H.—No. 5.

INTERIM EFFORT. The Committee to whom was referred the question of Submarine Electric Communication between New Zealand and Australia, have the honor to report that they have taken certain evidence which they have tho honor to present to the House. Chaeles O'Neill, 24th September, 1872. Chairman.

REPORT. The Committee to whom was referred the consideration of the subject of connecting New Zealand by Submarine Electric Cable with other countries, have the honor to report that they have taken evidence and obtained information on the subject. From the evidence and papers appended, the Committee are of opinion that no company will be found at present willing to lay a Submarine Cable between New Zealand and Australia in terms of " The New Zealand and Australian Submarine Telegraph Act, 1870." The Committee, while recognizing the importance of telegraphic communication with Australia to the commercial and mercantile interests of New Zealand, are not prepared to recommend, under existing circumstances, that the proposals of Mr. Audley Coote or Siemen Brothers (as per letters attached) should be entertained; but they are of opinion that the Government should make further inquiries on this subject during the recess, with the view of ascertaining on what terms and to what extent the Australian Government would be willing to aid New Zealand in laying a Submarine Telegraph Cable to connect the Australian mainland with this Colony, for the information of Parliament next Session. Chaeles O'Neill, 21st October, 1872. Chairman.

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS. Satueday, 20th July, 1872. Committee met pursuant to notice. Peesekt : Mr. Creighton, Mr. J. Shephard, Mr. O'Neill, Mr. Tribe. Order of reference read. On the motion of Mr. Creighton, Mr. O'Neill was appointed Chairman. On the motion of Mr. Creighton, Besolved, That the Chairman be requested to procure all papers in reference to the Submarine Electric Cable. ' Committee then adjourned.

Wednesday, 7th August, 1872. Committee met pursuant to adjournment. Peesent: Mr. Creighton, | Mr. J. Shephard. Mr. O'Neill, Chairman. Minutes of the previous meeting read and confirmed. On the motion of Mr. Creighton, Besolved, That Mr. Lemon and Mr. Floyd be requested to attend at the Committee Room on Friday next, at 12 o'clock, to give evidence. Committee then adjourned until Friday, at 12 o'clock.

SUBMARINE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH COMMITTEE'S REPORT.