REPORT OF THE POSTAL AND TELEGRAPH CONFERENCE HELD IN HOBART IN MARCH-APRIL, 1898. INCLUDING REPORTS OF PROCEEDINGS AND PAPERS LAID BEFORE THE CONFERENCE

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1898 Session I, F-03

F.—3

1898. NEW ZEALAND.

REPORT OF THE POSTAL AND TELEGRAPH CONFERENCE HELD IN HOBART IN MARCH-APRIL, 1898. INCLUDING REPORTS OF PROCEEDINGS AND PAPERS LAID BEFORE THE CONFERENCE

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

WELLINGTON. BY AUTHORITY: JOHN MACKAY, GOVERNMENT PRINTER.

1898.

CONTENTS.

PAGE Report of the Delegates 5 Minutes of the Proceedings „.. 9 Amendments of Postal Union Convention, and Detailed Regulations, Washington Congress, 1897 43 Returns relative to the Telegraph Service 55 Report and Recommendations by Heads of Departments 63 Report of the Debates 89

POSTAL AND TELEGRAPH CONFERENCE, 1898.

REPORT OF THE DELEGATES TO THE INTERCOLONIAL POSTAL AND TELEGRAPHIC CONFERENCE HELD IN HOBART DURING MARCH AND APRIL, 1898.

President: The Hon. Sir Philip Fysii, K.C.M.G., M.H.A., of Tasmania.

I. The following Colonies were represented :—New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and Tasmania. 11. The Conference sat on the 28th, 29th, 30th, and 31st March, and Ist, 2nd, and 4th April. The following were the principal Resolutions adopted ; viz. : — Relating to Postal Service. 1. That in the opinion of this Conference it would be inadvisable to make any further reduction of the over-sea. postage rate until the way is clear for a reduction in the present large subsidies paid for the carriage of such mails, and the present inland and intercolonial rates. 2. That this Conference is of opinion that the word " specimen " be placed across all stamps issued to collectors. That all Postage Stamps issued to the Berne Postal Bureau or between Post Offices shall bear an obliteration with the date-stamp. 3. That an inset or a hand-bill should not be regarded as coming within the definition of a Newspaper Supplement under the Post Office Acts. 4. That representations be made from this Conference to the Post Office authorities at Queensland, pointing out that the high rates charged on newspapers coming from other Colonies is an unjustifiable restriction on the Australian.press. 5. That this Conference hereby records its appreciation of the zealous and able manner in which the Hon. J. Gavan Duffy, Postmaster-General of Victoria, discharged the duty of representing Australasia at the Washington Postal Convention.

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6. That this Conference recommend to the Governments of Australasia the ratification of the Treaty entered into at Washington at the last Universal Postal Congress. 7. That this Conference recommends to the Governments of Australasia that no alteration in International Postal Rates be made without the Colony proposing to make such alterations advising the other Colonies and endeavouring to arrange for uniformity of action. 8. That the various Agents-General Delegates to the Postal Conference in London be instructed to oppose the proposal to reduce the rate of postage to all parts of the British Empire from c l\d. per \ oz. to 2d., and also the Canadian proposal to reduce her outgoing rate from 5 cents, per \ oz. to 3 cents, per oz., for the following reasons : — 1. The present rate is not an unreasonably high one, having in view the large cost to the Colonies involved in the maintenance of the present means of Postal communication with the various portions of the Empire. 2. Because of the anomaly which would be created by carrying letters 14,000 miles for the same rate as now charged for delivery within the limits of the Town where posted. Regarding the proposal of Canada to reduce her outgoing postage, this Conference is strongly of opinion that no reduction should take place which would be a departure from the present uniform rate, for the following reason, inter alia, at present a charge of 2d. per half-ounce is made in Australia for the carriage of letters to however small a distance, while the Canadian proposal would involve the carrying of letters over the same routes at a greatly reduced cost. This would, in the opinion of the Conference, lead to confusion and dissatisfaction. Telegraphic—Alteration in Rates. 9. That this Conference recommends to the Governments of Australasia that no alteration in International Telegraphic Rates be made without the Colony proposing to make such alterations advising the other Colonies, and endeavouring to arrange for uniformity of action. 10. That this Conference regrets that, owing to the financial loss involved, the question of a general reduction in the prices of Intercolonial Telegrams must stand over for the present, and make no suggestion on the question of the limitation of addresses ; but it is suggested that the Governments of New South Wales and Queensland arrange between themselves as to rates and limitations of words in addresses. The following proposal by the Representative of Queensland, which was not agreed to, was ordered to be recorded:—"That any re-arrangement of charges should be on the basis of either charging for every word, whether in addresses or text, such beinc the International principle, or, of allowing the address and signature to the number of twelve words to be sent free." Share-dealing by Operators. ] 1. That, in the opinion of this Conference, telegraphic employees should be absolutely prevented from speculating in shares.

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12. That, in the absence of any satisfactory proposal from the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, and of any proposal at all, except on the basis of an alternative cable via Africa, this Conference is unable to make any fresh arrangement with that Company. 13. That this Conference-re-affirms the opinion that in the interests of Australasia the Pacific Cable project should be consummated as speedily as practicable, and that the Governments of the various Australasian Colonies be requested to represent to the Imperial and Dominion Governments the foregoing opinion, together with the proposal of the Premiers as agreed to at their recent Conference held in Melbourne, viz. : — That if Great Britain and Canada would each contribute one-third of the cost, the Colonies would be prepared to contribute the remaining one-third. 14. That the question in reference to the Overland Telegraph Lines between South Australia and Queensland be referred to the Governments of those Colonies. 15. That this Conference has heard with satisfaction from the representative of South Australia of the intention of the Government to take immediate steps for the improvement of the Overland Telegraph Line, and urges him to impress upon his Government to lose no time in effecting the improvements suggested, and hopes the Western Australian Government will take similar steps with regard to their overland line. General. The Reports of the Heads of Departments on subjects of detail connected with Postal and Telegraphic matters were received and adopted. Other matters were considered and withdrawn, for which see Minutes of Proceedings. Appended to this Report will be found :-— 1. Minutes of Proceedings. 2. vlmendments of Postal Union Convention, and detailed Regulations, Washington Congress, 1897. 3. Papers laid before the Conference. 4. Report of Heads of Departments. 5. Report of the Debates. Signed on behalf of New South Wales, JOSEPH COOK. Signed on behalf of Victoria, JOHN GAVAN DUFFY. Signed on behalf of South Australia, J. G. JENKINS. Signed on behalf of Queensland, JAMES R. DICKSON. Signed on behalf of Tasmania, P, 0. FYSH.

CORRIGENDA.

On page 23, last line, for " out-territory " read " one territory." After Article 90, page 37, strike out " (See other side)." Page 54, Article 40, strike out the eighth word " of."

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POSTAL AND TELEGRAPH CONFERENCE, HOBART, 1898.

MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HOBART.

MONDAY, 28th MARCH, 1898. The Conference met at 11 a.m., when the under-mentioned gentlemen, representing the Colonies herein named, were present: — New South Wales: The Hon. Joseph Cook, M.P., Postmaster-General. S. H. Lambton, Esq., Deputy Postmaster-General. P. B. Walker, Esq., M. Inst. C.E., M.I.E.E, Chief Electrician and Engineer-in-Chief Telegraph Department. Victoria: The Hon. John Gavan Dtjefy, M.L.A., Postmaster-General. . F. L. Otjttrim, Esq., Deputy Postmaster-General, Secretary to Postal Department, and Superintendent of Telegraphs. South Australia: Sir Charles Todd, K.C.M.G., Postmaster-General. Queensland : The Hon. J. R. Dickson, C.M.G., M.L.A., Home Secretary and Postmaster-General. John M'Donnell, Esq., Under Secretary to the Post and Telegraph Department and Superintendent of Electric Telegraphs. John Hesketh, Esq., Electrical Engineer. Tasmania : The Hon. Sir Philip Fysh, M.H.A., Treasurer and PostmasterGeneral. H. V. Bayly, Esq., Secretary to the Post Office. Election op President. The Honorable Joseph Cook moved, and the Honorable J. R. Dickson seconded, — "That the Honorable Sir Philip Fysh, K.C.M.G., be appointed President of the Conference." Sir Philip Fysh acknowledged the honor, and took the Chair. Secretary. The Honorable John Gavan Duffy moved, and the Honorable Joseph Cook seconded, — "That Mr. Thomas Cook Just be appointed Secretary to the Conference." Carried. Admission op the Press. The Hon. John Gavan Duffy moved, and the Hon. Joseph Cook seconded, — " That the representatives of the Press be admitted to the deliberations of the Conference, but not when in Committee." Carried. Commissions. The Hon. Jno. Gavan Duffy, the Hon. Joseph Cook, and the Hon. J. R. Dickson presented their Commissions as Representatives of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland to the Conference. Representation of South Australia. The Hon. John Gavan Duffy reported that the Ministerial Representative of South Australia, the Hon. J. G. Jenkins, had intimated to him that he would arrive in Hobart on Wednesday evening next.

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Papers. The following Papers were tabled : — The Hon. Joseph Cook : Report on Palmrya and Fanning Islands, as to their suitability and capabilities as submarine cable stations, by Capt. A. M. Field, R.N., H.M.S. Penguin, 1897. Sir Charles Todd : Table showing contribution of the several Colonies to guarantees and subsidies, not including the duplicate cable subsidy ; also Return of International Telegraphic Traffic, 1889 to 1897. The Hon. Joseph Cook : Statistical Return of Telegraphs, New South Wales, for 1897. Printing Committee. Hon. Jno. Gavan Duffy moved, — " That the Hon. the President and the Hon. Joseph Cook be appointed a Printing Committee. Hon. J. R. Dickson seconded. Carried. Time of Meeting. Hon. J. R. Dickson moved,— " That this Conference meet for the despatch of business daily (Sundays excepted) from 1030 a.m. to 1 P.M., and from 2 to 5 p.m. Hon. Jno. Gavan Duffy seconded. Carried. Western Australia and New Zealand. The Hon. Jno. Gavan Duffy expressed regret that the Colonies of Western Australia ami New Zealand were not represented at the Conference by special Delegates, but trusted that the interests of Western Australia would be delegated to the South Australian Representatives. The Eight Hon. Mr. Seddon, the Premier of New Zealand, had sent him a telegram expressing sympathy with the objects of the Conference, and requesting to be kept informed by telegram as to the proceedings. The President instructed the Secretary to comply with the request. Order of Business. The following Paper was tabled and read by the Secretary : — MEMORANDUM of Subjects proposed to be discussed. Postal. 1. Proposed reduction from 2\d. to 2d. per of postage on letters passing in both directions between the United Kingdom and other parts of the British Empire. (N.S.W. 1), (Vie. 2), (Q. 4). 2. Proposal of Canada to reduce Postage on Letters to all parts of the British Empire from 5 cents to 3 cents. (Vie. 3), (Q 5). 3. Adoption of Uniform Letter Bills and furnishing Statistics of Intercolonial Correspondence. (Q.- 7 -). 4. Adoption of Uniform Letter Bills for mails exchanged between (a) the principal Offices of the Australasian Colonies, and (b) Border Post Offices. (N.S.W. 6.) 5. Australian Mails Way Bill. (S.A. 7.) 6. Reply Postage Stamp. (S.A. 10), (Q. 6). (a.) Merridew's Scheme. (b.) Maury's Scheme. 7. The use of the "Paid-at" stamp on correspondence on which postage has been paid in cash. (Vie. 9.) 8. Inland Postage Rates Local Delivery. (S.A. 8.) 9. Rates of Postage levied by Fiji on Patterns and Samples, and on Newspapers. (Vie. 23.) 10. lie Berne Bureau questioning the rates charged by the Australasian Colonies on International (a) Patterns and Samples, and (b) Newspapers. (N.S.W. 7), (Q. 12). 11. Samples of Glass, &c. Vide London letter. (S.A. 13), (N.S.W. 36). 12. The Postage to be charged on obliterated stamps and spent letters. (Vie. 10.) 13. Bankers' parcels : need for strictly enforcing Regulations relating thereto. (N.S.W. 10.) 14. The Intercolonial Packet Post to be limited to articles of no commercial or saleable value. (Q. 9.) 15. Practice of taxing "Officially" or " Compulsorily" registered International correspondence supposed to contain money or other valuable enclosure. (N.S.W. 11.) 16. Proposed amendment of Article 12 of the Australasian Postal Convention so far as it relates to "Travellers' " Cards or Circulars. (N.S.W. 15.)

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17. Permission to Commercial Travellers to post letters on trains without affixing late fee. (Vie. 11.) 18. Grocers' Price Lists, postage on. (S.A. 3.) 19. Proxy Forms or Notices, postage on. (S.A. 5.) 20. Circulars' postage. (S.A. 9.) 21. Re Queensland surcharging New Zealand postal matter prepaid at the \d. per 2 oz. rate. (N.S.W. 16.) 22. Proposal to prohibit the enclosure of articles of a monetary denomination in parcels and packets. (N.S.W. 17.) 23. Rates levied by the respective Australasian Colonies on " Loose Ship Letters." 24. Transmission through the post of such publications as the " Wife's Guide and Friend." (Vie. 16.) 25. Transmission of Promissory Notes, Circulars, and other printed matter with Accounts. _ (Vie. 17.) 26. Printed communications as footnotes on Invoices, Accounts, &c. (Vie. 18.) 27. Redirection charges. (S.A. 1.) 28. The obliteration of stamps issued to Collectors. (Vie. 19.) 29. Question as to how Specimen Postage Stamps supplied to the public and the Berne Postal Bureau should be marked—whether " Specimen " or an obliteration of the date-stamp. (N.S.W. 19.) _ 30. Application of Union Patent Stationery Company re embossing combined sheet of note paper and envelope. (Vie. 20.) 31. Counterfeit postage stamps : compliance with Article No. 18 Vienna Convention. (S.A. 6.) 32. Newspaper Supplements, Advertisement Sheets Bills, with name, date, and publisher's name thereon. (Vie. 22.) 33. "Dempsters," postage on. (S.A. 4.) 34. Operation of " Suppression of Gambling and Indecent Advertisements Act "of Queensland, in connection with newspapers published outside Queensland and forwarded by post to that Colony. (Vie. 4.) 35. Postal Guides, uniformity. (S.A. 2.) 36. Territorial transit rates charged by one Australian Colony to another such Colony, proposed reduction. (N.S.W. 5.) 37. Accelerating of train service with English Mails from Brisbane. (Q. 12a), (N.S.W. 37). 38. Australasian Postal Convention. (Q. 3), (S.A. 1]). 39. Ratification of Washington Congress, and consideration of the various Conventions entered into at Washington but not signed by the Australasian Delegate. (Vie. 1.) Parcels Post. 40. Proposed arrangement for enabling senders of parcels for despatch per parcels post to places abroad to defray all Customs and other charges arising upon such parcels. (N.S.W. 2), (Vie. 12), (Q. 1). 41. Customs Declarations on Parcel Post packages. (Tas. 3.) 42. Proposed " Express Delivery " of parcels and postal packets exchanged between the United Kingdom and the Australasian Colonies. (N.S.W. 3), (Vie. 5). 43. France—Parcel Post Convention. (S.A. 12.) 44. Establishment of direct exchange of parcels between the Australasian Colonies and Cape Colony and other such South African States and Colonies. (N.S.W. 4), (Q. 11). 45. Revision of Parcel Post Rates to India and the East. Ceylon to act as intermediary. (Vie. 14.) 46. Proposed introduction of system of Insurance on Postal Parcels. (N.S.W. 8.) 47. Articles having a saleable value received by Packet Post to be transferred to Inland Parcel Post. (Q. 10.) 48. Adjustment of Postage on Intercolonial Parcels posted out of course and received in the Colony of destination by other than Parcel Post. (N.S.W. 9.) 49. Mode of charging and accounting for irregularly posted parcels. (Vie. 13.) 50. Discontinuance of registration of parcels in New South Wales. (N.S.W. 12.) 51. Intercolonial charges for certificates of posting of parcels. (N.S.W. 13.) 52. Apportionment of intercolonial Parcel Postage equally between the Colony of origin and Colony of delivery. (Q. 8.) 53. Claim of London Office to be credited with \d. per lb. for sea transit from Australia to England on parcels sent to Foreign Countries via the United Kingdom. (N.S.W. 14.) 54. Apportionment of postage on parcels exchanged with Foreign Countries through the intermediary of the United Kingdom. (Vie. 15), (Q. 2).' 55. The practicability or otherwise of introducing the " Value Payable" or " Cash" on delivery of Parcels System into the Australasian Colonies. (N.S.W. 18.) Money Orders and Postal Notes. 56. Rates of Commission on Money Orders from the Australasian Colonies to the United Kingdom, Cape Colony, &c. (N.S.W. 21.)

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57. Reduction in rate of Commission to paying country on Money Orders exchanged between Australasian Colonies and Singapore. (Vie. 8.) 58. Treatment of Money Order Advices missent to other Colonies. (N.S.W. 22.) 59. Practice of forwarding Money Order Advices with and without lists between Colonies. (Tas. 1.) 60. Telegraph Money Order System between Colonies. (Tas. 2), (N.S.W. 38). 61. Exchange of Money Orders with Japan. (Vie. 21), (S.A. 15). 62. Suggested discontinuance of the issue of duplicate Postal Notes,, and the payment of the face value of Postage Stamps affixed to Postal Notes. (Vie. 6.) 63. Duplicate Postal Notes. (S.A. 14.) 64. Exchange of Postal Notes between Australasia and the United Kingdom. (Vie. 7.) Telegraphic. 65. Alternative Cable Route. (N.S.W. 23.) 66. Pacific Cable. (Q. 21.) 67. Overland Telegraph Line, South Australia. (Q. 13.) 68. Cable Subsidies and Guarantees : time of year closing. (Tas. 5.) 69. Berne's Circular re tabidated Telegraph Routes, and method of indicating such Routes. (Vie. 26.) 70. Fire Alarms. (S.A. 1.) 71. Sunday Telegraph Rates to Tasmania. (S.A. 5.) 72. Intercolonial Telegraph. (S.A. 9.) 73. Resolution of Conference Chambers of Commerce re Intercolonial Telegraph charges. (Vie. 27.) _ 74. Mode of counting and charging telegrams. Disputes with the public as to what are cipher words. (N.S.W. 24). (Orders for parts of Machinery). (Vie. 24). 75. System of counting words in Inland and Intercolonial Ordinary Telegrams. (N.S.W. 25), (Vie. 28). 76. Share-dealing. (S.A. 3.) 77. Share Telegrams between Stock Exchange. (S.A. 4.) 78. Counting double names in Telegrams. (Q. 16.) 79. Re word "care" being inserted in address of Message. (Tas. 4.) 80. Suggested abolition of additional charge on Cipher words contained in Inland and Intercolonial Telegrams. (N.S.W. 28), (Q. 18). 81. Reduction of the New South Wales-Queensland Telegraph Rates ; and alteration in mode of charging on Inland and Intercolonial Telegrams. (N.S.W. 34), (Q. 17). 82. Intercolonial Telegraph repeats. (S.A. 2.) 83. Proposed (.mission of the word " to" from before addresses on Telegrams. (N.S.W. 35), (Vie. 25), (Q. 20). 84. Charges for certified copies of Telegrams and Search Fees. (N.S.W. 26.) 85. Re numbers as well as words appearing in Telegrams. (Q. 15), (N.S.W. 27), (Vie. 30). 86. Consideration of Berne's Circular Letter, August 3rd, 1897. (S.A. 10.) 87. The question of abolishing the system of " Urgent" Intercolonial Telegrams, or of over- ■ coming the delays to which ordinary Telegrams are subjected in Colonies in which such system is in operation. (N.S.W. 29.) 88. Urgent Telegrams with West Australia. (Vie. 33.) 89. Urgent Telegrams, distinctive coloured forms. (S.A. 7.) 90. Question of issuing Vouchers with " Reply paid " Telegrams in terms of paragraph 1 Clause 51 of Buda-Pesth Telegraph Service Regulations. (N.S.W. 30), (Vie. 29). 91. Typewriters for Telegrams. (S.A. 8.) 92. Code Vocabulary. Points submitted by L'erne Telegraph Bureau for consideration. (N.S.W. 31), (Vie. 32), (Q. 19). 93. Proposal that Australasian Telegraph Administrations undertake for a fee the " coding " of International Messages as is now done by Router's Agency. (N.S.W. 32.) 94. Adoption of uniform Charges and Regulations with respect to International Code Addresses. (N.S.W. 33.) 95. Surnames as Code Addresses. (S.A. 6.) 96. Code Addresses. (Vie. 31.) 97. Code Addresses, Registration of. (Q. 14.) 98. Telegraph Regulations. (S.A. 11.) 99. Telephone Regulations. (S.A. 12.) 100. Private Telephone Line. (S.A. 13.) 101. Free transmission of Telegrams on Postal Service over New Zealand and Bass Straits Cables. (S.A. 14.) 102. Establishment of Telephonic communication between the Capital cities of the Australian Continent. (N.S.W. 38.) Miscellaneous. 103. Regulations regarding Uniform Letter Carriers and Messengers. (S.A. 1.) 104. Holidays, Christmas and Good Friday. (S.A. 2.)"

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It was resolved tha-t the following subjects be considered by Ministers in Conference. Nos. 1, 2, 21, 24, 28, 29, 32, 34, 39, 65 to 68, 87 to 88, and 102. Departmental Committee. The Hon. Jno. Gavan Duffy moved, that the remaining subjects included in the business Paper be referred to a Sub-Committee of the Heads of Departments, with instructions to report to the Conference. Hon. Joseph Cook seconded. Carried. The Washington Convention. Hon. John Gavan Duffy gave notice to move to-morrow : — " That this Conference recommend to the Governments of Australasia the ratification of the recommendations entered into at Washington, at the last Universal Postal Convention. That the Sub-Committee of Permanent Heads be requested to report to the Conference : — Ist. On the several matters left optional by the principal Treaty. 2nd. On the various subsidiary Treaties entered into by some Administrations at Washington, but not signed by the Australian Delegate." Hon. John Gavan Duffy stated that to enable the Conference to discuss this Motion he would now table a translation of the Amendments of the Postal Union Convention and detailed Regulations. Adjournment. The Conference adjourned at noon until 10*30 next day. P. O. FYSH, President. Thos. C. Just, Secretary.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HOBART.

TUESDAY, 29th MARCH, 1898. The Conference met at 10*30 a.m., when the under-mentioned gentlemen, representing the Colonies herein named, were present: — New South Wales: The Hon. Joseph Cook, M.P., Postmaster-General. S. H. Lambton, Esq., Deputy Postmaster-General. P. B. Walker, Esq., M. Inst. C.E., M.1.E.E., Chief Electrician and Engineer-in-Chief Telegraph Department. Victoria: The Hon. John Gavan Duffy, M.L.A., Postmaster-General. F. L. Outtrim, Esq., Deputy Postmaster-General, Secretary to Postal Department, and Superintendent of Telegraphs. South Australia: Sir Charles Todd, K.C.M.G., Postmaster-General. Queensland: The Hon. J. R. Dickson, C.M.G., M.L.A., Home Secretary and Postmaster-General. John M'Donnell, Esq,, Under Secretary to the Post and Telegraph Department and Superintendent of Electric Telegraphs. John Hesketii, Esq., Electrical Engineer. Tasmania : H. V. Bayly, Esq., Secretary to the Post Office. Chairman. Hon. Jno. Gavan Duffy moved, and the Hon. J. R. Dickson seconded — "That, in the absence of the Hon. the President, the Hon. Joseph Cook do take the Chair." Carried. Adjournment. Hon. J. R. Dickson moved, and the Hon. Jno. Gavan Duffy seconded — " That, to enable the Departmental Heads to proceed with work in Committee, the Conference adjourn until 10*30 a.m. to-morrow." C arried. The Conference adjourned accordingly. THOS. C. JUST, Secretary. '

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LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HOBART.

WEDNESDAY, 30th MARCH, 1898. The Conference met at 10*30 a.m., when the under-mentioned gentlemen, representing the Colonies herein named, were present : — Netv South Wales : The Hon. Joseph Cook, M.P., Postmaster-General. S. H. Lambton, Esq., Deputy Postmaster-General. P. B. Walker, Esq., M. Inst. C.E., M.1.E.E., Chief Electrician and Engineer-in-Chief Telegraph Department. Victoria: The Hon. John Gavan Duffy, M.L.A., Postmaster-General. F. L. Outtrim, Esq., Deputy Postmaster-General, Secretary to Postal Department, and Superintendent of Telegraphs. South Australia : Sir Charles Todd, K.C.M.G., Postmaster-General. Queensland: The Hon. J. R. Dickson, C.M.G., M.L.A., Home Secretary and Postmaster-General. John M'Donnell, Esq., Under Secretary to the Post and Telegraph Department and Superintendent of Electric Telegraphs. John Hesketh, Esq., Electrical Engineer. Tasmania: H. V. Bayly, Esq., Secretary to the Post Office. Chairman. Hon. Jno. Gavan Duffy moved, and the Hon. J. R. Dickson seconded — " That, in the absence of the Hon. the President, the Hon. Joseph Cook do take the Chair." Carried. Adjournment. Hon. J. R. Dickson moved, and the Hon. Jno. Gavan Duffy seconded— " That, to enable the Departmental Heads to proceed with work in Committee, the Conference adjourn until 10*30 a.m. to-morrow." Carried. The Conference adjourned accordingly. THOS. C. JUST, Secretary.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HOBART. THURSDAY, 31st MARCH, 1898. The President, Hon. Sir Philip Fysh, K.C.M.G., took the Chair at 10*30 a.m., when the under-mentioned gentlemen, representing the Colonies herein named, were present: — New South Wales : The Hon. Joseph Cook, M.P., Postmaster-General. S. H. Lambton, Esq., Deputy Postmaster-General. P. B. Walker, Esq., M. Inst. C.E., M.1.E.E., Chief Electrician and Engineer-in-Chief Telegraph Department. Victoria: The Hon. John Gavan Duffy, M.L.A., Postmaster-General. F. L. Outtrim, Esq., Deputy Postmaster-General, Secretary to Postal Department, and Superintendent of Telegraphs. South Australia : Hon. J. G. Jenkins, M.P., Commissioner of Public Works. Sir Charles Todd, K.C.M.G., Postmaster-General. Queensland: The Hon. J. R. Dickson, C.M.0., M.L.A., Home Secretary and Postmaster-General. .John MDonnell, Esq., Under Secretary to the Post and Telegraph Department and Superintendent of Telegraphs. John Hesketh, Esq., Electrical Engineer. Tasmania: The Hon. Sir Philip Fysh, K.C.M.G., M.H.A., Treasurer and Postmaster-General. 11. V. Bayly, Esq., Secretary to the Post Office. Reduction of Postage. On the proposed reduction from 2\d. to 2d. per -|oz. of postage on letters passing in both directions between the United Kingdom and other parts of the British Empire :

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Hon. Joseph Cook moved, — "That in the opinion of this Conference it would be inadvisable to make any further reduction of the over-sea postage rate until the way is clear for a reduction in the present large subsidies paid for the carriage of such mails, and the present inland and intercolonial rates." Hon. J. Gavan Duffy seconded. After discussion the Motion was agreed to. Canadian Postage Rates. Honorable J. Gavan Duffy moved, — " That the Conference resolve into Committee of the Whole to consider the proposal of Canada to reduce Postage on Letters to all parts of the British Empire from 5 cents to 3 cents." The President left the Chair, and the Conference went into Committee accordingly. After some time spent therein, Honorable J. Gavan Duffy moved, — " That this Conference communicate by cable with the Canadian Post Office to the effect that the various Colonies cannot agree to receive Canadian Letters with only 3 cents postage thereon, and ask that the proposal be not proceeded with." Honorable J. R. Dickson seconded. After discussion the Motion was agreed to. The Conference resumed, and the President reported the Motion. Postal Surcharges. On the subject re Queensland surcharging New Zealand postal matter prepaid at the %d. per 2 oz. rate : Honorable Joseph Cook moved, — " That the subject be referred to the Sub-committee of the Heads of Departments for a Report." Honorable J. R. Dickson seconded. After discussion, Honorable Joseph Cook withdrew his Motion, and the subject lapsed. Obliteration of Stamps. On the obliteration of stamps issued to Collectors : Hon. J. Gavan Duffy moved, — " That this Conference is of opinion that all stamps issued to collectors should be postmarked, so as to prevent their being used for postal purposes." Hon. J. R. Dickson seconded. Hon. J. G. Jenkins moved as an Amendment, — "That the word 'specimen' be placed across all stamps issued to collectors." Hon. Joseph Cook seconded. After discussion, the Hon. Mr. Duffy withdrew his Motion, and, on the Amendment being put, the voting was equal. The President gave his casting vote in favour of the Amendment, which was carried. On Question as to how Specimen Postage Stamps supplied to the public and the Berne Postal Bureau should be marked—whether *' Specimen " or an obliteration of the date-stamp. Hon. Joseph Cook moved, — " That all Postage Stamps issued to the Berne Postal Bureau or between Post Offices shall bear an obliteration with the date-stamp." Hon. J. Gavan Duffy seconded the Motion, which was carried. Newspaper Supplements, &c. Question as to circulation of Newspaper Supplements, Advertisement Sheets Bills, with name, date, and publisher's name thereon. Hon. John Gavan Duffy moved, —■ " That an inset or a hand-bill should not be regarded as coming within the definition of a Newspaper Supplement under the Post Office Acts." Hon. Joseph Cook seconded. After discussion the Motion was carried.

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Gambling and Indecent Advertisements. On the operation of " Suppression of Gambling and Indecent Advertisements Act" of Queensland, in connection with newspapers published outside Queensland and forwarded by post to that Colony : Hon. J. Gavan Duffy moved, — " That representations be made from this Conference to the Post Office Authorities of Queensland, pointing out that the operation of the " Suppression of Gambling and Indecent Advertisements Act" and the "Post Office Act" in connection with Newspapers posted out of the Colony of Queensland, and forwarded by post to that Colony, is a restriction upon the Australian press." Honorable Joseph Cook seconded, but suggested an alteration in the form of the Motion. After discussion, Hon. J. Gavan Duffy asked leave to withdraw his Motion and to substitute another, viz.— " That representations be made from this Conference to the Post Office authorities of Queensland, pointing out that the high rates charged on newspapers coming from other Colonies is an unjustifiable restriction on the Australian press." Leave was given to withdraw' the original Motion, and the substituted Motion was put to the Conference. Hon. Joseph Cook seconded. Discussion took place, in the course of which Hon. the President gave a brief description of the amended Gambling Act of Tasmania, stating that from experience gained as to its operation he could commend it to the attention of the Delegates from other Colonies. The Motion was then put and carried. The Conference adjourned until 2*30 p.m.

AFTERNOON SITTING. The President took the Chair at 2*30 p.m. Ratification of Washington Treaty. The Question as to the Ratification of Washington Congress, and consideration of the various Conventions entered into at Washington but not signed by the Australasian Delegate, also Hon. Mr. Duffy's Notice of Motion on the same subject, were postponed until next day. Telegraphic. Orders of the Day 10, 11, and 12 were ordered to stand over until after No. 15. Cable Subsidies and Guarantees. The subject as to the time of year for closing Cable Subsidies and Guarantees was called on. The Hon. the President suggested that this subject should be referred to the Permanent Heads of Departments to report. Hon. J. Gavan Duffy moved, — " That the subject be referred accordingly." Hon. Joseph Cook seconded the Motion, which w r as carried. Urgent Telegrams. On the question of abolishing the system of " Urgent" Intercolonial Telegrams, or of overcoming the delays to which ordinary Telegrams are subjected in Colonies in which such system is in operation: Hon. Joseph Cook moved, — " That the system of ' Urgent' Telegrams in operation in six Colonies of Australia be abolished." Hon. J. Gavan Duffy seconded the Motion pro forma. Hon. J. G. Jenkins moved as an amendment,— " That the subject be referred to the Heads of Departments for report." Hon. J. R. Dickson seconded. After discussion the Amendment Avas put and carried.

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The question as to despatch of Urgent Telegrams with West Australia was also referred to the Heads of Departments for a Report. Business postponed. The question as to alternative Cable Route, the Pacific Cable, and the Overland Telegraph Lines of South Australia, were postponed until next day. Telephonic Communication between Colonies. As to the question of the establishment of telephonic communication between the Capital cities of the Australian Continent : Hon. Joseph Cook moved, — " That the subject be referred to the Heads of Departments as to the question of cost." Hon. J. Gavan Duffy seconded. After discussion the Motion was carried. Report of Heads of Departments. Hon. Joseph Cook tabled an Interim Report from the Sub-Committee of Heads of Departments, and moved that it stand an Order of the Day for next day. Adjournment. Hon. J. Gavan Duffy - moved, — " That the Conference adjourn until 10*30 a.m. next day." Hon. Joseph Cook seconded the Motion, which was carried. At 3*32 p.m. the Conference adjourned accordingly. P. O. FYSH, President. Thos. C. Just, Secretary.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HOBART.

FRIDAY, Ist APRIL, 1898. The President, Hon. Sir Philip Fysh, K.C.M.G., took the Chair at 10*30 a.m., when the under-mentioned gentlemen, representing the Colonies herein named, were present: — New South Wales : The Hon. Joseph Cook, M.P., Postmaster-General. S. H. Lambton, Esq., Deputy Postmaster-General. P. B. Walker, Esq., M. Inst. C.E., M.1.E.E., Chief Electrician and Engineer-in-Chief Telegraph Department. Victoria: The Hon. John Gavan Duffy, M.L.A., Postmaster-General. F. L. Outtrim, Esq., Deputy Postmaster-General, Secretary to Postal Department, and Superintendent of Telegraphs. South Australia: Hon. J. G. Jenkins, M.P., Commissioner of Public Works. Sir Charles Todd, K.C.M.G., Postmaster-General. Queensland: The Hon. J. R. Dickson, C.M.G., M.L.A., Home Secretary and Postmaster-General. John M'Donnell, Esq., Under Secretary to the Post and Telegraph Department and Superintendent of Telegraphs. John Hesketh, Esq., Electrical Engineer. Tasmania: The Hon. Sir Philip Fysh, K.C.M.G., M.H.A., Treasurer and Postmaster-General. H. V. Bayly, Esq., Secretary to the Post Office. Credentials. The Hon. J. G. Jenkins (South Australia) and the Hon. Sir Philip Fysh (Tasmania) presented their credentials as Representatives to the Conference. Telegraphic. The Hon. the President tabled Telegraphic Statistics for Tasmania, 1897.

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The Washington Congress. As to the ratification of Washington Congress, and consideration of the various Conventions entered into at Washington but not signed by the Australasian Delegate : Hon. John Gavan .Duffy moved, — " That this Conference recommend to the Governments of Australasia the ratification of the Treaty entered into at Washington, at the last Universal Postal Congress. " That the Sub-Committee of Permanent Heads be requested to report to the Conference : — Ist. On the several matters left optional by the principal Treaty. 2nd. On the various subsidiary Treaties entered into by some Administrations at Washington, but not signed by the Australasian Delegate." It was resolved that the second part of the Motion should be first considered, and the question was put from the Chair, — " That the Sub-Committee of Permanent Heads be requested to report to the Conference :— Ist. On the several matters left optional by the principal Treaty. 2nd. On the various subsidiary Treaties entered into by some Administrations at Washington, but not signed by the Australasian Delegate." Hon. J. R. Dickson seconded. After discussion • Hon. J. Gavan Duffy asked leave to amend his Motion, by adding after the word "Conference," in the first line, "Ist. On the effect of the Australasian Colonies of the proposed reductions, (a) Territorial; (b) Maritime." Leave having been given, the Amendment was agreed to, and the words inserted. The Motion, as amended, was then put as follows : — " That the Sub-Committee of Permanent Heads be requested to report to the Conference:— Ist. On the effect to the Australasian Colonies of the proposed reductions, (a) Territorial; (b) Maritime. 2nd. On the several matters left optional by the principal Treaty. 3rd. On the various subsidiary Treaties entered into by some Administrations at Washington, but not signed by the Australasian Delegate." The Motion was agreed to. Hon J. Gavan Duffy moved, — " That the first part of the original Motion, That this Conference recommend to the Governments of Australasia the ratification of the Treaty entered into at Washington, at the last Universal Postal Congress, stand an Order of the Day for next day." Hon. J. G. Jenkins seconded. Carried. Representation at Washington. Hon. Joseph Cook asked leave to move a Resolution without Notice. Leave having been given • Hon. Joseph Cook moved, — "That this Conference hereby records its appreciation of the zealous and able manner in which the Hon. J. Gavan Duffy, Postmaster-General of Victoria, discharged the duty of representing Australasia at the Washington Postal Convention." Hon. J. R. Dickson seconded. The Motion was put and carried. Hon. J. Gavan Duffy thanked the Conference for the Motion. ... Telegraphic. The following Orders were called on and discharged, being made Orders of the Day for next day : — Subjects referred to Ministers : — (b) (65.) Alternative Cable Route. (N.S.W. 23.) (c) (66.) Pacific Cable. (Q. 21.) (d) (67.) Overland Telegraph Line, South Australia. (Q. 13.) Report of Sub-Committee. The Conference proceeded to consider the Report of the Sub-Committee of Permanent Heads of Departments on questions of detail submitted to them. The Secretary read the following paragraphs, which were agreed to with slight Amendments. The numbers are those used in the original Memorandum of Subjects to be discussed :—

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Nos. 3 and 4. —"Adoption of uniform Letter Bills, and furnishing Statistics of Intercolonial Correspondence."—" Adoption of uniform Letter Bills for Mails exchanged between (a) the Principal Offices of the Australasian Colonies, and (b) Border Post Offices." Recommended, That the Letter Bills as prepared by New South Wales, at the request of previous Conferences, be adopted, and that, during the months of May and November in each year, the number of letters, packets, and newspapers contained in mails be stated on Letter Bills for statistical purposes. No. 5.—" Australian Mails Way-Bill." No report. Can be dealt with departmentally. No. 6.—" Reply Postage Stamp—(a) Merridew's Scheme ; (b) Maury's Scheme." It would be impossible to introduce the universal use of the Reply Postage Stamp without interfering more or less with the postal revenue of the countries concerned, and we therefore cannot advise adoption of either scheme. No. 7. —" The use of the ' Paid-at' Stamp on Correspondence on wdiich postage has been paid in cash. " Recommended, That cash payment be accepted for all classes of mail matter over the value of £l, posted at one and the same time, but that the " Paid Stamp " shall indicate the postage paid for each article. The Offices authorised to accept cash payment to be determined by each respective Administration. No. B.—" Inland Postage Rates, Local Delivery." No report. The Postmaster-General, South Australia, suggests that where Id. postage is introduced it should be restricted to letters posted in a town for delivery in the same town. This system already obtains in Queensland and Tasmania. Nos. 9 and 10. —"Rates of Postage levied by Fiji on Patterns and Samples and on Newspapers " —" Re Berne Bureau questioning the rates charged by the Australasian Colonies on International («) Patterns, and Samples, and (b) Newspapers." As our rates of postage on patterns and samples and newspapers are in strict conformity with Article 5 of the Vienna Convention, and Fiji is charging similar rates, the objections raised by Berne to the rates of Fiji are not supported by the Convention. Should the Berne contention be upheld it would involve the rates in all the Colonies being raised, in the case of packets, from Id. to for two ounces. No. 11.—" Samples of Glass, &c.— vide London Letter, dated 21st January, 1898." Hitherto it has been the practice of the Australasian Colonies to permit "Queen bees, and live but harmless entomological specimens," .as well as glassware—provided such articles be properly and securely packed —to be transmitted by sample post within the Colonies and to any other country or colony where allowed by the local regulations ; but the Colonies have refused to transmit by sample post packets of liquids, oils, fatty substances, dry powders (whether dyes or not). However, from the Ist January, 1899, the transmission of the whole of the above-mentioned articles by sample post will be obligatory between union countries under the Washington Congress. The London Office has now written to say that the Postmaster-General is willing to allow samples of glass, liquids, greases, and colouring powders (but apparently not live bees) to pass in the mails exchanged between the Australian Colonies and the United Kingdom after the Ist March, 1898, the date from which they will be allowed to pass in the inland postal service of the United Kingdom, and that Office desires to be informed whether the Colonies will agree to such exchange. The transmission of the articles mentioned will be governed by the provisions of the Postal Union Regulations, and the limits of size and weight will be those already applicable to samples exchanged between the Australian Colonies and the United Kingdom—viz., 2 feet in length by 1 foot in width and depth, and 1 lb. in weight. * As the transmission of the articles referred to by sample post will be compulsory from the Ist January, 1899, there would not seem to be any objection to the exchange wdth the United Kingdom taking place from the Ist July next.

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No. 12. —" The Postage to be charged on obliterated stamps and spent letters." Recommended, That obliterated stamps and spent letters be sent at Commercial Paper Rates within the Colonies, subject to usual packet Regulations, but this cannot be done internationally, as the Rules of the Universal Postal Union Convention require letter rate to be paid. No. 13. —"Bankers' Parcels : need for strictly enforcing Regulations relating thereto." We advise that intercolonially the following existing Regulation be in future strictly adhered to : — Bankers' packets (i.e., packets sent from one bank to another), containing bank-notes, cheques, cheque-books, drafts or orders, provided they are enclosed in covers with the ends sufficiently open to admit of postal officials seeing that they contain nothing in the nature of a letter. Though not compulsory, it is strongly recommended that bank-notes should be registered. They must be registered if addressed to another Australian Colony, and cannot be forwarded at packet rates to the United Kingdom, West Australia, New Zealand, or any other country. Bank passbooks may be sent from or to any bank at packet rates, provided they are enclosed in covers with the ends sufficiently open to admit of postal officials seeing that " passbooks" only are being transmitted. Every such packet must be endorsed " Passbook only." No. 14. —"The Intercolonial Packet Post to be limited to articles of no commercial or saleable value." We consider that the present Regulations which admit of small packets of merchandise not exceeding 1 pound in weight being exchanged with all Colonies except Queensland, at packet rate of Id. per 2 ounces should be adhered to, and, if possible, be extended to Queensland • that Colony however objects to merchandise being sent by packet post. A discussion took place on this subject; the Representatives of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia urging the Representative of Queensland to reduce the charges and fall into line with the other Colonies. Hon. J. R. Dickson promised to bring the subject under the notice of the Queensland Government. No. 15. —" Practice of taxing 'officially' or ' compulsorily ' registered International correspondence supposed to contain money or other valuable enclosure." The Postal Laws of the Colonies provide for compulsory registration of letters containing valuable enclosures. Under the Universal Postal Union, however, it is not permissible to send coin, bullion, &c, and the principle of compulsory or official registration is not recognised under the Convention. The practice of compulsorily registering letters to Great Britain containing coin or bank notes has, however, been in operation for some time past in most of the Colonies, and, until recently, accepted by the London Post Office. We consider that, in the case of letters containing valuable enclosures posted in the ordinary way, it is more desirable in every respect to send them on charged with registration fee than to send them forward unregistered. We advise that the London Office be communicated with, and invited to accept such correspondence in future as they have done in the past, and collect the registration fee on delivery. No. 16. —"Proposed Amendment of Article 12 of the Australasian Postal Convention so far as it relates to Travellers' Cards or Circulars." Under Article 12 of the Australasian Postal Convention appears the following paragraph :— " Cards, Travellers' Cards, or Circulars may be sent at Packet rates, and, if necessary, may include a catalogue or list of prices. They may also bear the date and name of the traveller." We recommend that the following words be added—"the date of sending and the date of intended visit of the traveller, also the time of departure of train or steamer, and name of latter by which the goods are forwarded." No. 17. —"Permission to Commercial Travellers to post letters on trains without affixing Late fee." We consider this matter should be left to each Administration to act for itself. It is in operation in Victoria and New South Wales, whilst in Tasmania no Late fees are charged. No. 18. —" Grocers' Price Lists, Postage on." Two newspapers submitted by South Australia, apparently intended as " Grocers' Price Lists," but some other matter being included in order to induce the Department to pass them as newspapers, it is recommended that one of the publications submitted, namely, " Monthly News," is within the definition of a newspaper, and can pass through the post as such. The second, " The Household," does not comply with the Regulations, inasmuch as the full date of publication is not given. Referred back to the Sub-Committee to be re-formulated.

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No. 19.—"Proxy Forms or Notices : Postage on." We consider that these may pass at Packet rate of postage. No. 20.—" Circulars' Postage." No report. No. 22. —" Proposal to prohibit the enclosure of articles of a monetary denomination in parcels and packets." We think it most undesirable that Postal Notes, Money Orders, and Cheques should be transmitted through the post as packets, or enclosed in packets or parcels, but should be sent separately at the Letter rate of postage. (This of course does not apply to the special concessions in regard to Bankers' parcels.) No. 23. —"Rates levied by the respective Australasian Colonies on ' Loose Ship Letters.'" Recommended, That in the case of loose letters received in one Colony from another by sea, a late fee of 2c?. each be levied on delivery in addition to the ordinary postage paid upon them, and double the deficiency where the ordinary postage is insufficiently prepaid. No. 25.—" Transmission of Promissory Notes, Circulars, and other printed matter with Accounts." We consider that Promissory Notes signed or unsigned, Circulars, and other printed matter are entitled to be enclosed with Accounts and Packet rates levied on the whole packet. No. 26.—" Printed communications, as footnotes on Invoices, Accounts, &c." We recommend the adoption of the following amended Regulations dealing with Accounts and Invoices : —" Accounts and Invoices, receipted or unreceipted, the remark, "With thanks" will be allowed, but either printed or written communications in the nature of a letter or of the character of actual or personal correspondence, by code or otherwise, are chargeable as letters. Invoices may be receipted, and may advise when or how the goods are forwarded, but may contain no other written matter, nor anything in the nature of actual or personal correspondence by code or otherwise. They may, how r ever, bear the following trade notices, whether printed or impressed with a rubber or other stamp :—" All empties returned must be advised;" "When remitting, please return the statement to be receipted •" " Terms, cash in advance ;" " Terms, 2\ per cent, discount for cash ;" " This settles your account up to date ;" " Cheque will oblige." Anything, however, of a general character printed in ordinary type may be enclosed with accounts, provided it is not of the nature of a personal correspondence." No. 27.—" Redirection Charges." We report that all the Colonies, with the exception of Queensland, make no charge for redirection fee. Queensland, under Section 15, Post Office Act, 1891, charges a redirection fee, but this fee is not collected by the other Colonies. The Representatives of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia urged the Representative of Queensland to abandon the fee for re-direction in that Colony, and come into uniformity with other Colonies. Hon. J. R. Dickson pointed out that the charge was fixed by Act of Parliament in Queensland, and an amendment of the law would be necessary to effect the desired change. He w r ould make it his duty to represent the matter to the Government of Queensland. No. 30. —" Applications re embossing combined sheet of note-paper and envelope." In the opinion of this Committee there is no objection to applications being granted with regard to impressing stamps on the combined sheet of note-paper and envelope, on the following conditions :—- --1. Not fewer than 500 envelopes of any one size to be received at any time. 2. Coloured envelopes not to be received for stamping. 3. Envelopes which are too thin to bear the impression of the die not to be received. 4. Envelopes provided by the Post Office Department with the proper stamp thereon to be substituted for any which may be spoiled in the operation of stamping. 5. A charge of 2*. per 1000 to be made for stamping. The present practice in the different Colonies is as follows :—No charge is made in New South Wales and Tasmania, 3s. per 1000 is charged in Queensland, 2s. in Victoria * South Australia not undertaking the duty at all. No. 31. —"Counterfeit Postage Stamps—Compliance with Article No. 18, Vienna Convention." Under Article 18 of the Vienna Convention the contracting countries undertake to adopt or to propose to their respective Legislatures the necessary measures for punishing the fraudulent

22

manufacture or use of counterfeit stamps, and we think that it is desirable that the necessary legislation to enable the Colonies to give effect to this Article be obtained as early as possible by those Colonies which do not already possess it. No. 33. —" Dempsters', Postage on." Publication submitted by South Australia. We are of opinion that this publication should pay Packet rate of postage, not being published in book form. Referred back to Sub-Committee for re-consideration. No. 35. —" Postal Guides, uniformity." We advise that th« question be taken up later on if time permits. No. 36.—" Territorial transit rates charged by one Australian Colony to another such Colony, proposed reduction." As the Postmaster-General South Australia has assured this Committee that the present payment on the homeward mails and the payment by Great Britain to South Australia on the outward mails only about covers actual expenses, taking, of course, into account the landing and embarking of mails at Largs Bay, we do not advise that any reduction be made in these rates at present. In connection with this matter, we desire to call attention to the fact that in the new contracts with the P. & O. and Orient Companies, the contractors are required to land and embark the mails at all ports, including Largs Bay ; but in the interests of the Colonies it is our opinion that the Adelaide Post Office should still undertake the service of landing and embarking the mails at Largs Bay, as the incoming mails occasionally arrive at such a time as to render it necessary for using the greatest possible expedition in landing the mails, in order that they may reach Adelaide in time for Melbourne express leaving at 4*30. No. 37.—" Accelerating of train service with English mails from Brisbane." It is admitted that the present railway arrangements are extremely inconvenient to Queensland in regard to the connection of the English mails at Sydney. If any arrangement could be made, by which the Commissioners of these two Colonies could arrange for a train to leave Brisbane about I*3o P.M. on Monday to arrive at Sydney at 5 p.m. next day, this would enable the Queensland public to post up to noon on Monday, instead of the business people having practically to close their correspondence on Saturday evening. No. 37a.-^—" Question of special trains in event of mail steamers reaching Largs Bay on Saturdays and Sundays." As bearing* upon the English Mail Train Service, and considering the likelihood under the fxresent contract of the steamers frequently reaching Largs Bay on Saturday and Sunday, we tave considered the question of making some provision for forwarding these mails on to their destination by special trains, and thus avoiding the great delay which would be otherwise unavoidable. A Memorandum showing possibilities in regard to special trains is appended, and we recommend that the questions therein set forth be remitted for the favourable consideration of the Colonies concerned. No. 38. —" Australasian Postal Convention." We advise that this qu pfcioi. be taken up later on if time.permits. No. 40. —" Proposed arrangement for enabling senders of parcels for despatch per Parcels Post to places abroad, to defray all Customs and other charges arising upon such parcels." The proposed arrangement is explained in the subjoined letter from the London Post Office, 12 March, 1897 :— " I am directed by the Postmaster-General to enquire whether your office would be disposed to take part in an arrangement, which is under consideration here, for enabling the senders of parcels sent abroad by Parcel Post to defray all the charges arising upon them, that is to say, not merely the postage, but also the Customs and other charges, which have now to be paid by the addressees on delivery. Such an arrangement is in operation in connection with the Parcel Post between several of the countries of the Postal Union, and is said to work well. The procedure is as follows :— " A person wishing to relieve his correspondent of all charge in respect of a parcel, endorses it ' to be delivered free of all charge,' signs a declaration that he will pay the amount due as soon as it is ascertained, and, if required, pays a deposit. A form, similar to the one annexed, is then made out and accompanies the parcel to the office of exchange of the country of destination, where the parcel is examined, and the charges are assessed. The amount'is entered on the form, and claimed on a parcel bill, to which the form is attached as a voucher. The form is then sent back to the office of posting, where a settlement is come to with the sender. The parcel is, of course, delivered free. " In this country it is proposed to charge for the facility a fee of Qd. per parcel.

Appendix A.

23

"If your office, with the consent of the Government, is of opinion that the proposed arrangement might with advantage be adopted, you will no doubt be good enough to inform me to that effect. A date can then subsequently be fixed by mutual consent for bringing it into operation." We recommend that the suggestion of London should be approved, provided that the fee, in addition to the postage, instead of being 6d., be I*., to be equally divided between the United Kingdom and the Colony interested. No. 41. —" Customs Declarations on Parcel Post Packages." We recommend that the Regulation of the London Post Office, as under, with reference to valuation of Parcel Post Packets be adopted, viz. .* — Customs Declaration and Despatch Note. "Parcels are subject to Customs Regulations, and the sender of each parcel is required to make, for Customs purposes, upon a special form or forms, which can be obtained at any Post Office, an accurate statement of the nature and value of the contents and other particulars. Undervaluing the contents, or failure to describe them fully, may result in seizure of the parcels. The net weight or quantity of the various articles contained in a parcel should, if possible, be stated, and any other particulars which would facilitate the assessment of Customs Duty—such as, in the case of clothing, the material of which it is composed, and whether it is new or has been worn. In the case of articles returned to the country where they originated the fact should be stated." No. 42. —" Proposed ' Express Delivery 'of Parcels and Postal Packets exchanged betw r een the United Kingdom and the Australasian Colonies." By circular letter dated the 20th April, 1897, the London Office wrote to the respective Australasian Postal Administrations, bringing under notice the system of delivering ordinary postal packets by express messenger, stating that the system had worked well in the ■ United Kingdom, and was about to be extended to international parcels. Vojsaj -) The London Office suggests that, if the Colonies are now able to undertake express'delivery, it should apply to parcels as well as to other postal packets, but, if the Colonies be still unable to arrange for the delivery by special messenger of postal packets received from places abroad, they may desire to give senders in the Colonies the opportunity of securing the express delivery of correspondence forwarded by them to the United Kingdom. If so, the London Office is prepared to deliver specially all ordinary postal packets as well as parcels marked " express," received in the mails from the Colonies. The express fee on ordinary postal packets, at the rate of 3d. per mile, .cannot be prepaid, but will be collected on delivery, while, in the case of parcels for " express " delivery, a special fee of sd. each parcel should be collected from the sender, and credited to the Imperial Post Office on the parcel bill. We consider that the requisite facilities for the establishment of the system do not exist here ; there is no demand for its establishment • there are objections to its partial introduction {i.e., that it should apply only to parcels from Australia) ; the express fees chargeable even under the favourable circumstances of a large traffic would not be remunerative * and the proposal that the Colonies should undertake the collection of fees on behalf of the United Kingdom, and undertake the task of specially treating all such parcels without any remuneration, is Considered inequitable. Under the circumstances we think it undesirable that the proposal should be acceded to. The Conference, at 1 o'clock, adjourned until 4 o'clock.

AFTERNOON SITTING. The President took the Chair at 4 p.m. The Conference further considered the Report of Sub-Committee of Permanent Heads. The following recommendations were agreed to : — No. 43.—" France—Parcel Post Convention." We recommend that, although Queensland is not at present prepared to join the Parcel Post Convention with France, except on certain conditions, the remaining colonies adopt it as soon as possible. No. 44.—" Establishment of direct exchange of Parcels between the Australian Colonies and Cape Colony, and other" South African States and Colonies." We have carefully revised the Draft Parcel Post Convention, and append the same, as altered, which we advise be forwarded to Cape Colony for approval. It is recommended that Tasmania be requested to act as intermediary in forwarding or distributing parcels passing through its office to and from the Cape without charging territorial or extra sea transit rates, the Australian Colonies being regarded as out-territory for parcel post purposes,

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CONVENTION. His Excellency the Governor of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, and His Excellency the Governor of the Colony of , being desirous of promoting greater facilities than at present exist for the exchange of parcels between the Colony of and the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, have agreed, on behalf of their respective Governments, to the following Articles: — Article 1. The parcel post between the Colony of and the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, shall come into operation on the First day of , one thousand eight hundred and ninety Article 2. There shall be a regular exchange of parcels between the Colony of and the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, and other South African States and Colonies served through the Cape Colony, which shall be effected by means of the ordinary postal service between and the Cape Colony. Article 3. All parcel mails shall be made up on, and forwarded direct to, such offices of exchange as may be mutually agreed upon. Article 4. In the event of its being necessary to provide receptacles for the exchange of parcels under this Convention, the cost of such receptacles shall be equally shared between the post offices of and the Cape Colony. Article 5. A parcel must not exceed three feet six inches in length, nor six feet in girth and length combined. Article 6. The maximum weight of a parcel must not for the present exceed eleven pounds avoirdupois, and the scale of weight shall advance by even pounds, beginning with the first pound. Article 7. Postage for the conveyance of a parcel from the place of posting to the place of destination must be prepaid by means of postage stamps. Parcels not fully prepaid and posted out of course, the senders of which are not known, may be forwarded, charged double the deficiency, entry to be made in " Rates prepaid " column as if fully prepaid, and the amount of tax and fine to be entered in column " Accrued charges due to country of despatch." Article 8. • Parcels of the following description must not be accepted for transmission by parcel post: —r (a) Parcels which bear on the outside any writing or drawing of an indecent or offensive nature, or within which any contents of a like nature may be observed, and parcels containing parts of the vine, fruit, plants, cuttings, bulbs, or roots, (unless accompanied by a special declaration that no phylloxera exists or has existed in them) ; gunpowder, cartridges, lucifer matches, or anything explosive or liable to sudden combustion ; bladders containing liquid ; live animals ; grossly offensive or filthy matter ; and anything in a condition likely to injure other parcels or any officer of the post office, are prohibited. Should any such parcel as is described above be tendered for posting at any post office it must be refused, or, if detected in transit, it must be detained, and the sender communicated with. If this cannot be done, the Postmaster must report the circumstance to the chief office of the Colony in which the irregularity is detected, stating the address of the parcel, the number of the Letter Bill or Parcel Bill on which it is entered, the office from which it was received, its supposed contents, and request instructions. If, however, such a parcel should contain perishable matter which has become offensive, the Postmaster may use his own discretion if the immediate destruction of the parcel be imperative. (V) Parcels containing game, meat, eggs, &c, or razors, scissors, needles, knives, forks, or other sharp instruments, must not be accepted unless securely packed, so as to guard against risk or injury to other parcels. Liquids, or semi-liquids, such as jellies, pickles, paint, varnish, &c, must not be accepted unless in bottles or cans securely stoppered, nor powders, unless so packed that they cannot escape in transmission. Bottles or glass in any form must be accepted only when so packed as to be secure from breakage. If a parcel of this nature be tendered at any post office in a damaged or insecure condition, or in a condition likely to injure other parcels or any officer of the post office, it must be refused; if a parcel in such condition should be observed in transit it must, if possible, be made secure and sent forward; if it cannot be so secured it must be detained, and a report must be made to the Chief Officer of the Colony in which the irregularity is detected, as in the case of forbidden articles (paragraph 8a). (c) No parcel containing diamonds, specie, bullion, gold (in dust or nuggets), or ostrich feathers, must under any circumstances be accepted for transmission by Parcel Post, but these articles may, as heretofore, be sent through the post at the letter rate of postage, if duly registered. Article 9. The postage on parcels posted in and addressed to the Cape Colony, and on parcels posted in the Cape Colony and addressed to ■ shall be at the rates specified in Schedule "A" to this Convention. Article 10. No parcel may contain a letter or other postal packet intended for delivery to a person other than the addressee of the parcel. If such a letter or postal packet be discovered in a parcel it must be sent forward charged with postage at the unpaid rate applicable to such letter or postal packet.

Appendix B,

25

Article 11. No parcel may contain other parcels intended for delivery at any address other than that borne by the parcel itself. If such enclosed parcels be detected they will be withdrawn and sent forward, charged with new and distinct Parcel Post rates. Article 12. Each parcel must be plainly directed, such direction setting forth the name and full address of the person for whom the parcel is intended. Article 13. The sender should write the words " Parcel Post " on the addreis side of the cover, as well as his name and address at the date of posting. Article 14. All parcels must be securely and substantially packed and closed by the sender, and, in those cases where seals are necessary, the wax must be of a quality to resist any heat to which it may be subjected during transit. Article 15. All parcels must have attached to them a Custom House Declaration form, similar to that set forth in Annexure " C " to this Convention, which must give an accurate statement of the contents and value of the parcel, the name of the place to which it is addressed, arid the sender of the parcel must affix his signature and place of abode to the form, together with the date on which the parcel was posted. This form must, after being affixed to the parcel in such a manner as to be readily seen by the Custom House officers, be impressed with the dated stamp of the office at which the parcel is posted. Article 16. In the event of the declaration being found incorrect in any particular, the parcel will be liable to seijure by the Customs Department. Article 17. We advise that the form of Parcel Bill to be adopted should be similar to that in use between the Colonies and the United Kingdom. Article 18. All such Parcel Bills shall be made out in triplicate, and be disposed of in the following manner :— One copy to be retained by the office of exchange of the Colony of despatch, and two copies to accompany the mail to the office of exchange of the Colony of destination. The Parcel Bills shall be numbered consecutively, commencing with No. 1, on the Ist of January in each year; and each entry in the Bill shall be numbered consecutively, commencing with No. 1. The number of the Bill and entry shall be entered on the corresponding parcel, for the purpose of identification., Article 19. All parcels exchanged under the provisions of this Convention shall, for the time being, be chargeable with such Custom dues as may be leviable under the laws of the Colony of destination. Article 20. We advise that this Article be excised, as not applicable to the Australasian Colonies. Article 21. The despatch of every separate parcel mail shall be advised on the ordinary Letter Bill of the mail with which the parcel mail is sent. Article 22. All errors which may be discovered on receipt of the mails at the office of exchange of the Colony of destination shall, after verification by a second officer, be reported to the Postmaster-General of the Colony of despatch. Article 23. If a parcel advised on a Parcel Bill be not received, the entry on the Parcel Bill shall, after the nonreceipt has been verified by a second officer, be cancelled, and the error reported at once to the PostmasterGeneral of the country in which the error is discovered. Article 24. Should a parcel be received in a damaged or imperfect condition, full particulars must be leported, without delay, to the Postmaster-General of the Colony in which the damage is observed. Article 25. All errors and irregularities in connection with the exchange of parcel mails shall be reported by the one Colony to the other, on the form of Verification Certificate set forth in Annexure " E " to this Convention. Article 26. If no Verification Certificate be received, a Parcel mail shall be considered as duly delivered, having been found on examination correct in all respects. Article 27. The postage levied under Table 1 of the Convention shall be divided between the Colonies of origin and destination in the proportions set forth in Schedule B, Tables 1 and 2. The despatching Colony retaining the sea rate of 2d. per lb,

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Article 28. At the close of each quarter the Postmaster-General of the Cape Colony shall prepare a* general account between the two Colonies, on a form similar to that set forth in Annexure " F " to this Convention, which shall be supported, so far as the entries of parcels are concerned, by a statement on the form set forth in Annexure •' G " to this Convention, of the proportions of postage to be credited to South Australia and the Cape Colony respectively on parcels exchanged, and also the proportion of postage on parcels redirected in both directions, the entries being supported by the necessary vouchers in detail. Article 29. Immediately on receipt of the General Account referred to in the foregoing Article, the PostmasterGeneral of shall cause it to be examined, and shall, as soon as possible thereafter, forward to the Postmaster-General of the Cape Colony through the Agents-General for the respective Colonies in London, or otherwise as may from time to time be determined, a remittance for the amount of the balance thereof, if in favour of the Cape Colony, and in the event of the balance of the account being in favour of , the Postmaster-General of the Cape Colony shall forward with the account a certificate forjjthe amount of such balance, which shall be payable on presentation by the Agent-General of the Cape Colony in London, or shall otherwise cause an adjustment of the balance due to be effected as may be determined by mutual agreement between the two Departments : provided always that the balance to be so adjusted shall in either case exceed the sum of <£1(J0, and that a remittance on account shall be similarly effected by either Department in advance of the quarterly account, at the end of every month in which it is ascertained that the indebtedness to the other Department exceeds ,£lOO. In the event of the balance on the quarterly account not being in excess of ,£lOO, the amount thereof shall be carried forward to the next account. Article 30. Any parcel which may be redirected shall be subject to a redirection charge equal to the original postage, and the credits shall be apportioned in all respects as if the parcel had originated in the ordinary course in the Cojony from which the parcel is redirected. Article 81. Parcels which may from any cause remain undelivered after the lapse of a period of six months from the date of posting shall be returned for disposal to the Superintendent of the Office of Exchange in the Colony in which they were posted ; but such parcels shall give rise to no charge and to no account. Article 3*2. Parcels mbsent shall b" returned to the Office of Exchange in the Colony of Despatch by the earliest possible opportunity. Article 33. Government parcels must be paid for as ordinary parcels, and will be liable to be charged for redirection, and they will be subject in all respects to the same rules, as regards dimensions, weight and contents, as ordinary parcels. Article 34. The Post Office Department of either of the Colonies parties to this Convention will not be responsible for the loss or damage of any parcels, and no indemnity can consequently be claimed by the sender or addressee of either Colony. Article 85. Except as otherwise provided in this Convention, all parcels passing between and the Cape Colony shall be subject to the general Regulations of the Postal Department of those Colonies respectively. Article 36. Subject to the general provisions of this Convention, parcels may be exchanged through the intermediary of the Offices of Exchange of the countries parties to this Convention, between either of such countries and any other country with which a direct exchange of parcels shall have been arranged by either of the contracting countries ; and there shall be paid by the country of origin to the postal administration of the country of transit the credits specified in Article 27 of this Convention, and any " Forward Postage " which may be payable for the conveyance of such parcels beyond the country of transit to the place of destination. Article 37. All parcels sent from the Colony of to Colonies or States served in transit through the Cape Colony must be entered separately from parcels addressed to the Cape Colony on the form set forth in Annexure " D " to this Convention. Article 38. This Convention is entered in between the respective Governments of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope and the Colony of from the date hereinbefore mentioned, and shall remain in force until it shall be necessary to be modified in consequence of the Cape Colony subscribing to the Parcel Post Convention signed at Paris on the 3rd of November, 1880, or otherwise as may be found expedient.

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SCHEDULE A. Table I. Postage Tariff on Parcels originating in the Colony of and addressed to the Cape Colony and other States and Colonies in South Africa served in transit through the Cape Colony.

Table II. Postage Tariff on Parcels addressed to the Colony of and originating in the Cape Colony and other States and Colonies in South Africa served in transit through the Cape Colony.

No. 45. —"Revision of Parcel Post Rates to India and the East, Ceylon to act as intermediary." No report. No. 46.—" Proposed introduction of System of Insurance on Postal Parcels." We recommend that the system of insurance on parcels be agreed to inland, intercolonially, and with the United Kingdom, and that the following be the rates charged : —

But we advise that' the credit to be allowed by the despatching office be the same in both directions, that is, Great Britain to credit the Colonies on the "outward" parcels with an equal amount to that credited by the Colonies on the "homeward" parcels, and the same principb should apply intercolonially. Queensland and Tasmania consent to this, so far as absolute It ?? is concerned, but not to insurance against damage. No. 47.—" Articles having a saleable value received by Packet Post to be transferred to Inland Parcel Post." No report on this matter. It applies to Queensland only.

Country of Origin. Country of Destination. Rate of Postage per lb. or fraction thereof. Cape Colony s. d. 1 0 British Bechuanaland 1 3 Orange Free State 1 3 South African Republic 1 3 British Bechuanaland Protectorate 2 10 Mashonaland 2 10 ■ ■' : t

Country of Origin. Country of Destination. Rate of Postage per lb. or fraction thereof. Cape Colony s. d. 1 0 British Bechuanaland 1 3 Orange Free State 1 3 South African Republic 1 3 British Bechuanaland Protectorate 2 10 Mashonaland 2 10 % .

Not exceeding £10. Each additional £10 to £05. Maximum Charge. Inland Intercolonial United Kingdom 4d. 5d. Qd. 2d. 2\d. 3d. Is. Is. 3d. Is. Qd.

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Nos. 48 and 49.—" Adjustment of Postage on Intercolonial Parcels posted out of course and received in the Colony of destination by other than Parcel Post." —" Mode of charging and accounting for irregularly-posted Parcels." In the case of parcels sent out of course {i.e., articles despatched from one colony as packets, &c. but regarded in the colony of destination as parcels), we advise that double the amount of deficiency at parcel rate be collected on delivery. Nos. 50 and 51. —"Discontinuance of Registration of Parcels in New South Wales." — " Intercolonial Charges for Certificates of posting of Parcels." We recommend that certificates of posting of parcels be given at a charge of 'id., the one certificate to include as many parcels as the sender may choose to enter upon the list, and for an additional 2\d. for each parcel an acknowledgment of receipt by addressee will be obtained and forwarded to the sender by post. No. 52.—"Apportionment of Intercolonial Parcel Postage equally between the Colony of origin and Colony of delivery." We recommend that the present division of postage on parcels posted intercolonially be maintained —despatching Colony sd. • receiving Colony 3d. : Queensland dissenting. Nos. 53 and 54.—" Claim of London Office to be credited with Id. per lb. for sea transit from Australia to England on parcels sent to Foreign Countries via the United Kingdom."—" Apportionment of postage on parcels exchanged with Foreign Countries through the intermediary of the United Kingdom." In 1896, at the suggestion of the London Office, it was agreed that the postage on parcels exchanged between the United Kingdom and the Australian Colonies should be reduced from Is. 6e?. for the first 2 pounds or fraction, and 9d. for each additional pound, to Is. for the first pound or fraction, and 6d. for each additional pound. The proposal for such reduction of postage was first made in 1894, but the apportionment of postage then suggested by the London Office was considered to be unfair to the Colonies, and it was not until after the exchange of considerable correspondence on the subject between the London and Colonial Offices that the former office agreed in 1896 that the postage should be apportioned as under on parcels forwarded in both directions; viz. :— Colonial share—First pound, Id. • each additional pound, 3c?. Imperial „ „ „ sd. ; „ „ „ 3d. (Note. —Owing to the heavy expense incurred by the Colonies in initiating the Parcel Post System in 1880, the London Office agreed to allow them the larger share of the postage, and the Colonial share is still 2d. more on each parcel than that received by the United Kingdom.) Subsequently to the above-mentioned division of postage being agreed upon, the London Office, in a circular letter dated the 30th December, 1896, suggested that the Australian Colonies should accept the same credit on parcels sent from Foreign Countries to Australia via England as on those sent direct from the United Kingdom to Australia, viz., Id. for the first pound, and 3c?. for each additional pound, in lieu of the credits then received, viz., 9d, up to two pounds, 2s. 3d. between two pounds and seven pounds, 3*. 9d. between seven pounds and eleven pounds. This suggestion, although entailing a loss on the Colonies, was adopted for the sake of uniformity. On the 18th June, 1897, the London Post Office wrote to the Adelaide Office intimating that it would be necessary for the Australian Post Offices to credit the Imperial Post Office with Id. per pound rate (for sea postage from Australia to London), in addition to the onward postage from England, on all parcels which they might send to other countries via the United Kingdom, after the 31st July, 1897. In a reply, forwarded from New South Wales to London (dated 14th September, 1897), attention was drawn to the particulars stated above, and that office was reminded that at the present time no special payment is made to the Orient and P. Sf O. Companies for the sea transit of parcels (those Companies having since the Ist February, 1896, abandoned the special charges made up to that date for such transit) ; and it was pointed out that subsidies now allowed cover payment for the conveyance of all mail-matter (including parcels), and the Australian Colonies, as joint parties with the United Kingdom to the contracts with the Companies named, arc entitled to the full benefit of the altered arrangement. It w r as therefore intimated that, under the circumstances, it was thought that the demand made was unreasonable, and that the London Office was not justified in making a special levy on the Australian Colonies with respect to the sea conveyance of parcels any more than it would be in acting similarly with regard to ordinary correspondence (letters, &c.) ; and it was added, in conclusion, that as the Colonies had reduced the postages on parcels to and via the United Kingdom, on the understanding that they were to receive certain credits, it would now be necessary, in order to comply with the request made, either to submit to a loss of revenue, or to increase the postage rates on the parcels. Victoria and South Australia also objected to compliance with the request made. The London Office, under date the sth November, 1897, replied, expressing regret that the proposal of that office was considered by Australia to be unreasonable, and asking for a re-con-sideration of the matter,

29

It is thought that the particulars furnished the London Office sufficiently demonstrated the unreasonableness of the request made by that office. The discussion on the subject seems to have arisen because of an apparent misapprehension on the part of the London Office, which appears to think that some particular portion of the Colonial share of postage on parcels exchanged with the United Kingdom is allocated for the sea service ; but such is not the case, and it must be obvious that (the Orient and P. and O. Companies having two years since abandoned their special charges for the sea transit of parcels) there is no need to allocate any portion of the postage receipts to cover charges which no longer exist. The London Office has not made, nor is it entitled to make, any claim for the sea transit of parcels sent from the Colonies addressed to the United Kingdom, and, as the arrangement made is that the Colonies are to receive the same share of postage on parcels exchanged with foreign countries via the United Kingdom as on parcels exchanged direct with the United Kingdom, and in view of the other strong reasons, herein given, it seems sufficiently clear that the London Office has no good claim to the credit asked for ; and it is still thought that the request made should not be acceded to. To sum up the matter, on parcels for Foreign Countries via the United Kingdom, the London Office receives its full share of postage at the rates agreed upon, in addition to the onward postage from the United Kingdom to destination, and it w r ould seem clear that the London Office has no good claim for any further payment. Were the claim of the London Office admitted, the Colonies would receive (after the first lb.) only 2d. per lb., whilst the United Kingdom would receive 4c?. per lb., instead of each receiving as at present, 3c?. per lb. We recommend that the foregoing statement be communicated to the London Post Office, Queensland dissenting, that Colony having already made the necessary charge on parcels in order to meet London demands. No. 55. —" The practicability or otherwise of introducing the ' Value payable,' or ' Cash' on delivery of Parcels System into the Australasian Colonies." It is thought that there would be strong protests from country storekeepers and others were this system introduced ; indeed, when the parcel post was brought into operation there were numerous complaints that people in the country found it cheaper to obtain their goods from the city by parcel post than to ("as formerly) patronise their local storekeepers, who suffered in consequence. Were the " value payable," post inaugurated, it is obvious that the grievance would be intensified. Moreover, were the system to apply, as in India, only between Money Order Offices, it would not be available for use by people in remote districts, by whom it would be most appreciated. Under these circumstances it is thought that it would not be desirable at the present time to bring the system mentioned into operation in the Australasian Colonies. No. 56. —"Rates of Commission on Money Orders from the Australasian Colonies to the United Kingdom, Cape Colony, &c." We recommend that the rates of commission charged On Money Orders for the United Kingdom, British Possessions, and Foreign Countries, in all the Colonies as in New South Wales and Queensland, be 6c?. for each pound or fraction of a pound. No. 57.—" Reduction in rate of commission to paying country on Money Orders exchanged between Australasian Colonies and Singapore." The rate of commission has now been reduced from one per cent, to half of one per cent, by all the Colonies. No. 58.—" Treatment of Money Order Advices missent to other Colonies." We advise that in the event of Money Order Advice being inadvertently sent to the wrong Colony, that Colony should forward the Advice without delay to the Head Office of the Colony on which the Money Order was drawn, so that the payee may at once receive payment; at the same time, the issuing Colony should be informed of the action taken and requested to deduct the amount of such Advice from the next Account. No. 59. —"Practice of forwarding Money Order Advices, with and without lists, between Colonies." We advise that Tasmania correspond by letter with the Colonies concerned. No. 60. —" Telegraph Money Orders to New Zealand and Tasmania." - " Omission of signature from Advices, and Cable Company's charges." At the 1896 (Sydney) Conference, the following recommendation by Permanent Heads of Departments was adopted, viz.:—"We recommend that the proposal of New Zealand to introduce the Telegraph Money Order system between that Colony and Australia and Tasmania be agreed to. Our experience of the system which is now in force between the Australian

30

Colonies and Tasmania does not lead us to anticipate that any serious risk would be incurred by extending it to New Zealand. We advise that the usual Money Order Commissions be charged, plus the cost of a ten-word telegraph message to the paying office, and another to the payee." The system was brought into operation in July, 1897, and, in the Regulations adopted, it was provided that one message would' "be sufficient for any number of Orders from the same remitter to the same payee, provided the numbers are continuous." i However, on the 21st December, 1897, Mr. Warren, of the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, wrote, intimating that, from the Ist January, 1898, "only one Money Order will be accepted at the single rate, evety additional Order embodied in the same message to be charged as an extra message, " and also suggesting that a considerable reduction in the average number of words in a message would be made were the signatures to Telegraph Money Order Advices omitted. On the recommendation of the Controller, it was decided by Neto South Wales to " agree to dispense with the transmission of the Postmaster s name and designation to all telegraphic advices to New Zealand, as it is of no use to the paying office." However, in the Regulations subsequently prepared on the subject, it was provided that " in advising the remittance of money by telegram to either New Zealand or Tasmania, the Postmaster or other official will not give his name or" official designation, but simply the name of the office at which the order is issued." The Tasmanian Postal Authorities apparently were not consulted respecting the above-mentioned altered arrangement, and on receipt of an unsigned telegraph money order advice from the Postmaster, Oxford-street, made enquiry in the matter. A memorandum in reply seems to have been sent from the Money Order Office, to which the Hobart Office replied that " Telegraph Money Order advices unsigned will not be recognised by this Colony (Tasmania)." Hobart was thereupon informed that " signatures of Postmasters dispensed with in accordance with arrangement with Cable Company." A letter, dated the 16th February, 1898, has since come to hand from Tasmania, intimating that with regard to the signatures of telegraphic advices being abolished altogether, the question will be placed before the Honorable the Postmaster-General on his return to the Colony, and his decision made known to you. By letter, dated the 19th February, Mr. Warren intimated that "on and after the Ist March, 1898, the Neiv Zealand cable rate for official Telegraph Money Order Advices will be two shillings and sixpence, instead of two shillings, as at present" also that " additional orders may be included in one telegram at the minimum rate of tivo shillings and sixpence?' In reply to an enquiry from the Sydney Office, Mr. Warren stated that the above rates will not apply to Tasmanian Money Order cable business. The points for consideration seem to be the adoption of a uniform practice on the part of the whole of the Australasian Colonies respecting the signing or otherwise of Telegraph Money Order Advices to New Zealand and Tasmania respectively. New Zealand has intimated that the Postal Department of that Colony is unable to dispense with the issuing officer's signature ,* whilst Tasmania has notified the Sydney Office that unsigned Telegraph Money Order Advices will not be recognised by that Colony. We are of opinion that the practice of wiring the Postmaster's signature is a safeguard. We also consider that the simplest way of adjusting the charges ivith the Cable Company would be to pay them their proper tariff of 2s. in the case of New* Zealand, and I*. in the case of Tasmania, for the first 10 words, and 3c?. and lc?. each additional w r ord contained in the messages transmitted over the New Zealand and Tasmanian cable lines respectively, the sender, of course, being charged the full rates as given in the Postal Guide. No. 61. —"Exchange of Money Orders with Japan." The Hong Kong Office having intimated that they can no longer act as intermediary in connection with the exchange of Money Orders between Australia and Japan, we advise that a joint Convention be entered into with that country. Nos. 62 and 63. —" Suggested discontinuance of the issue of Duplicate Postal Notes and the payment of the face value of postage stamps affixed to Postal Notes."-—"Duplicate Postal Notes." We advise that a duplicate of any postal note be not issued unless on absolute proof of the destruction of the original note, and then only after the expiration of six months from the date of issue, the extra poundage rate to be charged on such duplicate ; and that the existing regulation which permits of postage stamps being affixed to postal notes to the extent of sc?. be rescinded. (Referred back to Sub-Committee for further report). No. 64. —"Exchange of Postal Notes between Australasia and the United Kingdom." At the 1892 (Hobart) Conference it was decided to invite the London Office " to adopt an exchange of postal notes with the Australasian Colonies on the same lines as those now r existing between some of the Colonies." At the 1893 (Brisbane) Conference the Permanent Heads -reported that "the London Office having absolutely refused to exchange postal notes with

31

Australia, we have no recommendation to make." At the 1894 (New Zealand) Conference the Permanent Heads reported that " as no new circumstances have arisen since the Brisbane Conference, we do not think that this matter should be reconsidered at present • " and, again, at the 1895 (Hobart) Conference it was reported that "the London Office was communicated with, but declined to exchange postal notes on account of the great risk." It appears from enquiry made by the Deputy Postmaster-General of New South Wales, when in London last year, that that office is quite firm in its opposition to the exchange of postal notes between the Australian Colonies and the United Kingdom. In the first place there is the old objection, namely, the difficulty of guarding against forgery and fraud, and of providing for the payment of these notes at the 12,000 offices in the United Kingdom, many of these being held, as in our case, by storekeepers who could not distinguish between a postal note issued at one country or another country, or whether it was a forgery. A further objection is that the balance —always an uncertain one — w r ould be against the United Kingdom, that is to say, that more postal notes would be issued in the Colonies upon Great Britain than in Great Britain upon the Colonies. It was suggested that the case might be met by adopting a similar course to that in the case of India, that is, let the Colonies purchase a quantity of British Postal Notes, paying of course cash for them, and also paying the commission. The London Office has no objection to our selling these notes in the Colonies, charging of course our commission in addition to the British commission. Should this be done they would agree to date the currency of the notes only from the date of our postmark, and not from the date of purchase from the London Office. It is stated that experience has shown that there is very little demand for these notes in India. We consider that all the requirements of the public in the way of remitting small sums of money have been met in most of the Colonies by the reduction in the charge on Money Orders for sums not exceeding £1, from Is. to 6c?. No. 69. —" Berne's Circular re tabulated Telegraph Routes, and method of indicating such Routes." We consider this does not affect the Colonies to any great extent, and it is therefore recommended that no action be taken. No. 70.—" Fire Alarms." We have no report to make. No. 71.—" Sunday Telegraph Rates to Tasmania." We recommend that Tasmania adopt the Sunday rates on telegrams charged in the other Colonies. Adjournment. At s*lo p.m. the Conference adjourned until 10 a.m. next day.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HOBART.

SATURDAY, 2nd APRIL, 1898. The President, Hon. Sir Philip Fysh, K.C.M.G., took the Chair at 10 a.m., when the under-mentioned gentlemen, representing the Colonies herein named, were present :— New South Wales : The Hon. Joseph Cook, M.P., Postmaster-General. S. H. Lambton, Esq., Deputy Postmaster-General. P. B. Walker, Esq., M. Inst. Chief Electrician and Engineer-in-Chief Telegraph-Department. Victoria : The Hon. John Gavan Duffy, M.L.A., Postmaster-General. F. L. Outtrim, Esq., Deputy Postmaster-General, Secretary to Postal Department, and Superintendent of Telegraphs. South Australia: H on - J- G. Jenkins, M.P., Commissioner of Public Works. Sir Charles Todd, K.C.M.G., Postmaster-General. Queensland: The Hon. J. R. Dickson, C.M.G., M-L.A., Home Secretary and Postmaster-General. John M'Donnell, Esq., Under Secretary to the Post and Telegraph Department and Superintendent of Telegraphs. John Hesketh, Esq., Electrical Engineer. Tasmania. The Hon. Sir Philip Fysh, K.C.M.G., M.H.A., Treasurer and Postmaster-General. H. V. Bayly, Esq., Secretary to the Post Office.

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Papers. Hon. J. G. Jenkins tabled Postal and Telegraphic Statistics of South Australia for 1897. Hon. J. Gavan Duffy tabled Telegraphic Statistics for Victoria, 1897. Telegraphic. Hon. J. Gavan Duffy moved, — That the following stand Orders of the Day for Monday : — (b) (65.) Alternative Cable Route. (N.S.W. 23.) (c) (66.) Pacific Cable. (Q. 21.) {d) (67.) Overland Telegraph Line, South Australia. (Q. 13.) Hon. J. G. Jenkins seconded. Carried. Notice of Motion. Hon. J. G. Jenkins gave notice to move on Monday, 4th April,— " That this Conference recommends to the Governments of Australasia that no alteration in International Postal or Telegraphic Rates be made without the Colony proposing to make such alterations advising the other Colonies, and endeavouring to arrange for uniformity of action." Report of Sub-Committee. The Conference further considered the Report of the Sub-Committee of Permanent Heads on the subjects submitted to them : — Nos. 72, 73, and 81. —" Intercolonial Telegraph Rates." —"Resolution of Conference Chambers of Commerce re Intercolonial Telegraph Charges."—" Reduction of the New- South Wales-Queensland Telegraph Rates, and alteration in mode of charging on Inland and Intercolonial Telegrams." The question of reducing the rates — 2s. for the first 10 words, and 2c?. each additional word— on telegrams between New South Wales and Queenland, has been under consideration on several occasions. In 1885, a proposal was made to Queensland that the rates be reduced to those then, and now, existing between New South Wales and Victoria, viz., Is. for the first 10 words, and 2c?. for each additional word. A reply was received that, having regard to the long distances over which telegrams pass in Queensland, the Government of that Colony was not then disposed to make any reduction in the charges levied. In 1887 the attention of Queensland was again drawn to the matter, but a reply was received to the effect that, for the reasons already given, the Government of that Colony was " still unable to meet the wishes of the Government of New South Wales with regard to the proposed reduction." At a Conference held at Adelaide in 1890, a Resolution was agreed to, of which the following is an extract, viz. : — "That between any two contiguous Colonies, I*. shall be the initial charge for 12 words, and for each additional word ; names and addresses to be paid for." Owing to some of the Colonies not taking the necessary action, this Resolution was not given effect to, nor was a somewhat similar Resolution making the charge " between any tw r o contiguous Colonies I*. for 15 words, and \\d. for each additional word, names and addresses to be paid for," which was adopted at a Conference held at Sydney, 1891. A Resolution, similar in terms to the latter, was submitted for consideration at the 1892 (Hobart) Conference, but was rejected. In 1896 the Chambers of Commerce in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide wrote to the New South Wales, Victorian, and South Australian Post and Telegraph Administrations, asking for the reduction of the Intercolonial telegraph rates. The Sydney Chamber of Commerce, asked that, after the first ten words, the charge on messages between New South Wales and Victoria be reduced from 2d. to lc?. per word. The Melbourne Chamber of Commerce made a similar request with respect to messages from Victoria to New South Wales, besides asking that consideration be given to the existing rates on messages between Victoria and South Australia. The Adelaide Chamber of Commerce also asked for a reduction. The matter was considered at the 1896 (Sydney) Conference, when the Permanent Heads reported as follows : — "We refrain from making any recommendation. We would, however, suggest for the consideration of Ministers that, in the event of an alteration of the rates being made, it should be on the basis of the International principle of counting addresses and signatures, as recommended at the Conferences held at Adelaide and Sydney in 1890 and 1891 respectively." In December, 1897, the Brisbane office opened up a correspondence with the Sydney office on the question of reducing the rates on telegrams to and from New South Wales and Queensland. The proposal of Queensland was to charge I*. for 12 words, including address and signature, and \\d. for each additional word. To this proposal New South Wales could not agree,

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because of the anomaly Which would be created, and owing to it being thought that the charges on messages between New South Wales and Victoria, and New South Wales and Queensland, should, be as nearly uniform as possible, whereas were the Queensland proposal adopted the' following would be the position :— New South Wales to Queensland.—l.v. for the first 12 words (at least six of which would be address and signature), and lie?, for each additional word. New South Wales to Victoria.—ls. for the first 10 words (exclusive of address and signature), and 2d. for each additional word. Queensland was informed that if it would agree to the addresses being sent free, and to charge I*. for the first 10 words and 2d. for each additional word. New South Wales would be prepared to consider the matter. The question still remained unsettled, but, in a letter explaining the reasons wdiich guided Queensland in making the above-mentioned proposal, the Brisbane Office states that " it has been recognised in all European Administrations, and confirmed by the International Bureau (see Rule 19, &c), that the words in addresses and six/natures should be counted" and that " the Australian Colonies appear to be the only Administrations which do not observe this rule." In a letter dated 11th August, 1897, the Adelaide Office drew attention to the fact that " a general reduction of telegraph rates, local and intercolonial, is again being urged in several of the Colonies," and stated that " our rates compare very favourably with those obtaining in Europe." That office also stated that the Queensland Postmaster-General is anxious that some re-arrangement should be arrived at, but he considered— 1. That no Colony should take separate action. 2. That any change should include the charging for addresses and signatures. 3. That the rates internally should be uniform throughout the Colonies, if this can possibly be arrived at, but in any intercolonial case rates should be uniform. The whole subject has to be considered at the present Conference, the points for consideration being— 1. The charges on messages to and from New South Wales and Queensland. 2. The adoption of uniform rates between contiguous Colonies. 3. The adoption of uniform rates between Colonies not contiguous to one another, as between Queensland and South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia, &c. 4. The advisability or otherwise of charging for addresses and signatures, or signatures alone. 5. The adoption of uniform charges for inland messages. We are still of opinion that any re-arrangement of charges should be on the basis of charging for every word, whether in addresses or text. This is the International principle. We would also respectfully point out that the present rates appear very reasonable when the great distances covered, and the small population, are taken into consideration. They compare very favourably with those obtaining in Europe, as the following table will show : —

Names and Addresses being counted. With a view, if possible, to effect some reduction, we suggest the following Tariff for consideration:—

The Address and Signature, to the number or twelve words, to be sent free. In this table the first amount indicates the rate for the first ten words, exclusive of names and addresses, the second amount indicates the rate for every succeeding word.

Minimum Charge. Rate per Word. Distance about ■etween London and Paris „ „ Madrid „ ., Antwerp , „ Berlin ,, ,, Vienna „ „ Hamburg „ „ St. Petersburg d. 10 10 ' 10 10 10 10 10 d. 2 4 2 2 3 2 5_ Miles. 287 1195 270 746 980 657 1774

Queei sland. New Wi South iles. SoA list: sith ralia. Wi Austj ?st •alia. Victi iria, Queensland few South Wales Victoria iouth Australia '..' Vest Australia 'asmania s. d. 1 6 2 3 2 3 3 0 In pro s. d. 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 4 s. d. 1 6 1 0 1 6 2 3 plus ca s. d. 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 3 ble rate s. d. 2 3 1 0 s. d. 0 3 0 2 s. d. 2 3 1 6 1 6 .s-. a. 0 3 0 2 0 2 s. d. 3 0 2 3 2 3 1 6 s. d. 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 2 l" ; 6 2 3 0"2 0 3 l' V 6 o'"2 lortion,

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Hon. J. R. Dickson moved, — "That this recommendation be considered in Committee." Hon. J. G. Jenkins seconded. Carried. The President left the Chair, and the Conference went into Committee accordingly. After some time spent therein, Hon. Joseph Cook moved, — " That this Conference regrets that, owing to the financial loss involved, the question of a general reduction in the prices of Intercolonial Telegrams_ must stand over for the present, and make no suggestion on the question of the limitation of addresses. Hon. J. G. Jenkins seconded the Motion, which was agreed to. The Conference resumed, and the President reported the Motion. Hon. J. Gavan Duffy moved, — " That the following words be added to the Resolution reported from the Committee of the Whole Conference —'but it is suggested that the Governments of New South Wales and Queensland arrange between themselves as to rates and limitations of words in addresses.' " Hon. J. G. Jenkins seconded the Motion, which was carried. The President put the question,-- -" That the Report of the Committee of the Whole Conference, as amended, be agreed to." Carried. Hon. J. R. Dickson moved, — " That any re-arrangement of charges should be on the basis of either charging for every word, whether in addresses or text, such being the international principle, or, of allowing the address and signature to the number of twelve words to be sent free." The Motion Was not seconded. Eon. J. Gavan Duffy moved, — " That it is desirable the Motion of Hon. J. R. Dickson be recorded in the Minutes of Proceedings." Hon. J. G. Jenkins seconded the Motion, which was carried. The Sub-Committee reported : — No. 76.—" Share-dealing." We are unable to deal with this matter. It refers to traffic in shares by telegraph employees, and should, we respectfully suggest, be dealt with by the respective Governments. Hon. J. Gavan Duffy moved, — "That, in the opinion of this Conference, telegraphic employees should be absolutely prevented from speculating in shares." Hon. J. G. Jenkins seconded. After discussion the Motion was agreed to. The following recommendations of the Sub-Committee were agreed to without Amendment:— No. 77.—" Share Telegrams between Stock Exchanges. We are of opinion that telegrams giving share quotations and passing between stock exchanges should not be accepted at press rates, but be charged as ordinary telegrams. No. 79.—" Re word ' care ' being inserted in Address of Message." We recommend that when an International telegram is addressed to the care of a person who has registered an abbreviated or code address, his name or registered address must be preceded by the word " care." When such word is omitted the omission should involve a nondelivery, and the sender be obliged to correct the address by a paid service, as provided for in the International Regulations. No. 83. —"Proposed omission of the word 'to ' from before addresses on telegrams." We are of opinion that it is unnecessary to signal the word "to " before the addresses on telegrams. No. 84.—" Charges for certified copies of telegrams and search fees." We recommend that a certified copy of any Inland or Intercolonial message be supplied to the sender or addressee, or their authorised representative, upon proof of identity and full particulars being furnished, together with the payment of a fee of Is. ; but where such particulars are not supplied the fee will be 2s. 6c?.

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No. 86.—" Consideration of Berne's Circular Letter, August 3rd, 1897." This letter relates to contradictory articles in the Buda-Pesth Convention pointed out by Austria. No report is thought to be necessary, aa the matter can be dealt with departmentally. No. 89.—" Urgent Telegrams, distinctive coloured forms." This is a matter which can be dealt with departmentally. No. 91. —"Typewriters for Telegrams." This matter can be dealt with departmentally, No. 93.—" Proposal that Australasian Telegraph Administrations undertake for a fee the ' coding' of International Messages, as is now done by Reuters Agency." We are of opinion that the time is not yet ripe for the consideration of this question. Nos. 94, 95, 96, and 97.—"Adoption of Uniform Charges and Regulations with respect to International Code Addresses."—" Surnames as Code Addresses."—" Code Addresses."—" Code Addresses, registration of." We recommend that the fee for registration of code addresses be lO.s. 6c?. for the year, or 2s. 6c?. for one month, for each address registered. We also recommend that the attention of the Australasian Administrations be drawn to the Resolution passed at the Conference at Sydney in November, 1896, with the request that it be complied wdth in future. The following is the Resolution referred to :—"(1.) That code addresses be not adopted intercolonially, except in the case of Tasmania and New Zealand, which for this purpose are international. (2.) That in connection with International Messages, code surnames be not accepted." Nos. 98, 99, 100.—"Telegraph Regulations."—"Telephone Regulations."—"Private Telephone Line." No report. We advise that these questions be taken up later on if time permits. No. 101. —"Free transmissions of Telegrams on Postal Service over New Zealand and Bass Straits Cables." We recommend that this matter be dealt with departmentally. No. 103. —"Regulations regarding Uniforms of Letter Carriers and Messengers." We recommend that this matter be dealt with departmentally. No. 104. —" Holidays, Christmas and Good Friday." We recommend that this matter be dealt with departmentally. No. 105.—Free transmission of instructions respecting delivery of Telegrams." We recommend that office instructions, such as "By post," "Porterage paid," or "guaranteed,'' be charged for, the same as " Reply paid." The following Reports on subjects which had been referred back to the Sub-Committee were also agreed to : — No. 62.—" Suggested discontinuance of the issue of Duplicate Postal Notes and the Payment of the Face Value of Postage Stamps affixed to Postal Notes." We advise that a Duplicate Postal Note may be issued on satisfactory evidence of the destruction of the original, or, in the case of its loss, on the expiration of six months from the date of such original note. No note shall be paid after the expiration of six months from the date of issue without reference to the Head Office of the Colony of issue, in order to ascertain whether the original has been paid. No. 39. —" Ratification of Washington Congress, and consideration of the various Conventions entered into at Washington but not signed by the Australasian Delegate." We see no objection to the ratification by the Australasian Administrations of the Postal Union Convention as agreed to at Washington. The most important question, so far as Australasia is concerned, is the reduction of the territorial and sea transits ; but we find that these reductions will, if anything, be in our favour, especially as, owing to the new arrangements in connection with the P. & O. and Orient contracts, the transit rates payable by non-contracting countries and colonies will, instead of being retained by Great Britain in one direction and the Colonies in the other, be placed to the credit of the subsidy, and the balance divided between Great Britain and the Colonies in the proportion of to Great Britain and !J to the Colonies.

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With reference to the subsidiary Treaties referred to in the Hon. Mr. Duffy's Motion, time has not permitted, of a careful examination of the untranslated Book of Proceedings recently received from Washington, but we understand that these Treaties do not materially, if at all, affect the Australasian Colonies. With regard to the optional provisions of the Washington Principal Convention, we report as follows :— 1. Article 6.—The registration.fee is fixed at "25 centimes, (2|c?.) at most," but, under Article 2 of the Final Protocol, "it is agreed that the States outside Europe are authorised to maintain the maximum at 50 centimes (5c?.)." Under these circumstances the Colonies need not alter their present charge for registration, which is (3c?.), and we advise accordingly. 2. Article 7.—Administrations agreeing thereto may exchange registered correspondence marked with trade charges, up to 1000 francs (£4O) to be collected on delivery ; the proceeds (less charges of collections, &c), to be remitted to the senders of such correspondence. The Colonies decided in 1892 not to adopt the system, and again at the present Conference. 3. Article B.—This provides for the payment of an indemnity of 50 francs (£2) " in case oj the loss of a registered article and except in cases beyond control," but under Article 3 of the Final Protocol, "it is agreed, as a temporary measure, that Administrations of Countries outside Europe whose legislation is at present opposed to the principle of responsibility, retain the option of postponing the application of that principle until they shall have been able to obtain from the Legislature authority to introduce it. We recommend the adoption of this provision, and that it be extended inland and intercolonially from Ist January next. 4. Article 9. —Where the legislation of a country permits, the sender of a letter or other article can have it withdrawn from the post, or have its address altered, so long as such article has not been delivered to the addressee. No objection to this, it being our present practice. 5. Article 13. —In countries which consent to undertake the service in their reciprocal relations a system may be adopted under which, at the request of the senders, and on their paying in advance a sum of 3d. for each article, all classes of correspondence are sent to the addressees by a special messenger immediately on arrival in the country of destination. We do not recommend this system, as it is not practicable in sparsely populated districts. 6. Regulation 6. —It will be necessary for the Colonies to consider whether they are in a position to make up their postage stamps in the stipulated colours : — in dark blue, lc?. in red, in green. We see no objection. 7. Regulation 11. —Administrations, whose Inland Regulations do not admit of the use of labels (R) in connection with registered articles, may postpone their introduction, and continue to use stamps for the indication of registered articles. The present practice is to mark registered letters with a blue or red cross, and impressed with the letter " R," which we find answers every purpose, and we advise its continuance. Nos. 74, 85.—" Mode of counting and charging Telegrams. Disputes with the public as to what are Cipher Words. (Orders for parts of Machinery)." "Re numbers as well as w-ords appearing in Telegrams." We recommend that figures be not albwed in the text of Inland or Intercolonial messages, but that amounts or numbers be written and signalled in words only. Isolated letters or groups of letters having no connective meaning shall be charged as one word for each letter. Nos. 75, 78.—"System of counting words in Inland and Intercolonial Ordinary Telegrams." " Counting double names in Telegrams." We suggest that these matters be referred to a Sub-Committee, to consist of Sir Chas. Todd, Mr. P. B. Walker, Mr. John Hesketh, and Mr. Geo. Smibert, to be settled by correspondence. No. 80. —" Suggested abolition of additional charge on cipher words contained in Inland and Intercolonial telegrams." With reference to the extra rate now levied on cipher words, we recommend that no extra rate be charged on any English Dictionary word containing not more than 15 letters. The above is intended to apply to both Inland and Intercolonial telegrams. No. 82.—" Intercolonial Telegraph Repeats." It is desirable that the practice of the Colonies should be uniform in dealing with the question of repeats, and it is recommended that the Resolution, No. 43, of the Brisbane Conference, March, 1893, be adhered to. The Resolution in question is as follows :—

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The receiver of a message may have the whole or part of it repeated on payment of the cost of the telegram demanding the repetition, and of the reply to the same. The sender can also have the wdiole or any portion of his message repeated on payment of the cost of the telegram he forwards and of the reply. The demand' for the repetition must be made within seventy-two hours after, receipt or despatch of the telegram, and should be written in the following manner : — " Sydney from Brisbane " (these words are not charged for). " R.P.4 " (representing reply paid, four words). " Twenty-sixth " (date of message to be repeated) ; " Brown " (receiver's name) ; " Repeat first, fourth, ninth " (meaning words of the text of the telegram to be repeated) ; or, " Twenty-sixth " ; " Browm " (repeat word or words) ; " after . . . . . ." The reply will be worded as follows : — " Brisbane to Sydney," (these words are not charged for). " Brown " (words repeated). No. 90.—" Question of issuing vouchers with 'Reply Paid' telegrams in terms of paragraph 1, clause 51, of Buda-Pesth Telegraph Service Regulations." We advise that the voucher system be adopted, and that the New Zealand form be accepted as pattern. [See other side. PREPAID REPLY FORM. NEW ZEALAND POST OFFICE TELEGRAPHS. A.— Code: Handed in (Time) : No. of Message :' _...' Office of ) Words. Sent. Office Stamp. Origin : i . . & • At m. Instructions: '~..'.".! Excess Charge. T I By STAMPS IN PAYMENT OF EXCESS CHARGE (IF ANY) MUST BE AFFIXED HERE BY THE SENDER. No. of Message —1 \ t, This Telegram is presented for Transmission by the undersigned, subject to the authorised conditions. / \ A.— / Office \ mQ 1 1 Stamp. ) No. 171 a. N.B.—Office of origin to be inserted after signature, and Telegraphed. [On back. rbflv voucher, —A sum 0f... having been deposited for Stamp of Issuing Office. a reply of words (addresses included) to a telegram handed in at timed , , addressed to :■ ~ this form will be accepted within six weeks of the date of its issue at any Postal Telegraph Office in payment or part payment, as the ease may be, of a telegram. Signature of Issuing Officer: ". : N.B.—lf this form be not used, or if it be used for a telegram the charge for which is- less than the amount deposited, the -whole of the amount deposited, or the difference, as the case may be, will be returned on application being made to th« Controller, G.P.0., Wellington, within six weeks of the date of issue. After that interval no application for the return of the amount will be entertained. No. 92. —" Code Vocabulary. Points submitted by Berne Telegraph Bureau for consideration." We suggest that this matter be referred to a Sub-Committee, to consist of Sir Charles Todd, Mr. P. B. Walker, Mr. John Hesketh, and Mr. George Smibert, to be settled by correspondence.

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The following is our Report on additional matters remitted to us by the Honorable the Ministers :— No. 68, —" Cable Subsidies and Guarantees, time of year closing." We recommend that this matter be referred to the Postmaster-General, South Australia, to arrange, if possible with the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company that the year close on the 31st December. No. 87.—"The question of abolishing the system of 'Urgent' Intercolonial Telegrams, or of overcoming the delays to which ordinary Telegrams are subjected in Colonies in which such system is in operation." We recommed that the system of urgent telegrams be discontinued with regard to International Messages. No. 88.—" Urgent Telegrams with West Australia." It is suggested that this Question be withdrawn, as it is disposed of by the recommendation of No. 87. No. 102.—"Establishment of Telephonic communication between the Capital Cities of the Australian Continent." In 1896 several letters were received by the Sydney Office from Mr. Jules Renard, respecting the establishment of Telephonic communication between the capital cities of the Australian Continent (Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane), it being pointed out that such a system of communication existed between Brussels and Paris ; Paris, Lyons, and Marseilles (537 miles) • Chicago and New York (1500 miles) ; as well as in other places. It was represented that the line from Adelaide to Brisbane could be constructed for a sum not exceeding £40,000. The Sydney Chamber of Commerce also wrote, enclosing a copy of a letter received by that body from Mr. Renard, and suggested that the subject might be considered at the next Intercolonial Postal Conference. The matter received attention at the 1896 (Sydney) Conference, when the following Report of Permanent Heads was adopted * viz. : — " This is a matter that requires careful consideration. The first cost would be more than double Mr. Renard's estimates for connecting Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, and the charge that would have to be made for conversation would be so large as to be almost prohibitory. The population of the Colonies is not sufficiently developed to enable an expensive work of this nature to be carried out so as to be remunerative at a reasonable charge to the public. The line from Sydney to Brisbane alone would cost £41,750, or, presuming that the existing poles could be used (which is impracticable), the estimate might be reduced to £24,250. Even making no allowance for maintenance of the line or for working expenses, the interest and sinking fund on a fifteen years' purchase is 10 per cent, of the capital cost (really £9 12s. Bd. per cent.) Therefore, for a line to be justifiable, a revenue of £4175 will require to be guaranteed on the Brisbane and Sydney line alone. It must also be borne in mind that telephonic communication between the capital cities of Australia would materially interfere with the telegraph revenue. We are therefore not prepared to recommend Mr. Renard's proposal for favourable consideration." Mr. Renard subsequently wrote, stating that the line from Sydney to Brisbane would not cost more than one-half the sum named in the above-quoted Report, and that, taking the largest diameter of wire for the through line from Adelaide to Brisbane (1800 miles), the total cost would not exceed £100,000, including new poles. In June, 1897, the Sydney Chamber of Commerce forwarded to the New South Wales Postal Department a copy of the following Resolution, adopted at a Conference of Chambers of Commerce of Australasia held at Sydney in May, 1897, viz.:— " Long distance Telephony. —That it is desirable that telephonic Communication be established between the various Capitals and leading Towns of Australia as early as possible." In forwarding this Resolution, a hope was expressed that, as early as possible, enquiry would be made into the prospects of such an undertaking being a commercial success. We are still of the opinion that there is not sufficient justification at the present time for the adoption of any scheme of Trunk Telephone Lines between the capital cities of the Australian Colonies. The reasons for our arriving at this decision are as follow :— The present lines of poles are not able to carry the telephone wires in some cases, arid, therefore, new poles would require to be erected in these places. The cost of construction would

JfOTH.— Chicago to New York 1000 miloi.

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be still further increased by the necessity for using very heavy copper wires, and of re-arranging the present wires so as to avoid interference. Experience indicates that the use of Telephone Trunk Lines would interfere with the Telegraphic Revenue. The extent of this interference depends upon the amount and nature of the business and tariffs. The centres of Australia are far apart and comparatively sparsely populated. We are, therefore, of the opinion that the circumstances of the Colony, its population, &c, do not justify us in recommending the adoption of any comprehensive scheme at present. We are, however, of opinion that the steps at present being taken by the various Colonies are in a direction which will eventually lead to the desired end. In all the principal Colonies trunk lines of moderate length are being introduced. Those in New South Wales and Queensland lead in the direction of the respective borders. As experience gained on them is found to justify it, the various Colonies will doubtless still further extend these lines until at last they meet. Meantime, we recommend that the different Colonies be desired to furnish a statement of the Telephone Trunk Lines in use or contemplated, together with particulars of the cost, effect on revenue, and any other information of interest on the subject. After discussion the recommendations Avere agreed to. Postal. Ratification of Washington Congress, and consideration of the various Conventions entered into at Washington but not signed by the Australasian Delegate. (Vie. 1.) Hon. John Gavan Duffy moved :— " That this Conference recommend to the Governments of Australasia the ratification of the Treaty entered into at Washington at the last Universal Postal Congress." Hon. J. G. Jenkins seconded the Motion, which was carried. Adjournment. Motion put and carried, — " That the Conference, at its rising, adjourn until Monday, 4th April, at 10*30 a.m." At 11*52 the Conference adjourned accordingly. P. 0. FYSH, President. Thos. C. Just, Secretary.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HOBART. MONDAY, 4th APRIL, 1898. The President, Hon. Sir Philip Fysh, K.C.M.G., took the Chair at 10 a.m., when the under-mentioned gentlemen, representing the Colonies herein named, were present:— New South Wales: The Hon. Joseph Cook, M.P., Postmaster-General. S. H. Lambton, Esq., Deputy Postmaster-General. P. B. Walker, Esq., M. Inst. C.E., M.1.E.E., Chief Electrician and Engineer-in-Chief Telegraph Department. Victoria .* The Hon. John Gavan Duffy, M.L.A., Postmaster-General. F. L. Outtrim, Esq., Deputy Postmaster-General, Secretary to Postal Department, and Superintendent of Telegraphs. South Australia: Hon. J. G. Jenkins, M.P., Commissioner of Public Works. Sir Charles Todd, K.C.M.G., M.A.F.R.S., Postmaster-General. Queensland: The Hon. J. R. Dickson, C.M.G., M.L.A., Home Secretary and Postmaster-General. John M'Donnell, Esq., Under Secretary to the Post and Telegraph Department, and Superintendent of Telegraphs. John Hesketh, Esq., Electrical Engineer. Tasmania: The Hon. Sir Philip Fysh, K.C.M.G., M.H.A., Treasurer and Postmaster-General. H. V. Bayly, Esq., Secretary to the Post Office.

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Canadian Postage Rater. The President reported that he had received a telegram from the Postmaster-General of Canada in reply to a Telegram forwarded from the Conference. Ordered to be considered at a later hour. Report of Sub-Committee. The Conference further considered the Report of the Sub-Committee of Permanent Heads of Departments on questions submitted to them. No. 18. —" Grocers' Price Lists, Postage on." Two articles were submitted by South Australia with a view to obtaining an opinion generally as to whether those and publications of a like character should be considered as newspapers. We are of opinion that one of the articles is inadmissible as a newspaper, but only for the reason that it is not fully dated as the Regulations require, and that the second one is entitled to pass as a newspaper. Agreed to.. No. 33.—"Postage on certain class of Publication." A publication is submitted by South Australia with a view to conferring as to whether publications of that class should be treated as packets or books. We are of opinion that, not being published in book form, they should be charged at Packet rate of postage. Agreed to. Question put, and passed— " That the Report of the Sub-Committee of Permanent Heads of Departments, as amended, be now approved." Postal and Telegraphic Rates. Hon. J. G. Jenkins moved, — " That this Conference recommends to the Governments of Australasia that no alteration in International Postal or Telegraphic Rates be made without the Colony proposing to make such alterations advising the other Colonies and endeavouring to arrange for uniformity of action." Hon. John Gavan Duffy seconded. Carried. Canadian Postage Rates. The following Telegrams were read : — Hobart, lsi April, 1898. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Ottawa, Canada. I am directed by the Australian Postal Conference, sitting at Hobart, to enquire if it is intended to carry out the proposed reduction of postage from 5 cents to 3 cents, and to inform you of the objection of Australia to concur in the proposition. P. O. FYSH, Chairman.

Reply. Ottawa, 2nd April, 1898. Hon. P. O. Fysh, Chairman. Postal Conference, Hobart. Canada would welcome Inter-imperial uniform reduced preferential postal rates, but if that plan not approved of, hopes she may be allowed at her own expense to reduce her outgoing letter rate to all parts of Empire, conceding like freedom of action to all other portions of Empire. Having regard to Canada's geographical and commercial position, existing postal rates constitute serious grievance. Meantime Canada has suspended all action pending approaching Postal Conference at London. WILLIAM MULLOCH, Postmaster-General. Hon. John Gavan Duffy moved, — "That the Conference go into Committee of the whole, to consider the Telegram from the Hon. Postmaster-General of Canada." Hon. J. R. Dickson seconded. Carried. The Conference went into Committee accordingly. After some time spent therein ; The Conference resumed, and the President reported the following Resolution : — "That the various Agents-General, Delegates to the Postal Conference in London, be instructed to oppose the proposal to reduce the rate of postage to all parts of the British

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Empire from 2\d. per \ oz. to 2d., and also the Canadian proposal to reduce her outgoing rate from 5 cents, per \ oz. to 3 cents, per oz., for the following reasons : — 1. The present rate is not an unreasonably high one, having in view the large cost to the Colonies involved in the maintenance of the present means of Postal communication with the various portions of the Empire. 2. Because of the anomaly which would be created by carrying letters 14,000 miles for the same rate as now charged for delivery within the limits of the Town where posted. Regarding the proposal of Canada to reduce her outgoing postage, this Conference is strongly of opinion that no reduction should take place which would be a departure from the present uniform rate, for the following reason, inter alia, at present a charge of 2d. per halfounce is made in Australia for the carriage of letters to however small a distance, while the Canadian proposal would involve the carrying of her letters over the same routes at a greatly reduced cost. This would, in the opinion of the Conference, lead to confusion and dissatisfaction. Hon. Joseph Cook moved that the Resolution be agreed to. Hon. J. Gay an Duffy seconded. Carried. Hon. J. Gavan Duffy moved, — "That the following reply be forwarded to the Hon. Postmaster-General of Canada : - 'It is satisfactory to learn that your contemplated reduction of Postal rates is suspended pending London Conference.' " Hon. Joseph Cook seconded. Carried. Hon. J. G. Jenkins moved, — " That a copy of the Resolution passed by the Conference be forwarded to the Premiers of each of the Colonies." Hon. J. Gavan Duffy seconded. Carried. At 12*50 the Conference adjourned until afternoon.

AFTERNOON SITTING. The President took the Chair at 4*30 o'clock. Telegraphic.—Alternative Cable Route. Hon. Joseph Cook moved for leave to move a Motion without notice. This being granted; Hon. Joseph Cook moved, — " That, in the absence of any satisfactory proposal from the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, and of any proposal at all except on the basis of an alternative cable via Africa, this Conference is unable to make any fresh arrangement with that Company." Hon. John Gavan Duffy seconded. After discussion, The Motion was agreed to. Pacific Cable. Hon. J. R. Dickson obtained leave to propose a Motion without Notice, and moved, — " That this Conference re-affirms the opinion that, in the interests of Australasia the .Pacific Cable project should be consummated as speedily as practicable, and that the Governments of the various Australasian Colonies be requested to represent to the Imperial and Dominion Governments the foregoing opinion, together wdth the proposal of the Premiers as agreed to at their recent Conference held in Melbourne, viz., —that if Great Britain and Canada would each contribute one third of the cost, the Colonies would be prepared to contribute the remaining third." Hon. .1. Gavan Duffy seconded, and the Motion was carried. Overland Telegraph Lines. Hon. J. R. Dickson moved, — " That the question in reference to the overland Telegraph Lines between South Australia and Queeusland be referred to the Governments of those Colonies."

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Hon. J. Gavan Duffy seconded. After discussion, The Motion was carried. Hon. Joseph Cook, by leave, moved, — " That this Conference has heard wdth satisfaction from the Representative of South Australia of the intention of the Government to take immediate steps for the improvement of the overland Telegraph Line, and •urges him to impress upon his Government to lose no time in effecting the improvements suggested, and hopes the Western Australian Government will take similar steps with regard to their overland line." Hno. J. Gavan Duffy seconded the Motion, which was carried. Thanks. Hon. Joseph Cook moved a vote of thanks to the Hon. Sir Philip Fysh for the able manner in which he had presided over the proceedings of the Conference, and for the generous hospitality and kindness which he had extended to the Delegates. Hon. J. G. Jenkins seconded the Motion, which was supported by Hon. J. Gavan Duffy and Hon. J. R. Dickson, and unanimously carried. Hon. the President returned thanks for the compliment paid him, and expressed his pleasure at the opportunity of meeting the Ministers and Heads of Departments from the other Colonies. Hon. Joseph Cook moved a vote of thanks to the Secretary, Mr. T. C. Just, for the able manner in which he had performed his duties as Secretary. Hon. J. R. Dickson seconded, and Hon. J. Gavan Duffy supported the Motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr. Just acknowledged the compliment. Hon. Joseph Cook proposed a vote of thanks to the representatives of the Press, for the excellent and accurate reports which they had given of the proceedings of the Conference. He also moved that thanks be given to Mr. H. V. Bayly, Head of the Postal Department of Tasmania, for his courtesy and attention to the Delegates. Hon. J. G. Jenkins seconded, and Hons. J. Gavan Duffy and J. R. Dickson supported the Motion, which was put and carried. At 6*lo the Conference adjourned sine die. P. 0. FYSH, President. Thos. C. Just", Secretary.

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AMENDMENTS OF POSTAL UNION CONVENTION, AND DETAILED KEGULATIONS.

"Washington Congress, £897.

AMENDMENTS, &c. IN THE PRINCIPAL CONVENTION. Note.—The country named in the margin designates the author of the amendment. Articles 1, 2, 3. Nil. Article 4. For Sea transits— (a) To the territorial transit rates if the voyage does not exceed 300 nautical miles. Nevertheless, the sea transit upon a voyage not exceeding 300 nautical miles is gratuitous if the Administration interested receives already on account of mails or correspondence conveyed the remuneration applicable to the territorial transit. (b) To 5 francs per kilogramme of letters and post-cards, and to 50 centimes per kilogramme of other articles for the exchanges effected upon a transit exceeding 300 nautical miles between European countries, between Europe and the Ports of Africa and Asia situated upon the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, or from one to other of these ports, and between Europe and North America. The same rates are applicable to the transits assured throughout the Union between two ports of one state as well as between the ports of two states connected by the same line of vessels when the sea voyage does not exceed J 500 nautical miles. To 15 francs per kilogramme of letters and post-cards, and to 1 franc per kilogramme of other articles for all transits not included in paragraphs a and b. In the case of sea transits effected by two or more Administrations the total cost of transit may not exceed 15 francs per kilogramme of letters and post-cards, and 1 franc per kilogramme of other articles. These costs are in such cases divided between the Administrations participating in the transport in proportion to the distance traversed, without prejudice to other arrangements which may exist between the parties interested. The transit rates specified in the present Articles do not apply to the transits effected by services dependent on Administrations foreign to the Union, nor to transits within the Union by means of extraordinary services specially established or maintained by one Administration either in the interests or upon the request of one or several Administrations. The conditions of the latter class of transits are governed by common consent between the Administrations concerned. In addition, wherever the transit, territorial as well as nautical, is at present gratuitous or subject to more advantageous conditions, the present system is maintained. It is, nevertheless, understood— (1.) That the territorial transit rates will be reduced as follows : — By 5 per cent, during the first two years of application of the present Convention. „ 10 „ during the two years following. „ 15 „ thereafter. (2.) That the countries whose receipts and expenditure in connection with the territorial transits do not together exceed the sum of 5000 francs per annum, and whose expenditure exceeds their receipts for this transit, are exonerated from all payments on this account. (3.) That the sea transit rate of 15 francs per kilogramme of letters and post-cards provided in Sub-section (c), Clause 3 preceding, will be reduced as follows : — To 14 francs during the first two years of the application of the present Convention. To 12 francs during the two years following. To 10 francs thereafter,

Sec. 3, Sub-sec. 2. Adopted on the recommendation of the subcommittee.

Sec. 4.

Sec. S.

44

The expenses of transit are borne by the Administration of the country of origin. The general accounting for these charges is effected under the conditions determined by the regulation of execution provided for in Article 20 hereafter. The Official Correspondence mentioned in Clause 2, Article n.—The reply halves of double post-cards returned to country of origin ; articles re-directed or missent ; undelivered articles ; acknowledgments of delivery ; Money Orders and all other documents relating to the Postal Service, are exempt from all charges for territorial or sea transit. Article 5. For post-cards in the case of prepayment —To 10 centimes for single cards, or for each of the two halves of the reply card, and to double that amount in the contrary case. (Note. —Unpaid or insufficiently paid cards were previously treated as unpaid or insufficiently prepaid letters.) Add the paragraph : — " When the postage of the single post-card includes one or other of the surcharges authorised by the two preceding paragraphs, the same postage is applicable to each half of the reply post-cards." Substitute 350 grammes for 250 grammes maximum weight, and strike out all words after " diameter." Article 6. Substitute the words " at the time of posting" for " in advance," and add to the section, " The same fee may be applied to requests for information as to the disposal of registered articles made subsequent to the posting if the sender has not already paid the special fee to obtain an acknowledgment of delivery." Article 7. Add the following paragraph : — " The maximum amount for trade charges is fixed at 1000 francs per packet, or the equivalent of that sum in the currency of the country of destination. It is optional with each Administration to decrease the maximum to 500 francs per packet, or to the equivalent of that sum in its monetary system." In the absence of other arrangements between the countries interested, the amount collected from the addressees, &c, &c, and add the following :—" The amount of a Money Order for trade charges being unclaimed, remains at the disposal of the Administration of the country of origin of the article marked with trade charges." The loss of a registered article marked with trade charges entails upon the Postal Service the responsibility fixed by Article 8 for registered articles. After delivery of the article the Administration of the country of destination is responsible for the amount of the trade charges, and must, in the event of application, be able to account to the sender of the packet for the sum collected, less the commission and charges provided by Clause 2. * Article 8. Countries willing to accept the risks arising from cases beyond control are authorised to levy on that account a fee not exceeding 25 centimes for each registered article. Add the following paragraph : —• "In the event of the loss of a registered article sent by another country, under circumstances beyond control, upon the territory or in the service of a country willing to accept the risks mentioned in the preceding Section, the country in which the loss occurs is responsible to the office of origin, provided the latter, on its side, accepts the risks in circumstances beyond control with regard to its senders. The payment of the indemnity by the despatching office must be effected as soon as possible and, at the latest, within a year of the date of application. The office responsible is bound to refund without delay to the despatching office the amount of the indemnity paid by the latter. The office of origin is authorised to pay the sender at the charge of the intermediary office or the office of delivery, which, having been duly advised, has allowed a year to elapse without taking steps in the matter. In the case of an office whose responsibility is duly established and which at first declines payment of the indemnity, it should be charged in addition with the costs incurred in consequence of the unjustifiable delay in making payment." Article 9. Nil.

Sec. fj.

Sec. 7.

Sec. 8.

Sec. 1, Sub-sec. 2.

Sec. 2, Sub-sec. 2. France.

Sec. 5. Bosnia-Herae-govina, Great Britain, Servia, and Switzerland. Sec. 3. Franco.

Sec. 1.

Sec. 2. Sweden.

Sec. 3. Now. France.

Sec. 2. New. Russia.

Sec. 3. (2. Vienna.) Russia.

Sec. 5. (4. Vienna.)

Addition. France.

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Article 10. Instead of Articles 5 and 6, read "By the various Articles of the present Convention." Article 11. Add the following paragraph :— " The use of postage stamps issued with a special and particular end in view by the countries of issue, such as commemoration stamps with a transitory validity, is not permitted in the International Service." Add the following:— " Nevertheless, reply post-cards bearing postage stamps of the country in which these cards were issued, and the newspapers or packets of newspapers not provided with postage stamps, but which bear the superscription " Abonnements Poste" (Subscription Post), and which are sent under Article 19 —" Arrangements for Subscription to Newspapers"' — of the present Convention, are also considered as fully prepaid. Official correspondence relative to the Postal Service exchanged between Postal Administrations ; between Administrations and the International Bureau, and between the Post Offices of the countries of the Union, are exempted from payment in ordinary postage stamps and from all liability to charge. Articles 12, 13, 14, and 15. Nil. Article 16. There shall not be forwarded commercial papers, printed papers, and samples, which do not comply with the conditions required for these classes of mail matter by Article 5 of the present Convention and Regulation 20. If occasion arise, these articles are returned to the country of origin and, if possible, to the sender. Add— " Nevertheless, explosive, inflammable, or dangerous substances are not returned to the country of origin, but are destroyed on the spot by the Administration discovering their presence." Article 17. (1.) The offices of the Union having relations with countries not adhering to the Union should lend their assistance to all other offices of the Union for the transmission of correspondence " a decouvert" to or from the said countries. (2.) With regard to the costs of transit for correspondence of all kinds and the responsibility for registered articles, such correspondence is dealt with as follows: — For transit within the Union in accordance with the stipulations of the present Convention. For transit to the countries situated beyond the limits of the Union in accordance with the conditions notified by the Office of the Union acting as intermediary. Nevertheless the costs of sea transit, whether in or beyond the Union, may not exceed 20 francs per kilogramme for letters and post-cards, and 1 franc per kilogramme for other articles. These charges are divided between the offices assisting in the sea transit in proportion to the distance traversed. The costs of transit of correspondence by sea.or land, either within or beyond the limits of the Union, are ascertained in the same manner as the costs of transit of correspondence exchanged between countries of the Union. (3.) The costs of transit of correspondence addressed to countries not adhering to the Union are charged to the office of origin which fixes the rates of postage for such correspondence. These rates may not be lower than the nominal rate of the Union. (4.) The costs of transit for correspondence originating in countries not adhering to the Union are not charged to the country of destination. That office distributes without surcharge such correspondence as may be sent to it as fully prepaid ; it taxes the unpaid correspondence with double the rate applicable in its own service to similar articles addressed to the country whence the said correspondence originates, and the insufficiently paid correspondence to double the deficiency ; but the tax may not exceed that which is collected upon unpaid correspondence of the same nature, weight, and origin. (5.) The correspondence despatched from a country of the Union to a country foreign to the Union, and vice versa, through the intermediary of an office of the Union, may be transmitted on either side in closed mails, if this mode of transmission be agreed to by offices of destination and origin of the mails with the consent of the intermediary office. Articles 18, 19, and 20. Nil.

Sec. 1. Germany.

See. 1. Belgium.

Sec. 2. Netherlands.

Sec. 1. Belgium.

Sec. 2. Belgium.

Sec. 4. Belgium.

Substitute for Article 17, (Vienna) France.

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Article 21. It does not restrict the rights of contracting parties to maintain and conclude treaties, as well as to establish and maintain more restricted Unions with a view to the reduction of rates or any other improvement of postal relations. Articles 22, 23, 24, 25. Nil. Article 26. Add the following : — " In order to be submitted for discussion, each proposal must be supported by at least two Administrations in addition to that from which the proposal emanates. When the International Bureau does not receive, at the same time as the proposal, the necessary number of declarations of support, no further action shall be taken." Amendments are not admitted. 27th, 28th, and 29th Articles have been added to the list of those which may be modified on unanimity of votes. Three months inserted in place of two months. Article 27. Re-arranged. Final Protocol. The British Government has ceded to the South African Colonies and Protectorates the vote allotted to the whole of the other British Colonies by Section 5, Article 27.

Sec. 2.

Sec. 1. Austria-Hun-gary.

Sec. 2.. Switzerland. Sec. 3. Prance.

Sec. 5. Japan

* , DETAILED REGULATIONS FOR THE EXECUTION OF THE PRINCIPAL CONVENTION. In accordance with the suggestion of France, the articles have been re-arranged. The numbers in Roman numerals indicate the Articles in the Vienna Convention Regulations. Articles I. 2. 3. Nil. Article 4. Fixing Rates of Postage, IV. The words "or of important alterations in the value of the money," have been inserted after the words above-mentioned. » Section 3 of the Vienna Regulations has been struck out. Article 5. Exceptions in the matter of weight, XXVIII. Nil. Article 6. Postage stamps (new Article.) (1.) The postage stamps representing the postage rates of the Union, or their equivalent in the currency of each country, are printed as far as possible in the following colours :— Stamps of 25 centimes in dark blue. „ „ 10 „ (Id.) in red. „ „ 5 „ {±d.) in green. (2.) Postage stamps must bear upon their face the inscription of the value they actually represent for the payment of postage on correspondence according to the table of equivalents inserted in Article 4 preceding.

Sec. 2. Great Britain.

Great Britain and Switzerland.

Austria-Hun-gary.

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Article 7. Correspondence with countries foreign to the Union, V. The offices of the Union which have relations with countries foreign to the Union furnish the other offices of the Union with a list of such countries, with the following information :— (1.) Cost of sea or land transit applicable to the conveyance of mails -beyond the limits of the Union. (2.) Description of correspondence admitted. (3.) Whether prepayment of postage be compulsory or optional. (4.) Limit for each class of correspondence, and validity of postage collected (to destination or to port of discharge.) (5.) Extent of pecuniary responsibility with regard to registered articles. (6.) Possibility of admitting acknowledgments of delivery. (7.) As far as possible the rates of postage in force in the Countries beyond the Union in comparison with the Countries of the Union. Article 8. Application of the Stamps, VI. The stamping of correspondence posted on packets in the moveable boxes or in the hands of Commanders devolves, in the cases contemplated by Article 11., Section 3, of the Convention, upon the Postal Agent on board, or, if there be none, upon the Post Office to which the correspondence is delivered; in the latter case the Office impresses the correspondence with its ordinary datestamp, and adds the remark " Packet" by means of a stamp or label. Postage stamps not obliterated through fault or omission in the service of origin must be cancelled in the usual manner by the Office which discovers the irregularity. Article 9. Indication of the number of Rates, VII. The words " wholly unpaid or insufficiently prepaid " have been inserted after " correspondence." Article 10. Insufficient prepayment, VIII. Nil. Article 11. Stipulations respecting registered articles, XV. Add the following paragraph : — " It is however absolutely necessary to indicate each registered article by an ordinal number. If the regulations of a re-despatching office require the indication of registered articles by a new ordinal number, that office must strike out the original number, but in such a manner that it shall not be rendered illegible." Section 4. Vienna Regulations struck out. After " report the case," insert the words " by verification certificate to the administration to which the office of origin is subordinate. The certificate must state, very exactly, the office of origin, the date of posting, and the number of the article. This condition is not applicable to registered articles which, through re-direction, become subject to increased postage. These latter articles are dealt with as required by Section 2, Article 25 of the present regulations. Article 12. Indemnity for the loss of registered article, XII. Nil. Article 13. Acknowledgments of delivery of registered articles, IX. They are accompanied by a form in' conformity to Model B. annexed hereto. This form is s prepared by the office of origin, or by another office designated by the despatching office, and attached by a piece of string to the article to which it relates. If it fails to reach the office of destination, the latter prepares a new acknowledgment of delivery. Acknowledgments of delivery must be formulated in French, or bear a sublineary translation in that language.

France.

Sec. 3. France.

New Sec. (8.) Switzerland.

Sec. I. Egypt.

Sec. 3. Austria-Hun-gary.

Germany, Belgium, France, and Sweden. Sec. 4. (Washington.) Belgium.

Sec. 2. Belgium.

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The office of destination, after having duly completed the Form B, returns it in an envelope officially registered to the office of origin. When the sender of a registered article demands an acknowledgment of delivery subsequent to the posting of such article, the office of origin reproduces upon a Form 8., to which a stamp representing the fee for an acknowledgment of delivery has been affixed, an accurate description of the registered article (nature of the article, office of origin, date of posting, number, and superscription). This form is transmitted from Administration to Administration with the indication of the mail in which the article sought for has been delivered to the service of exchange from the office corresponding therewith. The office of destination completes the form and returns it to the office of origin, as prescribed by Section 3 preceding. If an acknowledgment of delivery regularly demanded by the sender at the time of posting be not delivered to the office of origin after a reasonable period has elapsed, application may be instituted for the missing acknowledgment in accordance with the rules outlined in Section 4 preceding. Nevertheless, in the latter case, instead of affixing a postage stamp to the Form 8., the office of origin writes at the head of the form the inscription, " Application for acknowledgment of delivery." Article 14. Registered articles marked with trade charges (new). Such articles are not accepted by Australian Administrations. Article 15. Post-cards, XVI. Post cards must be sent unenclosed, and must bear at the top of the address side the title Carte Postale clearly expressed in French, or with a sublineary translation in that language. This title is followed as far as possible by the words—■ ( Union Postal Universelle Cote reserve a I'adresse | Universal Postal Union This side reserved for the address J The remainder of the-face is reserved for the postage stamps, for indications relating to the Postal Service (registered, acknowledgment of delivery, &c), and for the address, which may be written in manuscript, or be shown upon a gummed label not exceeding 2 centimetres by 5. (f by 2 inches.) When the sender uses an inland post-card for foreign service, this card is forwarded, provided it bears the printed or written title, " Carte Postale," or the equivalent of this title in the language of the country of origin. In addition, the sender has the right to indicate on the face his name and address, either by means of a stamp, an autograph stamp, or other typographical process. Engravings or advertisements may be printed on the face. Nevertheless, they may in no way interfere with the clear indication of the address, as well as the affixing of stamps and notices of the Postal Service. It is forbidden to join to or attach anything whatever to post-cards except the postage stamps and labels mentioned in the first Section and in Section 4 of the present Article. Post-cards may not exceed the following dimensions : —Length, 14 centimetres, (5| inches), width, 9 centimetres (3J inches). Reply-paid post-cards must bear on the address side of the first half the title, " Post Card, Reply Paid," and on the second half, " Post Card Reply." Each of the two halves must comply with the conditions required for the single card ; they are folded one upon the other, and may not be closed by any means whatever. The sender of a reply-paid post-card is permitted to indicate his name and address on the face of the "reply half," either in manuscript or by affixing a label thereon. The prepayment of the reply half by means of the postage stamps of the country which has issued the card is valid only if the two halves of the reply-paid card are received attached from the country of origin, and if the reply half is dispatched to the destination of that country. In the contrary case it is treated as an unpaid card. Post-cards, both single and reply paid, emanating from private industry are admitted to international circulation if agreeable to the laws of the country of origin, and provided that they fulfil the conditions imposed by the present Article for admission at the reduced tariff in the exchanges from country to country for the post-cards issued by the Postal Administrations, and that they be in conformity with the post-cards issued by the office of origin, at all events in regard to size and substance of paper. Post-cards not fulfilling, as to prescribed indications, dimensions, external form, &c, the conditions laid down by the present article for this class of correspondence, are treated as letters. Nevertheless, post-cards originally addressed to the inland service of the country of origin, and redirected to another country, are admitted to the benefits of the reduced rates, if they comply with the conditions laid down for the circulation of post-cards to the interior of the country of origin, and do not exceed the dimensions fixed by Section 2 preceding.

Sec P. France.

Sec. 4. France.

Sec. 5. France.

Sec. 1. France.

Switzerland.

Sec. 2.

Sec. 3.

Sec. 4.

Sec. 5.

Sec. 6.

Sec. 7.

New paragraph. Austria.

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Article 16. Commercial Papers, XVII. Completed by adding:— " The corrected exercises of students, comment on the work is forbidden." Article 17. Samples, XIX. Articles made of glass, liquids, oils, fatty substances, dry powders, whether dyes or not, as well as packets containing live bees, are admitted for transmission as samples of merchandise, provided that they be packed in the following manner :— (1.) Articles made of glass must be packed solidly in boxes of metal, wood, leather, or cardboard, in such a manner as to prevent danger to correspondence and to the employee. Completed by adding : — " When perforated blocks of wood, lined with absorbent substances and furnished with a lid, are used having at least a thickness of xV tn 0I " an " lcn * n t,ie weakest part, it is unnecessary that such blocks be enclosed in a second box. Objects of natural history, animals, and dried or preserved plants, geological specimens, &c, not sent with a commercial end in view, and the packing of which conforms with the general conditions respecting samples of merchandise, are also admitted to the rates of postage for samples." Article 18. Printed papers of every kind, XVIII. After " photographs," add "albums containing photographs." Second paragraph commences " Reproductions of type copy made in manuscript or by the typewriter when obtained by a mechanical process such as poligraphy, chromography, &c, &c, are assimilated to printed matter, but in order to pass at the reduced rate of postage they must be brought to the Post Office counter and must number at least twenty copies precisely identical. Printed papers of which the text has been altered after printing either by hand or by a mechanical process, or bears any mark whatever capable of constituting a Conventional Language, cannot be sent at the reduced rate. To add in manuscript on printed visiting cards, the address of the sender and his title, as well as wishes, congratulations, thanks, compliments of condolence or other forms of politeness 'expressed in five words at most or by means of conventional initials, (p.f. &c.) To make prominent by means of marks and by underlining words or passages of the text to which it is desired to draw attention. To insert or correct, in manuscript or by mechanical process, the figures in prices current, tenders for advertisements, stock and share lists, trade circulars and prospectuses, as well as the name of the traveller, the date and the locality wdiich he intends visiting, on traveller's cards. After " engravings," insert " Christmas and New Year cards." After " requisitions," insert "or subscriptions relative to works of the Library " (books, newspapers, engravings, &c.) Commences " Save the exceptions explicitly authorised by the present article, additions made in manuscript, &c." Article 19. Articles grouped together, XX. Nil. Article 20. Letter Bills, X. (1.) Letter Bills which accompany the mails exchanged between two Administrations of the Union are prepared in accordance with Model C. annexed hereto. They are placed in coloured envelopes bearing distinctly the indications " Feuille d'Avis," (Letter Bill.) (2.) The number of bags or packages composing the mail is entered in the right-hand upper corner of the Letter Bill relating thereto, if necessary. Excepting arrangements to the contrary in the cases of exchanges by sea, which, although periodical and regular, are not daily or on fixed days, the despatching offices must number the Letter Bills on the left-hand upper corner in an annual series for each office of origin and for each office of destination, mentioning, when possible, above the number, the name of the vessel by which the mail is conveyed.

Sec. ], France.

Sec. 4, Sub-sec. 1. Germany.

Sub-sec. 2. France.

Sec. 5. Belgium and Switzerland.

Sec. 1. Great Britain,

Sec. 3.

Sec. 4, Sub-sec. b. Egypt.

Sub-sec. g. Russia.

Sub-sec- h. Switzerland and Great Britain.

Sub-sec. I.

Sub-sec. m.

Sec. 5.

Re-drafted as suggested by France.

50

(3.) The total number of registered articles, of packages or bags containing such articles, of loose registered articles, and of articles for express delivery, distinguishing among the latter the registered articles, if any, must be entered at the head of the Letter Bill. (4.) The registered articles are entered separately in the first column of the Letter Bill, with the following details : —The name of the office of origin, and the registered number of that office, the name of the addressee, and the place of destination. In the column "Observations" is added the letters AR for such articles for which acknowledgments of delivery are required. In the same column the abbreviation " Remb." followed by the indication in figures of the amount to* be collected, is added against the entry of articles inscribed with trade charges. The returned acknowledgments of delivery are entered in the Table referred to, either separately or collectively, according as these acknowledgments may be more or less numerous. (5.) When the number of registered articles despatched habitually from one office of exchange to another renders it desirable, special and detached lists must be used in place of Table I. of the Letter Bill. The number of registered articles entered on these Lists, and the number of packages or bags enclosing such articles, must be entered on the Letter Bill. (6.) The closed mails included in the despatches to which the Letter Bill directly relates are entered in Table 2, with the details that this Table requires. (7.) Under the heading " Recommendations d'Office" (Official Registrations) are entered the letters on open service, the various applications or communications from the despatching office having reference to the service of exchange, as well as the number of empty bags returned. (8,) When it is considered necessary in certain cases to create other tables or headings upon the Letter Bill, these may be arranged by common consent between the Administrations interested. (9.) When an office of exchange has no correspondence to forward to an office corresponding therewith, it must at least send in the ordinary way a mail composed solely of the Letter Bill. (10.) When closed mails are confided by one Administration to another in order to be transmitted by merchant vessels, the number or weight of the letters and other articles must be indicated on the Letter Bill, and upon the address of the mails, when the office charged with the embarkation of the mails demands it. * Article 21. Transmission of registered Correspondence, XI. Registered articles, acknowledgments of delivery, articles for express delivery, and if there be any, the special lists provided by* Section 5, Article 20, are collected in one or more separate packages or bags, which must be suitably wrapped or enclosed and sealed in a manner to preserve their contents. Registered articles are made up in each package following the order of their entry. When several detached lists are used each of them is inserted in the package to which it relates. The special envelope containing the letter bill is attached with string tied across and across to the outside of the package of registered articles. The package is then placed in the centre of the mail. Article 22. Making up Mails, XIII. Completed by the addition of the following paragraph :— " Letters bearing traces of having been opened or damaged must be endorsed to that effect, and impressed with the date-stamp of the office which discovers the fault." Article 23. Verification of Mails, XIV. Completed by adding the following paragraphs :— " At the same time a duplicate of the verification certificate is sent by the receiving office to the Administration to which the despatching office is subordinate." " Upon recovery of a mail, failure of which has been reported to the office of origin, or to an intermediary office, a second verification certificate must be sent to such office advising the subsequent receipt of the mail." The words " to the despatching office by the first mail after verification," have been inserted in place of " by the first mail to the despatching office a verification certificate." Article 24. Mails exchanged with ships of war, XXVI. When mails addressed to a naval division or to a man-of-war are despatched unenclosed, the captain of the postal packet conveying such mails holds them at the disposal of the Commander of the division or man-of-war to which they are addressed, in case that officer may demand delivery en route. Section 7 of the Vienna Convention struck out.

Sec. 1. France.

Sec, 2. France. Sec. 1. Austria.

Sec. 6. Switzerland. France.

Section 8. Great Britain.

Sec. 3. Completed by new paragraph.

51

Article 25. Re-directed Correspondence, XXI. With regard either to inland letters or packets of one country of the Union which enter, in consequence of re-direction, into the service of another country of the Union, and to letters and packets addressed from one country of the Union to another country of the Union which have adopted in their reciprocal relations a lower tariff than the ordinary Union rates, but entering, in consequence of re-direction, into the service of a third country of the Union whose rates are the ordinary Union rates, or of articlej exchanged for their first transit between the localities of two neighbouring services for which a reduced tariff exists, but re-directed to other localities of these countries of the Union, or to another country of the Union, the following rules are observed :— Articles unpaid or insufficiently paid for their first transmission are impressed by the delivering office with the tax applicable to articles of the same nature addressed directly from the place of origin to the new destination. Article 26. Undelivered Correspondence, XXII. If correspondence, posted in a country of the Union, and addressed to the interior service of that country, has for senders persons residing in another country, and which, through non-delivery, must be forwarded to anothar country to be returned to the senders, such articles become correspondence of International exchange. In such cases the re-directing office and the delivering office deal with the said correspondence in accordance with the stipulations of Sections 2 and 3 of Article 25 preceding. Correspondence for sailors and other persons addressed to the care of the Consul and returned by him to the local post office as unclaimed, must be dealt with as prescribed by Section ] for unclaimed correspondence in general. The sums collected from the Consul for deficient postage, &c, must at the same time be refunded to him by the local post office. Article 27. Applications for ordinary articles which have failed to reach destination, XXIX. Every Administration may demand by a notification, addressed to the International Bureau, that the applications which concern its service may be transmitted to its Central Administration or to an office specially designated by it. Article 28. Applications relative to registered articles. New Article (Austria-Hungary). (1.) A form similar to the model E. annexed hereto is used for applications relative to registered articles. The office of origin, after having filled in the date of despatch of the article in question, transmits the form direct to the office of destination. (2.) When the office of destination is able to furnish information as to the final disposal of the article for which application is made, it returns the form, duly filled in with the required information, to the office of origin. (3.) When the disposal of an article which has passed a decouvert through several services cannot be immediately proved in the service of the country of destination, the office of destination transmits the form to the first intermediary office, which, after filling in the particulars of transmission to the service following, forwards the application to the succeeding office, and so on, until the final disposal of the article applied for be established. The office which has effected delivery to the addressee, or, on the other hand, can neither prove delivery to the addressee nor the regular transmission to another Administration, states the fact upon the form, and returns it to the office of origin. (4.) The form F. is drawn up in French, or bears a sublineary translation in that language. They are despatched without certificate under closed envelope, and submitted to the formality of registration. Each Administration is at liberty to demand, by a notification addressed to the International Bureau, that the applications concerning its service may be sent to its Central Administration, or to an office specially appointed, directly to the office of destination, or, if it be only interested as an intermediary office, to the office of exchange to which the article has been despatched. (5.) The preceding stipulations do not apply to cases of robbery or loss of mails, &<?., which require more extensive correspondence between the Administrations concerned. Article 29. Withdrawal of Correspondence and Correction of Addresses, XXX. Recourse to the telegraph is compulsory when the sender has made use of this means of correspondence and the office of destination cannot be advised in time to be of service by post.

Sec. 2. Denmark.

Sub-sec. 1.

Sec. 5 New. France.

Sec. 6. New. Great Britain

Sec. 2. AustriaHungary

S«c. 5. Completed bj new paragraph. Belgium.

52

Article 30. Use of Postage Stamps presumed to be fraudulent for the prepayment of Postage, XXXI. Nil. Article 31. Transit Charges, XXIII. The statistics taken in the month of May, 1896, on account of transit charges will be maintained as the basis for such accounts until the expiration of the Convention of the 15th June, 1897, and of the present Regulations, subject to the reserves stipulated in Sections 2 and 3 following:— (2.) In the event of the accession to the Union of a country having important relations, the countries of the Union of which the situation may, as a result of this circumstance, find themselves modified in connection with the payment of transit charges, have the option of claiming special statistics dealing exclusively with the country which has lately entered. (3.) When an important alteration in the movement of correspondence arises, and provided that this alteration affects a period of at least Six months, the offices interested determine between them according to the new statistics the division of the transit charges in proportion to the part taken by the said offices in the conveyance of correspondence to which the charges relate. (4.) The simple storing in a port of closed mails conveyed by a packet and intended to be again conveyed by another packet does not give rise to the payment of territorial transit charges to the profit of the Post Office storing such mails. Article 32. Note.—Article 24, Vienna Convention has been divided into two parts; the present article deals with the preparation of Accounts, and the following Article (33) with the settlement of Accounts. With a view to enforcing the stipulations of Sub-sections 1, 2, of Section 5, Article 4, of the principal Convention— (a) Each Administration of the Union transmits to the International Bureau, upon a form ad hoc, that the latter will have supplied a statement of the sums to be paid or received, calculated upon the basis of the statistics for 1896, by each of the corresponding Administrations, on account of territorial transit, excluding the extraordinary transit charges provided by Section 4, Article 4, of the Convention, and not including the reductions provided by Section 5, Sub-section 1, of the same Article 4. (b) In case of difference between the corresponding indications of two Administrations, the International Bureau invites them to agree, and to communicate to it the sums definitely fixed. (c) If one of the corresponding Administrations has not furnished the statement within the period determined by the International Bureau, the statement of the other Administration is accepted. (d) No objections are admitted on the part of Administrations which have not furnished the statement above required within the period determined by the International Bureau. (c) The International Bureau designates, upon the basis of the statistics of 1896, the countries to be exonerated from all payments on account of land transit until the expiration of the Washington Convention and of the present regulations; states the total of the sums that these countries would have to pay, and makes the proportional deduction from the total of gross credits of the other countries relating to this transit. It effects, in the second place, the reduction determined, Sect. 5, Sub-sect. 1, of Article 4 of the Convention, and transmits the actual results to all the Administrations, indicating for each of them the amount of its debit or credit with regard to each of the other Administrations interested. (2.) The duty of preparing the accounts for sea transit, upon the basis of Articles 4 and 17 of the principal Convention, and with the reductions provided by Sub-section 3 of Sect. 5 of the first of these Articles, devolves upon the office to which payment is due, which transmits them to the indebted office. The latter office returns them accepted or with its remarks with the least possible delay. If the accounts be not returned within a period of six months they will be settled in accordance with the statements of the crediting office. Article 33. Settlement of Transit Charges. (1.) The annual balance, which results from balancing the reciprocal accounts between two offices, is made in hard cash (francs) by the indebted office to the office to which payment is due by means of bills drawn upon a place in the creditor country, at the option of the indebted office. The

.Article amended to conform to Sec. 3, Article 4, of the principal Convention.

53

costs of payment, including the discount charges, when there happen to be any, are borne by the indebted office. The payment of transit accounts relating to a period of service must be effected with the least possible delay, and at the latest before the expiration of the first half-year of the following period. In any case, if the office which has sent the account has not received during that period a corrected statement, the account is considered as accepted. This stipulation applies also to uncontested observations made by one office upon the accounts of another office. After the expiration of six months the amounts due by one office to another are subject to interest at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum, dating from the expiration of the period referred to. Nevertheless, it is reserved to offices interested to make, by common consent, other arrangements than those stipulated in the present article. Article 34. Division of Expenses of the International Bureau, XXXII. The French Colonies and Protectorates of Indo-China have been included in the 3rd class. The Major Republic of Central America, and the German Protectorates have been added to the 6th class. Note.—Since the Washington Congress the Administration of Japan has applied to be regarded as a country of the Ist class. Article 35. Communications to be addressed to Ihe International Bureau, XXXIII. Five complete sets of their postage stamps indicating, if necessary, the date from which the postage stamps of previous issues will cease to be valid. Any moderation of taxes adopted, whether by virtue of special arrangements concluded by the application of Article 21 of the Convention, or in execution of Article 20 of the Convention, with the particulars of the circumstances under which the amended taxes are applicable. Sec. 5, Vienna Regulations, struck out. Article 36. General Statistics, XXXIV. Nil. Article 37. Duties of the International Bureau, XXXV. The International Bureau publishes, from information furnished as prescribed -by Article 35 preceding, an offici il Statement of all information of general interest concerning the execution of the Convention, and of the present Regulations in each country of the Union. Subsequent alterations are published in half-yearly supplements. Nevertheless, in case of urgency, when an Administration expressly demands the immediate publication of a change in its service, the International Bureau makes it the subject of a special circular. Analogous statements concerning special arrangements of the Union may be published by the International Bureau on the request of the Administrations participating in such arrangements. Three months inserted in lieu of Two months. Article 38. Central office of accounting and liquidation of Accounts between the Administrations of the Union, XXXVI. After having checked and accepted the special accounts for each nature of operations, the debiting Administrations transmit to the crediting Administrations an acknowdedgment, made out in francs and centimes, of the amount of the balance of the two special accounts, indicating the object of the credit and the period to which it relates. Nevertheless, so far as the exchange of Money Orders is concerned, the acknowledgment must be transmitted by the debiting office on the settlement of its own special account, and on receipt of the special account of the corresponding office, not awaiting the result of detailed verification. Any differences subsequently found are entered in the first account to intervene. Excepting contrary arrangements, the Administration which desires to have general accounts for its interior accounts will have.to prepare them itself, and submit them for the acceptance of the corresponding Administrations. The payment of sums due by one Administration to another on account of liquidation must be effected as soon as possible, at the latest fifteen days after receipt of the statement by the debiting Administration.

Sec. 2.

Sec. 3.

Sec. 2, Sub-sec. 2. Sub-sec. 4. New. Denmark.

Sec. 3. New.

Sec. 0. Japan.

Sec. 2.

Sec. 7. Addition AustriaHungary

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Article 39. Language, XXXVII. Nil. Article 40. Scope of the Union, XXXVIII. In the interval which elapses between Meetings of the Administrations of countries of the Union which open in countries foreign to the Union, Post Offices which must be considered as belonging to the Union communicate the fact to the Administrations of all other countries of the Union through the intermediary of the International Bureau. Article 41. Proposals made in the interval between Meetings, XXXIX. "Six" months inserted in lieu of "five" months. Amendments are not permitted.

Sec. 2. New. Russia.

Sec. 2. Australasia. Switzerland.

55

CONTRIBUTIONS TO GUARANTEES AND SUBSIDIES.

The following table shows the contributions of the several colonies to the under-mentioned guarantees and subsidies, not including the duplicate cable subsidy of £32,400: —

C. TODD, Postmaster-General.

Adelaide, March 24, 1898.

Guarantee to — Victoria. New South Wales. New Zealand. South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia. Total. CABLE COMPANY. £ s. a. £ s. d. £ s. a. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. (Revenue guaranteed, £237,736.3 First year ending 30th April, 1892 Second „ „ 1893 Third „ „ 1894 Fourth „ „ 1895* (Revenue guaranteed, £227,000.3 Fifth year ending 30th April, 1896 • Sixth „ ,. 1897* 11,250 13 4 8569 0 0 2071 0 0 11,170 1 1 8509 0 0 2050 0 0 815 0 0 1120 0 0 3161 4 3 2408 0 0 582 0 0 1446 18 10 1102 0 0 206 0 0 491 2 0 375 0 0 90 0 0 27,520 0 0 21,778 0 0 6191 0 0 21,890 13 4 21,735 1 1 1941 0 0 6151 4 3 2814 18 10 956 2 6 55,489 0 0 SOUTH AUSTRALIA. (Revenue guaranteed, £37,552.3 First year ending 30th April, 1892 Second „ „ 1893 Third „ „ 1894 Fourth „ „ 1895 Fifth „ „ 1896 Sixth „ „ 1897 4257 16 9 3072 0 0 275 0 0 376 5 8 4227 6 7 3050 0 0 273 0 0 373 II 9 162 0 0 150 0 0 204 II 8 1196 7 4 862 0 0 77 0 0 105 14 7 547 12 0 395 0 0 35 0 0 48 7 10 185 17 4 134 0 0 12 0 0 16 8 6 10,415 0 0 7675 0 0 822 0 0 1125 0 0 7981 2 5 7923 18 4 516 11 8 2241 1 11 1025 19 10 348 5 10 20,037 0 0 TASMANIA. (Subsidy guaranteed, £4200.1 First year ending 30th April, 1892 Second ., „ 1893 Third „ „ 1894 Fourth „ „ 1895 Fifth „ „ 1896 Sixth „ „ 1897 1717 0 8 1717 0 8 1717 0 8 1717 0 8 1717 0 8 1717 0 8 10,302 4 0 1704 14 8 1704 14 8 1704 14 8 1704 14 8 1704 14 8 1704 14 8 482 9 I 482 9 1 482 9 1 482 9 1 482 9 1 482 9 I 2894 14 6 220 16 6 220 16 6 220 16 6 220 16 6 220 16 6 220 16 6 1324 19 0 74 19 1 74 19 I 74 19 1 74 19 1 74 19 1 74 19 1 449 14 6 4200 0 0 4200 0 0 4200 0 0 4200 0 0 4200 0 0 4200 0 0 25,200 0 0 10,228 8 0 VICTORIAN GUARANTEE TO TASMANIAN CABLE. (Guarantee — First £1000 and half any additional loss in any one year.) First year ending 31st December, 1894 Second „ „ 1895 Third „ ., 1896.... Fourth „ „ 1897.... 264 9 4 4 13 10 262 11 6 4 13 3 143 15 10 2 11 0 74 6 3 16 4 34 0 3 0 12 1 11 10 11 0 4 2 790 14 1 14 0 8 269 3 2 2G7 4 9 146 6 10 75 12 7 34 12 4 11 15 1 804 14 9 NEW ZEALAND. (Revenue guaranteed, £26,258.3 Four months ending 30th April, 1893 First year „ „ 1894 Second „ „ 1895 (Revemie guaranteed, 3220,000.3 Third year ending 30th April, 1896 Fourth „ „ 1897 734 13 9 2432 5 11 2447 13 7 729 11 6 2414 17 4 2430 2 10 399 10 6 1322 8 5 1330 15 8 206 9 6 683 8 6 687 15 0 94 10 2 312 16 4 314 15 11 32 I 7 106 3 G 106 17 0 2197 0 0 7272 0 0 7318 0 0 1320 16 9 859 18 8 7795 11 8 1311 7 G 853 15 5 7739 14 7 718 2 7 467 10 9 371 2 7 . 241 12 6 2190 8 1 169 17 5 110 11 11 57 13 2 37 10 9 340 6 0 3949 0 0 2571 0 0 23,307 0 0 4238 7 llf 1002 11 9 Grand Totals 48,238 14 7 47,894 6 9 6842 6 5 13,553 1 4 6203 1 9 2106 3 11 124,837 14 9f * In these years there was a surplus of £970, £133,971, and £180,941, respectively. t In addition, New Zealand has borne alone on account of New Zealand-Sydney ca :3636 ; 1895, £3659 ; 1896, £1975 ; 1897, £1285 ; altogether, £11,653 10s.; making the :136,491 4s. M. ible guarantee the following sums :—1898, £1098 10s.; 1894, grand total loss by all the colonies on all the subsidies,

56

INTERNATIONAL TELEGRAPH TRAFFIC. TABLE 1, showing the Total Australian International Telegraph Business for the following Years, (January to December).

INTERNATIONAL TELEGRAPH TRAFFIC. TABLE 2, showing the Traffic of the various Colonies for the following Years.

(continued.)

Year. Messages? Words. Receipts. .889 890 891 892 893 894 895 896 897 62,909 67,066 79,478 88,130 91,100 90,383 120,394 151,206 152,075 793,917 827,278 1,110,869 1,321,412 1,401,293 1,325,241 1,948,639 2,326,984 2,122,216 • £ s. d. 324,636 4 4 331,468 2 11 285,516 3 11 261,796 14 1 316,650 6 8 301,507 11 7 453,303 19 5 562,817 18 9 498,476 11 8

South Austra: ,IA. Victoria. Tasmania. Year. Messages. Words. Value. Messages. ! Words. Value. Messages. Words. Value. 1889 1890 1891 1892.. 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 8122 10,429 11,478 12,857 14,925 16,247 17,086 19,530 20,330 147,804 181,101 227,787 269,720 266,400 288,503 322,328 307,487 306,232 £ 39,067 48,406 39,120 35,939 40,185 48,804 57,205 62,094 59,239 21,541 22,149 28,229 32,517 : 29,816 27,774 32,061 35,152 34,892 291,436 292,850 435,419 560,309 555,039 442,382 538,442 551,894 508,554 £ 119,680 117,652 107,431 107,908 129,438 102,948 127,069 133,077 121,517 791 891 1301 1437 1250 876 1066 1192 1342 7122 7968 11,433 12,597 11,067 7816 9"376 10,893 12,410 £ 3543 3709 3236 2929 2842 2030 2504 2961 3300 Nl! South W. .LES. New Zealand. SUEENSLAN Year. Messages. Words. Value. Messages. Words. Value. Messages. Words. Value. 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 18,211 18,406 25,577 31,069 28,996 28,146 32,774 36,925 38,522 193,747 194,724 319,116 391,031 380,112 364,860 436,682 481,409 484,715 £ 85,307 87,749 83,199 80,561 92,979 89,574 108,554 121,393 121,045 8361 8673 7077 5696 11,553 11,345 13,768 18,568 18,001 90,722 83,871 61,256 42,584 145,470 151,256 195,683 288,842 246,365 £ 48,156 44,212 31,792 21,704 37,640 38,976 50,716 75,459 63,536 4619 5044 3428 1959 1986 1787 1765 1897 4182 53,068 54,989 32,974 16,765 18,483 14,314 13,089 14,135 52,012 £ 24,755 24,741 14,974 7184 8044 6468 5860 6559 14,557

57

INTERNATIONAL TELEGRAPH TRAFFIC. TABLE 2 (continued), showing the Traffic of the various Colonies for the following Years. (No. 2.)

INTERNATIONAL TELEGRAPH TRAFFIC. TABLE 3, showing the Number of Words in Government, Press, and Ordinary Traffic for the following Years.

We; ITERN AUSTRA: ,IA. Grand Total. Messages. Words. Value. Messages. Words. Value. .889 .890 891 .892 .893 894 .895 896 897 1264 1474 2388 2595 2574 4208 21,874 37,942 34,806 10,018 11,775 22,881 28,406 24,722 54,110 433,038 672,323 511,926 £ 4126 4999 5764 5571 5520 12,707 101,396 161,273 115,282 62,909 67,066 79,478 88,130 91,100 90,383 120,394 151,2116 152,075 793,917 827,278 1,110,869 1,321,412 1,401,293 1,325,241 1,948,639 2,326,984 2,122,216 £ 324,636 331,468 285,516 261,796 316,650 301,507 453,303 562,817 498,476

Year. Government Traffic. Press Traffic. American Traffic. All other Traffic. Total. 889 890 891 892 893 .894 .895 .896 .897 26,387 27,008 33,164 28,360 35,264 31,671 36,901 34,428 45,956 124,829 160,051 194,367 263,591 210,119 189,205 186,748 124,949 135,655 55,058 54,104 45,955 49,014 61,404 77,145 87,063 642,701 640,219 828,280 975,357 1,109,955 1,053,351 1,663,586 2,090,462 1,853,572 793,917 827,278 1,110,869 1,321,412 1,401,293 1,323,241 1,948,639 2,326,984 2,122,218 South Africa business under 1500 words monthly.

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TABLE 4, showing the effect of the Reduced Cable Rates on the International Traffic of the various Colonies. Traffic forwarded and received.

CABLE GUARANTEE FUND. The following Table shows separately the Revenue accruing to Guarantee Account with Eastern Extension Telegraph Company from International Telegrams, and the amount required to supplement Receipts up to the Guarantee Revenue (viz., £237,736, or from 1st May, 1895, £227,000):—

TABLE showing Contribution of each Colony to Cable Guarantee.

New South Wi lies. Victoria. iw Zealai id. Queensland. Year. Messages. Words. Value. Messages. Words. Value. Messages. Words. Value. Messages. Words. Value. £ £ £ £ At Old 1889 1890 •At NeRates— 85,307 87,749 119,680 117,652 48,157 44,212 25,755 24,741 v Rates- ' 1892... , 1893... I 1894... I 1895... 1 1896... 1897... 18,211 18,406 193,747 194,724 21,541 22,149 291,436 292,850 8361 8673 90,722 83,871 4619 5044 53,068 54,989 a £ a n a> „ - S3 & 29,104 30,616 28,269 28,994 34,393 37,743 370,633 381,944 372,840 381,084 453,189 500,545 76,595 83,854 91,473 93,785 113,131 125,934 31,691 30,907 29,209 28,696 32,641 35,818 538,440 520,916 540,284 458,277 540,885 553,293 103,364 108,491 126,454 106,228 129,282 133,176 5925 7588 11,631 11,008 14,949 19,223 46,672 75,850 149,668 154,948 221,714 294,246 24,024 26,472 38,650 40,155 57,377 70,769 2513 1980 1889 1786 1806 1989 20,407 17,730 17,155 13,492 13,113 15,211 8820 7542 7665 6109 5882 7041 So ith Austri ilia. 'asmania. Wesi srn Austri ilia. Grand Tot. L. Year. Messages. Words. Value. Messages. Words. Value. Messages. Words. Value. Messages. Words. Value. £ £ £ £ Lt Old Rates— 1889 1890 .t New Rates — bo | 1892... |g 1893... c«) 1894... Z"\ 1895... S5 1 / 1896... f* ( 1897... 8122 10,429 12,021 13,741 15,162 16,090 16,909 20,256 147,804 181,101 255,138 270,571 267,863 308,886 300,175 313.311 39,067 48,406 34,695 37,545 41,060 52,737 56,609 02,028 791 891 1569 1335 1111 954 1051 1321 7122 7968 14,418 11,498 9843 8501 8939 12,581 3543 3709 3344 2729 2567 2233 2408 3413 1264 1474 2751 2502 2500 8008 29,482 40,002 10,018 11,775 29,483 24,827 23,747 134,256 572,902 660,714 4126 4999 5791 5136 5354 31,306 133,954 158,592 62,909 67,066 85,574 88,669 89,771 96,736 131,231 156,352 793,917 827,278 1,275,191 1,303,336 1,381,400 1,459,446 2,110,917 2,349,901 324,636 331,468 256,633 271,770 313,222 332,554 498,643 567,852 * The reduced rates came Into operation on May 1,1891, and was raised from 4s. to 4s. 9d. on January 1,1893.

Year. Actual Revenue from International Telegrams. Amount paid by Contributing Colonies to supplement Receipts. Balance: viz., Loss borne by Cable Co. Total Receipts. 891-2 .892-3 893-4 894-5 895-6 896-7 £ 18*2,696 194,180 2*25,354 238,712 360,971 407,941 £ 27,520 21,778 6191 Nil. Nil. Nil. £ 27,520 21,778 6191 Nil. Nil. Nil. £ 237,736 237,736 237,736 238,712 360,971 407,941

1891-2. 1 £592-3. 1893-4. South Australia Victoria Tasmania New South Wales New Zealand Western Australia £ s. d. 3161 4 3 11,250 13 4 1446 18 10 11,170 1 1 £ s. d. 2407 19 9 8569 19 0 1102 3 6 8508 10 11 815 4 9 374 2 1 £ s. d. 581 16 8 2070 14 6 266 6 4 2055 17 10 1125 16 9 90 7 11 49l""2 6 Total 27,520 0 0 21,778 0 0 6191 0 0

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SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GUARANTEE. The following Table shows the actual Revenue of South Australia from International Telegrams, and the amount required to supplement Receipts up to guaranteed Revenue; viz., £37,552:—

TABLE showing Contributions of each Colony to Guarantee.

C. TODD, Postmaster-General 8f Supt. of Telegraphs, S.A. General Post Office, Adelaide, lUh March, 1898.

Year. Actual Revenue from International Telegrams. Amounts paid by contributing Colonies to supplement Receipts. Total Receipts. 1891-2 1892-3 1893-4 1894-5 1895-6 1896-7 £ 27,137 29,877 36,730 36,427 43,807 48,471 £ 10,415 7675 822 1125 Nil. Nil. £ 37,552 37,552 37,552 37,552 43,807 48,471

1891-2. 1892-3. 1893-4. 1891-5. 1895-6. 1896-7. South Australia Victoria Tasmania New South Wales New Zealand Western Australia £ s. d. 1196 7 4 4257 16 9 547 12 0 4227 6 7 £ s. d. 863 1 5 3071 13 3 395 0 11 3049 13 0 161 9 8 134 1 9 £ s. d. 77 5 0 274 18 9 35 7 2 272 19 4 149 9 8 12 0 1 £ s. d. 105 14 6 376 5 8 48 7 10 373 11 9 204 11 8 16 8 7 £ -Nil. £ Nil. 185 17 4 Total £ 10,415 0 0 7675 0 0 822 0 0 1125 0 0

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STATISTICAL RETURN, NEW SOUTH WALES, 1897. Number of Telegraph Stations (including Public Telephone Offices) 800 Miles of Line-wire 33,072 Miles of Line , 12,745 Total cost of construction to 31st December, 1897 £920,036 Inland and Intercolonial. Number of Messages received and transmitted 2,133,298 Revenue (including £17,521 14*.. fW. value of O.H.M.S. business) ~' £142,774 6*. Id. International. Messages transmitted— Number 25,199 Value (including O.H.M.S. business £1101 19.5. Bd.) £71,705 o*. Ad. Messages received— Number > 17,494 Value £52,565 lis. M. Net Revenue to New South Wales £5645 10*. M. Telephones. Number 6726 Amount of Revenue received in 1897 £39,613 Postal and Electric Telegraph Department, General Post Office, Sydney, 2oth March, 1898.

VICTORIA. On 31st December, 1897— Total Mileage, Telegraph Lines 3823 „ „ Wires 9378 Total Number Staff Post and Telegraph Offices 209) „ Contract „ 184 [ 791 „ Railway „ 398 J Nett Telegraphic Revenue, 1896-7 £101,605 6s. Wd. J. GAVAN DUFFY, Postmaster-General.

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Post OfficeNumber of Post Offices 681 Number of Letters and Postcards *18,804.962 Number of Packets *1,973,86*2 Number of Newspapers *9,488,965 Number of Parcels (per Parcel Post) *48,752 Revenue paid into Treasury (including " Recoups," &c, as shown below) £125,114 Money Order— Number of Offices 190 Number of Orders issued 80,503 Amount of ditto £234,187 Number of Orders paid 92,809 Amount of ditto £343,479 Number of Postal Notes issued 25*2,346 Amount of ditto £85,501 Number of Postal Notes paid 251,558 Amount of ditto £85,741 Revenue paid into Treasury £5917 Telegraph— Number of Offices 264 Length of Telegraph Lines (miles) 5525 Ditto Wires (miles) 11,526 Length of Telephone Lines (miles) 337 Ditto Wires (miles) 2921 Total length of Telegraph and Telephone Lines (miles) 5862 Ditto Wires (miles) 14,447 Number of Telegrams (Colonial and Intercolonial) 1,111,283 South Australian charges on ditto £51,688 Number of International Telegrams 118,186 Gross value of ditto £498,477 South Australian charges on ditto £45,001 Total number of Telegrams 1,229,469 Revenue paid into Treasury— On Telegraph Account (including " Recoups," &c, as shown below) ... £110,748 On Telephone Account £15,916 Recoups and Sales of Government property — Post Office £2035 Telegraph £947 Total Revenue (including " Recoups, &c.) £257,695 Total Expenditure (including cable subsidies and guarantees) a £"202,903 • Approximate. a " Total Expenditure " :— Includes amounts paid on account of — Cable subsidies, &c 5294 14 7 Observatory 915 14 8 £6210 9 3 C. TODD, Postmaster-General and Superintendent of Telegraphs. General Post Office, Adelaide, 18th March, 1898.

QUEENSLAND TELEGRAPH SERVICE, 1897. JN umber of Telegraph Stations 365 Miles of Line 10,026 Miles of Wire 18,031 Number of Messages transmitted and received (including International) 1,141,71.6 Value of ordinary Messages transmitted (excluding 0.H.M.5.) , £76.795 10*. l\d. Revenue paid to Treasury (including £5264 s*. sd. on account of Telephones) £76,986 I*. lOd. Cost of construction to date (including Buildings) £860,080 15*. lid. JOHN McDONNELL, Under Secretary and Superintendent of Telegraphs, Queensland.

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TASMANIA, 1897. Number of Telegraph Stations (including Public Telephone and Railway Offices) 226 Miles of Line wire ~ 2446 i Miles of Line 1484 Total cost of construction to 31st December, 1897 £70 751 Inland and Intercolonial. Approximately— Number of Messages transmitted (including about 43,421 0.P.5.0. Messages).. 342,633 Revenue (including £4442 approx. valueof 0.P.5.0. business), gross £33,722, net £19,909 International. Messages transmitted—Number 763 Value £1860 Messages received—Number 647 AT n Value £3327 Net Revenue to Tasmania £63 Telephones. Number ~ ( §10 Amount received in 1897 for Telephones £3526 Is. Post and Telegraph Department, Hobart, Ist April, 1898.

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REPORT BY PERMANENT HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS.

Postal Conference, Hobart, 30th March, 1898. In pursuance of the instructions of the Honourable the Delegates assembled in Conference, we have carefully considered the questions remitted to us, and have to report as follows : — Nos. 3 and 4.*—"Adoption of uniform Letter Bills, and furnishing Statistics of Intercolonial Correspondence."—" Adoption of uniform Letter Bills for Mails exchanged between (a) the Principal Offices of the Australasian Colonies, and (b) Border Post Offices." Recommended, That the Letter Bills as prepared by New South Wales, at the request of previous Conferences, be adopted, and that, during the months of May and November in each year, the number of letters, packets, and newspapers contained in mails be stated on Letter Bills for statistical purposes. No. 5.—" Australian Mails Way-Bill." No report. Can be dealt with departmentally. No. 6. —" Reply Postage Stamp— {a) Merridew's Scheme ; {b) Maury's Scheme." It would be impossible to introduce the universal use of the Reply Postage Stamp without interfering more or less with the postal revenue of the countries concerned, and we therefore cannot advise adoption of either scheme. No. 7.—" The use of the ' Paid-at' Stamp on Correspondence on which postage has been paid in cash." Recommended, That cash payment be accepted for all classes of mail matter over the value of £l, posted at one and the same time, but that the "Paid Stamp " shall indicate the postage paid for each article. The Offices authorised to accept cash payment to be determined by each respective Administration. No. 8. —" Inland Postage Rates, Local Delivery." No report. The Postmaster-General, South Australia, suggests that where Id. postage is introduced it should be restricted to letters posted in a town for delivery in the same tow m . This system already obtains in Queensland and Tasmania. Nos. 9 and 10. —" Rates of Postage levied by Fiji on Patterns and Samples and on Newspapers " —" Re Berne Bureau questioning the rates charged by the Australasian Colonies on International (a) Patterns, and Samples, and {b) Newspapers." As our rates of postage on patterns and samples and newspapers are in strict conformity with Article 5 of the Vienna Convention, and Fiji is charging similar rates, the objections raised by Berne to the rates of Fiji are not supported by the Convention. Should the Berne contention be upheld it would involve the rates in all the Colonies being raised, in the case of packets, from Id. to for two ounces. No. 11. —" Samples of Glass, &c. — vide London Letter, dated 21st January, 1898." Hitherto it has been the practice of the Australasian Colonies to permit " Queen bees, and live but harmless entomological specimens," as well as glassware—provided such articles be properly and securely packed—to be transmitted by sample post within the Colonies and to any other country or colony wdiere allowed by the local regulations ; but the Colonies have refused to transmit by sample post packets of liquids, oils, fatty substances, dry powders (wdiether

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dyes or not). However, from the Ist January, 1899, the transmission of the whole of the above-mentioned articles by sample post will he obligatory between union countries under the Washington Congress. The London Office has now written to say that the Postmaster-General is willing to allow samples of glass, liquids, greases, and colouring powders (but apparently not live bees) to pass in the mails exchanged between the Australian Colonies and the United Kingdom after the Ist March, 1898, the date from which they will be allowed to pass in the inland postal service of the United Kingdom, and that Office desires to be informed whether the Colonies will agree to such exchange. The transmission of the articles mentioned wall be governed by the provisions of the Postal Union Regulations, and the limits of size and weight will be those already applicable to samples exchanged between the Australian Colonies and the United Kingdom—viz., 2 feet in length by 1 foot in width and depth, and 1 lb. in weight. As the transmission of the articles referred to by sample post will be compulsory from the Ist January, 1899, there would not seem to be any objection to the exchange with the United Kingdom taking place from the Ist July next. No. 12. —" The Postage to be charged on obliterated stamps and spent letters." Recommended, That obliterated stamps and spent letters be sent at Commercial Paper Rates within the Colonies, subject to usual packet Regulations, but this cannot be done internationally, as the Rules of the Universal Postal Union Convention require letter rate to be paid. No. 13. —""Bankers' Parcels : need for strictly enforcing Regulations relating thereto." We advise that intercolonially the following existing Regulation be in future strictly adhered to : — Bankers' packets {i.e., packets sent from one bank to another), containing bank-notes, cheques, cheque-books, drafts or orders, provided they are enclosed in covers with the ends sufficiently open to admit of postal officials seeing that they contain nothing in the nature of a letter. Though not compulsory, it is strongly recommended that bank-notes should be registered. They must be registered if addressed to another Australian Colony, and cannot be forw r arded at packet rates to the United Kingdom, West Australia, New Zealand, or any other country. Bank passbooks may be sent from or to any bank at packet rates, provided they are enclosed in covers with the ends sufficiently open to admit of postal officials seeing that " passbooks" only are being transmitted. Every such packet must be endorsed " Passbook only." No. 14. —" The Intercolonial Packet Post to be limited to articles of no commercial or saleable value." We consider that the present Regulations which admit of small packets of merchandise not exceeding 1 pound in weight being exchanged with all Colonies except Queensland, at packet rate of Id. per 2 ounces should be adhered to, and, if possible, be extended to Queensland ; that Colony however objects to merchandise being sent by packet post. No. 15. —" Practice of taxing 'officially' or-'compulsorily ' registered International correspondence supposed to contain money or other valuable enclosure." The Postal Laws of the Colonies provide for compulsory registration of letters containing valuable enclosures. Under the Universal Postal Union, however, it is not permissible to send coin, bullion, &c, and the principle of compulsory or official registration is not recognised under the Convention. The practice of compulsorily registering letters to Great Britain containing coin or bank notes has, however, been in operation for some time past in most of the Colonies, and, until recently, accepted by the London Post Office. We consider that, in the case of letters containing valuable enclosures posted in the ordinary way, it is more desirable in every respect to send them on charged with registration fee than to send them forward unregistered. We advise that the London Office be communicated wdth, and invited to accept such correspondence in future as they have done in the past, and collect the registration fee on delivery. No. 16. —"Proposed Amendment of Article 12 of the Australasian Postal Convention so far as it relates to Travellers' Cards or Circulars." Under Article 12 of the Australasian Postal Convention appears the following paragraph :■ — "Cards, Travellers' Cards, or Circulars may be sent at Packet rates, and, if necessary, may include a catalogue or list of prices. They may also bear the date and name of the traveller." We recommend that the following w r ords be added—"the date of sending and the date of intended visit of the traveller, also the time of departure of train or steamer, and name of latter by which the goods are forwarded."

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No. 17.—"Permission to Commercial Travellers to post letters on trains without affixing Late fee." We consider this matter should be left to each Administration to act for itself. It is in operation in Victoria and New South Wales, whilst in Tasmania no Late fees are charged. No. 18. —" Grocers' Price Lists, Postage on." Two articles were submitted by South Australia with a view to obtaining an opinion generally as to whether those and publications of a like character should be considered as newspapers. We are of opinion that one of the articles is inadmissible as a newspaper, but only for the reason that it is not fully dated as the Regulations require, and that the second one is entitled to pass as a newspaper. No. 19. —"Proxy Forms or Notices : Postage on." We consider that these may pass at Packet rate of postage. No. 20.—" Circulars' Postage." No report. No. 22. —" Proposal to prohibit the enclosure of articles of a monetary denomination in parcels and packets." We think it most undesirable that Postal Notes, Money Orders, and Cheques should be transmitted through the post as packets, or enclosed in. packets or parcels, but should be sent separately at the Letter rate of postage. (This of course does not apply to the special concessions in regard to Bankers' parcels.) No. 23. —"Rates levied by the respective Australasian Colonies on ' Loose Ship Letters.'" Recommended, That in the case of loose letters received in one Colony from another by sea, a late fee of 2d. each be levied on delivery in addition to the ordinary postage paid upon them, and double the deficiency where the ordinary postage is insufficiently prepaid. No. 25. —" Transmission of Promissory Notes, Circulars, and other printed matter with Accounts." We consider that Promissory Notes signed or unsigned, Circulars, and other printed matter are entitled to be enclosed wdth Accounts and Packet rates levied on the whole packet. No. 26. —" Printed communications, as footnotes on Invoices, Accounts, &c." We recommend the adoption of the following amended Regulations dealing with Accounts and Invoices : —" Accounts and Invoices, receipted or unreceipted, the remark, " With thanks " will be allowed, but either printed or written communications in the nature of a letter or of the character of actual or personal correspondence, by code or otherwise, are chargeable as letters. Invoices may be receipted, and may advise wdien or how the goods are forwarded, but may contain no other written matter, nor anything in the nature of actual or personal correspondence by code or otherwise. They may, however, bear the following trade notices, whether printed or impressed with a rubber or other stamp : —" All empties returned must be advised;" " When remitting, please return the statement to be receipted;" " Terms, cash in advance ;" " Terms, 2\ per cent, discount for cash ;" " This settles your account up to date ;" " Cheque will oblige." Anything, however, of a general character printed in ordinary type may be enclosed with accounts, provided it is not of the nature of a personal correspondence." No. 27.—" Redirection Charges." We report that all the Colonies, wdth the exception of Queensland, make no charge for redirection fee. Queensland, under Section 15, Post Office Act, 1891, charges a redirection fee, but this fee is not collected by the other Colonies. No. 30. —" Applications re embossing combined sheet of note-paper and envelope." In the opinion of this Committee there is no objection to applications being granted with regard to impressing stamps on the combined sheet of note-paper and envelope, on the following conditions : — 1. Not fewer than 500 envelopes of any one size to be received at any time. 2. Coloured envelopes not to be received for stamping. 3. Envelopes which are too thin to bear the impression of the die not to be received. 4. Envelopes provided by the Post Office Department with the proper stamp thereon to be substituted for any which may be spoiled in the operation of stamping. 5. A charge of 2*. per 1000 to be made for stamping.

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The present practice in the different Colonies is as follows :—No charge is made in NewSouth Wales and Tasmania, 3*. per 1000 is charged in Queensland, 2*. in Victoria; South Australia not undertaking the duty at all. No. 31. —"Counterfeit Postage Stamps—Compliance with Article No. 18, Vienna Convention." Under Article 18 of. the Vienna Convention the contracting countries undertake to adopt or to propose to their respective Legislatures the necessary measures for punishing the fraudulent manufacture or use of counterfeit stamps, and we think that it is desirable that the necessary legislation to enable the Colonies to give effect to this Article be obtained as early as possible by those Colonies which do not already possess it. No. 33. —" Postage on certain class of publications." A publication was submitted by South Australia with a view to conferring as to whether publications of that class should be treated as packets or books. We are of opinion that, not being published in book form, they should be charged at Packet rate of postage. No. 35. —" Postal Guides, uniformity." We advise that the question be taken up later on if time permits. No. 36.—" Territorial transit rates charged by one Australian Colony to another such Colony, proposed reduction." As the Postmaster-General South Australia has assured this Committee that the present payment on the homeward mails and the payment by Great Britain to South Australia on the outward mails only about covers actual expenses, taking, of course, into account the landing and embarking of mails at Largs Bay, we do not advise that any reduction be made in these rates at present. In connection with this matter, we desire to call attention to the fact that in the new contracts with the P. & O. and Orient Companies, the contractors are required to land and embark the mails at all ports, including Largs Bay; but in the interests of the Colonies it is our opinion that the Adelaide Post Office should still undertake the service of landing and embarking the mails at Largs Bay, as the incoming mails occasionally arrive at such a time as to render it necessary for using the greatest possible expedition in landing the mails, in order that they may reach Adelaide in time for Melbourne express leaving at 4*30. No. 37.—" Accelerating of train service with English mails from Brisbane." It is admitted that the present railway arrangements are extremely inconvenient to Queensland in regard to the connection of the English mails at Sydney. If any arrangement could be made by which the Commissioners of these two Colonies could arrange for a train to leave Brisbane about I*3o p.m. on Monday to arrive at Sydney at 5 P.M. next day, this would enable the Queensland public to post up to noon on Monday, instead of the business people having practically to close their correspondence on Saturday evening. No. 37a.—" Question of special trains in event of mail steamers reaching Largs Bay on Saturdays and Sundays." As bearing upon the English Mail Train Service, and considering the likelihood under the present contract of the steamers frequently reaching Largs Bay on Saturday and Sunday, we have considered the question of making some provision for forwarding these mails on to their destination by special trains, and thus avoiding the great delay which would be otherwise unavoidable. A Memorandum showing possibilities in regard to special trains is appended, and w r e recommend that the questions therein set forth be remitted for the favourable consideration of the Colonies concerned. No. 38.—" Australasian Postal Convention." We advise that this question be taken up later on if fime,permits. No. 40.—" Proposed arrangement for enabling senders of parcels for despatch per Parcels Post to places abroad, to defray all Customs and other charges arising upon such parcels." The proposed arrangement is explained in the subjoined letter from the London Post Office, 12 March, 1897 :— " I am directed by the Postmaster-General to enquire whether your office would be disposed to take part in an arrangement, which is under consideration here, for enabling the senders of parcels sent abroad by Parcel Post to defray all the charges arising upon them, that is to say, not merely the postage, but also the Customs and other charges, which have now to be paid by the addressees on delivery. Such an arrangement is in operation in connection with the Parcel Post between several of the countries of the Postal Union, and is said to work well. The procedure is as follows : —

Appendix A,

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" A person wishing to relieve his correspondent of all charge in respect of a parcel, endorses it ' to be" delivered free of all charge,' signs a declaration that he will pay the amount due as soon as it is ascertained, and, if required, pays a deposit. A form, similar to the one annexed, is then made out and accompanies the parcel to the office of exchange of the country of destination, where the parcel is examined, and the charges are assessed. The amount is entered on the form, and claimed on a parcel bill, to which the form is attached as a voucher. The form is then sent back to the office of posting, where a settlement is come to with the sender. The parcel is, of course, delivered free. "In this country it is proposed to charge for the facility a fee of Qd. per parcel. " If your office, with the consent of the Government, is of opinion that the proposed arrangement might with advantage be adopted, you will no doubt be good enough to inform me to that effect. A date can then subsequently be fixed by mutual consent for bringing it into operation." We recommend that the suggestion of London should be approved, provided that the fee, in addition to the postage, instead of being 6d., be I*., to be equally divided between the United Kingdom and the Colony interested. No. 41. —" Customs Declarations on Parcel Post Packages." We recommend that the Regulation of the London Post Office, as under, with reference to valuation of Parcel Post Packets be adopted, viz. :— Customs Declaration and Despatch Note. "Parcels are subject to Customs Regulations, and the sender of each parcel is required to make, for Customs purposes, upon a special form or forms, which can be obtained at any Post Office, an accurate statement of the nature and value of the contents and other particulars. Undervaluing the contents, or failure to describe them fully, may result in seizure of the parcels. The net weight or quantity of the various articles contained in a parcel should, if possible, be stated, and any other particulars which would facilitate the assessment of Customs Duty—such as, in the case of clothing, the material of which it is composed, and whether it is new or has been worn. In the case of articles returned to the country where they originated the fact should be stated." No. 42. —" Proposed 'Express Delivery 'of Parcels and Postal Packets exchanged between the United Kingdom and the Australasian Colonies." By circular letter dated the 20th April, 1897, the London Office wrote to the respective Australasian Postal Administrations, bringing under notice the system of delivering ordinary postal packets by express messenger, stating that the system had worked well in the United Kingdom, and was about to be extended to international parcels. The London Office suggests that, if the Colonies are now able to undertake express delivery, it should apply to parcels as well as to other postal packets, but, if the Colonies be still unable to arrange for the delivery by special messenger of postal packets received from places abroad, they may desire to give senders in the Colonies the opportunity of securing the express delivery of correspondence forwarded by them to the United Kingdom. If so, the London Office is prepared to deliver specially all ordinary postal packets as well as parcels marked " express," received in the mails from the Colonies. The express fee on ordinary postal packets, at the rate of 3d. per mile, cannot be prepaid, but wall be collected on delivery, while, in the case of parcels for " express " delivery, a special fee of sd. each parcel should be collected from the sender, and credited to the Imperial Post Office on the parcel bill. We consider that the requisite facilities for the establishment of the system do not exist here ; there is no demand for its establishment ■ there are objections to its partial introduction {i.e., that it should apply only to parcels from Australia) ; the express fees chargeable even under the favourable circumstances of a large traffic would not be remunerative ; and the proposal that the Colonies should undertake the collection of fees on behalf of the United Kingdom, and undertake the task of specially treating all such parcels without any remuneration, is considered inequitable. Under the circumstances we think it undesirable that the proposal should be acceded to. No. 43.—" France—Parcel Post Convention." We recommend that, although Queensland is not at present prepared tojoin the Parcel Post Convention with France, except on certain conditions, the remaining colonies adopt it as soon as possible. No. 44.—" Establishment of direct exchange of Parcels between the Australian Colonies and Cape Colony, and other South African States and Colonies." We have carefully revised the Draft Parcel Post Convention, and append the same, as altered, which we advise be forwarded to Cape Colony for approval. It is recommended that Tasmania be requested to act as intermediary in forwarding or distributing parcels passing through its office to and -from the Cape without charging territorial or extra sea transit rates, the Australian Colonies being regarded as out-territory for parcel post purposes.

Appendix B.

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No. 45.— "Revision of Parcel Post Rates to India and the East, Ceylon to act as intermediary." No report. No. 46.—" Proposed introduction of System of Insurance on Postal Parcels." We recommend that the system of insurance on parcels be agreed to inland, intercolonially, and with the United Kingdom, and that the following be the rates charged : —

• But we advise that the credit to be allowed by the despatching office be the same in both directions, that is, Great Britain to credit the Colonies on the "outward" parcels with an equal amount to that credited by the Colonies on the "homeward" parcels, and the same principle should apply intercolonially. Queensland and Tasmania consent to this, so far as absolute loss is concerned, but not to insurance against damage. No. 47.—" Articles having a saleable value received by Packet Post to be transferred to Inland Parcel Post." No report on this matter. It applies to Queensland only. Nos. 48 and 49.— " Adjustment of Postage on Intercolonial Parcels posted out of course and received in the Colony of destination by other than Parcel Post." —" Mode of charging and accounting for irregularly-posted Parcels." In the case of parcels sent out of course {i.e., articles despatched from one colony as packets, &c. but regarded in the colony of destination as parcels), we advise that double the amount of deficiency at parcel rate be collected on delivery. Nos. 50 and 51. —"Discontinuance of Registration of Parcels in New South Wales." — " Intercolonial Charges for Certificates of posting of Parcels." We recommend that certificates of posting of parcels be given at a charge of 3d., the one certificate to include as many parcels as the sender may choose to enter upon the list, and for an additional 2\d. for each parcel an acknowledgment of receipt by addressee will be obtained and forwarded to the sender by post. No. 52.—" Apportionment of Intercolonial Parcel Postage equally between the Colony of origin and Colony of delivery." We recommend that the present division of postage on parcels posted intercolonially be maintained —despatching Colony sd. ; receiving Colony 3d. : Queensland dissenting. Nos. 53 and 54. —" Claim of London Office to be credited with la", per lb. for sea transit from Australia to England on parcels sent to Foreign Countries via the United Kingdom."—" Apportionment of postage on parcels exchanged with Foreign Countries through the intermediary of the United Kingdom." In 1896, at the suggestion of the London Office, it was agreed that the postage on parcels exchanged between the United Kingdom and the Australian Colonies should be reduced from Is. 6d. for the first 2 pounds or fraction, and 9d. for each additional pound, to Is. for the first pound or fraction, and 6d. for each additional pound. The proposal for such reduction of postage was first made in 1894, but the apportionment of postage then suggested by the London Office was considered to be unfair to the Colonies, and it was not until after' the exchange of considerable correspondence on the subject between the London and Colonial Offices that the former office agreed in 1896 that the postage should be apportioned as under on parcels forwarded in both directions ; viz. : — Colonial share —First pound, 7c?. ; each additional pound, 3d. Imperial „ „ „ sa". ; „ ~ „ 3d. (Note. —Owing to the heavy expense incurred by the Colonies in initiating the Parcel Post System in 1886, the London Office agreed to allow them the larger share of the postage, and the Colonial share is still 2d. more on each parcel than that received by the United Kingdom.)

Not exceeding £10. Each additional £10 to £05. Maximum Charge. "nland ntercolonial Jnited Kingdom id. M. Qd. 2d. 2\d. 3d. Is. Is. 3d. Is. Qd.

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Subsequently to the above-mentioned division of postage being agreed upon, the London Office, in a circular letter dated the 30th December, 1896, suggested that the Australian Colonies should accept the same credit on parcels sent from Foreign Countries to Australia via England as on those sent direct from the United Kingdom to Australia, viz., Id. for the first pound, and 3a". for each additional pound, in lieu of the credits then received, viz., 9d. up to two pounds, 2*. 3a". between two pounds and seven pounds, 3*. 9a". between seven pounds and eleven pounds. This suggestion, although entailing a loss on the Colonies, was adopted for the sake of uniformity. On the 18th June, 1897, the London Post Office wrote to the Adelaide Office intimating that it would be necessary for the Australian Post Offices to credit the Imperial Post Office with la", per pound rate (for sea postage from Australia to London), in addition to the onward postage from England, on all parcels which they might send to other countries via the United Kingdom, after the 31st July, 1897. In a reply, forwarded from New South Wales to London (dated 14th September, 1897), attention was drawn to the particulars stated above, and that office was reminded that at the present time no special payment is made to the Orient and P. §* O. Companies for the sea transit of parcels (those Companies having since the Ist February, 1896, abandoned the special charges made up to that date for such transit); and it was pointed out that sidjsidies note allowed cover payment for the conveyance of all mail-matter ( including parcels), and the Australian Colonies, as joint parties with the United Kingdom to the contracts with the Companies named, are entitled to the full benefit of the altered arrangement. It was therefore intimated that, under the circumstances, it was thought that the demand made was unreasonable, and that the London Office was not justified in making a special levy on the Australian Colonies with respect to the sea conveyance of parcels any more than it w r ould be in acting similarly with regard to ordinary correspondence (letters, &c.) ; and it was added, in conclusion, that as the Colonies had reduced the postages on parcels to and via the United Kingdom, on the understanding that they w r ere to receive certain credits, it would now be necessary, in order to comply with the request made, either to submit to a loss of revenue, or to increase the postage rates on the parcels. Victoria and South Australia also objected to compliance with the request made. The London Office, under date the sth November, 1897, replied, expressing regret that the proposal of that office was considered by Australia to be unreasonable, and asking for a re-con-sideration of the matter. It is thought that the particulars furnished the London Office sufficiently demonstrated the unreasonableness of the request made by that office. The discussion on the subject seems to have arisen because of an apparent misapprehension on the part of the London Office, which appears to think that some particular portion of the Colonial share of postage on parcels exchanged with the United Kingdom is allocated for the sea service; but such is not the case, and it must be obvious that (the Orient and P. and O. Companies having two years since abandoned their special charges for the sea transit of parcels) there is no need to allocate any portion of the postage receipts to cover charges which no longer exist. The London Office has not made, nor is it entitled to make, any claim for the sea transit of parcels sent from the Colonies addressed to the United Kingdom, and, as the arrangement made is that the Colonies are to receive the same share of postage on parcels exchanged with foreign countries via the United Kingdom as on parcels exchanged direct with the United Kingdom, and in view of the other strong reasons herein given, it seems sufficiently clear that the London Office has no good claim to the credit asked for ; and it is still thought that the request made should not be acceded to. To sum up the matter, on parcels for Foreign Countries via the United Kingdom, the London Office receives its full sha re of postage at the rates agreed upon, in addition to the onward postage from the United Kingdom to destination, and it would seem clear that the London Office has no good claim for any further payment. Were the claim of the London Office admitted, the Colonies would receive (after the first lb.) only 2d. per lb., whilst the United Kingdom would receive 4a". per lb., instead of each receiving as at present, 3d. per lb. We recommend that the foregoing statement be communicated to the London Post Office, Queensland dissenting, that Colony having already made the necessary charge on parcels in order to meet London demands. No. 55. —" The practicability or otherwise of introducing the ' Value payable,' or ' Cash' on delivery of Parcels System into the Australasian Colonies." It is thought that there would be strong protests from country storekeepers and others were this system introduced ; indeed, when the parcel post was brought into operation there were numerous complaints that people in the country found it cheaper to obtain their goods from the city by parcel post than to fas formerly) patronise their local storekeepers, who suffered in consequence. Were the " value payable," post inaugurated, it is obvious that the grievance would be intensified. Moreover, were the system to apply, as in India, only between Money Order Offices, it would not be available for use by people in remote districts, by whom it would be most appreciated. Under these circumstances it is thought that it would not be desirable at the present time to bring the system mentioned into operation in the Australasian Colonies.

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No. 56.—" Rates of Commission on Money Orders from the Australasian Colonies to the United Kingdom, Cape Colony, &c." We recommend that the rates of commission charged on Money Orders for the United Kingdom, British Possessions, and Foreign Countries, in all the Colonies as in New South Wales and Queensland, be 6a\ for each pound or fraction of a pound. No. 57.—" Reduction in rate of commission to paying country on Money Orders exchanged between Australasian Colonies and Singapore." The rate of commission has now been reduced from one per cent, to half of one per cent, by all the Colonies. No. 58. —"Treatment of Money Order Advices missent to other Colonies." We advise that in the event of Money Order Advice being inadvertently sent to the wrong Colony, that Colony should forward the Advice without delay to the Head Office of the Colony on which the Money Order was drawn, so that the payee may at once receive payment; at the same time, the issuing Colony should be informed of the action taken and requested to deduct the amount of such Advice from the next Account. No. 59. —"Practice of forwarding Money Order Advices, with and without lists, between Colonies." We advise that Tasmania correspond by letter with the Colonies concerned. No. 60.—"Telegraph Money Orders to New Zealand and Tasmania." — "Omission of signature from Advices, and Cable Company's charges." At the 1896 (Sydney) Conference, the following recommendation by Permanent Heads of Departments was adopted, viz.:—"We recommend that the proposal of New Zealand to introduce the Telegraph Money Order system between that Colony and Australia and Tasmania be agreed to. Our experience of the system which is now in force between the Australian Colonies and Tasmania does not lead us to anticipate that any serious risk would be incurred by extending it to New Zealand. We advise that the usual Money Order Commissions be charged, plus the cost of a ten-word telegraph message to the paying office, and another to the payee." The system was brought into operation in July, 1897, and, in the Regulations adopted, it was provided that one message w T ould "be sufficient for any number of Orders from the same remitter to the same payee, provided the numbers are continuous." However, on the 21st December, 1897, Mr. Warren, of the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, wrote, intimating that, from the Ist January, 1898, "only one Money Order will be accepted at the single rate, cve/y additional Order embodied in the same message to be charged as an extra message, " and also suggesting that a considerable reduction in the average number of words in a message would be made were the signatures to Telegraph Money Order Advices omitted. On the recommendation of the Controller, it teas decided by New South Wales to " agree to dispense with the transmission of the Postmaster s name and designation to all telegraphic advices to New Zealand, as it is of no use to the paying office." However, in the Regulations subsequently prepared on the subject, it was provided that "in advising the remittance of money by telegram to either New Zealand or Tasmania, the Postmaster or other official will not give his name or official designation, but simply the name of the office at which the order is issued." The Tasmanian Postal Authorities apparently were not consulted respecting the above-mentioned altered arrangement, and on receipt of an unsigned telegraph money order advice from the Postmaster, Oxford-street, made enquiry in the matter. A memorandum in reply seems to have been sent from the Money Order Office, to which the Hobart Office replied that " Telegraph Money Order advices unsigned ivill not be recognised by this Colony (Tasmania)." Hobart was thereupon informed that " signatures of Postmasters dispensed with in accordance with arrangement with Cable Company." A letter, dated the 16th February, 1898, has since come to hand from Tasmania, intimating that with regard to the signatures of telegraphic advices being abolished altogether, the question will be placed before the Honorable the Postmaster-General on his return to the Colony, and his decision made known to you. By letter, dated the 19th February, Mr. Warren intimated that "on and after the Ist March, 1898, the Neiv Zealand cable rate for official Telegraph Money Order Advices will be tico shillings and sixpence, instead of two shillings, as at present," also that " additional orders may be included in one telegram at the minimum rate of two shillings and sixpence." In reply to an enquiry from the Sydney Office, Mr. Warren stated that the above rates wall not apply to Tasmanian Money Order cable business. The points for consideration seem to be the adoption of a uniform practice on the part of the whole of the Australasian Colonies respecting the signing or otherwise of Telegraph Money Order Advices to Neiv Zealand and Tasmania respectively.

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New Zealand has intimated that the Postal Department of that Colony is unable to dispense with the issuing officer's signature ; whilst Tasmania has notified the Sydney Office that unsigned Telegraph Money Order Advices will not be recognised by that Colony. We are of opinion that the practice of wiring the Postmaster's signature is a safeguard. We also consider that the simplest way of adjusting the charges with the Cable Company loould be to pay them their proper tariff of 2s. in the case of New Zealand, and Is. in the case of Tasmania, for the first 10 words, and 3a\ and Id. each additional word contained in the messages transmitted over the New Zealand and Tasmanian cable lines respectively, the sender, of course, being charged the full rates as given in the Postal Guide. No. 61. —"Exchange of Money Orders wdth Japan." The Hong Kong Office having intimated that they can no longer act as intermediary in connection with the exchange of Money Orders between Australia and Japan, we advise that a joint Convention be entered into with that country. Nos. 62 and 63. —" Suggested discontinuance of the issue of Duplicate Postal Notes and the payment of the face value of postage stamps affixed to Postal Notes."—" Duplicate Postal Notes." We advise that a Duplicate Postal Note may be issued on satisfactory evidence of the destruction of the original, or in case of loss, on the expiration of Six months from the date of such original note. No note shall be paid after the expiration of Six months from date of issue without reference to the Head Office of the Colony of issue, in order to ascertain whether the original has been paid. No. 64. —" Exchange of Postal Notes between Australasia and the United Kingdom." At the 1892 (Hobart) Conference it was decided to invite the London Office "to adopt an exchange of postal notes with the Australasian Colonies on the same lines as those now existing betw.een some of the Colonies." At the 1893 (Brisbane) Conference the Permanent Heads reported that " the London Office having absolutely refused to exchange postal notes with Australia, we have no recommendation to make." At the 1894 (New Zealand) Conference the Permanent Heads reported that " as no new circumstances have arisen since the Brisbane Conference, we do not think that this matter should be reconsidered at present; " and, again, at the 1895 (Hobart) Conference it was reported that "the London Office was communicated with, but declined to exchange postal notes on account of the great risk." It appears from enquiry made by the Deputy Postmaster-General of New South Wales, when in London last year, that that office is quite firm in its opposition to the exchange of postal notes between the Australian Colonies and the United Kingdom. In the first place there is the old objection, namely, the difficulty of guarding against forgery and fraud, and of providing for the payment of these notes at the 12,000 offices in the United Kingdom, many of these being held, as in our case, by storekeepers who could not distinguish between a postal note issued at one country or another country, or whether it was a forgery. A further objection is that the balance —always an uncertain one — would be against the United Kingdom, that is to say, that more postal notes would be issued in the Colonies upon Great Britain than in Great Britain upon the Colonies. It was suggested that the case might be met by adopting a similar course to that in the case of India, that is, let the Colonies purchase a quantity of British Postal Notes, paying of course cash for them, and also paying the commission. The London Office has no objection to our selling these notes in the Colonies, charging of course our commission in addition to the British commission. Should this be done they would agree to date the currency of the notes only from the date of our postmark, and not from the date of purchase from the London Office. It is stated that experience has shown that there is very little demand for these notes in India. We consider that all the requirements of the public in the way of remitting small sums of money have been met in most of the Colonies by the reduction in the charge on Money Orders for sums not exceeding £l, from I*. to 6a". No. 69. —" Berne's Circular re tabulated Telegraph Routes, and method of indicating such Routes." We consider this does not affect the Colonies to any great extent, and it is therefore recommended that no action be taken. No. 70.—" Fire Alarm*." We have no report to make. No. 71.—" Sunday Telegraph Rates to Tasmania." We recommend that Tasmania adopt the Sunday rates on telegrams charged in the other Colonies. .

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Nos. 72, 73, and 81. —"Intercolonial Telegraph Rates."—"Resolution of Conference Chambers of Commerce re Intercolonial Telegraph Charges."—" Reduction of the New South Wales-Queensland Telegraph Rates, and alteration in mode of charging on Inland and Intercolonial Telegrams." The question of reducing the rates— 2s. for the first 10 words, and 2a". each additional word —on telegrams between New South Wales and Queensland, has been under consideration on several occasions, In 1885, a proposal was made to Queensland that the rates be reduced to those then, and now, existing between New South Wales and Victoria, viz., I*. for the first 10 words, and 2a". for each additional word. A reply was received that, having recard to the long distances over which telegrams pass in Queensland, the Government of that Colony was not then disposed to make any reduction in the charges levied. In 1887 the attention of Queensland was again drawn to the matter, but a reply was received to the effect that, for the reasons already given, the Government of that Colony w r as " still unable to meet the wishes of the Government of New South Wales with regard to the proposed reduction." At a Conference held at Adelaide in 1890, a Resolution was agreed to, of wdiich the following is an extract, viz. : — "That, between any two contiguous Colonies, Is. shall be the initial charge for 12 words, and for each additional word; names and addresses to be paid for." Owing to some of the Colonies not taking the necessary action, this Resolution was not given effect to, nor was a somewhat similar Resolution making the charge " between any two contiguous Colonies I*. for 15 words, and for each additional word, names and addresses to be paid for," which was adopted at a Conference held at Sydney, 1891. A Resolution, similar in terms to the latter, was submitted for consideration at the 1892 (Hobart) Conference, but was rejected. In 1896 the Chambers of Commerce in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide wrote to the New South Wales, Victorian, and South Australian Post and Telegraph Administrations, asking for the reduction of the Intercolonial telegraph rates. The Sydney Chamber of Commerce asked that, after the first ten w r ords, the charge on messages between New South Wales and Victoria be reduced from 2d. to la", per word. The Melbourne Chamber of Commerce made a similar request with respect to messages from Victoria to New South Wales, besides asking that consideration be given to the existing rates on messages between Victoria and South Australia. The Adelaide Chamber of Commerce also asked for a reduction. The matter was considered at the 1896 (Sydney) Conference, when the Permanent Heads reported as follows : — "We refrain from making any recommendation. We would, however, suggest for the consideration of Ministers that, in the event of an alteration of the rates being made, it should be on the basis of the Inter national principle of counting addresses and signatures, as recommended at the Conferences held at Adelaide and Sydney in 1890 and 1891 respectively." In December, 1897, the Brisbane office opened up a correspondence with the Sydney office on the question of reducing the rates on telegrams to and from New r South Wales and Queensland. The proposal of Queensland was to charge I*. for 12 words, including address and signature, and for each additional word. To this proposal New South Wales could not agree, because of the anomaly which would be created, and owdng to it being thought that the charges on messages between New South Wales and Victoria, and New South Wales and Queensland, should be as nearly uniform as possible, whereas were the Queensland proposal adopted the following would be the position : — New South Wales to Queensland. — I*. for the first 12 words (at least six of which would be address and signature), and ljd. for each additional word. New South Wales to Victoria.—l*. for the first 10 words (exclusive of address and signature), and 2a". for each additional word. Queensland was informed that if it would agree to the addresses being sent free, and to charge I*. for the first 10 words and 2d. for each additional word, New South Wales would be prepared to consider the matter. The question still remained unsettled, but, in a letter explaining the*reasons which guided Queensland in making the above-mentioned proposal, the Brisbane Office states that " it has been recognised in all European Administrations, and confirmed by the Intel-national Bureau (see Rule 19, &c), that the words in addresses and signatures should be counted," and that " the Australian Colonies appear to be the only Administrations which do not observe this ride.'" In a letter dated 11th August, 1897, the Adelaide Office drew attention to the fact that " a general reduction of telgraph rates, local and intercolonial, is again being urged in several of the Colonies," and stated that " our rates compare very favourably with those obtaining in Europe." That office also stated that the Queensland Postmaster-General is anxious that some re-arrangement should be arrived at, but he considered— 1. That no Colony should take separate action. 2. That any change should include the charging for addresses and signatures. 3. That the rates internally should be uniform throughout the Colonies, if this can possibly be arrived at, but in any case intercolonial rates should be uniform."

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The whole subject has to be considered at the present Conference, the points for consideration being— 1. The charges on messages to and from New South Wales and Queensland. 2. The adoption of uniform rates between contiguous Colonies. 3. The adoption of uniform rates between Colonies not contiguous to one another, as between Queensland and South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia, &c. 4. The advisability or otherwise of charging for addresses and signature*, or signatures alone. 5. The adoption of uniform charges for inland messages. We are still of opinion that any re-arrangement of charges should be on the basis of charging for every word, whether in addresses or text. This is the International principle. We would also respectfully point out that the present rates appear very reasonable when the great distances covered, and the small population, are taken into consideration. They compare very favourably with those obtaining in Europe, as the following table will show : —

With a view, if possible, to effect some reduction, we suggest the following Tariff for consideration:—

The Address and Signature, to the number ot twelve words, to be sent free. In this table the first amount indicates the rate for the first ten words, exclusive of names and addresses, the second amount indicates the rate for every succeeding word. Nos. 74, 85. —" Mode of counting and charging Telegrams. Disputes with the public as to what are Cipher Words. (Orders for parts of Machinery)." "Re numbers as well as words appearing in Telegrams." We recommend that figures be not allow-ed in the text of Inland or Intercolonial messages, but that amounts or numbers be written and signalled in words only. Isolated letters or groups of letters having no connective meaning shall be charged as one word for each letter. Nos. 75, 78. —" System of counting words in Inland and Intercolonial Ordinary Telegrams." " Counting double names in Telegrams." We suggest that these matters be referred to a Sub-Committee, to consist of Sir Chas. Todd, Mr. P. B. Walker, and Mr. John Hesketh, to be settled by correspondence. No. 76. —" Share-dealing." We are unable to deal with this matter. It refers to traffic in shares by telegraph employees, and should, we respectfully suggest, be dealt with by the respective Governments,

Minimum Charge. Rate per Word. Distance about d. etvveen London and Paris.., 10 „ „ Madrid 10 „ ., Antwerp 10 , „ Berlin 10 ,, ,, Vienna 10 ,, „ Hamburg 10 ,, „ St. Petersburg 10 d. 2 4 2 2 3 2 5_ Miles. 287 1195 270 746 980 657 1774 Names and Addresses being coun :ed.

Queensland. New Wi South iles. S01 A list: rth ralia. Wi Austi 33t •alia. Vict. nia. s. f/. s. rf. •v. d. 1 6 s.. d. 0 2 s. rf. 2 3 1 0 s. d. 0 3 0 2 s. d. 2 3 1 6 1 6 .--. d. 0 3 0 2 0 2 s. d. 3 0 2 3 2 3 1 6 s. d, 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 2 Queensland New South Wales Victoria South Australia West Australia Tasmania 16 0 2 2 3 0 3 2 3 0 3 3 0 0 4 In proportion, 1 0 1 6 2 3 plus ca 0 2 0 2 0 3 ile rate 1 "6 2 3 0 "'2 0 3 1 6 o'"2

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No. 77.—" Share Telegrams between Stock Exchanges." We are of opinion that telegrams giving share quotations and passing between stock exchanges should not be accepted at press rates, but be charged as ordinary telegrams. No. 79. — "Re w r ord 'care' being inserted in Address of Message." We recommend that when an International telegram is addressed to the care of a person who lias registered an abbreviated or code address, his name or registered address must be preceded by the word " care." When such word is omitted the omission should involve a nondelivery, and the sender be obliged to correct the address by a paid service, as provided for in the International Regulations. No. 80. —" Suggested abolition of additional charge on cipher words contained in Inland and Intercolonial telegrams." With reference to the extra rate now levied on cipher words, we recommend that no extra rate be charged on any English Dictionary word containing not more than 15 letters. The above is intended to apply to both Inland and Intercolonial telegrams. No. 82. —" Intercolonial Telegraph Repeats." It is desirable that the practice of the Colonies should be uniform in dealing with the question of repeats, and it is recommended that the Resolution, No. 43, of the Brisbane Conference, March, 1893, be adhered to. The Resolution in question is as follows : — The receiver of a message may have the whole or part of it repeated on payment of the cost of the telegram demanding the repetition, and of the reply to the same. The sender can also have the whole or any portion of his message repeated on payment of the cost of the telegram he forwards and of the reply. The demand for the repetition must be made within seventy-two hours after receipt or despatch of the telegram, and should be written in the following manner : — " Sydney from Brisbane" (these words are not charged for). " R.P. 4" (representing reply paid, four words). " Twenty-sixth " (date of message to be repeated) ; " Brown " (receiver's name) ; " Repeat first, fourth, ninth " (meaning words of the text of the telegram to be repeated) ; or, "Twenty-sixth"; "Brown" (repeat word or words) ; "after " The reply will be worded as follows :— " Brisbane to Sydney," (these words are not charged for). "Brown" (words repeated.) No. 83. —"Proposed omission of the word "to" from before addresses on telegrams." We are of opinion that it is unnecessary to signal the word "to " before the addresses on telegrams. No. 84. —" Charges for certified copies of telegrams and search fees." We recommend that a certified copy of any Inland or Intercolonial message be supplied to the sender or addressee, or their authorised representative, upon proof of identity and full particulars being furnished, together with the payment of a fee of I*. * but where such particulars are not supplied the fee will be 2*. 6d. No. 86. —" Consideration of Berne's Circular Letter, August 3rd, 1897." This letter relates to contradictory articles in the Buda-Pesth Convention pointed out by Austria. No report is thought to be necessary, as the matter can be dealt with departmentally. No. 89. —" Urgent Telegrams, distinctive coloured forms." This is a matter which can be dealt with departmentally. No. 90. —Question of issuing vouchers with ' Reply Paid' telegrams in terms of paragraph 1, clause 51, of Buda-Pesth Telegraph Service Regulations." We advise that the voucher system be adopted, and that the New Zealand form be accepted as pattern. No. 91. —" Typewriters for Telegrams." This matter can be dealt with departmentally. No. 92.-—" Code Vocabulary. Points submitted by Berne Telegraph Bureau for consideration." We suggest that this matter be referred to a Sub-Committee, to consist of Sir Charles Todd, Mr. P. B. Walker, and Mr. John Hesketh, to be'settled by correspondence.

Appendix C

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No. 93.—" Proposal that Australasian Telegraph Administrations undertake for a fee the 'coding' of International Messages, as is now done by Reuters Agency." We are of opinion that the time is not yet ripe for the consideration of this question. Nos. 94, 95, 96, and 97. —" Adoption of Uniform Charges and Regulations wdth respect to International Code Addresses." — "Surnames as Code Addresses." —"Code Addresses." — "Code Addresses, registration of." We recommend that the fee for registration of code addresses be 10*. 6a". for the year, or 2s. 6d. for one month, for each address registered. We also recommend that the attention of the Australasian Administrations be drawn to the Resolution passed at the Conference at Sydney in November, 1896, with the request that it be complied with in future. The following is the Resolution referred to : —" (1.) That code addresses be not adopted intercolonially, except in the case of Tasmania and New Zealand, which for this purpose are international. (2.) That in connection with International Messages, code surnames be not accepted." Nos. 98, 99, 100.—"Telegraph Regulations."—" Telephone Regulations."—"Private Telephone Line." No report. We advise that these questions be taken up later on if time permits. No. 101. —"Free transmissions of Telegrams on Postal Service over New Zealand and Bass Straits Cables." We recommend that this matter be dealt with departmentally. No. 103. —" Regulations regarding Uniforms of Letter Carriers and Messengers." We recommend that this matter be dealt with departmentally. No. 104.—" Holidays, Christmas and Good Friday." We recommend that this matter be dealt with departmentally. No. 105. — Free transmission of instructions respecting delivery of Telegrams." We recommend that office instructions, such as "By post," "Porterage paid" or "guaranteed," be charged for, the same as " Reply paid."

The following is our Report on additional matters remitted to us by the Honorable the Ministers : — No. 39. —" Ratification of Washington Congress, and consideration of the various Conventions entered into at Washington but not signed by the Australasian Delegate." We see no objection to the ratification by the Australasian Administrations of the Postal Union Convention as agreed to at Washington. The most important question, so far as Australasia is concerned, is the reduction of the territorial and sea transits ; but we find that these reductions will, if anything, be in our favour, especially as, owing to the new arrangements in connection with the P. & 0. and Orient contracts, the transit rates payable by non-contracting countries and colonies will, instead of being retained by Great Britain in one direction and the Colonies in the other, be placed to the credit of the subsidy, and the balance divided between Great Britain and the Colonies in the proportion of to Great Britain and A-|- to the Colonies. With reference to the subsidiary Treaties referred to in the Hon. Mr. Duffy's Motion, time has not permitted of a careful examination of the untranslated Book of Proceedings recently received from Washington, but we understand that these Treaties do not materially, if at all, affect the Australasian Colonies. With regard to the optional provisions of the Washington Principal Convention, we report as follows : — 1. Article 6. —The registration fee is fixed at "25 centimes, (2|r/.) at most," but, under Article 2 of the Final Protocol, "it is agreed that the States outside Europe are authorised to maintain the maximum at 50 centimes (sa')." Under these circumstances the Colonies need not alter their present charge for registration, which is 3a\ and we advise a cordingly.

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2. Article 7.—Administrations agreeing thereto may exchange registered correspondence marked with trade charges, up to 1000 francs (£4O) to be collected on delivery ■ the proceeds (less charges of collections, &c), to be remitted to the senders of such correspondence. The Colonies decided in 1892 not to adopt the system, and again at the present Conference. 3. Article 8. —-This provides for the payment of an indemnity of 50 francs (£2) "in case of the loss of a registered article and except in cases beyond control," but under Article 3 of the Final Protocol, " it is agreed, as a temporary measure, that Administrations of Countries outside Europe whose legislation is at present opposed to the principle of responsibility, retain the option of postponing the application of that principle until they shall have been able to obtain from the Legislature authority to introduce it. We recommend the adoption of this provision, and that it be extended inland and intercolonially from Ist January next. 4. Article 9. —Where the legislation of a country permits, the sender of a letter or other article can have it withdrawn from the post, or have its address altered, so long as such article has not been delivered to the addressee. No objection to this, it being our present practice. 5. Article 13. —In countries which consent to undertake the service in their reciprocal relations a system may be adopted under which, at the request of the senders, and on their paying in advance a sum of 3a". for each article, all classes of correspondence are sent to the addressees by a special messenger immediately on arrival in the country of destination. We do not recommend the adoption of this system, as it is not practicable in sparsely populated districts. 6. Regulation 6.—lt will be necessary for the Colonies to consider wdiether they are in a position to make up their postage stamps in the stipulated colours : — 2\d. in dark blue, Id. in red, \d. in green. We see no objection, and recommend accordingly. 7. Regulation 11. —Administrations, whose Inland Regulations do not admit of the use of labels (R) in connection with registered articles, may postpone their introduction, and continue to use stamps for the indication of registered articles. The present practice is to mark registered letters with a blue or red cross, and impressed with the letter " R," which we find answers every purpose, and we advise its continuance. No. 68. —"Cable Subsidies and Guarantees, time of year closing." We recommend that this matter be referred to the Postmaster-General, South Australia, to arrange, if possible, with the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company that the year close on the 31st December. No. 87.—"The question of abolishing the system of 'Urgent' Intercolonial Telegrams, or of overcoming the delays to which ordinary Telegrams are subjected in Colonies in which such system is in operation." We recommend that the system of urgent telegrams be discontinued with regard to Intercolonial and International Messages. Queensland and Tasmania dissenting. No. 88.—" Urgent Telegrams with West Australia." It is suggested that this Question be withdrawn, as it is disposed of by the recommendation of No. 87. No. 102. —"Establishment of Telephonic communication between the Capital Cities of the Australian Continent." In 1896 several letters were received by the Sydney Office from Mr. Jules Renard, respecting the establishment of Telephonic communication between the capital cities of the Australian Continent (Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane), it being pointed out that such a system of communication existed between Brussels and Paris ; Paris, Lyons, and Marseilles (537 miles) ; Chicago and New York (1500 miles*); as well as in other places. It was represented that the line from Adelaide to Brisbane could be constructed for a sum not exceeding £40,000. The Sydney Chamber of Commerce also wrote, enclosing a copy of a letter received by that body from Mr. Renard, and suggested that the subject might be considered at the next Intercolonial Postal Conference. The matter received attention at the 1896 (Sydney) Conference, when the following Report of Permanent Heads was adopted ; viz. : — " This is a matter that requires careful consideration. The first cost would be more than double Mr. Renard's estimate for connecting Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne,and Adelaide,

* The distance is under 1000 miles.

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and the charge that would have to be made for conversation would be so large as to be almost prohibitory. The population of the Colonies is not sufficiently developed to enable an expensive work of this nature to be carried out so as to be remunerative at a reasonable charge to the public. The line from Sydney to Brisbane alone would cost £41,750, or, presuming that the existing poles could be used (which is impracticable), the estimate might be reduced to £24,250. Even making no allowance for maintenance of the line or for working expenses, the interest and sinking fund on a fifteen years' purchase is 10 per cent, of the capital cost (really £9 12*. 8a". per cent.). Therefore, for a line to be justifiable, a revenue of £4175 wall require to be guaranteed on the Brisbane and Sydney line alone. It must also be borne in mind that telephonic communication between the capital cities of Australia would materially interfere with the telegraph revenue. We are therefore not prepared to recommend Mr. Renard's proposal for favourable consideration." Mr. Renard subsequently wrote, stating that the line from Sydney to Brisbane would not cost more than one-half the sum named in the above-quoted Report, and that, taking the largest diameter of wire for the through line from Adelaide to Brisbane (1800 miles), the total cost would not exceed £100,000, including new poles. In June, 1897, the Sydney Chamber of Commerce forwarded to the New South Wales Postal Department a copy of the following Resolution, adopted at a Conference of Chambers of Commerce of Australasia held at Sydney, in May, 1897, viz. : — " Long distance Telephony. —That it is desirable that telephonic communication be established between the various Capitals and leading Towns of Australia as early as possible." In forwarding this Resolution, a hope was expressed that, as early as possible, enquiry would be made into the prospects of such an undertaking being a commercial success. We are still of the opinion that there is not sufficient justification at the present time for the adoption of any scheme of Trunk Telephone Lines between the capital cities of the Australian Colonies. The reasons for our arriving at this decision are as follow : — The present lines of poles are not able to carry the telephone wires in some cases, and, therefore, new poles would require to be erected in these places. The cost of construction would be still further increased by the necessity for using very heavy copper wires, and of re-arranging the present wires so as to avoid interference. Experience indicates that the use of Telephone Trunk Lines would interfere with the Telegraphic Revenue. The extent of this interference depends upon the amount and nature of the business and tariffs. The centres of Australia are far apart and comparatively sparsely populated. We are, therefore, of the opinion that the circumstances of the Colony, its population, &c, do not justify us in recommending the adoption of any comprehensive scheme at present. We are, however, of opinion that the steps at present being taken by the various Colonies are in a direction which will eventually lead to the desired end. In all the principal Colonies trunk lines of moderate length are being introduced. Those in New South Wales and Queensland lead in the direction of the respective borders. As experience gained on them is found to justify it, the various Colonies will doubtless still further extend these lines until at last they meet. Meantime, w r e recommend that the different Colonies be desired to furnish a statement of the Telephone Trunk Lines in use or contemplated, together with particulars of the cost, effect on revenue, and any other information of interest on the subject. H. V. BAYLY, Chairman, Secretary Post and Telegraph Department, Tasmania. S. H. LAMBTON, Deputy Postmaster-General, New South Wales. F. L. OUTTRIM, Deputy Postmaster-General, Victoria. CHARLES TODD, K.C.M.G., Postmaster-General, South Australia. JOHN M'DONNELL, Under Secretary Post and Telegraph Department, Queensland.

78

Appendix A.

PROPOSED EMPLOYMENT of Special Trains for Mails arriving at the Semaphore, South Australia, (a) up to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, {b) between 3 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 P.M. on Sunday, and (c) between 2 p.m. and 7 P.M. on Sundays. Mails from Europe per British mail packets arriving at the Semaphore on Saturday up to 2 p.m. leave Adelaide at 4*30 p.m. the same day, arriving in Melbourne on Sunday at 9*55 a.m., where they now remain until 6*15 a.m. on Monday, arriving in Sydney on Tuesday at 6 a.m., the mails for Europe closing in Sydney at 4*30 p.m. on the same day. It has been suggested that, with a view to obviate the detention of the mails in Melbourne for about 21 hours, and thus afford the Sydney public more time in which to reply to their London correspondence, a special train might on such occasions be employed to leave Melbourne on Sunday, at 11 a.m., arriving in Sydney between 4*15 and 60 a.m. on Mondays. The mails for Queensland, under such an arrangement, would then leave Sydney on Monday instead of Tuesday, at 6*15 p.m., and arrive in Brisbane at 10*30 p.m. on Tuesday instead of Wednesday. The cost of such a special train would be £226 o*. 6a"., namely :— £ *. d. Melbourne to Albury (191 miles), at 7*. 6d. per mile 71 12 6 Albury to Sydney (386 miles), at B*. per mile 154 8 0 £226 0 6 It was thought that the cost of such a train might be borne by Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, but the Melbourne Office states that it would not be prepared to bear any portion of such cost, as the train would be of no value so far as that office is concerned, there being no pillar clearances after 3*30 p.m. on Saturday, and all the business places being closed ; that office thinks that under the circumstances the Intercolonial correspondence to be forwarded by the special train would be very trifling, not exceeding 100 letters. A second point for consideration is, in the event of a steamer reaching Adelaide after 2 p.m. Saturday, and not later than 9*30 a.m. Sunday, to arrange for special train to reach Melbourne by 5 a.m. Monday, securing delivery in Melbourne at 8 a.m. Such an arrangement might be joined by Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. Victoria has already agreed that, in the event of the South Australian Department conveying the mails by special train to Serviceton free of charge on occasions when the steamers may happen to reach Adelaide on Sunday up to 2 p.m., to favourably consider the running of a special from Serviceton to Melbourne, to enable the mails to reach Melbourne 9*55 a.m. on Monday, provided the other Colonies share the cost of the special. In such a case it is thought that South Australia will run a train to Serviceton free of charge. Probable cost from Serviceton to Melbourne, £107 12*. A third point for consideration is the employment of special trains when the Mail steamers reach the Semaphore on Sunday by 7 p.m. In such a case it is also considered that the South Australian Government will, free of charge, run a special train to leave Adelaide Sunday 9*30 p.m. (or earlier as required), connecting at Serviceton with a special train arriving in Melbourne on Monday at 2*55 p.m. The mails to then come on by express train leaving Melbourne on Monday at 5*15 p.m., arriving in Sydney on Tuesday at 10*40 a.m. Mails for Queensland, leaving Sydney on Tuesday at 6*15 p.m., arriving in Brisbane on Wednesday at 10*30 p.m. Under such an arrangement as this mails arriving at the Semaphore up to 7 p.m. on Sunday would reach Melbourne about 19 hours, and Sydney, and Brisbane, 24 hours, earlier than at present. The cost of the special train from Serviceton to Melbourne would be £107 125., the charges for such train on other week days being only £71 15*. It now seems necessary to ascertain— 1. Whether Queensland is willing to share with New South Wales the cost (£226 os. 6«".) of the suggested special train from Melbourne to Sydney on Sundays to convey the mails arriving at the Semaphore on Saturdays up to 2 p.m., Melbourne Sunday morning, and if so, what proportion of such cost Queenland will bear. 2. Whether the three Colonies will share the cost of special Serviceton to Melbourne leaving Adelaide between 3 p.m. Saturday and 9*30 a.m. Sunday, or leaving Adelaide up to 4*30 p.m. Sunday. 3. Whether any arrangement can be made for the employment of special trains from Adelaide to Melbourne to convey the mails from Adelaide between 4*30 and 930 p.m. Sundays, and if so, what proportion of the cost (£lO7 125.) Victoria and Queensland respectively are prepared to bear.

79

Appendix B.

CONVENTION. His Excellency the Governor of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, and His Excellency the Governor of the Colony of , being" desirous of promoting greater facilities than at present exist for the exchange of parcels between the Colony of and the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, have agreed, on behalf of their respective Governments, to the following Articles:— Article 1. The parcel post between the Colony of and the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, shall come into operation on the First day of , one thousand eight hundred and ninety Article 2. There shall be a regular exchange of parcels between the Colony of and the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, and other South African States and Colonies served through the Cape Colony, which shall be eflected by means of the ordinary postal service between and the Cape Colony. Article 3. All parcel mails shall be made up on, and forwarded direct to, such offices of exchange as may be mutually agreed upon. Article 4. In the event of its being necessary to provide receptacles for the exchange of parcels under this Convention, the cost of such receptacles shall be equally shared between the post offices of and the Cape Colony. Article o. A parcel must not exceed three feet six inches in length, nor six feet in girth and length combined. Article 6. The maximum weight of a parcel must not for the present exceed eleven pounds avoirdupois, and the scale of weight shall advance by even pounds, beginning with the first pound. Article 7. Postage for the conveyance of a parcel from the place of posting to the place of destination must be prepaid by means of postage stamps. Parcels not fully prepaid and posted out of course, the senders of which are not known, may be forwarded, charged double the deficiency, entry to be made in " Rates prepaid " column as if fully prepaid, and the amount of tax and fine to be entered in column " Accrued charges due to country of despatch." Article 8. Parcels of the following description must not be accepted for transmission by parcel post: — (a) Parcels which bear on the outside any writing or drawing of an indecent or offensive nature, or within which any contents of a like nature may be observed, and parcels containing parts of the vine, fruit, plants, cuttings, bulbs, or roots, (unless accompanied by a special declaration that no phylloxera exists or has existed in them) ; gunpowder, cartridges, lucifer matches, or anything explosive or liable to sudden combustion ; bladders containing liquid; live animals ; grossly offensive or filthy matter: and anything in a condition likely to injure other parcels or any officer of the post office, are prohibited. Should any such parcel as is described above .be tendered for posting at any post office it must be refused, or, if detected in transit, it must be detained, and the sender communicated with. If this cannot be done, the Postmaster must report" the circumstance to the chief office of the Colony in which the irregularity is detected, stating the address of the parcel, the number of the Letter Bill or Parcel Bill on which it is entered, the office from which it was received, its supposed contents, and request instructions. If, however, such a parcel should contain perishable matter which has become offensive, the Postmaster may use his own discretion if the immediate destruction of the parcel be imperative. (6) Parcels containing game, meat, eggs, &c, or razors, scissors, needles, knives, forks, or other sharp instruments, must not be accepted unless securely packed, so as to guard against risk or injury to other parcels. Liquids, or semi-liquids, such as jellies, pickles, paint, varnish, &c, must not be accepted unless in bottles or cans securely stoppered, nor powders, unless so packed that they cannot escape in transmission. Bottles or glass in any form must be accepted only when so packed as to be secure from breakage. If a parcel of this nature be tendered at any post office in a damaged or insecure condition, or in a condition likely to injure other parcels or any officer of the post office, it must be refused ; if a parcel in such condition should be observed in transit it must, if possible, be made secure and sent forward; if it cannot be so secured it must be detained, and a report must be made to the Chief Officer of the Colony in which the irregularity is detected, as in the case of forbidden articles (paragraph 8a). (c) No parcel containing diamonds, specie, bullion, gold (in dust or nuggets), or ostrich feathers, must under any circumstances be accepted for transmission by Parcel Post, but these articles may, as heretofore, be sent through the post at the letter rate of postage, if duly registered. Article 9. The postage on parcels posted in and addressed to the Cape Colony, and on parcels posted in the Cape Colony and addressed to shall be at the rates specified in Schedule " A " to this Convention. Article 10. No parcel may contain a letter or other postal packet intended for delivery to a person other than the addressee of the parcel. If such a letter or postal packet be discovered in a parcel it must be stnt forward charged with postage at the unpaid rate applicable to such letter or postal packet.

80

Article 11. No parcel may contain other parcels intended for delivery at any address other than that borne by the parcel itself. If such enclosed parcels be detected they will be withdrawn and sent forward, charged with new and distinct Parcel Post rates. Article 12. Each parcel must be plainly directed, such direction setting forth the name and full address of the person for whom the parcel is intended. Article 13. The sender should write the words " Parcel Post" on the address side of the cover, as well as his name and address at the date of posting. Article 14. All parcels must be securely and substantially packed and closed by the sender, and, in those cases where seals are necessary, the wax must be of a quality to resist any heat to which it may be subjected during transit. Article 15. All parcels must have attached to them a Custom House Declaration form, similar to that set forth in Annexure "C" to this Convention, which must give an accurate statement of the contents and value of the parcel, the name of the place to which it is addressed, and the sender of the parcel must affix his signature and place of abode to the form, together with the date on which the parcel was posted. This form must, after being affixed to the parcel in such a manner as to be readily seen by the Custom House officers, be impressed with the dated stamp of the office at which the parcel is posted. Article 16. In the event of the declaration being found incorrect in any particular, the parcel will be liable to seizure by the Customs Department. Article 17. We advise that the form of Parcel Bill to be adopted should be similar to that in use between the Colonies and the United Kingdom. Article 18. All such Parcel Bills shall be made out in triplicate, and be disposed of in the following manner :— One copy to be retained by the office of exchange of the Colony of despatch, and two copies to accompany the mail to the office of exchange of the Colony of destination. The Parcel Bills shall be numbered consecutively, commencing with No. 1, on the Ist. of January in each year; and each entry in the Bill shall be numbered consecutively, commencing with No. 1. The number of the Bill and entry shall be entered on the corresponding parcel, for the purpose of identification., Article 19. All parcels exchanged under the provisions of this Convention shall, for the time being, be chargeable with such Custom dues as may be leviable under the laws of the Colony of destination. Article 20. We advise that this Article be excised, as not applicable to the Australasian Colonies. Article 21. The despatch of every separate parcel mail shall be advised on the ordinary Letter Bill of the mail with which the parcel mail is sent. Article 22. All errors which may be discovered on receipt of the mails at the office of exchange of the Colony of destination shall, after verification by a second officer, be reported to the Postmaster-General of the Colony of despatch.. Article 23. If a parcel advised on a Parcel Bill be not received, the entry on the Parcel Bill shall, after the nonreceipt has been verified by a second officer, be cancelled, and the error reported at once to the PostmasterGeneral of the country in which the error is discovered. Article 24. Should a parcel be received in a damaged or imperfect condition, full particulars must be leported, without delay, to the Postmaster-General of the Colony in which the damage is observed. Article 25. All errors and irregularities in connection with the exchange of parcel mails shall be reported by the one Colony to the other, on the form of Verification Certificate set forth in Annexure " E " to this Convention. Article 26. If no Verification Certificate be received, a Parcel mail shall be considered as duly delivered, having been found on examination correct in all respects. Article 27. The postage levied under Table 1 of the Convention shall be divided between the Colonies of origin and destination in the proportions set forth in Schedule B, Tables 1 and 2. The despatching Colony retaining the sea rate of 2d. per lb.

81

Article 28, At the close of each quarter the Postmaster-General of the Cape Colony shall prepare a" general account between the two Colonies, on a form similar to that set forth in Annexure " F " to this Convention, which shall be supported, so far as the entries of parcels are concerned, by a statement on the form set forth in Annexure '' G" to this Convention, of the proportions of postage to be credited to South Australia and the Cape Colony respectively on parcels exchanged, and also the proportion of postage on parcels B redirected in both directions, the entries being supported by the necessary vouchers in detail. Article 29. Immediately on receipt of the General Account referred to in the foregoing Article, the PostmasterGeneral of shall cause it to be examined, and shall, as soon as possible thereafter, forward to the Postmaster-General of the Cape Colony through the Agents-General for the respective Colonies in London, or otherwise as may from time to time be determined, a remittance for the amount of the balance thereof, if in favour of the Cape Colony, and in the event of the balance of the account being in favour of , the Postmaster-General of the Cape Colony shall forward with the account a certificate for the amount of such balance, which shall be payable on presentation by the Agent-General of the Cape Colony in London, or shall otherwise cause an adjustment of the balance due to be effected as may be determined by mutual agreement between the two Departments : provided always that the balance to be so adjusted shall in either case exceed the sum of £100, and that a remittance on account shall be similarly effected by either Department in advance of the quarterly account, at the end of every month in which it is ascertained that the indebtedness to the other Department exceeds £100. In the event of the balance on the quarterly account not being in excess of £100, the amount thereof shall be carried forward to the next account. Article 30. Any parcel which may be redirected shall be subject to a redirection charge equal to the original postage, and the credits shall be apportioned in all respects as if the parcel had originated in the ordinary course in the Colony from which the parcel is redirected. Article 31. Parcels which may from any cause remain undelivered after the lapse of a period of six months from the date of posting shall be returned for disposal to the Superintendent of the Office of Exchange in the Colony in which they were posted ; but such parcels shall give rise to no charge and to no account. Article 32. Parcels missent shall be returned to the Office of Exchange in the Colony of Despatch by the earliest possible opportunity. Article 33. Government parcels must be paid for as ordinary parcels, and will be liable to be charged for redirection, and they will be subject in all respects to the same rules, as regards dimensions, weight and contents, as ordinary parcels. Article 34. The Post Office Department of either of the Colonies parties to this Convention will not be responsible for the loss or damage of any parcels, and no indemnity can consequently be claimed by the sender or addressee of either Colony. Article 35. Except as otherwise provided in this Convention, all parcels passing between and the Cape Colony shall be subject to the general Regulations of the Postal Department of those Colonies respectively. Article 36. Subject to the general provisions of this Convention, parcels may be exchanged through the intermediary of th* Offices of Exchange of the countries parties to this Convention, between either of such countries and any other country with which a direct exchange of parcels shall have been arranged by either of the contracting countries ; and there shall be paid by the country of origin to the postal administration of the country of transit the credits specified in Article 27 of this Convention, and any " Forward Postage " which may be payable for the conveyance of such parcels beyond the country of transit to the place of destination. Article 37. All parcels sent from the Colony of tto Colonies or States served in transit through the Cape Colony must be entered separately from parcels addressed to the Cape Colony on the form set forth in Annexure " D " to this Convention. Article 38. This Convention is entered in between the respective Governments of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope and the Colony of from the date hereinbefore mentioned, and shall remain in force until it shall be necessary to be modified in consequence of the Cape Colony subscribing to the Parcel Post Convention signed at Paris on the 3rd of November, 1880, or otherwise as may be found expedient.

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SCHEDULE A. Table I. Postage Tariff on Parcels originating in the Colony of and addressed to the Cape Colony and other States and Colonies in South Africa served in transit through the Cape Colony.

Table II. Postage Tariff on Parcels addressed to the Colony of and originating in the Cape Colony and other States and Colonies in South Africa served in transit through the Cape Colony.

ANNEXURE C.

Country of Origin. Country of Destination. Rate of Postage per lb. or fraction thereof. Cape Colonys. d. 1 0 British Bechuanaland 1 3 Orange Free State 1 3 South African Republic 1 3 British Bechuanaland Protectorate 2 10 Mashonaland 2 10

Country of Origin. Country of Destination. Rate of Postage per lb. or fraction thereof. Cape Colony s. d. 1 0 British Bechuanaland 1 3 Orange Free State 1 3 South African Republic 1 3 British Bechuanaland Protectorate 2 10 Mashonaland 2 10

;amp. COLONIAL AND FOREIGN PARCEL P03T. Place to which the Parcel is addressed. For use in the case of Parcels sent from the to the FORM OF CUSTOMS DECLARATION". Gross Weight of Parcel. Not weight of contents. Me alue i •cham is lise. CONTENTS. lbs. ozs. lbs. ozs. £ s. _. Caution. — '. the Parcel will hi Parcel, nor may Ostrich Feathers. [n the event of the above declaration being found incorrect in any particular, 3 liable to seizure by the Customs Authorities. No Letter may be placed in any a Parcel contain Diamonds, Specie, Bullion, Gold (in dust or nuggets), or For other prohibited articles see the Post Office Guide. Date Stamp of Office of Exchange. (For use of Post Office of Exchange only.) Name and Address of S inder : — Parcel Bill No. No. of Rates j; prepaid $ Entry No. Date of Postini 189

83

COLONIAL AND FOREIGN PARCEL POST.

Signature of Despatching Officer. Signature of Receiving Officer.

P.P. No. 20. I„ B., & P. P.P., No. 1. Date Stamp. JrxllvL/JiiXj Jjp |8K Mr Ua JL. [For use for Parcels to and from the Channel Islands, and between the United Kingdom and British Possessions and Colonies, and to Foreign Countries generally.] Place to which the Parcel is addressed. FORM OF CUSTOMS DECLARATION. Description of Parcel. In the case of Foreign Parcels only. * Net Weight, lbs. CONTENTS. (State whether Box, Basket, Bag, &c.) . oz. * To be filled in b; y Sender. Value. t Gross Wei| ;ht, lbs. oz. Postmaster. £ s. d. tini 189 Signature and Address J of Sender. \ Bgg" For use of Post") Office only, and to be ( filled up at the Office f of Exchange :— J Parcel Bill No. No. of Rates prepaid (Not to be filled up in the case of Foreign Countries.) Entry No.

Date Stamp of the Despatching Office. Manifest of Parcels despatched from Per S.S. " 51 to the 189 Date Stamp of the Parcel Bill No. dated Receiving Office. No. of Office of Entry. Origin. Name of Addressee. Address of Parcel. Detailed Declared Contents. Value. No. of ] Unpaid Rates I returned prepaid, j Parcels. Approved ' To be fillet d in b -Offici >y the e. Date of Payment of Customs Duty Remarks. to the Customs Authorities. At At Is. I CI iston )ues. IS Otlira Chi •Pc irgi ratal 3S. ! j Is. ■

84

Signature of Despatching Officer, at General Post Signature of Receiving Officer, General Office, Post Office

bate Stamp ol the Post Office. C. Sf F. P. P. No. 4a. >ate Stamp of the Receiving Office. PARCELS FROM i TO *. umce. Pa •eel Bill No. ..., dated , 189 ,per " > > sheet No. No. of Rates Prepaid. Unpaid Redirected Parcels. Remarks. »ntry No. Origin of Parcel. Name of Addressee. Address of Parcel. Declared Contents. Declared Value. (Every Parcel not exceeding 2 lbs.to be entered two rates.) Ace Chai-j to :ru( id No. of Rates. ?es due s. d. 8. d. m. Rates at £ Totals * When more than one Sheet is required for the entry of the Parcel undermentioned particulars are entered on the La Is si ist i ;nt by the Mail, it will iheet of the Parcel Bit be sufficient if the 1. Total weight of M: Deduct Weight of Ids. * Total number of Parcels sent by the Mail * Number of Boxes or other Receptacles forming * * ail Receptacles the Mail * Net weight of Parcels

AiNNEXUKE E. Date Stamp. Colonial and Foreign Parcel Post. VERIFICATION CERTIFICATE. For the Correction and Verification of Irregularities and Errors of every kind observei in the Parcel Mail from the ■ for the Office. Date of Mail 189 Parcel Bill No. 189 _ IRREGULARITIES. (Non-receipt of Parcel Bill in due course. Non-receipt of Parcels. Particulars of Damaged Parcels. Boxes, &c, not properly secured, &c, &c.) ■ ERRORS. -p . , „ [ Name of Address of * ' i 'Addressee. Parcel. Declared Contents. Declared Value. No. of Rates Prepaid. Remarks.—The'entry as made by the Despatching Officer to be copied in black ink, and the corrected entry below in red ink; any necessary explanation being added in this column. When the total is affected the original and corrected totals must be given in the proper place. Ori ;inal Total Corrected Total 189 Examined and a< :cepted, 189 Signature of the Controlling Officer at the Office of Arrival. Signature of the Controlling Officer at the Office of Despatch.

85

SCHEDULE B. Table I. Apportionment of Postage on Parcels originating in the Colony of, and addressed to the Cape Colony and other States and Colonies in South Africa, served in transit through the Cape Colony.

Table II. Apportionment of Postage on Parcels addressed to the Colony of, and originating in the Cape Colony and other States and Colonies in South Africa, served in transit through the Cape Colony.

Appoi •tionnie: it of Poi itage. _> 1 QQ O Ph t_ o PS per lb. Country of Destination. To 03 p •*D 03 To Capi ,—i <D « 15 £__ 19 EH J Colony. fig" Q CD ill ■H a iS *■] . a _ « jas iJ " -a _ a p to c 2, - E-i To Bi Bechua *« $ ■Sid EH | ritish ma land. ill I-H •Sf g _-) rt ■f _ .« S-, « rt cj o">* H a_ S _ _ a lie y EH 14 hi O Eh s. d. », d. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. 8. d. s. d. s. d. 8. d. s. d. 1 0 Cape Colony 0 8 0 2 0 5 1 0 1 3 Orange Free State 0 5 0 2 0 3 0 5 1 3 1 3 South African Republic 0 5 0 2 0 3 0 5 1 3 1 3 British Bechuanaland 0 5 0 2 0 3 0 5 1 3 2 10 British Bechuanaland Protectorate 0 11 1 1 2 10 0 5 0 2 0 8 2 10 Mashonaland 0 5 0 2 0 3 0 11 1 1 2 10

.pportii iment of Postal :<'■■ Rate of Postage. Country of Origin. t* 1Is MS -Or; •"S —^ 0H 'Ci-H §SS r_ oj to MM o EH bo CO © eS«■To B Bechua ritish maland. To( Col !ape my. • -a .9 £ ■*-*■ Land Rate. Land Transit Rate. Land Rate. Sea Transit Rate. -< H O EH o EH D er lb. s. d. 2 10 *. d. 1 1 8. d. ,s-. rf. 8. d. s. d. s. d. 0 11 s. d. 0 3 s. d. 0 2 8. d. 0 5 8. d. 2 10 Mashonaland 2 10 British Bechuanaland Protectorate 1 1 0 11 0 5 2 10 0 3 0 2 1 3 South African Republic 0 5 0 3 0 2 0 5 1 3 1 3 Orange Free State 0 5 0 3 0 2 0 6 1 3 1 3 British Bechuanaland 0 5 0 3 0 2 0 5 1 3 1 0 Cape Colony 0 5 0 2 0 5 1 0

86

ANNEXURE F. GENERAL ACCOUNT Between the Post Office of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope and the Post Office of for the Quarter ended 189.

Postmaster- General. General Post Office, Cape Town, day of , 189 .

ANNEXURE G. Detailed Account of Parcel Mails exchanged between the Cape Colony and during the Quarter ending 189.

TO THE CREDIT OF THE CAPE COLONY. TO THE CREDIT OF 8. d. £ s. d. To Balance brought from preceding Account „ Balance of Errors on previous Accoounts for the quarter ended 189 (as per Statement received from ) „ Unpaid and insufficiently paid postage ,, Money Orders drawn upon the Colony, United Kingdom, and Foreign Countries „ Share of Commission on ditto „ Repaid and Void Money Orders (asper separate Statements) „ Postage on Parcels sent to (as per Statement annexed) „ Proportion of Postage due to the Cape Colony on Parcels redirected to By Balance brought, from preceding Account ,, ilatance of Errors on previous Account for the quarter ended 189 (as per Statement received from ) „ Money Orders issued in the Cape Colony and abroad ,, Share of Commission on ditto „ Repaid and Void Money Orders (as per separate Statements) ,, Proportion of Postage on Parcels received from the Cape Colony (as per Statement annexed) „ Proportion of Postage due to on Parcels redirected to the Cape Colony „ Remittances received from „ Balance of Errors on Current Account I „ Balance due to i „ Balance of Errors on Current Account „ Balance due to the Cape Colony Total £\ Total £

PARCEL MAILS PROM TH CAPE COLONY TO PARCEL AILS ROM to t: :K CAPE COLONY. Parcel Bill, Parce' (prepaid.) Re-direci ;ed Parcels. Parcel Sill. Parcel (prepaid.) Re-direci ;ed Parcels. Date of Despatch. 1. No. of Bill. 2. No. of Rates. 3. Proportion of Postage. 4. Unpaid Rates. 5. Accrued Charges. 6. Date of Despatch. 7. No. of Bill. 8. No. of Rates. 9. Proportion of Postage. 10. Unpaid Rates. 11. Accrued Charges. 12. £ 8. d. £ 8. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. ....at 5d. ....at6d. at 2s. 3d. At 5d. per rate. At 5d. per rate. At 5d. per rate. At 5d. per rate (Credit of .) Credit of Cape Colony. Credit of Credit of Credit if Colony. £ 8. d. £ 8. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ 8. d. £ s. d. Summary. Credit of Amount. Credit of Cape Colony. Amount. Total of Column 4 „ " » 12 £ s. d. Total of Column 5 „ „ 6 „ 10 £ s. d. Total due to , carried to General Account £ Total due to Colony, carried to General Account,.... £

87

Appendix C.

STAMPS IN PAYMENT OF EXCESS CHARGE (IF ANY) MUST BE AFFIXED HERE BY THE SENDER. No. of Message . P This Telegram is presented for Transmission by the undersigned, subject to the authorised conditions. / \ A._ / Office \ tv~w I Stamp. I No. 171 a. N.B. —Office of origin to be inserted after signature, and Telegraphed. _______ [On BACK. REPLY voucher. —A sum of having been deposited for Stamp of Issuing Office. a reply of words (addresses included) to a telegram handed in at timed , addressed to , this form will be accepted within six weeks of the date of its issue at any Postal Telegraph Office in payment or part payment, as the case may be, of a telegram. Signature of Issuing Officer :. N.B—lf this form be not used, or If it be used for a telegram the charge for which is less than the amount deposited, the whole of the amount deposited, or the difference, as the case may be, will be returned on application being made to the Controller, G.F.0., Wellington, within six weeks of the date of issue. After that interval no application for the return of the amount will be entertained

I QEE OTHER SIDE. P] EPAID REPLY FORM. NEW Z :aland poi 3T OFFICE TELEGRAPHS. ..- Code: B. landed in (Timi e) : No. of Message : Words. Sent. Office Stamp. Office of l Origin : j At m. instructions : Excess Charge. To I I By

89

POSTAL AND TELEGRAPHIC CONFERENCE, 1898.

REPORT OF THE DEBATES. (See also Minutes of Proceedings.)

MONDAY, 28th MARCH, 1898. Election of President. Hon. JOSEPH COOK said he had much pleasure in proposing that Sir Philip Fysh take the Chair, not only because the Conference had assembled in Hobart, but also by reason of Sir Philip's seniority and his well-known abilities. Hon. J. R. DICKSON had much pleasure in seconding the Motion, and in doing so felt he did not need to add to what had been very properly said by the Postmaster-General of New South Wales, of one who had held a high position in the Colony for a long time. Motion put and passed. Sir PHILIP FYSH, in taking the Chair, thanked them for their kind expressions of goodwill and the honor they had done him. He desired, on behalf of the Government and himself, to heartily welcome them all, both Ministers and Permanent Heads of Departments to Tasmania, trusting that during their stay they would not only render service to the Colonies they represented, but also derive much health and pleasure at the same time. Election of Secretary. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY moved— " That Mr. T. C. Just be elected Secretary to the Conference." Hon. JOSEPH COOK seconded. They had previously had a taste of Mr. Just's qualities in that position, and were sure that the fact of his being made Secretary would conduce to the despatch of business. Motion put and passed. The Press. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY moved— "That the Press be admitted to all the deliberations of the Conference, excepting Sittings in Committee." Hon. JOSEPH COOK seconded. Motion put and passed. Papers. Hon. JOSEPH COOK tabled a Report on the Palmyra and Fanning Islands as to their suitableness and capabilities as submarine cable stations, prepared by Captain A. M. Field, R.N., of H.M.S. Penguin. Sir CHAS. TODD tabled a Return of Inter-colonial Telegraph Traffic for the past Nine years. Hon. JOSEPH COOK tabled a Return relating to Postal and Telegraphic Business in New South Wales during 1897. Printing. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY moved— " That the President and the Hon. Joseph Cook be a Sub-Committee to consider and report upon what papers and documents required to be printed." Hon. J. R. DICKSON seconded. Motion put and passed. Hays of Sitting. Hon. J. R. DICKSON moved— " That this Conference sit for the despatch of business each day at half-past 10 o'clock until 1 p.m., and from half-past 2 till 5 p.m., Sundays excepted." Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY seconded, and the Motion was agreed to.

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Subjects for consideration. A list of the subject? proposed to be discussed at the Conference was then tabled by the Secretary. It was arranged that those subjects of a detailed character should first be submitted to the permanent Departmental Heads to report upon. The subjects of a more general nature were reserved for direct consideration by Ministers. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY moved— " That the Sub-Committee of Permanent Heads be requested, previous to considering the various items placed before them, to revise the list and report to the Conference as to such matters as they consider either unnecessary, or that time will not permit them to proceed with." Hon. J. R. DICKSON seconded the motion, which was put and passed. On the motion of the Hon. Joseph Cook, the Heads of Departments present were appointed a Sub-Committee for the purpose of giving effect to the previous Resolution. The Conference adjourned until 10*30 next day.

TUESDAY, 29th MARCH. The Conference met at 10*30. In the absence of Hon. Sir Philip Fysh, Hon. Joseph Cook was voted to the Chair on the motion of the Hon. J. Gavan Duffy, seconded by the Hon. J. R. Dickson, and the Conference adjourned until next day at 10*30. This course has been found necessary on account of the Permanent Heads of the Postal and Telegraphic Departments having such a large number of subjects to handle and report upon to the Ministerial Heads, that they had not yet completed their work.

WEDNESDAY, 30th MARCH. The Conference met formally at 10*30 a.m. Hon. JOSEPH COOK was voted to the Chair in the absence of the President. Hon. J. R. DICKSON moved— "That, to enable the Departmental Heads to proceed with work in Committee, the Conference adjourn until 10*30 a.m. next day." Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY seconded. Motion put and passed. The Conference adjourned accordingly.

THURSDAY, 31st MARCH. Papers. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY tabled a Paper furnishing Returns in connection with the Telegraph Service of Victoria. Hon. J. R. DICKSON tabled a similar Paper on behalf of Queensland. Proposed Reduction of Postage Rate. The Conference proceeded to discuss the proposed reduction from 2\d. to 2c?. per half ounce postage of Letters passing in both directions between the United Kingdom and other parts of the British Empire. Hon. JOSEPH COOK (New South Wales) said there had already been a great deal of correspondence in regard to this proposal between these Colonies and the Mother Country, and also between Canada and the Mother Country. It appears that Canada wanted to make the rate very much lower to the British Possessions, and to differentiate between 2d. for the Empire and her Colonies, and 2\d. between the Empire and the rest of the world. So far as INew South Wales was concerned they felt there was every reason why the present rate should not be reduced from 2\d. to 2d. There was no great demand in the Colonies for such a reduction. What demand there was had come from certain distinguished gentlemen in England who interested themselves from time to time in Postal and Telegraphic matters. If the proposed reduction was made it would at once mean an agitation and a demand for a reduction of the Intercolonial and Inland rates on the ground of anomaly. A Postal Commission was, he believed, being held, or about to be held, in London, where this question was also to be considered, and fNew South Wales had definitely instructed her Agent-General to say that his Colony could not consent. Victoria, he understood, had refused point blank to send a representative.

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Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY: We appointed a delegate, who nas received similar instructions. Hon. JOSEPH COOK would point out that the anomaly of such a reduction would be at once seen with the inland rate of 2d., and an agitation would at once arise for reducing the latter rate. The Colonies could not at present afford such reductions. Having to send the letters a distance of 14,000 miles, 2\d. per half ounce did not seem after all to be very excessive. He could easily understand the reduction from the old rate of 6d. to 2-J-c?. It was felt in his colony, at any rate, that if the Government was in a position to grant concessions to the people, the same could be done in many more advantageous ways than by reducing the oversea rate for letters from 2\d. to 2c?. per half ounce. Sentimental reasons might be given for the proposal, but sentimental reasons could stand no chance when there was a need for hard cash in the Treasury. At present the net loss to New South Wales alone in the maintenance of their postal relations with the outside world was just £20,000 per annum, and if this proposal was adopted it would mean an additional £3000 a year loss, and for the whole of the Australasian Colonies he supposed it would be £7000 to £8000 per annum. The latter sum might not seem very much distributed over all the Colonies, it was true, but the reduction would mean a demand for intercolonial and inland rates of postage to be reduced. A reduction of a halfpenny per half ounce in the oversea letters would not make any appreciable increase in the amount of correspondence, and altogether the matter of \d. was not worth the doing. If the Colonies could see their way to substitute a Id. letter rate it would be something ; but, of course, at present that could not be thought of. He therefore moved,— "That, in the opinion of this Conference, it would be inadvisable to make any further reduction in the oversea postage rate until the way is clear for a reduction of the present large subsidies paid for the carriage of mails at present inland and colonial rates." Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY seconded the motion. He did not think he had anything to add to the exhaustive statement which had been made by the Hon. Joseph Cook in this matter. He fully concurred with him that it would be an anomaly to reduce the postage rate as proposed whilst they were unable to reduce the rates to their own people within the Colonies. The rate of per half ounce was not an excessive one. Until not long ago it was Qd., and that was excessive, and the correspondence was limited ; nobody could hold that a reduction from 2Jc?. to 2d. would increase the correspondence to any degree whatever. To put the matter in a nutshell, the Colonies could not afford it. A reduction of postage from England to 2c?. all over the world was proposed in a Budget Bill of the British Chancellor of the Exchequer. Of course, such a reduction would not be felt in a wealthy country with an immense population, a high standard of education, and with a yearly surplus of three millions. At the Washington Postal Conference, when such a reduction was proposed, it had very little support. Then the Imperial Government dwelt upon 2fc?. being an excess of the 25 cents stipulated in the Postal Union treaty, but still England had little support, the general feeling being that England ought not to make a reduction below what was considered fair all over the world. Hon. J. R. DICKSON said lion, members who had spoken had voiced the opinion that, Queensland held in this matter. He did not think the reduction was demanded by the public, and it would not mean any appreciable increase in the quantity of letters that would be posted. Queensland had sustained a loss of £34,000 in consequence of the reduction seven years ago from 6c?.; but he would not say that they should revert to the 6c?. rate. He was aware that Mr. Henniker Heaton was always advocating reductions in postal rates, and the Imperial Government seemed to favour the idea ; but the Australian Colonies could not at present entertain such proposals. Hon. J. G. JENKINS, on behalf of South Australia, supported the motion. The main point had been tersely made by Mr. Cook when he said there was no great demand for the reduction in question at the present time beyond what Mr. Henniker Heaton and a few commercial men had advanced. Moreover, it would be followed by an agitation for such a reduction of intercolonial rates which could not be made. , Motion put and passed. The Canadian Three Cents proposals. The consideration of proposal of Canada to reduce postage on letters to all parts of the British Empire from 5 cents to 3 cents was taken in Committee, when the following resolution was passed : — " That this Conference communicate by cable with the Canadian Postmaster-General to the effect that the various Colonies connot agree to receive Canadian letters with only 3 cents postage thereon, and ask that the proposal be not proceeded with." Queensland's Surcharges. " Re Queensland surcharging New Zealand postal matter prepaid at the \d. per 2 oz. rate." Hon. JOSEPH COOK said that some years ago New Zealand had this low rate on printed matter in existence. The question, however, was then raised by New Zealand whether she would be compelled to revert to the higher rate of postage on printed matter. He took it that New Zealand still continued to impose the \d. rate, but did not know if Queensland surcharged. Hon. J, R. DICKSON : She has to surcharge under the statute law.

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Hon. JOSEPH COOK moved,-- ----" That the matter be referred to the heads of departments for report.' After discussion the motion was withdrawn. Hon. JOSEPH COOK moved — " That the matter be struck out." Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY suggested that instead of being struck out the subject should simply be not dealt with. It might seem discourteous to strike it out. The motion was not seconded, and the subject was dropped. Obliteration of Stamps. As to obliteration of stamps issued to collectors, Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY said that this matter was becoming somewhat of a nuisance. Many people seemed to be fanatics in regard to collecting stamps, and latterly in Victoria the department had been placing a courtesy post mark upon them. This was done in order that the stamps might not be used for postage purposes by those who obtained them. That did not do away with the philatelic value of the stamps. He thought that a uniform method ought to be adopted by the different colonies. It should be clearly arranged so that stamps given out for purposes of collection could not be otherwise used. He moved, — " This Conference is of opinion that all stamps issued to collectors should be post-marked, so as to prevent them from being used for postal purposes." Hon. J. R. DICKSON seconded the motion. Hon. J. G. JENKINS moved as an amendment, — " That the word ' specimen ' should be placed across the stamps issued to collectors." Hon. JOSEPH COOK seconded the amendment. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY said that as the weight of opinion appeared to be against him,he would withdraw the motion. The amendment was then put, when The PRESIDEJNT said that it appeared from the voices that it would be his duty to give a casting vote. He regarded the Post Office as an institution maintained by the Government for postal purposes only, and would therefore vote for the amendment, and declared it carried. Hon. JOSEPH COOK moved— " That all postage-stamps issued to the Berne Postal Bureau or between Post Offices shall bear an obliteration with the date-stamp." Hon. J. G. JENKINS seconded, and the motion was agreed to. Newspaper Supplements. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY said : In the Victorian Post Office Act, which, he took it, was similar to if not identical with that of other colonies, a newspaper supplement was said to be wholly and substantially part of the newspaper; but he wanted to call the attention of the Conference to tradesmen's handbills and insets being sent in the newspapers through the post, and his department held that such were not supplements within the meaning of the law. He would like to have the matter discussed.' It was claimed in Victoria that such handbills were supplements within the meaning of the Victorian Act. He formally moved— " That an inset or a handbill shall not be regarded as coming within the definition of a newspaper supplement under the Post Office Acts." Hon. J. G. JENKINS seconded. As far as his colony was concerned their regulations did not allow such so-called " supplements " to be carried in newspapers. Hon. JOSEPH COOK said it was never anticipated that such things should be carried in the newspapers. It was a means of distributing small handbills for shopkeepers, for which the newspapers were paid. It would never do in New South Wales, where the newspapers were carried through the post free. It was an abuse against which decided action should be taken. Hon, J. R. DICKSON quoted the Queensland Act and regulations bearing on the subject, and supported the motion. Motion put and passed. Queensland's Treatment of other Colonies' Newspapers. Consideration of operation of the Suppression of Gambling and Indecent Advertisement Act of Queensland, in connection with newspapers published outside Queensland and forwarded by post to that colony. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY wondered if there was anything to be done with their friends from Queensland in this matter. As Mr. Dickson knew, this matter had been a bone of contention between Queensland and the other Colonies for years. He had put the subject down on the notice-

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paper to see if Queensland could not be induced to fall into line with the other Colonies. That Colony had been treated with every fairness and courtesy, and he did not think Queensland realised the amount of restraint and restrictions that her laws had imposed upon the press of all the other Colonies. He did not wish to force this on his hon. friend, but he thought, perhaps, that a few friendly remonstrances from his fellow Postmaster-Generals of the other Colonies would have some effect upon him. Hon. JOSEPH COOK : What have they been doing ? Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY : Stopping all newspapers from the other Colonies coming into Queensland at the same rate as we allow Queensland newspapers to come into the other Colonies. Proceeding, Mr. Duffy said he did not wish to put a motion before the chair, but he trusted his hon. friend would have the matter thoroughly looked into. Though Queensland had not yet joined the proposed federation they trusted that she would do so soon. (Hear, hear.) In these days of federation it was hardly right for one Colony to stand aloof from its neighbours in postal matters. The PRESIDENT :We must have some definite motion before the Conference. It. had better be put that representations be made to Queensland —- Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY would adopt the President's suggestion, and move— "That representations be made from this Conference to the Post Office authorities in Queensland, pointing out that the operation of their Suppression of Gambling and Indecent Advertisements and Post Office Acts in regard to newspapers published outside Queensland, and forwarded by post to that Colony, is a restriction upon the Australian press." In fact, newspaper proprietors sending newspapers into Queensland had to publish special issues before they could get them delivered in Queensland, or do as the Czar of Russia did with newspapers going into that country —blacken out a page ; and, in addition, Queensland imposed a much higher rate of postage on newspapers from outside than the other Colonies imposed on Queensland newspapers. iion. JOSEPH COOK could not see his way to support the motion in regard to Queensland suppressing gambling and indecent advertisements. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY : I want to include a representation to them to modify their postage rates on newspapers. Hon. JOSEPH COOK would second the motion for the sake of discussion. Hon. J. R. DICKSON said his Colony had endeavoured to suppress a growing spirit for gambling, especially among their youths, and the restrictions in these respects, and with respect to indecent advertisements which had been thus imposed, applied equally to newspapers published in Queensland as to those coming from outside. He recognised that the press of the other Colonies had met them very fairly in this matter, and had endeavoured to conform to the new legislation by excluding from the columns of their papers entering Queensland such advertisements as were objected to. Having the law before them, the Queensland postal authorities were bound to act up to it. As to the postal rates charged upon papers coming in from the other Colonies, that was a separate matter. Before the rates were altered the Colony was inundated with newspapers from the other Colonies, and which were carried gratuitously. The Colony was a large one, much of it was sparsely populated, and the distances were long, and so the cost thus incurred became too great. On that account it had been found imperative to charge for the newspapers at the rates now in force. Perhaps upon fuller consideration of the matter the Government of Queensland might, in the future, feel justified in modifying the restrictions at present imposed ; but when those special Acts were passed they became imperative by reason of the ever increasing demoralising tendencies of the advertisements objected to. At that time the Parliament might have gone to extremes, but such legislation was much required, and the respectable press, both of Queensland and the other Colonies, deserved to be thanked for the readiness with which they had conformed to the views of the Parliament of that Colony. Hon. J. G. JENKINS would support the Resolution if it was limited to a protest against the high postage rates charged in Queensland on Intercolonial newspapers. It would only be right that Queensland should have the same intercolonial postage rate. Hon. JOSEPH COOK thought that Queensland was to be congratulated on her Act against indecent literature and gambling. The efforts made in the other places to drive out gambling had resulted in sending it to another Colony. They ought not to do anything to hinder Queensland from continuing her crusade against gambling and indecent advertising; it was a step in the right direction. If the mover would eliminate certain matter from the Resolution, he would support it. The charges levied by Queensland on intercolonial newspapers at the present time was exorbitant. They charged 2c?. on certain Sydney weekly newspapers that were sent to that Colony ; that was a rate which specially applied to back-woodsmeti, as the newspapers referred to were largely availed of by people resident in the country. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY expressed pleasure at hearing that Queensland was not only so good as she claimed to be, but was also as good as she ought to be. He readily agreed that gambling to the extent that it had taken root in Australasia was becoming a public danger. W T ith regard to indecent advertising, they were all agreed that it should be put down. In reference to

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gambling advertisements, he was sorry to see that Queensland had gone so much further in the matter than the other Colonies had done. It was to be hoped that the whole of the Colonies would deal firmly with indecent advertising, but, he did not agree that the gambling advertisements did so much harm as was suggested. He intended, with the permission of the other Members of the Conference, to withdraw his Resolution and propose another. He hardly liked to say that the rate in Queensland was exorbitant, but it was excessively heavy. It was not in the interests of any Colony that the people should be denied outside newspapers owing to a heavy rate. Victoria did not try to keep other colonial newspapers from her people. He hoped that the Queenslanders would see their way to deal with the Colonies in the way that the other Colonies dealt with them. Leave was then given to withdraw the motion. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY said that the following was the motion which he would submit in place of the one withdrawn :— " That representations be made from this Conference to the Post Office authorities of Queensland, pointing out to them that the high rates charged on newspapers coming from the other colonies is an unjustifiable restriction on the Australian press." Hon. JOSEPH COOK seconded the motion. After further discussion, The PRESIDENT said that before putting the motion he wished to refer to a remark made with reference to the gambling having drifted to another colony. It would be just as well for the members of the Conference to carry away a correct idea of how the gambling was carried on. He would have been glad if they could have had an opportunity of visiting the racecourse in order to see what immense advantages Tasmania possessed by reason of her management of the Gambling Act. Tasmanians when visiting the racecourses on the mainland found objection to the noisy system of bookmakers, which held forth such inducements to the young, who were inclined to gamble. They found that the totalisator system in Tasmania did not inculcate gambling into the young of the colony, as representatives from the other colonies supposed. The motion was then put and passed. Urgent Telegrams. Hon. JOSEPH COOK moved— "That the system of 'urgent' telegrams in operation in six Colonies of Australia be abolished." They in New South Wales never had, as a matter of fact, concurred in the proposal to treat certain messages as " urgent" over others. It was not the right thing to allow certain people to have a monopoly over the telegraph service because they were able to pay an extra rate. The system was often most vicious in its application. A poor man with only Is. in his pocket could only pay that sum for his message at the ordinary rate, and had to wait until perhaps 50 or 60 urgent messages paid for at a higher rate took precedence. The telegraphs being maintained by the Governments of the colonies, the telegraph rate should be made the same to every member of the community. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY would second the motion as a matter of courtesy to his hon. friend, not that he believed in it—quite the contrary. Hon. J. G. JENKINS moved as an amendment, — " That the matter be referred to the Permanent Heads of Departments for report." In his colony they had power by Act of Parliament to charge for " urgent" telegrams, so any postmaster, even if the motion was passed, would be obliged to send "urgent" telegrams. But beyond that, he did not think the proposal was"a wise one. After further discussion, Hon. J. R. DICKSON could not say that he was in favour of either the motion or the amendment. A man might get a special train to proceed to a place—it was all a matter of paying. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY: Withdraw. Hon. JOSEPH COOK hoped Mr. Jenkins would not withdraw the amendment. There was no parallel at all between a man paying for a special train and men, because they had the money, monopolising the public telegraph service. A man could only get a special train so long as he did not inconvenience the public using the ordinary trains. A special train could be delayed by an ordinary train, but the ordinary telegraph business of the country.was compelled to wait until specially paid for " urgent" telegrams had passed over the wires; and that, he held, was unfair, making it a source of trouble, inconvenience, and annoyance. The amendment was agreed to. (See Report of Sub-Committee, page 76.) Telephonic Communication. On the subject of "Establishment of telephonic communication between the capital cities of the Australian Continent," Hon. JOSEPH COOK said that the question was one that had been raised from time to time by ihe various Chambers of Commerce. No doubt it would be a desirable thing to have a thorough

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connection by telephone between the various metropolitan centres if it could be done on a commercial basis. It appeared, however, that the cost would be out of proportion to the benefits derived from its establishment. Long distance wires were becoming the fashion, but whether the time had arrived for the system to be established among the colonies he was not prepared to say. It would be advisable to refer the matter to the heads of the departments. If the cost was shown to be reasonable as regarded its construction, he did not think that anyone would object to its introduction. He moved— " That the matter be referred to the Heads of Departments, with a view of ascertaining what the cost would be, and also information as to the possible loss to the telegraphic revenue." Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY seconded the motion. He was not prepared to say that Victoria would, at first, be prepared to take part in the undertaking. If the telephonic system were adopted, it would, of course, destroy to a certain extent the revenue derived from the telegraph. Such things would progress, however, and the telephone in course of time would almost completely supersede the telegraph. He had at times used the telephone, which extended over a long distance, and had found it to work well. Hon. J. G. JENKINS supported the proposal. A great deal of information had been obtained in 1892, but no doubt things had very much changed since then. At the time to which he referred it was shown that the undertaking, if entered upon, would cause a heavy loss. He had no objection, however, to further information being obtained with reference to the matter. Hon. J. R. DICKSON also approved of the subject being considered by the heads of departments. He agreed with the Hon. Joseph Cook that the telephonic system was bound to come. It was only a question of time. They must not rest content with the facilities that were at present enjoyed. In Queensland one of the gold-mining towns was connected with Townsville, a distance of 82 miles. The same wire used for the telegraph was also utilised for the telephone, and the results were in every way satisfactory. It would be a wise thing to refer the matter to the permanent heads to report upon. The motion was put and passed. (See Report of Sub-Committee, p. 76.) Adjournment. The Conference adjourned until 10*30 a.m. next day.

FRIDAY, Ist APRIL. i Papers. The PRESIDENT laid on the table the minute of his appointment as a Delegate to tke Conference ; also Post and Telegraph Returns, (Tasmania). Hon. J. G. JENKINS (South Australia) tabled the Minute of his appointment. The Washington Conference. In the matter of the ratification of Washington 'Congress, and consideration of the various Conventions entered into at Washington but not signed by the Australasian Delegate; Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY moved— "That this Conference recommends to the Governments of Australasia the ratification of the treaty entered into at Washington at the last Universal Postal Congress. That the Sub-Committee of Permanent Heads be requested to report to the Conference—lst. On the several matters left optional by the principal treaty ; 2nd. On the various subsidiary treaties entered into by some Administrations at Washington, but not signed by the Australasian Delegate." In rising to move this resolution, he said he thought that in the first place he should take this first public occasion offered him of thanking his fellow Postmaster-Generals for the honour and distinction which they conferred upon him in sending him to the Washington Congress as the representative of Australasia. He would never forget their having done so, and the kind manner in which it was done. Where every one was so kind in the matter, it would perhaps be improper to single out individuals ; but he could hardly pass on without mentioning the Hon. Joseph Cook, Postmaster-General of New South Wales, who, if he had pressed his claim to have gone to the Congress it could scarcely have been refused. In thanking them he would say he was especially proud of the Commission because he was, he believed, the first to have held a Commission for all the Colonies of Australasia for any purpose. On that occasion he looked upon himself in some respects as a forerunner of the Federation they were all hoping now to see brought about. Having described the gathering as a most interesting one, with representatives from every independent nation in the world, the picturesqueness of some of the costumes worn, such as that of the representative of Corea, the hospitality enjoyed, and the great ability many delegates displayed—though at the same time he felt that Australasia had occasion to be proud of its Todds and its Lambtons, and others whom he met at the Australasian Postal Conferences—the speaker said : The result of

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the labours of the representatives at the Congress was now before them. He hoped that they would ratify the treaty which he had had the honour of signing on behalf of Australasia. The treaties themselves had only just reached the Colonies, and the English translations had not yet arrived. He had taken out all the changes made by the last Congress in the treaty of Vienna, by which they were formerly bound. These changes had been printed (see page 43), but he realised that it would be hard to follow them without having the full context of the Convention itself before them. At these meetings of postal matters a great amount of minor detail had to be considered. He desired to call attention to the second part of his motion. It struck him when at Washington that it would be better if they were furnished with all information about the subsidiary treaties. It would be well to be furnished with those treaties in order to consider them at leisure to see if they would not be of advantage to the Colony on the whole. Although nothing might be done in the matter for a year or two, he desired to draw attention to them with a view to having them dealt with at the next Conference. There might be in the treaties some advantage worthy of adoption. The treaty also contained several clauses making it optional to do certain things if it were possible to do so. He understood that all the optional points that were in the old treaty of Vienna had been carefully considered. A matter that had been introduced of somewhat minor importance was the colour of stamps. He was not sure that they need trouble themselves about that, because if federation were brought about it would put postal matters in Australia on a different footing. Before he left Washington he had sent a short report to the various administrations which he represented which he thought contained pretty well the gist of the matter. In accordance with instructions he twice brought before the Congress the question of prohibiting the carriage in the mails of indecent and obscene literature. He regretted to say that his motion was both times lost by a majority of four votes ; not that the majority approved of the matter, but that they were afraid of establishing what might be a censorship of the post offices. A material matter in which the treaty of Washington made a change from the former treaty was on the question of transit rates and the taking of statistics. By a large majority a motion had been carried reducing territorial and maritime transit rates. It was decided that the statistics should not. be taken afresh before the meeting of the next Congress, which would meet at Rome in about five or six years hence, but. were to be calculated on the last statistics taken in 189 d. In other respects it went without saying the treaty at Washington was certainly a benefit to all the countries within the postal union, and a great deal of care had been taken and skill displayed in remedying the defects of the former treaty, and putting the whole business of the union on a better and surer basis. The PRESIDENT said it was understood the second portion of the motion dealing with the reference to the permanent heads was to be taken first. Hon. J. R. DICKSON rose to second the motion, and, referring to Mr. Duffy's interestingspeech, said that gentleman had justified the wisdom of selection made in him as the representative of Australasia. In Queensland the Postal Department had but just come into possession of the very bulky tome containing a report of the Conference, and the heads of departments could not, yet be fully conversant with the bearing of the various proposed changes, and it was therefore very desirable a report should be obtained from them before they recommended the Governments of Australasia to ratify the treaty as a whole. The press reports of the Washington Conference had been very meagre — Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY: Yes, we had great difficulty with the American press. One day we would be referred to as snobs, and another as puppets of European kings. (Laughter.) Hon. JOSEPH COOK supported the motion, and thought it very necessary the permanent heads should report as to how the proposals would affect the colonies. Some very serious alterations were proposed in respect to territorial and maritime transit rates that would affect the British Empire much more than any other people in the world, for the simple reason that Great Britain had such a preponderance of the traffic of the world, and it would be well for the permanent heads to let them know what these alterations would mean even to these colonies. The reductions, it was true, were proposed on a sliding scale over a term of years, but at the present time they did not know what the probable effect would be. Hon. J. G. JENKINS supported the motion, and, after remarks highly complimentary to Mr. Duffy, agreed with Mr. Cook that the proposed changes in territorial transit rates was a matter needing careful consideration by the permanent heads before unqualified approval was expressed. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY, closing the debate, considered the transit rate question a most important one, and this had been a subject of the greatest controversy at the Washington Congress, the result being in reality a compromise between the views of the German representative on the one side, and the English and Colonial on the other. He himself had got a little more heated than he need have done during those discussions, which were in FYench, and had intimated that, though signing the treaty, if the fact proved that the loss involved was greater than the Colonies could reasonably bear, advantage would have to be taken of a clause allowing any State to withdraw from the Union. This extreme measure he did not, however, anticipate would be necessary. The second part of the motion was put and passed. (See Report of Sub-Committee, p. 75.) Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY moved that the first part of the original motion be discharged, and made an order for next day. The motion was agreed to.

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Hon. JOSEPH COOK moved:— " That this Conference hereby records its appreciation of the zealous and able manner in which Hon. J. Gavan Duffy, Postmaster-General of Victoria, discharged ihe duty of representing Australasia at the Washington Postal Conference." Hon. J. R. DICKSON seconded, and the motion was passed. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY thanked the Conference in suitable terms. • He was pleased to say that it had come to him from outside sources that his efforts at the Congress were not altogether unsuccessful. (Hear, hear.) Report of Permanent Heads of Departments. The Report of the Sub-Committee of Heads of Departments on the subjects submitted to them was next considered, most of the recommendations being agreed to. (See Minutes of Proceedings, pp. 18 to 40.) Queensland Mail Service. The Sub-Committee reported : — " It is admitted that the present railway arrangements are extremely inconvenient to Queensland in regard to the connection of the English mails at Sydney. If any arrangement could be made by which the Commissioners of these two Colonies could arrange for a train to leave Brisbane about I*3o p.m. on Monday, to arrive at Sydney at 5 p.m. next day, this would enable the Queensland public to post up to noon on Monday, instead of the business people having practically to close their correspondence on Saturday evening." Hon. J. R. DICKSON explained that lately the Queensland train service had been extended considerably north of Brisbane, and under the new arrangements places which formerly received mail matter by steamer now were supplied by train. He was looking forward to the time when some general action would be taken in the direction of a tidal or mail train running through the whole of the mainland. He knew that even the step now suggested would mean expense, but it was justifiable, and they must face it on a fair basis. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY thought it the duty of the Conference to try and help Queensland in this direction, and while believing in the idea of facilitating arrangements between Queensland and New South Wales, was still more in favour of Mr. Dickson's contention that the time had come that the Colonies should have a postal train going through the whole continent, so that every colonist who wished to send a letter by mail should be able to do so at the earliest possible moment. (Hear, hear.) Hon. J. G. JENKINS appreciated the suggestion of the permanent heads, but he was inclined to think it would be better to withdraw in favour of any arrangement that could be made for a special mail train. He saw no reason why an arrangement should not be made for a special mail train to run once a.week from Brisbane direct to Adelaide. Of course it would involve a change of gauge and transfer of mails: but instead of a delay of several hours in Sydney and Melbourne the train might be accelerated to arrive in Adelaide without any special delay. The Colonies despatching their mails by such a train would all benefit by the expedition, even Tasmania. A rapid mail train from Brisbane right through to Adelaide would carry many passengers who could not, perhaps, be carried otherwise. He would suggest that this matter be referred to the Railway Commissioners of the whole of the Colonies. Hon. JOSEPH COOK sympathised very much with Queensland, and if that Colony could be helped in the matter he would like to see it done. Such a mail train would be very desirable, but the difficulty was the enormous cost. As the result of repeated conversations with Commissioners on this very point, it was found that a special mail train per week between Brisbane and Sydney would cost £5000 a year, and to run one through to Adelaide would cost £10,000 to £12,000. If the Colonies would agree to incur that cost something might be done in that direction. It would be an admirable thing to have such a train not only as an express for mails, but also for passengers, and as an additional facility for travelling. He would like to see it, but felt justified in saying that £10,000 was too much to pay for it. The service of such a train would relieve the clerks of Sunday work, just as the previous change had relieved them in Sydney, and which was much appreciated. The Report was agreed to. Special Trains. On the question of a special train in the event of mail steamers reaching Largs Bay on Saturdays and Sundays, the permanent heads reported as follows:—"As bearing upon the English mail train service, and considering the likelihood under the present contract of the steamers frequently reaching Largs Bay on Saturday and Sunday, we have considered the question of making some provision for forwarding these mails on to their destination by special trains, and thus avoiding the great delay which would be otherwise unavoidable. A memorandum showing possibilities in regard to special trains is appended, and we recommend that the question therein set forth be remitted for the favourable consideration of the Colonies concerned." Agreed to. The Conference adjourned until 10 a.m. next day.

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SATURDAY, 2nd APRIL. Papers. Hon. J. G. JENKINS tabled Statistics of the South Australian Post and Telegraph Department for 1897. Report of Sub- Committee. The Conference continued consideration of the Report of the Sub-Committee of Permanent Heads. On the question of intercolonial telegraph rates, resolution of Conference of Chambers of Commerce re intercolonial telegraph charges, reduction of New South Wales telegraph rates, and alteration in mode of charging on inland and intercolonial telegrams ; The Permanent Heads Committee presented a lengthy report explaining the position. The question of reducing the rates— 2s. for the first 10 words, and 2c?. each additional word on telegrams between New South Wales and Queensland, has been under consideration on several occasions. They concluded : — "We are still of opinion that any re-arrangement of charges should be on the basis of charging for every word, whether in addresses or text. This is the international principle. We would also respectfully point out that the present rates appear very reasonable when the great distances covered and the small population are taken into consideration. They compare very favourably with those obtaining in Europe." On the motion of the Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY, the Report was considered in Committee. Upon the Conference resuming, The PRESIDENT read the following formulated Resolution that had been drawn up :— " That this Conference regrets that owing to the financial losses involved, the question of a general reduction in the prices of Intercolonial telegrams must stand over for the present, and makes no suggestion on the question of limitation of addresses." Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY would like to add to that Resolution, that it was suggested that the Post Office Departments of New South Wales and Queensland might make an arrangement between themselves as regards the telegrams passing between those two Colonies. He moved that the following be the words added :— " But it is suggested that the Governments of New South Wales and Queensland should arrange between themselves as to the limitation of words and addresses." Hon. J. G. JENKINS seconded. Hon. J. R. DTCKSON, before the motion was put, wished to say, for the purpose of recording the position he occupied, that his Colony desired that a closer arrangement should be made not only between New South Wales and Queensland, but also with the other Colonies. In the meantime he had moved in Committee a Resolution for the purpose of re-approaching New South Wales. It was as follows :— " That any re-arrangement in charging may be on the basis either of charging for every word, whether in addresses or text, such being the International principlej or of allowing the address and signature to the number of 12 words to be sent free." The Government he represented would be quite prepared to enter into an arrangement with New South Wales on the basis of that between New South Wales and Victoria, subject only to restrictions being placed on the number of words in the addresses. His Government was prepared to join New South Wales in a tariff of 10 words for Is. text, and allow either 10 or 12 words for address and signature. He wished that to be understood, so that the fact might be recorded that he had done all he could to make a satisfactory arrangement as between New South Wales and Queensland. He hoped negotiations to that effect would be successful. There was a strong feeling in his Government in favour of adhering to the principle of the International Bureau. Queensland might enforce her own system within her own territory, but did not like the idea of telegrams coming* from New South Wales being surcharged across the border. Hon. JOSEPH COOK said it seemed to him that what Mr. Dickson had said went a longway towards what was desired. When he (Mr. Cook) returned to Sydney he would have the whole question of the average number of words in signatures and addresses connected with messages travelling between New South Wales and Queensland looked into, and unless he found some very violent reasons he would be glad to fall in with Mr. Dickson's wishes. On the other hand, he hoped that if he found New South Wales telegrams were not passing the limit, Mr. Dickson would take a common-sense view of the matter. The Resolution was then passed. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY moved— "That the Motion introduced by Hon. J. R. Dickson in Committee, but which was not seconded, be placed upon the Records." Hon. J. G. JENKINS seconded, and the motion was agreed to.

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Share-dealing by Telegraph Operators. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY said, with reference to share-dealing by employees, that in Victoria any telegraph employee dealing in shares was dismissed, but the public ought to know why. Telegrams respecting shares had been used f>r personal purposes. Hon. J. G. JENKINS : Do you allow them to deal in shares as an investment ? Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY: No. I move— " That in the opinion of this Conference telegraph employees should be absolutely prohibited from speculating in shares." Hon. J. G. JENKINS seconded the Resolution. But it was a question where speculation began. In South Australia it was discovered that operators dealt in telegrams respecting shares, and gave information of their contents to other people. The department held an inquiry into the matter, which resulted in the loss of some of their most able officers. Wherever they could suppress dealing* or speculating in shares by telegraph employees they should do so. The Resolution was carried. Ratification of Washington Treaty. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY moved— "That this Conference recommend to the Governments of Australasia the ratification of the treaty entered into at Washington at the last Universal Postal Congress." He said : After reading the very able report of the Permanent Heads, especially considering the limited time at their disposal, regarding the various points in connection with the treaty, he thought the Conference could fairly recommend that it be ratified. (Hear, hear.) Hon. J. G. JENKINS seconded, and said it had been made evident by the reports of the Permanent Heads that the material alterations suggested were profitable ones as far as the Australasian Colonies were concerned. The motion was agreed to. The Conference then adjourned until 10*30 a.m. on Monday.

MONDAY, 4th APRIL. Canadian Three Cents Postal Rate. The PRESIDENT said : Before they proceeded to the business on the Agenda paper he had to call the attention of the Conference to a cable message that he, at their request, despatched a few days ago to the Postmaster-General of Canada, and to the reply which he had received by cable late on Sunday evening from Ottawa. The message which he despatched to Ottawa read as follows : — To the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Ottawa, Canada. I am directed by the Australian Postal Conference, sitting at Hobart, to inquire if it is intended to carry out the proposed reduction of postage from five cents to three cents, and to inform you of the objection of Australasia to concur in the proposition. It was dated April 1 ; and to it he had received the following reply :— Canada would welcome inter-Imperial uniform reduced preferential postal rates, but if that plan not approved of hopes she may be allowed, at her own expense, to reduce her out-going letter rate to all parts of the Empire, conceding like freedom of action to all other portions of Empire. Having regard to Canada's geographical and commercial position, existing postal rates constitute serious grievance. Meantime Canada has suspended all action pending approaching Postal Conference at London.—W. MULLOCK, Postmaster-General. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY moved-- " That the cable reply from the Postmasfer-General of Canada be received, and that the Conference resolve into Committee to consider the same." He understood that the Postal Conference now sitting in London required to know what Australasia was going to do in the matter. It would therefore be necessary to formulate the objections of this Conference to Canada's proposals. Hon. J. G. JENKINS seconded, and the motion was agreed to, and the Conference resolved into Committee. The Committee, after deliberation, submitted the following Report to the Conference : — " That the various Agents-General delegates to the Postal Conference in London be instructed to oppose the proposal to reduce the rate of postage to all parts of the British Empire from 2|c?. per Joz. to 2c?., and also the Canadian proposal to reduce her outgoing rate from'sc. per to 3c. per loz., for the following reasons: —(1.) The present rate is not an unreasonably high one, having in view the large cost to the colonies involved in the maintenance of the present means of postal communication with the various portions of the Empire. Because of the anomaly which would be created by carrying letters 14,000 miles for the same rate as now charged for delivery

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within the limits of the town where posted. Regarding the proposal of Canada to reduce her outgoing postage, this Confidence is strongly of opinion that no reduction should take place which would be a departure from the present uniform rate, for the following reason, inter alia : —At present a charge of 2c?. per is made in Australia for the carriage of letters to however small a distance, while the Canadian proposal would involve the carrying of letters over the same routes at a greatly reduced cost. This would, in the opinion of the Conference, lead to confusion and dissatisfaction." On the motion of the Hon. JOSEPH COOK the Report was adopted. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY moved that the following* reply be sent to the PostmasterGeneral of Ottawa : — "It is satisfactory to learn that your contemplated action re postage rates is postponed pending London Conference." The motion was put and passed. It was agreed, on the motion of the Hon. J. G. JENKINS, that a copy of the Resoluti° n should be despatched to the Premiers of the different colonies. Alterations in Postal and Telegraph Rates. Hon. J. G. JENKINS moved— "That this Conference recommends to the Governments of Australasia that no alteration in international postal or telegraphic rates be made without the colony proposing to make such alterations advising the other colonies and endeavouring to arrange for uniformity of action." It was not necessary for him to make any lengthy explanation, as the meaning was patent to all members, excepting to say that in the past, in one or two instances, there had been some alterations made in one of the colonies in postal rates either in newspapers or letters, and they in South Australia thought it would be better —and he was sure the other members of the Conference would agree—that before any alterations, even of a trifling character, were carried out by the Postal and Telegraph Department of a colony, the same dep-wttnents in the other colonies should be advised, so as to secure as far as possible uniformity throughout all the colonies. He especially referred to intercolonial postage. As to local alteration it wnld not so much matter. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY seconded the motion. The observance of such a resolution would be most useful on the part of all the postal administrations of Australasia. Even over any slight change in the intercolonial postal and telegraph arrangements, the departments of the different colonies should first consult one with the other, so that all objections might be fairly considered and got rid of. He had much pleasure in seconding the motion. Motion put and passed. Telegraj>hic — Alternative Cable Route. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY explained that Mr. Warren was present, and had received a reply from the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company to place before the Conference. He moved : — " That the Conference resolve itself into a Committee to interview Mr. Warren." Motion was put and passed. Upon the Conference resuming— Hon. JOSEPH COOK obtained leave to move a Resolution without notice. He said they were all aware that the representatives of the other Colonies had been endeavouring during the last few days to ascertain from the manager of the E. E. Telegraph Co. (Mr. Warren) on what basis fresh arrangements could be entered into after next year for carrying on the cable business over the Company's lines. He had to express disappointment at the unsatisfactory nature of the reply received from the Company on the subject. Of course, Mr. Warren was only able to do what the Company authorised him to undertake. But with regard to the attitude of the Company, he thought the Conference had great reason to complain at the way they had acted. Negotiations had been pending with the Company during the sitting of the present Conference, and at the close of it they had no definite proposal from the Company, and nothing, so far as could be seen, by which any fresh arrangement could be entered into when the present undertaking ceased. In conducting the negotiations, the Conference had submitted three plain queries to be answered. If those queries had been answered there would have been something definite upon which to make afresh arrangement. The most vague replies, however, were given to the questions that they had asked. The Company was asked, in the first place, what would be the cost of messages passing from the Colonies to England after the subsidy should expire during the next year;' secondly, what would be the cost, assun.ing the subsidy was still paid to them, leaving out of count altogether the question of a duplicate cable. Another question asked the Company was—What would be the rate on messages, assuming the subsidy was paid and the Colonies entered into the Company's proposal for the construction of an alternative route? The Company simply said,in reply to those queries, that they could make no reduction in the present rates. The reply, in fact, was one that did not justify

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consideration. The Company said that if they entered into the Cape route arrangement the price of Government messages would be reduced from 3s. 6c?, to 2s. 6d. per word, and press messages from Is. 9c?. to Is. 6d. There appeared to be no inclination to reduce the price of messages sent by the public. The Company got what concession was possible from the Government by means of a large subsidy, and were prepared to give the Government in return a concession amounting to about £2000. This amount, together with the concession that would be made to the press, would total about £4000 a year. Last year alone, which was a year of reduced traffic, the money collected in excess of the guaranteed amount was £50,000. Yet, in view of this extensive business, the Company was only prepared to make a reduction of about £4000. It seemed to him that such a proposal was inadequate, in view of the large subsidies that the Company had received during the last 20 years. It was not sufficient to induce them to enter into any fresh arrangement. It would be a reasonable proposal on the part of the Company if they had said we will give the public their messages at 4s. That would have reduced the amount of the Company's takings to about the guaranteed amount. After receiving the subsidy for 20 years the Company still wanted the subsidy, and were prepared to make no abatement on the present prices. The Company were disinclined to do anything except on the understanding that the colonies entered into the new project of an alternative route via the Cape. Instead of a definite plan being arrived at they were no nearer a solution of the matter than at the commencement of the Conference. The last response made by the Company was a very singular one. The telegram received by Mr. Warren stated that the Board had carefully considered the question in all its bearings, and, with every desire to meet the Colonies, it was found impossible to make any reduction in the ordinary charges. The Company said it would involve them in a loss of £60,000 a year. This last suggestion of theirs meant that they wanted the present receipts guaranteed to them, or that they required a guarantee of £45,000 more per year than was guaranteed three years ago. That was the plain English of the proposal, tie thought, unless it could be shown that the cable via the Cape had some advantages for Australia other than from an absolutely strategic standpoint or the sentimental, the Empire point of view, they would not be justified in representing to their respective Governments that arrangements should be made on the basis laid down. Moreover, he did not think the Conference was in a position to make any arrangements with regard to the Cape Cable. That, had been practically decided by the Conference of Premiers, whose views had already been communicated to the Home Government. The most this Conference could do would be to give utterance to an expression of opinion regarding this or any other proposal, as they were met primarily to make business arrangements on lines determined by the various Governments. Since the cable project was so absolutely a matter of policy, this concerned the Governments, and it would be ultra vires for the Conference to make arrangements with regard to a route not yet in existence. That being so, they were in the position that, since the Company had made no proposal with respect to fresh arrangements when the present subsidy expired, the delegates would have to go home without anything to recommend one way or the other. The Conference of Premiers had, by implication, decided that they would not subsidise this Cape Cable. He was aware this result had not been stated in so many words, but the Premiers had said they would subsidise the Pacific Cable, and had simply let the Cape proposal drop out altogether. A strategic scheme was paid for too dearly on the lines suggested by this Company. If they wanted an alternative route, it should be by means of Canada rather than the Cape. It seemed to him, that at the bottom of all this agitation was the feeling that the present rates were too high for the purposes of business, and the great, advantage of an alternative cable under control of Government would be the establishment of competing rates, and the consequent gain to the public. He could only hope that the further negotiations which must undoubtedly take place would result in a more reasonable attitude on the Company's part, and that they would still gain some material concession with regard to the rates given to the public by this very powerful and widely ramified Company. Fie moved : — " That, in the absence of any satisfactory proposal from the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, and of any proposal at all except on the basis of an alternative cable via Africa, this Conference is unable to make any fresh arrangements with that, Company." Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY seconded the morion, and reminded the Conference that in 1872 the relations of the Company and Australia were very different, and the former had actually to go to the Government of South Australia to ask permission to land their cables upon the South Australian shores. But that pleasant state of things for the Governments and people of Australia had gradually undergone a change. They had spoon-fed the Company, and the more they had fed it the more spoon-fed they wanted to be. The first time the Government interfered was in 1879, when it became necessary, on account of frequent breaks, that a duplicate cable should be laid. The Company came forward and said they were prepared to lay it, but would it not be nice for the governments to give a little subsidy. They agreed, and gave £32,400 for 20 years ; in other words, the governments of Australia were to pay for the making of that cable, extending over 20 years, and no doubt secured to the colonies a good service. People, however, began to grumble at paying 10s. or 9s. 2c?. a word, and the Company were quite willing to reduce it, but suggested it would be nice if the governments would give a guarantee against possible loss. Well, the governments were willing to do some more spoon-feeding, and gave the guarantee, but business was so good that the guarantee practically ran itself out. Now, they had arrived at the present, position. There were two matters which got mixed up, but which had no connection with each other. The subsidy of £32,400 that the colonies, except Queensland, gave to the Telegraph Company was in reality the

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price for the duplicate cable; the other matter was the guarantee to the Company against the Company's receipts falling lower than £237,000 in the first place, and £227,000 in the second. Both the guarantee and subsidy would run out in October of next year ; so that in October, 1899, all parties would be at perfect liberty. If the Company liked it could, of course, take up its cable and carry it away, but he had no doubt the people and the Company would be quite able to make satisfactory arrangements without the governments interfering. Still, there was this peculiar feature, that this was the only cable communication between Australia and Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, and without going the extreme length he had indicated, there was no doubt the Company might raise their prices to such a prohibitive figure as to practically shut the colonies off from the outside world. That was not a position in which the people of Australia should be placed, or allowed to remain in for any length of time, and the Company ought to be bound down on some terms that they should not charge those dealing with them more than a reasonable business rate. Failing this the colonies ought to be prepared to encourage competition, or, better still, to undertake rival lines themselves. That was the position that struck them all some time ago. A patriotic sentiment arose in Canada, and a strong desire to be linked with the Imperial Government and Australia. The Canadians came forward and offered to bear one-third ©f the cost of constructing a totally new line of cable across the Pacific, if Great Britain—who, by the way, he would say, had never behaved fairly to the Australian colonies in cable matters —would also pay one-third. That project was entertained very fairly, and at one time it seemed as though the line would be immediately constructed. But, for some reason or other, a blight had come over it, and they did not now hear of it. To his mind, if the Imperial Government would come forward and act more justly towards Australia than hitherto, and Canada would come forward and contribute her quota, as she had already intimated her willingness to do, we in Australia ought to be very glad to contribute our quota and have an all-British line, along which all those cabling would get messages at reasonable rates. (Hear, hear.) There was no object to serve but to secure for the public the cheapest and best service they possibly could. He would now say that he favoured a Canadian-Pacific scheme. What they wanted to get in Australasia was cheaper communication with the old country, and if possible an all-British one; but at any rate they did not want to give a monopoly to any company, however wealthy and effective that company might be. They required freetrade in telegraphy as well as in other matters, and as the Governments, both in Great Britain and in the Australian Colonies, had taken over the land lines, they should also have the oversea services as well. For these reasons he hoped the all-British Pacific cable scheme would come into great prominence. A new scheme had just dawned upon them, which they had never thought of before. The Eastern Extension Company, who already had a monopoly of the cable business of Australasia, agreed with the Imperial Government to a line by way of St. Helena, Ascension Island, the Cape and Mauritius, and so on to India, and then they thought it would be a grand opportunity of having an all-British line to Australia by extending an arm of the cable from the Mauritius to Australia. The idea seemed to have struck the people as an eminently Australasian matter, whereas, as a fact, Australia was not interested in the line at all until it got to the Mauritius. Only from there to Australia would it'give these Colonies an alternative route. And an unfortunate feature of the route' was, that it would involve the taking up of the cable already existing to Roebuck Bay—there being three lines—one to Roebuck Bay and two to Port Darwin. If Australia joined in a cable from Perth to the Cape, then, under such circumstances, there would only be three lines, as at present. He saw the advantage of the project from strategic, imperial, and commercial pc,ints of view; but, unfortunately, the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, in endeavouring to secure that route, were securing a further monopoly and preventing the Pacific cable from being made. Such terms were not calculated to benefit the people of these Colonies from a commercial point of view, for they wanted a reduction of the present charges. Australia's subsidy ran out next year, and the company was naturally anxious to continue to receive a comfortable sum annually; but if Australia was to continue to fund £32,000 a year, even if they got the new route via the Cape provided, the game would not be worth the candle unless the charges were reduced. (Hear, hear.) That opinion had already been voiced at the recent meeting of the Premiers in Melbourne, and he could not, therefore, see how this Conference could arrive at a different conclusion. It would be preferable to break the monopoly by having the all-British Pacific cable, via Canada, and the Company should not have the monopoly and the power to prevent it. If the Company would agree to a more reasonable business rate, he would then be prepared to consider a fresh agreement with considerable favour. (Hear, hear.) Hon. J. R. DICKSON regarded it as a matter for very great regret that the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company had not placed the Conference in possession of fuller information, or submitted such proposals as would have enabled the Conference to deal with the matter before they separated. He would say at once that, as far as Queensland was concerned, the Pacific cable route was that which was of primary consideration to her ; but at the same time he would have been glad to consider any reasonable proposal the E. E. Company might have been prepared to make in regard to the duplication of their line. Had their proposals been of such a character as would mean giving the public cheaper cable rates, he would have been prepared to recommend his Government to consider the same favourably. Though Queensland dissented over the subsidy, she had come in over the guarantee. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY: When there was nothing to pay. Hon. JOSEPH COOK: Absolutely nothing. (Hear, hear.)

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Hon. J. R. DICKSON : Well, we would have been prepared to discharge any liability that might have arisen. (Laughter.) He hoped the public would clearly understand the position. It was that up to the present the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company expected a continuance of the subsidy already paid for 10 years more, and that without any reduction whatever in the cable rates (excepting some proposed minor reductions to the press and Government business), and that in face of the fact that the business had been continually increasing, and would doubtless continue to increase in the course of the next 10 years. The Company should be prepared to submit \ better terms, or permit some other means of communication by cable which would give these Colonies the advantages they ought to possess. He looked upon the proposed cable from the Mauritius as actually detrimental. It seemed that a cable via the Cape to the Mauritius was a matter that the Imperial authorities had approved of, and that its construction to that point had already been decided upon on account of its strategic advantages. The extension of that line to Australia (as well as to India) was what the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company had submitted for the consideration of this Conference, and to his mind it, did not offer the advantages of duplication which the Pacific cable route would afford. But whether it would furnish a duplication or not, if it would confer upon the people of these Colonies cheaper cable communication he would be prepared to say that Queensland would join her sister Colonies in fairly considering it. He said that much because he recognised that although the Company had made a considerable amount of money out of their cable communication with Australia, they had furnished a very beneficial service between Australia and the rest of the civilised world. It was, undoubtedly, a company with strength and power, and fully capable of undertaking any increased cable accommodation financially, and having the plant to carry out such undertakings without unnecessary delay. If, therefore, they were able to meet the Conference with cheaper rates, he thought the Eastern Extension Company deserved consideration. Mr. Warren had been most attentive and courteous in the matter of these negotiations, and was to be absolutely excluded from all blame, for he had doubtless done his part in seeking to obtain for the Conference the information desired. Hon. J. G. JENKINS joined with the other speakers in regretting that they were unable to come to some arrangement, either in the way of a renewal or some other arrangement with the Company. He would have been pleased if Mr. Warren had been able to place before them some proposal to reduce the charges to the public, irrespective of any line from the Cape. It was to be deplored that some arrangement could not be entered into with the Company for a number of years irrespective of any other line. There was nothing to be feared, however, although there would be some delay. It might appear as if they were placed in the power of the Company by failing to enter into some arrangement. It was very likely that within a few months' time they wouid be able to speak to the Company as a National Australasia, and then fresh negotiations might be opened up. There was no danger of excessive charges being made on the public in future. Excessive charges would only bring into existence early competition. Hon. JOSEPH COOK wished to refer to a statement that had been made by the Hon. J. Gavan Duffy with regard to the construction of the Cape cable. It had already been decided to construct the cable from Mauritius, irrespective of any connection with Australia. Out of the 14,000 miles to be constructed via the Cape route, 10,000 miles had already been decided upon. Therefore, whether they agreed to any subsidy or not, that part of the cable had to be constructed, and, perhaps, the cable would be taken from Mauritius to India. The only part of connection they were directly interested in was from the Colonies to Mauritius. That was about 4000 miles. It was always represented by the Company that the cost would be £2,700,000. The great point to be considered was that the Colonies were interested in a small modicum of that sum, and that was a feature he would like the public to thoroughly understand. Motion put and passed. Hon. J. R. DICKSON said the matter of maintaining communication with the" outside world was considered one of primary importance in Queensland. They believed that by the construction of a Pacific cable via Vancouver, communication would not only be obtained with the great, districts of the Dominion, but it would also enable them to introduce a cheaper system of telegraphic communication than was likely to be obtained from any private company. It would have the advantage of destroying a monopoly, which at present was certainly not tending to reduce the charges commensurate with public business, and would also answer requirements until the time arrived when the Governments of Australasia, the Dominion, and Great Britain, acting in concert, could construct a line connecting the different portions of the Empire. The Premiers of the colonies had met from time to time to consider the question, and no later than this year the Committee made a recommendation on the subject. Therefore the question of communication had never been lost sight of. As the hour was getting late he would not detain them any longer, but move— "That this Conference re-affirms the opinion that, in the interests of Australasia the Pacific cable project should be consummated as speedily as practicable, and that the Governments of the various Australasian colonies be requested to represent to the Imperial and Dominion Governments the foregoing opinion, together with the proposal of the Premiers, as agreed to at their recent Conference held in Melbourne, viz.:—' That if Great Britain and Canada would each contribute one-third of the cost, the Colonies would be prepared to contribute the remaining one-third.'" Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY" seconded the Resolution.

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Hon. J. G. JENKINS explained that he did not wish to act out of harmony with the other colonies. He recognised the important fact that between South Australia and West Australia a considerable amount of telegraphic business was conducted, and at the Premiers' Conference recently held, the Premiers of West Australia and South Australia refrained from voting on a similar resolution that was proposed. In his opinion he could not do better than follow their example, and, while not opposing the motion, he would refrain from voting in support of it. Motion put and passed. The Overland Wire. Hon. J. R. DICKSON said this was a matter which more particularly affected the working of the overland line between Adelaide and Port Darwin, and doubtless would afford an opportunity to the South Australian representatives to say something concerning the repeated faults which appeared to exist on that line. Queensland, however, had a direct interest in the South Australian overland line, inasmuch as she had extended her telegraph system to her western border, and was desirous that South Australia should connect therewith from Alice Springs, Reid's Creek, or such other point as would be most convenient to effect such connection. He moved— "That the question in reference to the overland telegraph wires between South Australia and Queensland be referred to the Governments of those two colonies." Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY seconded, and said in his opinion this matter of land-lines was of as great importance as that of the marine cables. The great complaint in West Australia, as in Tasmania, was that the land-lines were continually breaking down. The land-line crossed South Australia, traversing some hundreds of miles through desert country, and was continually breaking down one way or another. What they wanted was that the line between the Capitals of Australia should be put in such a state as to render regular and efficient service. He gave the South Australian Government great credit for the Adelaide-Port Darwin line, but then they had paid handsomely for it, and the least they had a right to expect in return was that it should be kept in efficient order. Beside that, they had the cable to Roebuck Bay, but could not make use of it, because as soon as the floods came the land line was washed away, so that there was no efficient service in West Australia. W 7 hat they really wanted in regard to Roebuck Bay was a new land-line service through West Australia, not touching the sea coast at all, but running inland, where it was not so liable to damage as was a line skirting the coast. He hoped the Conference would be able to make a suggestion to the Colonies of West Australia, South Australia, and Queensland, by which the existing state of affairs could be remedied. Hon. JOSEPH COOK said something would have to be done as far as New South Wales was concerned, for the simple reason that things could not go on as they were at present. Business was disarranged, and had been for months past, and the great delays caused by land-line interruptions rendered the marine cable of little use. From a list of delays from December 9, 1897, to March 8, 1898, he found no less than 38 specific delays in the cable business. It had become quite a frequent thing to hear of interruptions. Last year there were over 60, but every month they were getting more frequent, and the statement at the head of newspaper columns that the cable was interrupted had become so monotonous and so provocative of bad language and loss of budness and money, that it was imperative something must be done. They were all disposed to blame the Cable Company, and when, through the breaking down of the land-line, interruptions took place, people worried Mr. Warren, Manager of the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, although he assured them that not a single interruption had taken place on his line for years past. Whatever had been said about the obligations of the Eastern Extension Company applied equally to the South Australia land-line. Their receipts were from £10,000 to £12,000 a year more than the amount the Colonies guaranteed three years ago, and he thought, as their receipts were swelling so enormously, they might spend a few thousands in putting this line in repair. He was sure, if they duplicated the line all through, it could be done for £150,000, and the losses through these interruptions would be equal to interest on £300,000. He did not hesitate to say the agitation in favour of the Pacific cable was greatly strengthened by the interruptions, the fault of the landlines ; but though they would not have anything to do with the Pacific cable, they sat quietly down while they had it in their own hands to remedy all this, and to make people positively love the Eastern Extension Company by attending to the land-line, the source of the mischief. Delays during the last six months had averaged eight or nine days per month, meaning immense loss to the business public. There was an absolute feeling of irritation and disappointment in Sydney and throughout, the whole mercantile community of New South Wales through these vexatious defects in the land-line. Hon. J. G. JENKINS said some years ago he had had the pleasure of listening to a lecture delivered by the Rev. Joseph Cook of Boston ; just now he had had another all to himself by the Hon. Joseph Cook. (Laughter.) . Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY: No. Only a simple relation of facts. Hon. J. G. JENKINS: Well, he had been glad to listen, because it showed necessity for careful inquiry into the wdiole subject. The statements made by Mr. Cook might be perfectly true as regarded the number of breaks, yet not correct as applied to South Australia and West Australia. During the last 14 years, according to their statistical records, there had been only 67 breaks on the overland route to Port Darwin.

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Hon. JOSEPH COOK : The hon. member says " breaks," not " interruptions." Hon. J. G. JENKINS : No ; interruptions. In 1897 the returns showed that the breaks in the overland line between Adelaide and Port Darwin were only four. If 1000 messages had to be sent through, and New South Wales had to wait, that would be delay, but not an interruption. He read a list of items of breakages in the line which had taken place in 1897. The South Australian Government recognised that they had had a very good return for the line they had constructed ; but they had already expended within their own territory over £100,000, and had provided for another expenditure of £30,000 to put the same in better repair. As to their line from Port Darwin, nearly all the interruptions were caused by floods and hurricanes; and it was proposed by the : South Australian Government to construct a double line, as they were advised that such would avoid many of the present interruptions and breakages, being most anxious to get over these interruptions. His Government recognised the friendly spirit displayed by the other Colonies, and felt that if South Australia went to a large expense in duplicating the line or adopting an alternative route in the worst places, the other Colonies would not hesitate to compensate them for their enterprise. He would say, without binding the other Colonies, whilst trusting to their support, the South Australian Government had agreed to incur an expenditure of £50,000 to £60,000 to duplicate the wire to Port Darwin at places that were so dangerous, and when that was done, and the other Colonies had duplicate lines through their territories also, duplicate messages would be sent direct from Port Darwin to Melbourne and Sydney without re-transmission. Hon. JOSEPH COOK : When will that be done? Hon. J. G. JENKINS : I cannot say exactly. Sir Charles Todd tells me that everything is ready to send for the material. If that is the case we should have the line duplicated during the present year. Hon. JOSEPH COOK : What about the other arrangement about duplexing ? Hon. J. G. JENKINS : The duplexing could be done at once. Sir CHARLES TODD : The duplex will be working both ways in the same manner within the next two months. Hon. JOSEPH COOK : We expect to have our line completed to Deniliquin in about six months. Sir CHARLES TODD explained that frequently hours of delay between Adelaide and Sydney arose through the pressure on one line. Motion put and passed. Hon. JOSEPH COOK moved— " This Conference has heard with satisfaction from the Representative of South Australia of the intention of his Government to take immediate steps for the improvement of the overland telegraph line, and urges him to impress upon his Government to lose no time in effecting the improvements suggested, and hoping the West Australian Government will take similar steps with regard to their overland line." Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY seconded. He was sure they had all heard with great satisfaction what the Hon. the Minister from South Australia had stated. No doubt his Government, having put their hands to the plough, would not look back, but carry the work through, so that the complaints now made in Melbourne and Sydney would not continue. He was sorry Western Australia was not represented at the Conference ; but they trusted she would take similar steps in her territory, and thus secure an effective service right over the continent. Motion put and passed. Thanks. Hon. JOSEPH COOK said that as the business of the Conference was completed, he had several votes of thanks to move. In the first place, he wished to move a cordial vote of thanks to the President for the courtesy, urbanity, and wisdom with which he had guided their deliberations. Hon. J. G. JENKINS seconded the motion. He wished to endorse all that had been said regarding the capable manner in which the President had discharged his duties. It would not be out of place if he paid a tribute to the hospitality of the Tasmanian people. Hon. J. R. DICKSON heartly concurred in what had been said by the previous speaker. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFTY said he believed that the business had been conducted with all necessary decorum. The motion was unanimously agreed to. The PRESIDENT, in thanking them for the vote that had been passed, said it was a pleasure to meet the representatives from the other Colonies. That Conference might possibly be their last one, but against that one regret there would be, he hoped, the lasting pleasure of the consummation of Federation, the great destiny that they were all looking forward to, when the Colonies would be one in commerce, with one postage stamp.

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Hon. JOSEPH COOK proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. T. C. Just, who had so ably filled the office of Secretary at several Conferences. The motion was supported by the Hons. J. G. Duffy, J. R. Dickson, and J. G. Jenkins, and carried. Mr. JUST acknowledged the compliment. A vote of thanks to the Press and the Secretary of the Hobart Post Office (Mr. H. V. Bayly) was next proposed by the Hon. JOSEPH COOK. Hon. J. G. JENKINS seconded the motion. He felt sure that the Press had given the public a clear idea of their deliberations. The other Members of the Conference also spoke in support of the Resolution. The motion was then put and agreed to. This concluded the business of the Conference.

WILLIAM GRAHAMS) JllN., GOVERNMENT PRINTER, TASMANIA.