THE POSTAL CONFERENCE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2425, 26 January 1888, Page 2

THE POSTAL CONFERENCE.

UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. IBy Elkctmc Teluukai'h—Copvricht.] Svdmky, January 2-!-The Postal Conference last evening decided that it was' advisable to connect Port Darwin with Burkestown to prevent an interruption of communication in the event of the {jrans-pontiijental line breaking. It was agreed not to join the Postal Union until the colonies are allowed to sond a delegate each. A strong feeling was shown on the subject. The work of the Postal Conterence today was confined to hearine , Mr Kowan on behalf of the Pacific Cable Company. The representatives of the Eastern Extension Cable Company state that the real price, at \yhich the company was prepared' to sell the cable between Australia, and New Zealand, is £150,000. They laid their proposals respecting cable charges before the members. The company, in their statement, declare they havu lost £15,000 since the New Zealand Government withdrew the grant of a subsidy, and they would be willing to sell the cable to that colony, guaranteeing tl)O cable in good working condition, and would provide for' maintaining it for a divined period. Alternatively they are williut:' lo agree ti) reduce the rates if a stated yearly revenue is guaranteed, or if they were handed the laud line charges collected by the colonies. Resolutions were passed favouring inter-colonial postal notes, and the parcel post system was recommended, the price to be livepence per lb, with a minimum of tenpence. It was suggested that each colony should adopt the system when seasonable.