F.-8.

39

Companies and the Commercial Cable Company could be made with the Pacific cable which would be of mutual interest and benefit, and that all of the companies named would be prepared to join in such rates as would be necessary to meet any competition that might arise. Yours, &c, Sandford Fleming, Esq., C.E., C.M.G., Ottawa. W C. van Hoene.

No. 38. The Hon. the Pbemiee, Melbourne, to the Hon. the Pbemiee, Wellington. (Telegram.) Melbourne, 22nd May, 1895. Pacific Cable Have received letter from Mr Larke, Canadian Commercial Agent, asking that Agent-General be instructed to co-operate with representatives of Canada and other colonies in impressing upon Imperial Government the importance of the cable, and in securing information relating to its construction. Mr. Larke also forwards letter, dated 7th March, from Mr Sandford Fleming, urging the early meeting in London of a joint Commission of the Imperial Government and colonies to arrange, subject to approval, a workable plan of co-operation. Mr. Larke also asks us to join in such Commission, which I understand to be that proposed for adjusting details in printed letter of sth January, from Sandford Fleming to Minister of Trade and Commerce, Canada, and which was to consist of three Commissioners—one for Australian Colonies and New Zealand, one for Canada, and one for Imperial Government, the report and recommendations of the Commission to be subject to approval of each separate colony lam disposed to instruct our AgentGeneral to co-operate as proposed, and to join in Commission, and hope to receive a reply that you will similarly instruct your Agent-General, as united action is desirable.

No. 39. The Secbetaey to the Peemiee to the Commebcial Agent of the Goveenment of Canada, Sydney Sic,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 27th May, 1895. I have been directed by the Premier to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th instant, enclosing one from Sir W van Home on the subject of the Pacific cable, and asking the co-operation of the Agent-General for New Zealand with the representatives of the other colonies. In reply, 1 am to state that this Government will not take any steps until after the return of the Hon. the Postmaster-General to the colony I have, &c, Alex. Willis, Secretary J S. Larke, Esq., Office of Commercial Agency of Government of Canada, Bridge Street, Sydney, New South Wales.

No. 40. Tha Hon. the Peemiee to the Ministee of Tbade and Commbece, Ottawa. Sib,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 23rd May, 1895. I have the honour to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of your predecessor's letter of the 3th December last, transmitting advance copy of Mr. Sandford Fleming's report upon the proposals from cable-manufacturing companies in reference to the laying and maintaining of a submarine cable between Canada and the Australasian Colonies, and of your letter of the 7th January covering copies of further reports by Mr Fleming and Mr Mercer on the proposed Pacific cable. I note the contents of Mr Fleming's memorandum of the Ist December, as well as his letters to you of the 28th of the same month and the sth January I have already intimated by cable through the Hon. the Premier of New South Wales that this Government would agree to a joint Commission being appointed to arrange for the adjustment of details concerning the scheme, but that this colony desired to have separate representation. I have, &c, The Minister of Trade and Commerce, Ottawa, Canada. B. j' Seddon.

No. 41 The Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 24th May, 1895. Youb telegram re taking united action in respect to Pacific cable received. Hon. Mr Ward has been moving in the matter at Home. Will wait until I hear from him before deciding upon definite line of action.

No. 42. The Hon. the Peemieb to the Hon. Mr. Wabd, London. (Telegram.) _ Wellington, 24th May, 1895. Pbemieb Victoria wishes New Zealand join in Commission, report and recommend matters of detail Pacific cable. What do you advise ? Have told him you were moving in matter, and we should do nothing until we heard from you.