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to permit New Zealand to appoint one of the three representatives to the Board. This was practically conceded at the Conference in London; but, in deference to the wishes of your AgentGeneral, the appointment was left to the several Australasian Colonies interested to determine. We cannot delegate our powers as suggested by the Premier of Queensland. Hope you, Dickson, and Turner may see your way to appoint two and leave New Zealand to nominate the third, you agreeing to such nomination, and I, on the other hand, agreeing to the two you nominate.

No. 69. The Hon. the Pbemieb, Wellington, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 18th August, 1899. Peesume you have received copy of following cablegram, dated 16th, from Premier, New South Wales : [See No. 67].

No. 70. The Hon. the Peemiee, Melbourne, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington. (Telegram.) Melbourne, 18th August, 1899. Pacific Cable Board: I have received Reid's message, and have replied as follows, viz : " We are satisfied that we should proceed at once to nominate representatives ; but, as to Dickson's suggestion, we would prefer that the four colonies agreed as to the three representatives. It would be as easy for this to be done as for the colonies grouped as Dickson suggests to agree upon one, and more satisfactory. Our Postmaster-General still thinks a confidential meeting of the PostmastersGeneral of the colonies interested should be held to settle this question and arrange the numerous details that will have to be decided by the representatives when selected. Mr. Duffy is also anxious that the proposal of the Eastern Extension Company should be discussed by the Postmasters-General before final decision."

No. 71. The Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Melbourne. Sib, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 19th August, 1899. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your cablegram of the 11th instant, as follows : [See No. 65]. I was much gratified on receiving the intimation. I hope to bring the matter before our House of Representatives in the course of a few days. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Melbourne. W. C. Walkee (for the Premier).

No. 72. The Hon the Peemiee, Wellington, to the Hon. the Pbemieb, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Premier's Office, Wellington, 21st August, 1899. I concub your suggestion conference best way solving difficulty. As I cannot leave during session, suggest Postmasters-General pay our colony visit, hold conference here.

No. 73. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Peemieb. (Telegram.) London, 28th August, 1899. Canadian Postmaster-General sending copy Act providing for Pacific cable. Presumes New Zealand Government will pass necessary legislation.

No. 74. The Hon. the Peemiee, Melbourne, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington. (Telegram.) Melbourne, 28th August, 1899. Pboposed conference of Postmasters-General: It is not practicable to meet in New Zealand while our Parliament is in session. Presume same objection will be raised by other colonies.

No. 75. The Hon. the Pbemieb, Wellington, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 29th August, 1899. Pacific cable : Concur impracticable hold conference present. If Mr. Dickson would agree to three Agents-General representing Victoria, New South Wales, and New Zealand being appointed for first term difficulty could be got over.