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12. That, in the absence of any satisfactory proposal from the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, and of any proposal at all, except on the basis of an alternative cable via Africa, this Conference is unable to make any fresh arrangement with that Company. 13. That this Conference-re-affirms the opinion that in the interests of Australasia the Pacific Cable project should be consummated as speedily as practicable, and that the Governments of the various Australasian Colonies be requested to represent to the Imperial and Dominion Governments the foregoing opinion, together with the proposal of the Premiers as agreed to at their recent Conference held in Melbourne, viz. : — That if Great Britain and Canada would each contribute one-third of the cost, the Colonies would be prepared to contribute the remaining one-third. 14. That the question in reference to the Overland Telegraph Lines between South Australia and Queensland be referred to the Governments of those Colonies. 15. That this Conference has heard with satisfaction from the representative of South Australia of the intention of the Government to take immediate steps for the improvement of the Overland Telegraph Line, and urges him to impress upon his Government to lose no time in effecting the improvements suggested, and hopes the Western Australian Government will take similar steps with regard to their overland line. General. The Reports of the Heads of Departments on subjects of detail connected with Postal and Telegraphic matters were received and adopted. Other matters were considered and withdrawn, for which see Minutes of Proceedings. Appended to this Report will be found :-— 1. Minutes of Proceedings. 2. vlmendments of Postal Union Convention, and detailed Regulations, Washington Congress, 1897. 3. Papers laid before the Conference. 4. Report of Heads of Departments. 5. Report of the Debates. Signed on behalf of New South Wales, JOSEPH COOK. Signed on behalf of Victoria, JOHN GAVAN DUFFY. Signed on behalf of South Australia, J. G. JENKINS. Signed on behalf of Queensland, JAMES R. DICKSON. Signed on behalf of Tasmania, P, 0. FYSH.