F.—3.

express the hope that the first congratulations which I am privileged to offer the Federal Post-master-General may be upon the adhesion of the Commonwealth to the Imperial penny-postage agreement—an adhesion which will put the coping-stone on a reform the ultimate effect of which will be more far-reaching than can at present be conceived. I have, &c, J. G. Waed, Postmaster-General. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Melbourne. [Letters of same text sent to the Postmasters-General, Adelaide and Perth.]

No. 28. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Brisbane. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 29th August, 1900. I have the honour to confirm my telegram of the 18th instant, informing you that this colony would introduce universal penny postage from the Ist January next, and to thank you for your telegram in reply. I note that the question of reciprocity in this matter is considered to be one for the attention of the Federal Government; but I trust it will be possible for some decision to be come to by the Conference, which it is understood is to meet presently to make recommendations in respect to the fusing of the postal services in Australia, whereby penny postage may be brought into operation between New Zealand and the Commonwealth at the beginning of the new century. I am pleased to be able to inform you that most appreciative telegrams have been received from the Postmasters-General, London and many of the principal colonies beyond Australia. I venture to express the hope that the first congratulations which I am privileged to offer the Federal Postmaster-General may be upon the adhesion of the Commonwealth to the Imperial penny-postage agreement —an adhesion which will put the coping-stone on a reform the ultimate effect of which will be more far-reaching than can at present be conceived. I have, &c, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Brisbane. J. G. Ward, Postmaster-General. [A letter of same text sent to the Hons. the Postmasters-General, Hobarc and Sydney.]

No. 29. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Postmaster-General, Cape Town. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 29th August, 1900. I have the honour to confirm my telegram of the 18th instant, informing you that this colony would introduce universal penny postage from the Ist January next, and to thank you for your congratulatory telegram in reply. No doubt the Postmaster-General, London, will communicate with you in regard to the completion of any necessary arrangements, but it gave me much pleasure to convey to you the earliest possible intimation of the intentions of this colony. I have, &c, The Postmaster-General, Cape Town. J. G. Ward, Postmaster-General. [Letters of same text sent to the Postmasters-General, Hongkong and Pietermaritzburg, and the Director-General of Posts, Simla.]

No. 30. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Postmaster-General, Colombo. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 29th August, 1900. I have the honour to confirm my telegram of the 18th instant, informing you that this colony would introduce universal penny postage from the Ist January next. No doubt the Postmaster-General, London, will communicate with you in regard to the completion of any necessary arrangements, but it gave me much pleasure to convey to you the earliest possible intimation of the intentions of this colony. I have, &c, The Postmaster-General, Colombo. J. G. Ward, Postmaster-General. [Letters of same text sent to the Postmasters-General, St. John's (Newfoundland) and Singapore.]

No. 31. The Hon. the Premier to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) Wellington, 30th August, 1900. Intend having postage-stamp commemorating universal penny post. Inquire cost stamp exact measurement present penny stamp and same number on steel plate. Might be designed by President Eoyal Academy. E'emale figure symbolical New Zealand facilitating communication throughout world. Lettering to be, " New Zealand Universal Postage, One Penny." Telegraph "quickly if design can be obtained and plate engraved and sent with million stamps to reach here before end^year.

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