17

F.—s

No. 15. The Hon. Mr. Fisher to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Adelaide. (Telegram.) Wellington, 27th October, 1877. I agree that basis of present payments by United Kingdom should be a condition of colonies joining Union. Appears to me there are large number important questions which should be dealt with by colonies before decision arrived at to enter Union. Sydney has suggested Conference postal officers at Melbourne to discuss these matters, and embody result in report to be submitted respective Governments. What do you think of Sydney proposal ? J. T. Fishee, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Adelaide. Postmaster-General.

No. 16. Mr. Todd to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Adelaide, 20th November, 1877. Unofficial. Have not been able ascertain views of Government, but think proposed Conference very desirable for discussion question forming Union. W. Gray, Esq., Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. C. Todd, Adelaide.

No. 17. The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 14th December, 1877. Imperial Government urging answer to despatch in re Postal Union. Can you reply to my telegram 20th September? The Secretary, General Post Office, Secretary, Wellington. General Post Office, Sydney.

No. 18. Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 19th December, 1877. Postal Union. When do you propose postal officers shall meet ? This Government will send representative. The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. W. Gray.

No. 19. The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 27th December, 1877. New Ministry in office. Postmaster-General states matter of proposed meeting of postal officers shall receive early consideration of Cabinet. The Secretary, General Post Office, AVellington. Secretary, Sydney.

No. 20. Mr. McDonald to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, AVellington. Sir, — Postmaster-General's Department, Brisbane, 25th February, 1878. With reference to a circular despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, dated the 25th May, 1877, transmitting copy of a letter from the London Post Office, enclosing a correspondence with the Berlin Post Office, in which the latter submits the desirability of all British colonies joining the International Postal Union, I am directed to inform you that a communication has been received from the Postmaster-General, Germany, pointing out the expediency of applying to the Swiss Office Department in Berne for admission into the Postal Union, and to state that the inclination of this Government is to join the Union ; but action for the present is suspended, pending the decision of the older colonies. I am therefore to request you to be good enough to inform me what action is intended to be taken by the Government of your colony in the matter. I have, &c, John McDonald, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Under Secretary.

No. 21. Mr. Geay to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Brisbane. Sic,— General Post Office, Wellington, 11th April, 1878. I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 25th February last, in which you state that it is the inclination of your Government to join the General Postal Onion ; 3—E. 5.