EXTENSION OF THE FIJIAN STEAM SERVICE, (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1873 Session I, F-08

P.—B

1873. NEW ZEALAND.

EXTENSION OF THE FIJIAN STEAM SERVICE, (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE).

Presented to both Souses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1. Mr. W. Gbay to Mr. S. Jones. (Telegram.) Buildings, 30th July, 1873. Hon. Me. Vogel desires me to inquire whether your Company would be willing to extend Fiji Service to Southern Provinces, i.e. from Auckland to Port Chalmers, by way of Napier, Wellington, and Lyttelton ; and if so, what additional subsidy would be required. Eeply. Stannus Jones, Esq., W. Geat, Auckland Steam Packet Company, Auckland. (pro Secretary).

No. 2. Mr. W. Loddee to the Hon. J. Vogel/. Sib, — Auckland Steam Packet Company (Limited), 31st July, 1873. I have the honor to forward herewith the enclosed letter from Captain Daldy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Auckland Steam Packet Company, having reference to a through service from Fiji to Port Chalmers, calling at Auckland, Napier, Wellington, Lyttelton, and Port Chalmers. I have, &c, The Hon. Julius Vogel, William Loddee, Postmaster-General, Wellington. Manager, A.S.P. Co., Auckland.

Enclosure in No. 2. Captain Daldt to the Hon. J. Vogel. Sic, — Auckland Steam Packet Company (Limited), 31st July, 1873. In reply to your telegram of the 30th instant, re extension of Fiji Service, 1 have the honor to inform you that the Aucbland Steam Packet Company (Limited) are willing and desirous to extend the Fiji Service as you request; but at the present time the position of affairs is as follows :— Ist. The final arrangements for securing the Fiji subsidy are not completed. 2nd. The uncertainty of what may be done about the mail route from Frisco to Australia and New Zealand, as the success of the trade depends chiefly on the direction these lines may take. 3rd. The present subsidies, viz. £100 from the New Zealand Government, and £125, does not prove remunerative to the Company; but as soon as matters are further advanced and settled, the Company will be prepared to undertake the service. Mr. J. S. Macfarlane, one of the directors of the Company, will arrive per "Luna," and I beg to refer you to him for further information on the subject. I have, &c, William C. Daldt, The Hon. Julius Vogel, "Wellington. Chairman. By Authority: Geobgb Didsbeby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lS73. Price Zd.]