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The Hon. Mr. TirYNNE : We hope to have our Act through this Session, and regulations ready to put in force ; but wo want to have a standard net, with the help of the other colonies. If this be done, it will greatly assist those colonies which have no Acts yet. The Hon. Mr. Wittexoom: If the electrical experts draft a set of regulations, we eau submit them to our electrical representatives. The Hon. Mr. Tuytjxe : They could be sent to each Government. The Hon. Mr. WITTENQOM: It seems to mo a very reasonable proposal. Let it stand. The Hon. Mr. Cook : The object to be gained is uniformity of action. Mr. Duffy objects. The Hon. Mr. Duffy : Wo have our Act, and are not on the same plane. The Hon. Mr. WITTEHOOM : The draft regulations would be only permissive. We are not bound to accept them. The Hon. Dr. Cockbtjen : Let the experts go on with it. The Hon. Mr. Wittbnoom : It seems to me we would get a basis to go on. Mr. Lambtox read a report, signed by himself and Sir Charles Todd, Mr. McDonnell dissenting, on the subject of the proposal of Queensland to rescind, so far as that Colony is concerned, so much of Article 12 of the Australasian Convention as relates to the admission of merchandise to the packet post, and proposed charge on intercolonial newspapers. The Hon. Dr. Cockburn: I would like to see the provision about prohibiting newspapers with advertisements relating to sweeps carried out everywhere. The Hon. Mr. Wittenoom : It seems a pity to break away from tho uniformity. The Hon. Mr. Duffy : 1 do not know what the Queensland representative has to say in support of the clause about newspapers. The Hon. Mr. Cook : What about packets ? The Hon. Mr. Duffy: It is intercolonial newspapers lam thinking of more. Ido not see any excuse for the proposal. The Hon. Mr. Thxnnb : .It makes a considerable difference to us. Tho Australasian Postal Convention was accepted by different Colonies with varying conditions. Victoria, as a result, treats magazines as newspapers. The Hon. Mr. Ditffy : You are trying to shut out tho Town and Country, Australasian, and Leader. The Hon. Mr. Thynne :We are forced to take this action to protect ourselves. Victoria is not bound by the Convention of 1894, and that Colony treats magazines and catalogues as newspapers. The other Colonies are flooding us with these books at newspaper rates. The Hon. Mr. Wittenoom : Is your Government going to insist on this ? The Hon. Mr. TnrsxE : I understand bo. The Hon. Mr. Cook did not think it would make much difference to Queensland to yield on the points in question. The distinction sought to be made in regard to small packets was most invidious, and the reasons assigned for it were, in his opinion, most inadequate. When they were trying to establish better relations between the Colonies, a small amount of money should not be allowed to enter into their considerations. Ho strongly urged that Queensland should reconsider these matters. The Hon. Mr. Duffy moved, —" That the Queensland Government be asked to reconsider tho proposal to rescind, as far as that Colony is concerned, so much of Article 12 of the Australasian Convention as relates to the admission of merchandise to the Packet Post, and also the charges intended to be levied by Queensland on intercolonial newspapers." Seconded by the Hon. Dr. Cockbuen and carried. The Hon. Mr. Cook : I convey the resolution to you, Mr. Thynne, with the greatest heartiness. The Hon. Mr. Tiiynxe : Undoubtedly I will bring the matter under the consideration of my colleagues; but still I would like to see the other Colonies give an example of better federal spirit. The report of the permanent heads on tho matters of urgency and importance to be considered by the Conference, after discussion and with consent, was, as revised, adopted. The lion. Mr. Duffy moved, —" That a Minister of the Crown, controlling a post office if possible, to be accompanied by Mr. James Smibert, Deputy Postmaster-General of Victoria, as postal expert, attend the Washington Congress as representative of Australasia." Mr. Smibert was retiring at the end of the year, and having done a great deal of good work in regard to postal matters not only for Victoria, but for the whole of Australasia, it would be a graceful wind-up to his career. Seconded by the Hon. Dr. Cockisurn and carried. The Hon. Mr. Wittenoom : AVhat about the election of delegate ? The Hon. Dr. Cockbuen : That will be arranged by the different Governments. The Hon. Mr. Wtttenoom : 1 suppose the initiatory steps will be taken by tho New South Wales Government ? Tho Hon. Dr. Cockisuen : Yes. The Hon. Mr. Wittenoom said : As the youngest and newest delegate to the Postal Conference he found the privilege had fallen to him to propose a vote of thanks to the President, who had so well conducted the business of the Conference. Important issues had been raised, which would have effects in after times in tho Colonies connected with them, and their deliberations had been carried on in such a manner that those issues would be creditable to the different Colonies. The utmost good feeling had prevailed, and he was gratified to find tho amicable manner in which the various matters had been approached. They had to express their thanks for the hospitable and generous manner in which the Government of this Colony, through Mr. Cook, had treated them. They had been enabled to combine business with pleasure, and they would all remember with pleasure their visit to Sydney, which was well known for its hospitality. Ho trusted Mr. Cook would be long spared to continue in his present position and to preside over many another Conference. Ho moved, —" That the thanks of the Conference be accorded to Mr. Cook." Seconded by tho Hon. Mr. Thynne and carried. On the motion of the Hon. Dr. Cockeuen, seconded by the Hon. Mr. Duffy, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Dalgarno for his services as Secretary, and those Ministers hurriedly left to catch the Express for Melbourne. The Honorable Mr. Cook then intimated to the Secretary that the Ministers had drafted,a cablegram to The Right Honorable the Postmaster-General, London, re Federal Mail Service, and desired ils immediate transmission.

Sydney: William Appleyate Gullick, Government Printer.—lB97.