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No. 6.—A Pan-Britannic Cable Telegraph Service. Resolutions of the British Empire League in Canada, 13th February, 1901. At the annual meeting of the British Empire League, held at Ottawa on the 13th February, 1901, Sir Mackenzie Bowell, K.C.M.G., moved the following resolution, and in doing so warmly indorsed the proposed cable, which, he said, should be constructed exclusively within British territory. Sir Mackenzie charged that the enormous influence exercised by the Eastern Telegraph Company had successfully blocked the scheme for a long time, and the same sinister influences were still at work trying to delay its accomplishment. " I think it would be to the advantage of Canada to take possession of the telegraph lines in this country as well as the telephones," said the speaker, amidst a chorus of "Hear, hears." "England has done that, and the Australian colonists own not only the telegraphs, but the railways. lam sure that State ownership is a very great advantage." Mr. T. B. Flint seconded the resolution, and spoke in glowing terms of the commercial expansion within the Empire which would result from the construction of the cable, to say nothing of the strategical advantages. The resolution, which was unanimously concurred in, was as follows : — " This meeting of the British Empire League in Canada reaffirms the resolutions unanimously passed at the last annual meeting respecting State-owned cables, and is strongly of opinion that, as a further step towards consolidating the Empire, means should be taken without delay to nationalise all cables between British possessions, and all land lines necessary to complete a PanBritannic telegraphic service. " Besolved, That it be an instruction to the Executive Committee in the name of the League to memorialise Parliament on the subject of the resolution, and take such other means as may be expedient to bring the proposal to a successful issue."

No. 20. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Premier. (Telegram.) London, 31st July, 1901. Pacific Cable Board will shortly be taking into consideration appointment of Station Superintendents. If Government wish suggest any names, advise me by an early mail.

No. 21. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Premier. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sir,— 10th August, 1901. In continuation of my letter of the 31st ultimo, I beg to enclose herewith extracts from the Times of the 31st July and the Ist August, containing a report on the debate in the House of Commons on the Pacific cable. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. W. P. Beeves.

Enclosure in No. 21. [Extract from the Times, London, 31st July, 1901.] Pacific Cable. The House went into Committee on the resolution, That it was expedient to make provision for the construction and working of a Pacific cable, and to authorise the issue out of the Consolidated Fund of such sums, not exceeding £2,000,000, as might be required for such purpose. Mr. Austen Chamberlain (Worcestershire, E.) said that this was merely an enabling resolution upon which to found a Bill, which Bill the House would have the usual opportunities of discussing. The object was to provide for the construction, working, and maintenance of a British cable between Vancouver and Australia, touching only at British possessions. The matter was interesting and important, because this was the first occasion upon which this country had been invited by our colonies to unite with them in a great undertaking. (Hear, hear.) It had been agreed by His Majesty's Government and the Dominion of Canada, and the Governments of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and New Zealand, that this country should advance a capital sum of £2,000,000 for the construction of the cable, and that, with regard to the charges arising out of the maintenance of the cable, this country should be liable for five-eighteenths and the colonies for thirteen-eighteenths. The Bill provided for the raising of the money and for the establishment of a Board, which was to have the supervision of the construction of the cable and the management of it afterwards. The Board was to consist of three representatives of His Majesty's Government, two representatives of the Dominion of Canada, and two representatives of the Governments of Australia and of the Government of New Zealand. All the colonial Legislatures had already passed the necessary legislation undertaking their respective shares of the obligation, and he now asked the Committee to pass this resolution in order that Government and this country might fulfil their share of the obligation. [Debate.] The Committee .... divided, and there voted—For the resolution, 158 ; against 44 : majority, 114.