F.—B

64

tion). Again, with differential rate, what would be the treatment of traffic diverted from Pacific to Extension, as we have to do to-day on account of line-faults ? Sir Joseph urges for immediate and definite reply.

No. 150. The Secbetaey, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, to the Secbetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Melbourne, 13th May, 1902. Undee tentative arrangement just made with Eastern Extension Company following arrangements will obtain : Australian terminal and transit rate on New Zealand business by Eastern Extension Company cable same as vid Pacific cable, to come into force at once. Our terminal rate on international business will be fourpence, Government; fivepence, ordinary ; and twopence, Press ; to take effect after notification by Berne, terms Convention.

No. 151. The Secbetaey, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, to the Secbetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Melbourne, 14th May, 1902. Youe wire yesterday : Scarcely necessary to reply, in view of telegram already sent advising that we have tentatively agreed to rate being same for both cables at present. Advised believe our position quite legal. The articles of Convention, service regulations, quoted do not apply to private enterprises such as cable companies, or to lines connected therewith, when international business is not affected, particularly when, as in the case of the Eastern Extension Company, they are not parties to International Convention.

No. 152. The Secbetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Secbetaey, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 14th May, 1902. Postmastee-Geneeal much gratified receipt your message announcing that your terminal and transit rate on New Zealand business by Eastern Company's cable is now to be the same as vid Pacific cable, and reduction terminal rate on international traffic to fivepence per word. Sir Joseph Ward highly appreciates action your administration. It will now be possible to reduce our international through rate on ordinary messages to four shillings and elevenpence per word. From what date do you adopt new rate ?

No. 153. The Secbetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Genebal Manages, Pacific Cable Board, Suva. Sic,— General Post Office, Wellington, 16th May, 1902. I have the honour, by direction, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th ultimo, forwarding copy of your communication of the same date to the Postmaster-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, reporting the tariffs of the Pacific Cable Board. I beg to forward herewith, for your information, copy of an Order in Council issued on the 28th ultimo, giving the rates for cablegrams from New Zealand to the Australian States, Norfolk Island, and Fiji. [See schedule, No. 138.] I have, &c, W. Gbay, Secretary. The General Manager to the Pacific Cable Board, Suva.

No. 154. The Secbetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Secbetaey, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 19th May, 1902. My service 14th : Kindly say from what date our international rate may come into force. Will there be further reduction beyond four and elevenpence ?

No. 155. The Secbetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Genebal Managee, Pacific Cable Board, Suva. (Telegram.) Wellington, 19th May, 1902. When lines interrupted last week a message for Norfolk Island diverted vid Extension inadvertently. As you are aware, no rate for such route. Would it be well to have alternative rates vid Extension for both Norfolk Island and Suva ; and, if so, what should they be ?