63

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Mr. Carter mentioned that the Chamber had sent special letters to the Chambers of Commerce in Sydney and Melbourne, asking them to use their strongest efforts to prevent any deviation from the scheme of the Pacific cable. Mr. Drake said he was very glad to hear it.— Brisbane Courier.

Appended to fobegoing Repobt : Copies of Telegeams Received. From the Postmasteb-Geneeal, Wellington, to the Postmastee-Genebal, Brisbane. [See No 126.]

From Heney Chaeles Mitchell, Esq., Sydney Chamber of Commerce, to the PostmasteeGenebal, Brisbane. Exchange Sydney, 12th February, 1900. Oub Chamber has consistently advocated Pacific cable and will be pleased to see early consummation of same.

From C. Hallem, Esq., Secretary, Chamber of Commerce, Melbourne, to the PostmastebGeneeal, Brisbane. Market Street, Melbourne, 12th February, 1900. By deputation and every possible way have protested against concessions asked for by Eastern Extension.

No. 157. The Hon. the Peemieb, Wellington, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Ottawa. (Telegram.) Wellington, 13th February, 1900. Advisable wire your Agent-General if Eastern Company's proposals accepted will mean difference over one hundred thousand pounds annually in earnings Pacific cable, and impress Secretary State that annual maximum risk of loss of twenty thousand to British Government will be doubled. Also represent that at Premiers' Conference three colonies were represented which have always been unfavourable to Pacific cable, whilst New Zealand and Canada not represented at all.

No. 158. The Hon. the Peemieb, Wellington, to the Hon. J. Gavan Duffy, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 13th February, 1900. Unfaie to New Zealand and Canada for Conference of Premiers to consider Eastern Telegraph Company's proposals, knowing, as you and I do, that there were three colonies represented at that Conference inimical to Pacific cable, and I sincerely hope that Victoria will not break faith.

No. 159. The Hon. the Pbemieb, Wellington, to the Right Hon. Sir George Tubnee, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 13th February, 1900. Sincebely hope Victoria will keep faith with Queensland and New Zealand and Canada respecting Pacific cable. At Conference Premiers neither New Zealand nor Canada represented, whilst, as you know, there were three colonies represented which were unfavourable to Pacific cable.

No. 160. The Hon. the Pbemieb, Wellington, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 13th February, 1900. Newspapee reports state that at conference Premiers agreed accept Eastern Extension Company's offer with minor changes. On other hand, am informed what was agreed upon was that no action should be taken until it was definitely ascertained what effect adoption of company's proposals would have upon Pacific cable. What is true position ? I feel sure, if Eastern Company's proposals accepted, effect would be financially disastrous to Pacific cable. Sincerely hope your colony will keep good faith, and not risk substance for shadow.

No. 161. The Hon. the Peemieb, Ottawa, to the Hon. the Pbemieb, Wellington. (Telegram.) Ottawa, 15th February, 1900. Telegbam received, and representations made at London accordingly.

No. 162. The Hon. the Peemiee to the Agent-Geneeal. (Telegram.) Wellington, 15th February, 1900. It is my wish that you represent to Secretary of State for the Colonies neither Canada nor New Zealand was represented at meeting of Premiers in discussing question of Eastern Telegraph Company's proposals, while three Australian colonies diametrically opposed, or not altogether favourable, to Pacific cable were represented. Acceptance of such proposals must so detrimentally affect the revenue of the Pacific cable as to cause a loss of over £100,000 per annum, and result in several colonies withdrawing from Pacific cable. The maximum risk to Her Majesty's Government, as I understand, was £20,000 per annum. If Eastern Telegraph Company's proposals are accepted, twice that amount will be required.