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Telephone Wires. The Committee advise that the telephone system should be changed to metallic circuits as soon as possible, with a view of reducing the difficulties connected with induction. Conclusion. While clause 9 of the foregoing Regulations permits electric light and power wires, where crossing telegraph and telephone wires, to pass between them, the Committee are of opinion that this should be avoided wherever possible, and would recommend that electric light and power wires in the principal parts of any town or city should be placed underground as early as possible. The Committee recommend that there should be periodical inspections of all electric light and power leads, and works carried out under these Regulations by a properly qualified inspector appointed by the Government. As the consideration of the many important and complicated questions involved with regard to underground wires, electric tramways, and the transmission of power generally, could not be dealt with in the time at the disposal of the Committee, it is recommended that the Governments should authorise the Committee to meet again at an early date to consider Rules and Regulations relating to underground conductors, transformers, electric tramways, and the transmission and supply of electrical energy. CHARLES TODD, Chairman. GEO. SMIBERT P. B. WALKER ROBT. HENRY JAS. 0. CALLENDER ■ . . • A. J. ARNOT OSWALD HAES J. H. C. LANGDON.

APPENDIX 1. LIST OF PAPERS, &c, TABLED BY THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS OP THE COMMITTEE FOR REFERENCE. By Mr. CHARLES TODD:— Postal and Telegraphic Conference, Hobart, 1892. Board of Trade Regulations for the protection of the public safety and of the Electric Lines and Works of the Postmaster-General. (1888 Act.) Board of Trade Regulations and Conditions under the 1882 and 1888 Acts, and of the Notting Hill Electric Lighting Order. (1889.) Board of Trade Rules with respect to applications for Licenses and Provisional Orders, &c. Board of Trade Provisional Order under the Electric Lighting Acts 1882 and 1888. Electric Lighting Act, 1882. (Great Britain.) „ „ „ 1888. (Great Britain.) The Gas and Electric Lighting Act, 1891. (South Australia.) Extracts of Austrian Electrical Regulations of 1885. „ Hungarian Law of 1888. ~ Italian Law of 1889. „ Belgian Law of 1887. French Law of 1888. „ Swiss Federal Law of 1889. By Mr. GEORGE SMIBERT:— Bill to facilitate and regulate the supply of Electricity for lighting and for other purposes. (Victoria.) The A.U. Alcock Electric Light and Motive Power Company's Act. (Victoria.) Special Report, and Report from the Select Committee on the Telegraphs Bill. (United Kingdom.) By Mr. 0. HAES :— London Overhead Wires Act, 1891. London County Council By-laws, 1891. Report of Electrical Commission, District of Columbia. Provisional Order relating to Cambridge, Dover, Hove, etc., 1890. By