A.—2

20

No. 25.

Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach to the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand. (Circular.) Sir,— Downing Street, sth May, 1878. With reference to my predecessor's circular despatch of the 4th December last, I have the honor to transmit to you a copy of a letter from the Post Office, stating that for the reasons given it has been decided to postpone the meeting of the Telegraphic Conference, which was fixed for the Ist of July next, until the 2nd of June, 1879. I have, &c, M. E. HICKS BEACH. The Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand.

Enclosure in No. 25. The General Post Office to the Colonial Office. Sir,— General Post Office, London, 26th April, 1878. With reference to previous correspondence on the subject of the Telegraph Conference, which was fixed for the Ist of July next, I am directed by the Postmaster-General to acquaint you, for the information of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, that it has been decided to postpone the meeting of the Conference until the 2nd of June, 1879, and I am to request that you will be so good as to move Sir Michael Hicks Beach to notify the postponement to the colonies concerned. I am further to ask that Sir Michael Hicks Beach—if he sees no objection—will have the goodness to inform those colonies that the decision has been arrived at in deference to what Lord John Manners believes to he the general desire of the Telegraph Administrations —a desire in which the British Post Office joins—for the following amongst other reasons : — Ist. That there is not sufficient time before the Ist of July next to formulate and examine the important propositions for reducing the tariffs of which notice has been given. 2nd. That the Telegraph Conference would follow too closely the Postal Congress, the sittings of which are to commence on the Ist proximo; and— 3rd. That the state of affairs on the Continent is unsettled. I am to add that Lord John Manners will be much obliged if Sir Michael Hicks Beach will issue his notification at as early a date as may be convenient. I have, &c, The Under Secretary of State for the Colonies. John Tilley.

No. 26. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach to Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby. (No. 21.) My Lord,— Downing Street, 17th May, 1878. I have received, and have read with much interest, your Despatch No. 13, of the 27th March, respecting your recent visit to the Thames and Waikato Districts of the colony. I have, &c, M. E. HICKS BEACH. Governor the Most Hon. the Marquis of Normanby, G.C.M.G, &c.

No. 27. Copy of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Sir M. E. Hicks Beach to the Opficer Administrating the Government of New Zealand. Sir,— Downing Street, 29th May, 1878. With reference to my predecessor's circular despatch of the 2nd March last, I have the honor to transmit to you, for publication in the colony under your government, a copy of a further notice which has been published in the London