§ COLONEL MUREasked, Whether the attention of Her Majesty's Government has been directed to the want of Telegraphic Communication between this Country and the Cape of Good Hope; and, whether any steps are in contemplation with a view to such communication?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHSir, recent events have specially directed the attention of the Government to the want of telegraphic communication between this country and the Cape of Good Hope; and, looking to the peculiar circumstances of the case, and the absence of any prospect that within a reasonable time any communication would be opened by private enterprise, we would be prepared to give our favourable consideration to a proposal for aiding in some form or another in the establishment of such telegraphic communication, provided the several Colonies interested agreed also to help in the work. Despatches to this effect were addressed by me shortly after my accession to my present Office to the Governors of the several Colonies affected, and, should the replies be favourable, I shall lose no time in inviting the attention of my Colleagues to a consideration 929 of the details of the subject, in order that the best plan may be adopted to carry out the proposal, which I think is of the greatest importance to the interests of the Empire.