6

E.—No. 5.

(A ppf.nthx )

Extract of letter from Mr. Sheath to the Honorable the Postmaster-General. Sik, — Christchurch, August, 11th, 1865. * • •I am not aware that any deviation has been made from authorised contracts. I have received no specific -written athorities with regard to any contracts whatever. I received verbal instructions from the late Postmaster-General to press on the works, and to use my discretion where any cases of emergency arose ; that where I saw the works could be expedited by reasonable and additional outlay, I might incur extra necessary expense. I cannot admit that saplings have, in any case, been substituted for squared sapless wood. The use of squared timber in the construction of Electric Telegraphs is almost unheard of, and I believe I myself was one of the first to suggest such a course. * * * It appears almost useless employing anything but good matured timber. Saplings, even when freed of the sap, are neither durable nor sufficiently rigid to bear much strain.

Extract of letter from Mr. Sheath to the Honorable the Postmaster-General. Christchurch, August 15, 1865. " The poles erected between Woodend and Hurunui are black pine saplings : and though they may not last so long as the sawn posts, they were considerably cheaper, and I have no doubt they will endure the ordinary term of Telegraph posts in England and the neighbouring Colonies, that is from seven to nine years- * * * With regard to the remaining portion of the line between the Hurunui and the City of Nelson, the works are progressing satisfactorily." * * * *

Copy of letter from the Secretary to the General Post Office to Mr. Sheath. Sir, — Auckland, Bth December, 1864. I am directed to forward to you the enclosed copy of an extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives, and to request that you would be good enough to report, for the information of the Government, where you consider would be the best points for crossing Cook's Strait with a Telegraph line, and what would be the probable cost thereof. I have, &c, G. Eliott Eliott.

Extract of letter from Mr. Sheath to the Honorable the Postmaster-General. Sir,— Christchurch, 21st March, 1865. * • * «Now that I see Telegraphic communication so near its realization I feel that I canaot too strongly impress upon the Government the expediency of at once taking over all the lines now working in the Colony, even should it be done in some instances at a moderate sacrifice." * * * ■

Extract of letter from the Secretary to the General Post Office to Mr. Sheath. Sir >— Wellington, 3rd April, 1865. I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, noted in the margin (March 21, 1865), and to inform you that, with reference to the last paragraph thereof, the Government do not intend at present to purchase any branch lines of Telegraph. * * * *

Copy of letter from the Secretary to the General Post Office to Mr. Sheath. Sir >— Wellington, 10th May, 1865. Referring to my letter, noted in the margin (Dec. 8, 1864), enclosing copy of a resolution of the House of Representatives, and requesting your opinion on certain points with regard to crossing Cook's Strait with a line of Telegraph, I have to remind you that no reply has yet been received from you and to request your attention to the matter at your earliest convenience. I have, &c, G. Eliott Eliott.

Extract of letter from Mr. Sheath to the Honorable the Postmaster-General. Christchurch, 26th May, 1865. * * * "It would be a matter of great importance to get soundings taken in Cook's Strait, and to ascertain the nature of the bottom, so that the best route may be decided upon for carrying a cable across and information at the same time be afforded as to the nature of cable required." * * ' " The total cost for the entire work I estimate to be about £20,000, and I should, therefore recom mend that sum to be placed on the Estimates for the Cook's Strait Submarine Telegraph Cable."