F.—B.

1898. NEW ZEALAND.

TELEGRAPH CABLES (FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO). [In continuation of Paper F.-8, presented on the 23rd September, 1897.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTEALIAN CABLES. No. 1. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Premier. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., Bth July, 1897. (Memorandum for the Hon. the Premier.) I beg to transmit herewith copy of letter received from the Eastern Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Company, announcing that, an agreement having been concluded between the contributing Governments and the Government of Queensland, the cable charge for that colony has now been reduced to ss. Id. per word. W. P. Reeves.

Enclosure in No. 1. The Manager and Secretary, Eastern Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Company (Limited), to the Agent-General. The Eastern Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Company (Limited), Sir,— Winchester House, 50, Old Broad Street, E.C., Ist July, 1897. I have the honour to inform you that, an agreement having been concluded between the contributing Governments and the Government of Queensland for admitting the latter into the guarantee arrangements entered into with my company, the cable charge between Great Britain and Queensland has to-day been reduced from 9s. sd. to ss. Id. per word. A formal announcement of the above has been made to the telegraphing public. I have, &c, F. E. Hesse, Manager and Secretary. The Agent-General for New Zealand, 13, Victoria Street, S.W.

No. 2. The Hon. the Premier to the Agent-General. Premier's Office, Wellington, 14th August, 1897. (Memorandum.) Cable Bates to Queensland. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your memorandum of the Bth ultimo, forwarding copy of a letter received from the Eastern Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Company in reference to the alteration in the rates charged for cablegrams to Queensland. The. Hon. W. P. Reeves, W.C.Walker, Agent-General for New Zealand, London. In the absence of the Premier.

No. 3. The Secretary, Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General. Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, Christchurch, Sir,— 27th October, 1897. I have the honour to forward for your consideration the following resolution passed at the last general meeting of the Chamber : " That in the opinion of this Chamber the time has arrived for cheaper cable-communication with Europe, and that the Government be urged to make arrangements for a reduction in the rates." I have, &c, Walter Ollivier, Secretary, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. I—E, 8.