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sioner for Canada; New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, New Zealand by Agents-General. Canadian representatives suggested Canada would probably guarantee two-ninths of total cost, but not more. Her Postmaster-General undertook to do his best for scheme on this basis. Imperial Government contribution will certainly not exceed one-third. Can Australasian Colonies guarantee remaining four-ninths ? Please telegraph reply before 10th proximo. Please inform other Governments." Since receipt of above the following cable has been received: " Beferring to my telegram of 29th July, I beg to point out that Imperial Government, Western Australia, and Tasmania were not represented at informal conference."

No. 11. The Hon. the Premier, Wellington, to the Hon. the Premier, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 4th August, 1898. Pacific Cable.—Your message first received. Kindly let me know replies from other colonies, and what your colony prepared to do. New Zealand strongly favours the Pacific cable.

No. 12. The Hon. the Premier, Wellington, to the Hon. the Premier, Brisbane. (Telegram.) Wellington, 4th August, 1898. Pacific Cable.—Have received message from Agent-General conveying purport of suggestion made by conference, of which you, no doubt, have also been advised. lam most anxious to co-operate, and to see the scheme adopted. Have referred matter to Committee of House of Bepresentatives for consideration and report. I should be glad to have your views, and also to know support likely to be given by the other colonies.

No. 13. The Hon. the Premier to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) Wellington, 4th August, 1898. Pacific cable and your telegram 29th : Matter now before Public Accounts Committee. Hope favourable reply in few days. Have communicated with Queensland.

No. 14. PAPEES OF THE CANADIAN HOUSE OF COMMONS. Beturn (No. 94) to an Address of the House of Commons, dated the 18th April, 1898, for a copy of the Beport of the Committee appointed by the Imperial Government in 1896 to consider the question of a telegraph-cable between Canada and Australasia ; also, of any reports or correspondence to the Canadian Government from the Canadian representatives on said Committee, or Sir Sandford Fleming, in regard to the same subject. By order. B. W. Scott, Secretary of State.

Sir, — Department of Trade and Commerce, Ottawa, 21st May, 1898. I have the honour to hand you herewith a return to an address of the House of Commons of the 18th of April ultimo, " for a copy of the report of the Committee appointed by the Imperial Government in 1896 to consider the question of a telegraph-cable between Canada and Australasia," &c, in so far as the Government is at liberty to publish the same. The report itself asked for is held as confidential, under instructions from the Imperial authorities not to publish until permission is given to do so. A recent cable to the High Commissioner stating that a call had been made for the report brought a reply to the effect that the Treasury considers it inadvisable to publish the report before Her Majesty's Government have arrived at a decision as to the policy to be adopted. The other papers called for are herewith complete. I have, &c, W. 0- Parmelee, Deputy Minister, Joseph Pope, Esq., Under-Secretary of State, Ottawa.

Beport of Sandford Fleming to the Hon. the Minister of Trade and Commerce. Sir, — Ottawa, 30th January, 1897. On the 21st October last I had the honour to be officially notified by you of my appointment, by Order in Council, associated with Sir Donald A. Smith and the Hon. Alfred G. Jones, to represent the Canadian Government at the Pacific Cable Conference to meet in London at an early date. Leaving Ottawa the following day I was able to report myself at the Colonial Office on the 3rd November.

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