35

F.—B

Kindly see that the necessary arrangements for the water-supply and for furniture are made as requested. Your architect at Auckland should confer with the Inspector of Telegraphs there, and they should submit plans of furniture required for the present. As to the water-supply, the fitting-up of the tanks provided will, of course, be proceeded with; but the proposal to bring in a supply from the river may, I think, stand over until the Pacific Cable Board's officer arrives. J. K. Logan, Superintendent of Electric Lines. The Under-Secretary for Public Works.

No. 46. The Hon. the Premier, Wellington, to the Chairman, Pacific Cable Board, London. Sir, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 13th February, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd October last, on the matter of telegraphists in this Government's service being employed to work the Pacific cable at the New Zealand station. I note that the Board is of opinion that it would not be practicable to give effect to the suggestion that the appointments in New Zealand should in all cases be reserved for NewZealanders, but that at the same time it fully appreciated the advantages in the general working of the cable which seem likely to result from the employment of a fair proportion of both Imperial and colonial officials, and that the Board will be only too glad to consider the claims of any competent telegraphists whom this Government may desire to bring before it for appointment. I have, &c, Sir Spencer Walpole, X.C.8., Chairman, J. G. Ward, for the Premier. Pacific Cable Board, 24, Queen Anne's Gate, London, S.W.

No. 47. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the General Manager, Pacific Cable Board, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 21st February, 1902. I welcome you to the colonies, and hope to have the pleasure of meeting you shortly. What are your movements, and when do you arrive in. New Zealand ? A Press cable message announces that you have been discussing the rates to be applied to the New Zealand section of the cable. Chairman of the Board asks us to inform him what our terminal rates are to be, but in view of your early arrival here the reply perhaps should be deferred until we meet.

No. 48. The General Manager, Pacific Cable Board, Sydney, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 22nd February, 1902. Thanks message welcome. Hope reach Wellington 12th. Kindly defer reply Board till we meet. Shall do nothing about rates till see you. Cable probably reach New Zealand twentieth. All well so far.

No. 49. The Inspector of Telegraphs, Auckland, to the Superintendent of Electric Lines, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 3rd March, 1902. Re Doubtless Bay : Cable-house is finished

No. 50. The Inspector of Telegraphs, Auckland, to the Superintendent of Electric Lines, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 4th March, 1902. At Doubtless Bay office is practically finished. Only a little painting to be done

No. 51. Sir Sandford Fleming, Ottawa, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Sir — Winterholme, Ottawa, 12th March, 1902. I have the honour to transmit, for the information of your Government, a copy of an address delivered by me on the 28th ultimo to the Canadian Press Association in annual meeting on cheap telegraph rates. I have, &c, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Sandford Fleming.