F.—B

58

take in all things, especially in postal regulations. But they had tried to attain that object as far as they could ; to remove those anomalies that existed in the past, which caused people to complain that in one colony they had certain facilities, and why not in New South Wales ? They had tried to remedy that state of things. If their labours only resulted in time to come in their having formed,one small link in the great chain of federation, which they hoped was being successfully forged in another place, they would feel amply repaid for all their labours. Again he expressed thanks for the kind appreciation of their humble services. Mr. J. Smibert also returned thanks. They had done only their duty, and had been fully repaid by the kind recognition of the Ministers, and by the hospitality of the President. Mr. C. Todd said he could add nothing to what had been said, except to thank the Ministerial delegates for the courtesy they had shown to the heads of departments. Mr. Eobert Henry, Mr. W. Gray, and Mr. E. 0. Cracknell, Superintendent of Telegraphs, New South Wales, also responded. Telegraph Statistics. The Hon. D. O'Connor said he would put in for publication a statement prepared by Mr. Cracknell, Superintendent of Telegraphs, giving the number of stations in circuit on 31st December, 1890, particulars of the mileage, wires, cost of construction, number of messages transmitted, &c, in connection with the telegraph service of New South Wales. The Hon. B. S. Bird asked whether it was desirable to have such a statement published from one colony only ? The Hon. D. O'Connor said there was nothing to prevent other colonies furnishing similar information, which could be also included. There would be plenty of time. Mr. Budge said he would arrange to have these statements, if furnished, printed in the report. The Hon. D. O'Connor would like to publicly thank the gentlemen connected with the Press for their reports of the proceedings. The Conference then closed. Approximate Cost of Pai>er.— Preparation, nil; printing (1,300 copies), £38 7s. Gel.

By Authority: Gboege Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9l. Price, Is. 3d.]