F.—Ba.

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.

No. 163. The Hon. the Peemiee, Melbourne, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington. (Telegram.) Melbourne, 19th February, 1900. Be Extension Company's proposals : Premiers' Conference favoured granting terminal facilities only when Pacific cable is laid. That arrangement will not insure monopoly to Pacific cable, but will fully safeguard it. It was further suggested at Conference that views of Australasian representatives on Pacific Board be ascertained. No decision arrived at to defer action until their reply received. Victorian Government prepared assist any movement calculated to expedite Pacific undertaking.

No. 164. The Hon. the Peemiee, Ottawa, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington. (Telegram.) Ottawa, 20th February, 1900. Canadian Government consider granting terms proposed to Eastern Telegraph Company, even when Pacific cable laid, will seriously affect financial prospects and impair usefulness Pacific-cable scheme. Action proposed material alteration condition fixed by Governments former Pacific-cable partnerships, and may endanger scheme. Hope no change without consent of every partner.

No. 165. The Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal, Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal, Brisbane. Sie,— General Post Office, Wellington, 23rd February, 1900. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your printed letter of the Ist instant, drawing attention to the proposals of the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company to lay a cable between Australia and Cape Colony on certain conditions, and to thank you for the copy of the report of your department on the matter and the printed extract from the Brisbane Courier of the 31st ultimo. I have, &c, J. G. Waed, Postmaster-General. The Hon. J. G. Drake, Postmaster-General, Brisbane.

No. 166. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Peemiee. (Telegram.) London, 24th February, 1900. If possible, will you get Victoria, New South Wales Governments defer concluding agreement with Eastern Telegraph Company few days longer? Even short time valuable. lam moving here.

No. 167. The Hon. the Peemiee to the Agent-Geneeal. (Telegram.) Wellington, 25th February, 1900. Peess cablegram from New South Wales states that that colony has definitely decided to accept the Eastern Telegraph Company's terms. Have cabled to Premier of Victoria strongly urging that the matter be left open for a few days until the Pacific Cable Board has reported. [No. 170.]

No. 168. The Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Ottawa. (Telegram.) Wellington, 25th February, 1900. Peess cablegram here to effect that Premier New South Wales stated definitely had decided agree Eastern Company's terms. Have wired Victoria and New South Wales urging matter remain in abeyance until Pacific Cable Board's opinion on situation received.

No. 169. The Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 25th February, 1900. Peess cablegram states that you have definitely agreed to accept Eastern Company's conditions. Hope that this is not correct, and that before definitely agreeing you will wait a few days to obtain opinion of Pacific Cable Board on the situation.

66