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20

3a. Alternative System, which, whilst it ivould not interfere with the public interest, would place all newspapers on an equal footing. —This portion of the question can only be met by having one tariff in operation from 8 a.m. till close of office, hour of closing at certain points to be extended till midnight. The rate I would recommend would be one halfpenny per word to all papers irrespective of morning or evening publication, with this exception: In the case of evening papers 1 would allow a telegram not exceeding 100 words to be put in at any point between 1 and 2 p.m., such telegram to take precedence of all other matter, excepting urgent telegrams, up till 2.30 p.m., the matter in telegram to be outcome of events happening between those hours, such telegrams to be specially addressed by the sender, " Take precedence." As regards extension of hours after midnight, at the request of any paper; such request to be complied with up till 2 a.m. on payment of an advance of 25 per cent, upon the rate mentioned. During the session of Parliament the hours to be extended till 2 a.m. at the ordinary Press rate above indicated. At all the stations which are opened till midnight the public to be allowed to present telegrams for transmission at double the ordinary rates now in force. Attached hereto is a tabular statement showing the tariff rates in force in the adjacent colonies, as also in America and England, and those in force in New Zealand. C. Lemon, New Zealand Telegraphs, Head Office, General Manager. Wellington, sth August, 1879.

Table showing the Press Tariff Rates in force in the Australian Colonies, Great Britain, America, and New Zealand, &c. Country. Hours Kates in Force. Remarks. Adelaide ... 9 a.m. till 8 p.m.... 6d. for first ten words, and id. per word Offices kept open at night when reafter, quested to do so. After 8 p.m. ... Double the above rate. Queensland ... 9 a.m. till 6 p.m.... 6d. for first ten words, and id. per word Telegrams transmitted at any hour of after. the night where night clerks are in After 6 p.m. ... Same rate. attendance. New South Wales Day-time and night- (id for first ten words, and id. per word Do not keep offices open for Press untime. after. less specially requested to do so. The 1 p.m. till 2 p.m.,.. Is. 6d. for 100 words to evening papers, Sydney office always available, but quantity of matter limited. If matter not all through in the hour, remainder sent on when lines not engaged with public messages. Victoria ... 8.30 a.m. till 7.30 6d. for first ten words, and id. per word Stations where papers take reports p.m. up to thirty-four. Over thirty-four nightly are in attendance at 10.30 words and under 100 words, Is. 6d. p.m.; and stations are kept open Each additional fifty or under, 6d. upon notice being given that reports 7.30 p.m. till 11 p.m. 100 words and under, 2s. Each additional willbesent. If none sent, minimum fifty words, 9d. rate still charged. After 11 p.m. ... 100 words, 4s. Each additional fifty words, 9d. Great Britain ... 9 a.m. till 6 p.m Is. for every seventy-five words or por- An additional charge of 2d. forseventytion of seventy-five words. five, or 2d. per 100, as the case may 6 p.m. till 9 a.m.... Is. for every 100 words or portion of 100 be, for every additional copy to same words. town. America ... ... One cent per word for every 500 miles. Additional copy to same town, half rate. New Zealand ... 8 a.m. till 5 p.m.... 6d. for first twenty-five words, and id. Evening papers allowed 1,500 words per word after. at evening rates during day-time. 5 p.m. till 10 p.m.... 6d. for first twenty-five words, and 3d. Offices kept open after 10 p.m. at every twenty-five words after. evening rates, if specially requested for particular purposes. C. Lemon, sth August, 1879. General Manager.

Adelaide

Victoria

America

The Chaieman, Press Telegram Committee, to Mr. C. E. Beiggs. (Telegram.) Wellington, 6th August, 1879. Please state for information of Telegraph Committee the names of newspapers, and amounts paid by «ach, subscribing to the Press Agency special wire. Feed. Whitakee, Mr. C. E. Briggs. Chairman.

Mr. C. E. Beiggs to Chaieman, Press Telegram Committee. Christchurch, 9th August, 1879. Until quite recently whole cost borne by Press, Cristchurch, and Morning Herald, Dunedin. Now Press pays £1,276 ; Morning Herald, £500 ; New Zealander, £87; New Zealand Times, £87 ; Thames Advertiser and Ashburton Mail, £10 each ; Southland News, £30. Press Association having large number of subscribers, each gets his telegram for less than ordinary Press rates would amount to. C. E. Beiggs. F. Whitaker, Esq., Chairman, Press Telegram Committee.