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Empire from 2\d. per \ oz. to 2d., and also the Canadian proposal to reduce her outgoing rate from 5 cents, per \ oz. to 3 cents, per oz., for the following reasons : — 1. The present rate is not an unreasonably high one, having in view the large cost to the Colonies involved in the maintenance of the present means of Postal communication with the various portions of the Empire. 2. Because of the anomaly which would be created by carrying letters 14,000 miles for the same rate as now charged for delivery within the limits of the Town where posted. Regarding the proposal of Canada to reduce her outgoing postage, this Conference is strongly of opinion that no reduction should take place which would be a departure from the present uniform rate, for the following reason, inter alia, at present a charge of 2d. per halfounce is made in Australia for the carriage of letters to however small a distance, while the Canadian proposal would involve the carrying of her letters over the same routes at a greatly reduced cost. This would, in the opinion of the Conference, lead to confusion and dissatisfaction. Hon. Joseph Cook moved that the Resolution be agreed to. Hon. J. Gay an Duffy seconded. Carried. Hon. J. Gavan Duffy moved, — "That the following reply be forwarded to the Hon. Postmaster-General of Canada : - 'It is satisfactory to learn that your contemplated reduction of Postal rates is suspended pending London Conference.' " Hon. Joseph Cook seconded. Carried. Hon. J. G. Jenkins moved, — " That a copy of the Resolution passed by the Conference be forwarded to the Premiers of each of the Colonies." Hon. J. Gavan Duffy seconded. Carried. At 12*50 the Conference adjourned until afternoon.

AFTERNOON SITTING. The President took the Chair at 4*30 o'clock. Telegraphic.—Alternative Cable Route. Hon. Joseph Cook moved for leave to move a Motion without notice. This being granted; Hon. Joseph Cook moved, — " That, in the absence of any satisfactory proposal from the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, and of any proposal at all except on the basis of an alternative cable via Africa, this Conference is unable to make any fresh arrangement with that Company." Hon. John Gavan Duffy seconded. After discussion, The Motion was agreed to. Pacific Cable. Hon. J. R. Dickson obtained leave to propose a Motion without Notice, and moved, — " That this Conference re-affirms the opinion that, in the interests of Australasia the .Pacific Cable project should be consummated as speedily as practicable, and that the Governments of the various Australasian Colonies be requested to represent to the Imperial and Dominion Governments the foregoing opinion, together wdth the proposal of the Premiers as agreed to at their recent Conference held in Melbourne, viz., —that if Great Britain and Canada would each contribute one third of the cost, the Colonies would be prepared to contribute the remaining third." Hon. .1. Gavan Duffy seconded, and the Motion was carried. Overland Telegraph Lines. Hon. J. R. Dickson moved, — " That the question in reference to the overland Telegraph Lines between South Australia and Queeusland be referred to the Governments of those Colonies."