F.—B

appointing one representative, New Zealand appointing another, and that these two should name the third. Kindly say if these are your views, and if message should not read Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. [Copy of this telegram sent to the Hons. the Premiers, Melbourne and Sydney.]

No. 83. The Hon. the Pbemies to the Agent-Genebal. (Telegram.) Wellington, 15th September, 1899. Pacific cable : House Representatives ratified proposals, but insists New Zealand having member on Board. Negotiations now taking place with Australian Colonies. It will be satisfactory if we have one member. It is very unsatisfactory four colonies to have to nominate three members. Difficulty that has arisen might have been foreseen.

No. 84. The Hon. the Peemiee, Sydney, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 16th September, 1899. Am in receipt of your telegram of yesterday in re Pacific Cable Board.

No. 85. The Hon. the Peemieb, Brisbane, to the Hon. the Peemieb, Wellington. (Telegram.) Brisbane, 18th September, 1899. Pacific Cable Board : My views were that New Zealand and Victoria should appoint one representative, New South Wales and Queensland one, and the two delegates elect a third. Turner has made another proposition, whereby New Zealand would be allowed one representative and other two would be balloted for by mainland colonies, to which I have assented, provided all subscribing colonies concur, to save time, as delay may imperil realisation of scheme.

No. 86. The Hon. the Peemiee, Sydney, to the Hon. the Pbemieb, Wellington. (Telegram.) Germanton, 19th September, 1899. Will reply to your telegram next Monday re cable.

No. 87. The Hon. the Pbemies, Wellington, to the Hon. the Pbemieb, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 19th September, 1899. Be Pacific Cable Board: I assent to your proposal that New Zealand be allowed one representative and that other two be balloted for by mainland colonies, and appreciate consideration shown to New Zealand.

No. 88. The Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington, to the Hon. the Pbemieb, Brisbane. (Telegram.) Wellington, 19th September, 1899. Be Pacific Cable Board : Thanks for your message of yesterday. I have cabled Mr. Turner that New Zealand assents to his proposal that this colony be allowed one representative and that other two representatives be balloted for by mainland colonies. I appreciate consideration shown to New Zealand.

No. 89. The Hon. the Peemieb, Wellington, to the Hon. the Pbemieb, Sydney. (Telegram,) Wellington, 19th September, 1899. Pacific Cable Board : Hope you will see your way to assent to proposition made by Premier, Victoria, to which I understand Premier, Queensland, has already agreed, that New Zealand be allowed one representative and that other two be balloted for by New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. I hope this may be agreed to. It would be much appreciated here. Imperial authorities are pressing for final decision, and further delay may imperil realisation of scheme.

24