in the case of the 6d. rate being determined upon, omitting the Government postage in both cases. Judging, however, by past experience, there can be little doubt that the greater part of any deficit that might be arise, would, in a few years, be made up by an increase in the number of letters. Considering this, and bearing in mind that the obligation to consult certain of the Colonial Legislatures, necessitates a gradual introduction of the measure, I think it probable that the loss of revenue in any one year will not exceed £20,000. B