89

POSTAL AND TELEGRAPHIC CONFERENCE, 1898.

REPORT OF THE DEBATES. (See also Minutes of Proceedings.)

MONDAY, 28th MARCH, 1898. Election of President. Hon. JOSEPH COOK said he had much pleasure in proposing that Sir Philip Fysh take the Chair, not only because the Conference had assembled in Hobart, but also by reason of Sir Philip's seniority and his well-known abilities. Hon. J. R. DICKSON had much pleasure in seconding the Motion, and in doing so felt he did not need to add to what had been very properly said by the Postmaster-General of New South Wales, of one who had held a high position in the Colony for a long time. Motion put and passed. Sir PHILIP FYSH, in taking the Chair, thanked them for their kind expressions of goodwill and the honor they had done him. He desired, on behalf of the Government and himself, to heartily welcome them all, both Ministers and Permanent Heads of Departments to Tasmania, trusting that during their stay they would not only render service to the Colonies they represented, but also derive much health and pleasure at the same time. Election of Secretary. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY moved— " That Mr. T. C. Just be elected Secretary to the Conference." Hon. JOSEPH COOK seconded. They had previously had a taste of Mr. Just's qualities in that position, and were sure that the fact of his being made Secretary would conduce to the despatch of business. Motion put and passed. The Press. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY moved— "That the Press be admitted to all the deliberations of the Conference, excepting Sittings in Committee." Hon. JOSEPH COOK seconded. Motion put and passed. Papers. Hon. JOSEPH COOK tabled a Report on the Palmyra and Fanning Islands as to their suitableness and capabilities as submarine cable stations, prepared by Captain A. M. Field, R.N., of H.M.S. Penguin. Sir CHAS. TODD tabled a Return of Inter-colonial Telegraph Traffic for the past Nine years. Hon. JOSEPH COOK tabled a Return relating to Postal and Telegraphic Business in New South Wales during 1897. Printing. Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY moved— " That the President and the Hon. Joseph Cook be a Sub-Committee to consider and report upon what papers and documents required to be printed." Hon. J. R. DICKSON seconded. Motion put and passed. Hays of Sitting. Hon. J. R. DICKSON moved— " That this Conference sit for the despatch of business each day at half-past 10 o'clock until 1 p.m., and from half-past 2 till 5 p.m., Sundays excepted." Hon. J. GAVAN DUFFY seconded, and the Motion was agreed to.