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The question as to despatch of Urgent Telegrams with West Australia was also referred to the Heads of Departments for a Report. Business postponed. The question as to alternative Cable Route, the Pacific Cable, and the Overland Telegraph Lines of South Australia, were postponed until next day. Telephonic Communication between Colonies. As to the question of the establishment of telephonic communication between the Capital cities of the Australian Continent : Hon. Joseph Cook moved, — " That the subject be referred to the Heads of Departments as to the question of cost." Hon. J. Gavan Duffy seconded. After discussion the Motion was carried. Report of Heads of Departments. Hon. Joseph Cook tabled an Interim Report from the Sub-Committee of Heads of Departments, and moved that it stand an Order of the Day for next day. Adjournment. Hon. J. Gavan Duffy - moved, — " That the Conference adjourn until 10*30 a.m. next day." Hon. Joseph Cook seconded the Motion, which was carried. At 3*32 p.m. the Conference adjourned accordingly. P. O. FYSH, President. Thos. C. Just, Secretary.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HOBART.

FRIDAY, Ist APRIL, 1898. The President, Hon. Sir Philip Fysh, K.C.M.G., took the Chair at 10*30 a.m., when the under-mentioned gentlemen, representing the Colonies herein named, were present: — New South Wales : The Hon. Joseph Cook, M.P., Postmaster-General. S. H. Lambton, Esq., Deputy Postmaster-General. P. B. Walker, Esq., M. Inst. C.E., M.1.E.E., Chief Electrician and Engineer-in-Chief Telegraph Department. Victoria: The Hon. John Gavan Duffy, M.L.A., Postmaster-General. F. L. Outtrim, Esq., Deputy Postmaster-General, Secretary to Postal Department, and Superintendent of Telegraphs. South Australia: Hon. J. G. Jenkins, M.P., Commissioner of Public Works. Sir Charles Todd, K.C.M.G., Postmaster-General. Queensland: The Hon. J. R. Dickson, C.M.G., M.L.A., Home Secretary and Postmaster-General. John M'Donnell, Esq., Under Secretary to the Post and Telegraph Department and Superintendent of Telegraphs. John Hesketh, Esq., Electrical Engineer. Tasmania: The Hon. Sir Philip Fysh, K.C.M.G., M.H.A., Treasurer and Postmaster-General. H. V. Bayly, Esq., Secretary to the Post Office. Credentials. The Hon. J. G. Jenkins (South Australia) and the Hon. Sir Philip Fysh (Tasmania) presented their credentials as Representatives to the Conference. Telegraphic. The Hon. the President tabled Telegraphic Statistics for Tasmania, 1897.