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(g) Minimum number of circulars by chromography— We propose to adhere to the number at present allowed (20), as provided by Article 11 of Draft Australian Convention. (h) Magazines as newspapers in Victoria — We recommend that the definition of a newspaper as given in Article 10 of the Draft Australian Convention be strictly adhered to so far as present legislation of the colonies permits, and in view of the great importance of uniformity, we suggest that where fresh legislation is needed to secure this desirable result, it should be obtained as early as possible. (i) Bulk parcels of newspapers, departure from regulations by Victoria— We recommend that no departure be made from the regulations as laid down in Article 2 of the Draft Australian Convention, which provides that no parcel of newspapers pass at bulk rates if it contains less than four (4) newspapers. (7) Postage on invoices bearing printed communications — * Several forms of invoices and accounts containing printed communications of various kinds were submitted for the consideration of the Committee, who gave their opinion upon each ; and whilst under the rule which permits of accounts being sent at packet rates, we cannot exclude ordinary trade notices, such as the following:— " All empties returned must be advised." " When remitting please return the statement to be receipted." " Terms cash, in advance." " Inspector of British and Foreign newspapers, &c." " Terms 2| per cent, discount on cash." We are of opinion that any printed or written memorandum detached from the invoice or account cannot be admitted even if in the foregoing terms. 24. Unclaimed Letters, &c. (a)' Intercolonial detention— We recommend that the course recommended at the Hobart Conference, page 23, item 22, be adhered to. (b) Special request letters returnable direct to senders — We recommend that present practice be continued. 25. Sea Transit Eates. (a) Between Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand, on foreign mails (proposed reduction from id. per letter and 3s. per ewt. to Union rates) — Consideration deferred until the laws of some of the colonies are altered, which laws provide for a fixed charge. (b) On mails from New Zealand landed at first port in Australia for further conveyance to destination—■ New Zealand has only to pay when mails go beyond Australia. 26. France's Proposal re "Bound the World" Letters. We quite concur with the French Office that it is not the function of the Post Office to undertake the duty for the sole purpose of satisfying curiosity of sending letters round the world to fictitious addresses with the view to ultimately coming back to the senders, and we recommend that letters so posted be returned to the senders when practicable. 27. Postal Note System with the United Kingdom. The London Office having absolutely refused to exchange postal notes with Australia, we have no recommendation to make. 28. Special Trains from Adelaide with English Mails (re Payment). This is a matter which concerns only the Departments of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, and we advise it be left to the Victorian Department to correspond on the subject. 29. Demonetization of Stamps (Inquiry by New South Wales). We recommend that the present practice of the colonies be adhered to —namely, all obsolete postage stamps in the hands of the Department be destroyed, but that those in the hands of the public be still available. 30. Eeduction of Postage from the United Kingdom. tWe think it is undesirable to make any recommendation on this subject. It is a question which, in our opinion, can only be considered as a matter of policy ; but we would point out that any further reduction would unquestionably lead to a large loss of revenue, and would certainly involve a reduction of inland and intercolonial rates. 31. Indecent

* Amended by Conference, first paragraph, fourth line, after the words "ordinary trade notices," to insert "wttether printed or impressed by rubber or other stamp." f Amended in Conference by the omission of the words, " It is a question which, in oar opinion, can only be considered as a matter of policy; but."

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