THE AUSTRALIAN TELEGRAPH

Lyttelton Times, Volume VI, Issue 432, 24 December 1856, Page 6

THE AUSTRALIAN TELEGRAPH

; By the accompanying minute taken from Saturday's ' Empire/ it will be seen that the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales have now taken active measures towards carrying out their part in the establishment of telegraphic communication between the four colonies of New South Wales. South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania, A select committee has been formed for the purpose of collecting' information on this important subject. It will also be seen that Mr. M'Go\van,whose experience in such matters well qualifies him to give advice, has already communicated with the Government of New South Wales on the most important matter connected with the subject—the probable cost of the line:—

Mr. Parkes rose to move the resolution standing on,the business paper in his name: "1. That a select committee be appointed to consider and report upon the subject of the introduction into New South Wales of the electric telegraph : more especially with reference to the rapid extension of that means of communication in the adjacent colonj' of Victoria." He would not occupy the house v,-ith any remarks, further than simply stating that the importance of collecting information on the subject would be admitted, lie imagined, by the House. The electric telegraph was in operation in the sister colony of Victoria ; and he believed it was in contemplation in that colony to extend lines across Bass's' Straits, and also to Adelaide. The necessity, therefore, which existed in this colony for possessing information upon a subject so ink-resting, was one that required no argument. He would simply move the resolution, and would have been 'glad it had fallen into other hands. Mr. Hay, on the part of the government, thinking the House might wish to have some data as to the probable cost of the electric telegraph per mile, would read the following letter received by him from the superintendent of the electric, telegraph in Victoria. The letter was as follows : " The cost of constructing the lint's at present under contract in this colony, will amount when completed, to £73 per mile, between Melbourne, Castlemaine, and Sandhurst; and from that between Get-long and Ballaarat to £82. Inese amounts ant exclusive of the cost of instruments and the erection of fitutious. The contracts issued for the supply of newts, insulation, and the labor were taken at £*C-i and £7.i Los. respectively, the Government supplying the wire, the valu« of which is from £8 10< to £9 per jiiik-. The cost of the lines hereafter to be eroded will not exceed from £05 to £70 per mile, including ail materials, instruments nnd stations excepted. " (Signed) Samuel M. M'Gowan. "Superintendent Electric Telegraph. | felectnc lelegmph Offie«, <Mo»cr 14, ißflO " | The motion wan passed.— Herald. Kov 0