F.-_8

30

The memorandum is the outcome of a proposed arrangement, discussed at Melbourne between Mr. Peake and Sir Joseph Ward, in connection with the control of the cable-station and Government staff by one superintendent, instead of having two supervising officers. It can be decided later whether the superintendent shall be appointed by the Pacific Cable Board, or by this Government, but the matter of land and buildings is of immediate concern. I shall be glad if you will submit the memorandum to the Board, with an indication that the proposals generally have the approval of this colony. Mr. Peake has been telegraphed to at Auckland informing him to this effect, and he will no doubt forward a similar memorandum to the Board. I have, &c, E. J. Seddon. The Hon. W. P. Eeeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

Enclosure in No. 34. Copy of Memobandum from Mr. Eobeet Edwabd Peake, representative of Pacific Cable Board, to Sir Joseph George Wabd, Postmaster-General. Telegraphed from Eussell on Ist July, 1901. To be submitted to Pacific Cable Board for approval. 1. The Government of New Zealand agree to acquire sufficient land for the erection of a cablehouse near the landing-place selected for the Pacific cable, and also to acquire suitable land at that place on which to erect the necessary telegraph buildings. 2. The plans for the offices and quarters to be drawn up by a New Zealand Government architect, and approved by the New Zealand Government and the engineers to the Pacific Cable Board. 3 The cost of all land and buildings to be borne in equal shares by the New Zealand Government and the Pacific Cable Board. 4. The future proprietorship of the land and buildings to be the subject of an agreement to be made between the New Zealand Government and the Pacific Cable Board. 5. The land and buildings to be held jointly, or become the property of either the New Zealand Government or the Pacific Cable Board by payment of the total cost; in the latter case rent, based on half the capital cost, to be paid by the non-contributing party.

No. 35. The Hon. the Postmasteb - Geneeae, Wellington, to Mr. E. E. Peake, Cable Steamer " Britannia," Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 3rd July, 1901. Pacific cable: Be proposals of Ist instant, forwarded by Mr. Logan on your behalf, as to land and buildings, have much pleasure in approving. Copy has been sent to Agent - General by to-day's mail, with a request that proposals be laid before the Pacific Cable Board. Agent-General also informed that you will submit similar memorandum to the Board.

No. 36. Mr. E. E. Peake, Mangoiiui, to the Hon. the Postmaster-Genebal, Wellington, (Telegram.) Mangonui, sth July, 1901. Thanks for your telegram. Will forward copy of memorandum to Board. Arrangements here carried out very satisfactorily.

CAPE-AUSTEALIA CABLE. No. 37. The Deputy Postmastee-Geneeae, Sydney, to the Seceetary, General Post Office, Wellington. Postal and Electric Telegraph Department, General Post Office, Sir,— Sydney, 24th August, 1900. In compliance with the request contained in your communication of the 17th instant [not printed], I have the honour to forward herewith four copies of papers [New South Wales parliamentary papers : not printed] respecting proposed submarine cables between Great Britain and the Australasian Colonies, via the Cape of Good and vid the Pacific Ocean. I have, &c, S. H. Lambton, Deputy Postmaster-General. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.

No. 38. The Officer in Chaege, Telegraph Office, Wakapuaka, to the Secbetaby, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Wakapuaka, 13th December, 1900. New rates South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania to Europe : All three and sixpence, ordinary ; two and sixpence, Government ; one and fourpence, Press.