The Postal Conference.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 258, 8 March 1894, Page 2

The Postal Conference.

* . (per press association) Wkllingtok, March 7. Tbis morning the Hon. Mr Ward noved, That considering the important interests involved, both of a national and commercial character, in the establishment of a Pacific cable, the representatives of the respective Colonies assembled at this Conference recommend their Governments to consider the desirabiiitj of entering into a guarantee with the other countries interested for a period not exceeding fourteen years, and to guarantee interest at four per cent, on a capital of not more than £1,800,000 to any company undertaking the laying-of a Pacific cable, the tariff not to exceed three shillings per word for ordinary telegrams, two shillings per word for Government telegrams* and one shilling and sixpence for press telegrams, to and from Great Britain and the Colonies, and that the Lnited Kingdom be asked to join in the guarantee, The routes of the cable to be either of the following : — Brisbane to Ahia> para Bay, New Zealand, Abiapara Bay to Suva, Suva to Apia. Apia to Fanning Islands, Fanning Islands to Sandwich Islands, thence to Vancouver, or from New Zealand by same route to Vancouver, The Hon. Mr Kidd seconded the motion, the debate on which was adjourned till next day. On the motion of Mr Wynne, it was decided that the conditions be settled by this Conference upon which fresh tenders for the Federal mail services are to be called. The Poßtal Conference will adjourn to Auckland to-morrow, where the business will be concluded before the delegates leave for Sydney.