E.—4

4

from date of signing contract, and offer half-rates Government telegrams, and quarter-rates Pre a messages over their system from date of signing contract instead of from commencement of subsidy Please repeat to New Zealand, and reply early. His Excellency Sir Hercules Eobinson, Wellington. Lieutenant-Governor.

No. 6. His Excellency Sir Hercules Robinson to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. (Telegram.) Wellington, 10th April, 1879. Tour message, 7th April, received. This Government consents to duplicate Australian cable beir used for South Africa under terms named. The Secretary of State, Colonial Office, London. Hercules Robinson.

No. 7. His Excellency Sir Hercules Eobinson to the Lieutenant-Governor, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 10th April, 1879. Have informed Secretary of State that this Government consents to duplicate cable being used for Soul Africa under terms named. The Lieutenant-Governor, Sydney. Hercules Eobinson.

No. 8. Memorandum by Sir George Grey to His Excellency Sir Hercules Eobinson. Sir George Grey presents his respectful compliments to His Excellency Sir Hercules Eobinson. 2. Sir George Grey wishes to say that he sent the other day the draft of a telegram to the Hoe Government, stating that the Colony of New Zealand relinquished its claim upon the second cable Australia for the purpose of enabling that cable to be used in completing communication between Sou Africa and England. 3. On that occasion Sir George Grey made his remarks as short as possible for the purpose telegraphic communication. He now wishes to add that the New Zealand Government immediate assented to the proposal regarding the cable from an earnest desire to assist Great Britain in the prese: South African difficulty. Sir George Grey is well aware that the feeling of loyalty in this colony is strong that no Government could stand here which did not, upon every occasion of difficulty whi' may arise in the Empire, instantly render all the aid in its power to the Home Government in ai direction which might present the probability of lessening such a difficulty, or of bringing it to a speei and satisfactory conclusion. 4. Sir George Grey requests that His Excellency will be so good as to communicate a copy of tl memorandum to the British Government. Wellington, 12th April, 1879. G. Grey. By Authority: Gbobge Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB79. Pric* 3d.]