R—4

10

ll.—As to the proposed two Cables.

the length of my remarks. I have, however, thought it well to put the case before you, that it may be considered in all its bearings. In recapitulation, I would beg to represent that this Company does not consider a second line called for in the present state of the traffic, but that, if the public consider one required, it should be left to the public to supply it without the direct assistance and countenance of the Government: that this Company considers it should have gained the recognition and countenance of the Governments for the spirited nature of its enterprise in laying its cable without assistance, and is very much disappointed in consequence at the present action of the Governments : thai, if a cable is required to New Zealand, this Company is willing and ready to treat for it on a fair and equitable basis. I have, &c, John Pender, The Hon. J. Vogel, C.M.G., Premier of New Zealand, &c. ' Chairman.

No. 6. The Hon. J. Vooel to the Chaieman, Eastern Extension Company. 7, "Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, Sib,— 17th March, 1875. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of March Bth (No. 490), respecting the proposed " extension of the telegraphic system to New Zealand," which letter encloses, rather unusually, if you will permit me to say so, copies put into print in anticipation of my answer. 2. In reply, I have to state that the Colony of New Zealand suffers very much from the want of cable communication with the rest of the world; and lam unaware of any consideration, of a sentimental or other character, for a Company carrying on its operations thousands of miles distant, and wholly unrepresented, so far as I am informed, in the colony, which should prevent those who have charge of the affairs of the colony from endeavouring to supply the want in the manner best calculated to promote the interests they have to watch over. 3. Since you have raised the question of tariffs, you will, perhaps, permit me to say that, in my opinion, if the present charges were reduced by at least one-half, and a rate per word adopted, the business would increase to an extent which would more than compensate for the reduction. Experience in the colonies, as to the effects of reduced tariffs for messages, amply justifies this opinion. I have, &c, John Pender, Esq., Chairman, Eastern Extension Australasia Julius Vogel. and China Telegraph Company (Limited).

No. 7. The Managing Director, Eastern Extension Company, to the Hon. J. Vogel. The Eastern Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Co. (Limited), Sir,— 66, Old Broad Street, London, E.C., 25th March, 1875. In the absence of Mr. Fender, I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th instant, and regret that you should have misunderstood the object with which the printed copies were enclosed in his former letter. It is the custom of this Company to keep printed copies of important letters to Governments, both for record or for use, if required at any time. In the present instance, it was thought that a few copies might be a convenience to you, in case of your desiring to forward the correspondence to your Government, or to otherwise make use of it; and for this purpose they were enclosed. With regard to the second paragraph of your letter, I have to observe that this Company is well aware of the want of a cable which is felt by New Zealand. The object of Mr. Pender's letter was not to complain that the Colony of New Zealand had taken such steps as it might think in its interest for the establishment of this communication, but Mr. Pender did think it right to point out the injury that the colony was inflicting upon this Company by joining with other Governments, not in the same position as itself, in promoting a larger scheme, in opposition to this Company, which was not required cither for carrying the existing traffic or for furthering the connection of your colony with Europe. Mr. Pender, in his letter, has declared the readiness of this Company to treat for the laying of a cable between Australia and New Zealand. You will excuse me, if I do not enter upon a discussion with you upon the question of tariff. I have, &c, T. G. Gloves, Colonel, K.E., The Hon. Julius Vogel, C.M.G., Premier of New Zealand. Managing Director.

No. 8. Messrs. Siemens to the Agents. 12, Queen Anne's Gate (formerly known as 8, Park Street), Gentlemen, — London, 10th March, 1875. Referring to our meeting of 9th instant, and to the specifications of a cable to connect Singapore with Norman Mouth, and New South Wales with New Zealand, which we, on that occasion, had the honor to submit to you for your approval, we feel it our duty to point out to you that the cables thus proposed are of a lighter construction than the one we had the honor to propose to Mr. Daintrce in 1872, and which was intended to connect the East Coast of Java with Norman Mouth.