73

The whole subject has to be considered at the present Conference, the points for consideration being— 1. The charges on messages to and from New South Wales and Queensland. 2. The adoption of uniform rates between contiguous Colonies. 3. The adoption of uniform rates between Colonies not contiguous to one another, as between Queensland and South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia, &c. 4. The advisability or otherwise of charging for addresses and signature*, or signatures alone. 5. The adoption of uniform charges for inland messages. We are still of opinion that any re-arrangement of charges should be on the basis of charging for every word, whether in addresses or text. This is the International principle. We would also respectfully point out that the present rates appear very reasonable when the great distances covered, and the small population, are taken into consideration. They compare very favourably with those obtaining in Europe, as the following table will show : —

With a view, if possible, to effect some reduction, we suggest the following Tariff for consideration:—

The Address and Signature, to the number ot twelve words, to be sent free. In this table the first amount indicates the rate for the first ten words, exclusive of names and addresses, the second amount indicates the rate for every succeeding word. Nos. 74, 85. —" Mode of counting and charging Telegrams. Disputes with the public as to what are Cipher Words. (Orders for parts of Machinery)." "Re numbers as well as words appearing in Telegrams." We recommend that figures be not allow-ed in the text of Inland or Intercolonial messages, but that amounts or numbers be written and signalled in words only. Isolated letters or groups of letters having no connective meaning shall be charged as one word for each letter. Nos. 75, 78. —" System of counting words in Inland and Intercolonial Ordinary Telegrams." " Counting double names in Telegrams." We suggest that these matters be referred to a Sub-Committee, to consist of Sir Chas. Todd, Mr. P. B. Walker, and Mr. John Hesketh, to be settled by correspondence. No. 76. —" Share-dealing." We are unable to deal with this matter. It refers to traffic in shares by telegraph employees, and should, we respectfully suggest, be dealt with by the respective Governments,

Minimum Charge. Rate per Word. Distance about d. etvveen London and Paris.., 10 „ „ Madrid 10 „ ., Antwerp 10 , „ Berlin 10 ,, ,, Vienna 10 ,, „ Hamburg 10 ,, „ St. Petersburg 10 d. 2 4 2 2 3 2 5_ Miles. 287 1195 270 746 980 657 1774 Names and Addresses being coun :ed.

Queensland. New Wi South iles. S01 A list: rth ralia. Wi Austi 33t •alia. Vict. nia. s. f/. s. rf. •v. d. 1 6 s.. d. 0 2 s. rf. 2 3 1 0 s. d. 0 3 0 2 s. d. 2 3 1 6 1 6 .--. d. 0 3 0 2 0 2 s. d. 3 0 2 3 2 3 1 6 s. d, 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 2 Queensland New South Wales Victoria South Australia West Australia Tasmania 16 0 2 2 3 0 3 2 3 0 3 3 0 0 4 In proportion, 1 0 1 6 2 3 plus ca 0 2 0 2 0 3 ile rate 1 "6 2 3 0 "'2 0 3 1 6 o'"2