F.--3.

No. 70. The Deputy Postmastbr-Genbeal, Sydney, to the Secbbtaey, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, sth December, 1900. It is not function of Conference to settle question of penny postage. We are reporting to our respective Ministers. Eegret, therefore, unable to supply information.

No. 71. The Hon. the Postmasteb-Geneeal, Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmasteb-Genekal, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 7th December. 1900. Have you yet come to decision re penny postage? May I hope that Australian Colonies will fall in with us ? In any case, would they consent from first January deliver our penny letters without surcharge ?

No. 72. The Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal, Sydney, to the Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, Bth December, 1900. I am not in position at present to come to decision re penny postage, but you may expect to hear from me shortly.

No. 73. The Deputy Postmastee-Geneeal, Melbourne, to the Sbceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. Sic,— General Post Office, Melbourne, 22nd December, 1900. A circular having been received from the Universal Postal Union Bureau, Berne, relative to a proposal by your Administration to introduce the universal penny-postage rate, I have the honour to state that it is regretted correspondence from New Zealand paid at the penny rate cannot be accepted by this colony, but will be surcharged. 1 have, &c, F. L. Outtbim, Deputy Postmaster-General. The Secretary, Post and Telegraph Department, Wellington.

No. 74. The Hon. the Postmasteb-Geneeal, Wellington, to the Dibectoe-Geneeal of Posts, Paris. Sic,— General Post Office, Wellington, 27th December, 1900. Penny Postage. With reference to my letter of the 23rd ultimo on the above-named subject, I have the honour to inform you that, in connection with the South Sea Islands, to which for many years past the letter postage has been the same as the New Zealand inland rate, 2d. per half-ounce, it has been announced that the rate of Id, would apply to the Society Islands (Tahiti) among others. The close trade relations which exist between New Zealand and Tahiti, and the fact that- New Zealand has for many years subsidised a line of steamers to Tahiti, render the circumstances exceptionally favourable to such a concession. It is therefore hoped that your Administration will raise no objection to the application of the penny rate to Tahiti. I have, &c, The Director-General of Posts, Paris. J. G. Wabd, Postmaster-General.

No. 75. The Hon. the Postmastbe-Gbnbbal, Wellington, to the Eight Hon. Edmund Babton, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 28th December, 1900. I shouLD greatly appreciate your cordial assistance in endeavouring to have New Zealand penny letters admitted into Australia on first January. I have telegraphed Postmasters-General other colonies as follows [See No. 76]. [The above also sent to the Hon. Alfred Deakin, Sydney ; the Hon. C. C. Kingston, Sydney; and the Right Hon. Sir George Turner, Melbourne.]

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