6

6. That this Conference recommend to the Governments of Australasia the ratification of the Treaty entered into at Washington at the last Universal Postal Congress. 7. That this Conference recommends to the Governments of Australasia that no alteration in International Postal Rates be made without the Colony proposing to make such alterations advising the other Colonies and endeavouring to arrange for uniformity of action. 8. That the various Agents-General Delegates to the Postal Conference in London be instructed to oppose the proposal to reduce the rate of postage to all parts of the British Empire from c l\d. per \ oz. to 2d., and also the Canadian proposal to reduce her outgoing rate from 5 cents, per \ oz. to 3 cents, per oz., for the following reasons : — 1. The present rate is not an unreasonably high one, having in view the large cost to the Colonies involved in the maintenance of the present means of Postal communication with the various portions of the Empire. 2. Because of the anomaly which would be created by carrying letters 14,000 miles for the same rate as now charged for delivery within the limits of the Town where posted. Regarding the proposal of Canada to reduce her outgoing postage, this Conference is strongly of opinion that no reduction should take place which would be a departure from the present uniform rate, for the following reason, inter alia, at present a charge of 2d. per half-ounce is made in Australia for the carriage of letters to however small a distance, while the Canadian proposal would involve the carrying of letters over the same routes at a greatly reduced cost. This would, in the opinion of the Conference, lead to confusion and dissatisfaction. Telegraphic—Alteration in Rates. 9. That this Conference recommends to the Governments of Australasia that no alteration in International Telegraphic Rates be made without the Colony proposing to make such alterations advising the other Colonies, and endeavouring to arrange for uniformity of action. 10. That this Conference regrets that, owing to the financial loss involved, the question of a general reduction in the prices of Intercolonial Telegrams must stand over for the present, and make no suggestion on the question of the limitation of addresses ; but it is suggested that the Governments of New South Wales and Queensland arrange between themselves as to rates and limitations of words in addresses. The following proposal by the Representative of Queensland, which was not agreed to, was ordered to be recorded:—"That any re-arrangement of charges should be on the basis of either charging for every word, whether in addresses or text, such beinc the International principle, or, of allowing the address and signature to the number of twelve words to be sent free." Share-dealing by Operators. ] 1. That, in the opinion of this Conference, telegraphic employees should be absolutely prevented from speculating in shares.