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Enclosure 2 in No. 50. The Secbetaey to the Agent-Genebal to Sir W. H. Pbeece. Sic — Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, S.W., 25th May, 1900. The Agent-General has received a cablegram from his Government instructing him to obtain, as early as possible, an estimate of the cost of manufacture and laying a telegraph-cable between La Perouse, New South Wales, and Wakapuaka, New Zealand. Will you therefore be so good as to advise the Agent-General as to the steps that should be taken in order that he may transmit to his Government the information required. Any particulars as regards the existing cable at the disposal of this office will be placed before you, if you should wish to have them. I have, &c, Sir W. H. Preece, K.C.B. Waltee Kennaway.

Enclosure 3 in No. 50. The Seceetaby to the Agent-Genebal to Sir W. H. Peeece. Westminster Chambers. 13, Victoria Street, S.W., Sic,— 28th May, 1900. Referring to our interview of Saturday, the 26th instant, on the subject of the cable between New Zealand and Australia, I herewith forward the following books (having no loose.;, copies of the papers required) : Appendix to Journals, New Zealand House of Representatives, 1875, Vol. ii.; Appendix to Journals, New Zealand House of Representatives, 1876, Vol. ii.; Annual Report (1899) Post and Telegraph Department. Please return when finished with. I have, &c, Sir W. H. Preece, K.C.B. Waltee Kennaway.

Enclosure 4 in No. 50. Sir W. H. Peeece to the Agent-Genebal. Sib,— London, 30th May, 1900. I have looked carefully into the question of the cost of a cable between La Perouse (New South Wales) and Wakapuaka. I estimate the cost, at present enhanced prices of materials, to be £220,000, delivered and laid under guarantee. The proposed cable would be 1,380 knots in length, and of a larger and better type than the existing cables. I trust this will be sufficient for you to cable to-morrow to your Government. I will write to you more fully by a later post. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. W. H. Peeece.

Enclosure 5 in No. 50. [See No. 48.]

Enclosure 6 in No. 50. Sir W. H. Peeece to the Agent-Genebal. Sib,— London, 31st May, 1900. With reference to your letter of the 25th instant, and my brief reply of yesterday: The new cable estimated for is of a larger and better type than those laid by the Eastern Telegraph Company. The weight of copper per mile in the second cable laid by the company is 1301b. I propose a caMe having a conductor of 2001b. per mile, which will increase the speed of working some 60 per cent. I estimate the working of the proposed cable to be 374 letters per minute with duplex working, and 206 with simplex machines. The lengths estimated are: Rocky shore end, 10 knots; sandy shore end, 20 knots ; heavy intermediate, 30 knots ; light intermediate, 100 knots; heavy deep-sea, 200 knots; light deep-sea,. 1,020 knots. The total cost of the cable properly laid, including inspection during manufacture and laying, would be £220,000. It must be recollected that the cost of copper, iron and guttapercha are much higher at the present time than a few years ago. I shall be pleased to give you any further information. I am, &c, W. H. Peeece.

Enclosure 7 in No. 50. [See No. 49.]

No. 51. The Hon. the Pbemieb to the Agent-Genebal. Sic, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 13th July, 1900. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your memorandum of the 15th May last, transmitting copy of a letter received from the Manager, Eastern Extension Australasia and China