39

be still further increased by the necessity for using very heavy copper wires, and of re-arranging the present wires so as to avoid interference. Experience indicates that the use of Telephone Trunk Lines would interfere with the Telegraphic Revenue. The extent of this interference depends upon the amount and nature of the business and tariffs. The centres of Australia are far apart and comparatively sparsely populated. We are, therefore, of the opinion that the circumstances of the Colony, its population, &c, do not justify us in recommending the adoption of any comprehensive scheme at present. We are, however, of opinion that the steps at present being taken by the various Colonies are in a direction which will eventually lead to the desired end. In all the principal Colonies trunk lines of moderate length are being introduced. Those in New South Wales and Queensland lead in the direction of the respective borders. As experience gained on them is found to justify it, the various Colonies will doubtless still further extend these lines until at last they meet. Meantime, we recommend that the different Colonies be desired to furnish a statement of the Telephone Trunk Lines in use or contemplated, together with particulars of the cost, effect on revenue, and any other information of interest on the subject. After discussion the recommendations Avere agreed to. Postal. Ratification of Washington Congress, and consideration of the various Conventions entered into at Washington but not signed by the Australasian Delegate. (Vie. 1.) Hon. John Gavan Duffy moved :— " That this Conference recommend to the Governments of Australasia the ratification of the Treaty entered into at Washington at the last Universal Postal Congress." Hon. J. G. Jenkins seconded the Motion, which was carried. Adjournment. Motion put and carried, — " That the Conference, at its rising, adjourn until Monday, 4th April, at 10*30 a.m." At 11*52 the Conference adjourned accordingly. P. 0. FYSH, President. Thos. C. Just, Secretary.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER, HOBART. MONDAY, 4th APRIL, 1898. The President, Hon. Sir Philip Fysh, K.C.M.G., took the Chair at 10 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., M.A.F.R.S., 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.