SAN FRANCISCO MAIL SERVICE (FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO). [In continuation of Papers presented on the 29th June, 1883.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1884 Session I, F-03

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1884 NEW ZEALAND.

SAN FRANCISCO MAIL SERVICE (FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO). [In continuation of Papers presented on the 29th June, 1883.]

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

No. 1. Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. S IE >— General Post Office, Wellington, 16th July, 1883. As your department has undertaken the preparation of the contract for the renewal of the San Francisco mail service, and will of course compile the new time-table as well, I beg to state that the Hon. the Postmaster-General of this colony will be glad to receive on an early date a copy of the table, for his approval. I h aye & Ci m 1 ~ „ W. Gray, lhe Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Secretary.

No. 2. Mr. Lambton to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sib,— . . General Post Office, Sydney, 17th July, 1883. As the existing contract for the San Francisco mail service expires in November next, the matter of the time-table to be adopted under the renewed contract comes forward for attention. I am therefore directed to transmit copy of a letter received from Messrs; Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., Sydney agents for the contractors, as well as my reply thereto, and to state that the PostmasterGeneral would be glad to have the opinion of the Postmaster-General of New Zealand as to the most suitable time-table to meet all the interests concerned. I am to add that, all things considered, the present day of departure from Sydney, namely, every fourth Thursday, is as convenient as any other so far as this colony is affected. I have, &c, S. H. Lambton, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Secretary.

Enclosure 1 in No. 2. Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co. to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. SIE — _ , ■ ■■' Sydney, 12th July, 1883. We beg to hand you extract of letter received this mail from the President re service under' renewed contract: " Mr. Houston has succeeded in persuading the overland railroad companies to reduce their time twenty-four hours. This, with the reduction of our schedule, which we know we can make, and the possibility of improved connections with fast trans-Atlantic ships, which should be insisted on as a sine qua non in rearranging the schedule through the Agent-General in London with the London Post Office people, should settle the question as to our ability to make a satisfactory showing as to time hext year." With reference to the above, we should be glad to know if the new time-schedule on this basis will be settled in London or arranged here. We are of opinion that it should be so arranged as to allow ten days' detention in San Francisco and twenty days' in Sydney, thus giving time for coaling and docking to be performed here, and also to meet with fast steamers crossing the Atlantic. We have, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co.

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Enclosure 2 in No. 2. Mr Lambton to Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., Sydney. General Post Office, Sydney, 17th July, 1883. Gentlemen - mh ing portion f the P i dent 8 let tei -re any suggestions you may feel inclined to offer. 1 sH. Lambton, Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., Sydney. Secretary.

No. 3. Mr Lambton to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. General Post Office, Sydney, 20th August 1883. With reference to my letter to you of the 17th ultimo and_ to yours to me of the 16th idem I am directed to enclose copies of correspondence that has since taken place between this _«___ffli__?__r_feß__^ffiirt;Watt > and Co., the agents for the Pacific Mail Steamship CoCn? on "he subject of the preparation of the time-table for the regulation of the new service, t0 approval a time-table that has been preparedl by this department, which Tt is thought will meet the interests of the contractors (Messrs Gilchrist, Watt, and Co havhi coiLurred therein), as well as meet the public convenience both of this colony and New Zealand It will be seen that the day of the departure of the mat from London is not changed and that the departure from Sydney is made a week later than would have been the case were the needful in order to give the contractors the intervals they "T& a !SSK_S fnserSd d in y the time-table have been suggested by Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, alld I°am to add that, if the time-table meets with the approval of your department, Mr. Trickett will be glad if you will communicate the same by cablegram. I have, &0g Lame _ 0N) The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Secretary.

Enclosure 1 in No. 3. Messrs Gilchrist, Watt, and Co. to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. _ ' Sydney, 18th July, 1883. We have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 17th instant, re new time-table, and note that the Postmaster-General will confer with the Postmaster-General, New bom you that they are to be prepared here, we will cable to New York for exact dates of arrival and departure there of the fast steamers across the Atlantic, to meet which the time-table will require to be adjusted. We have, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co.

Enclosure 2 in No. 3. Mr. Lambton to Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., Sydney. Cfntlemen — General Post Office, Sydney, 24th July 1883. I aim directed to inform you that a communication has this day been received from the postal authorities of New Zealand, concurring in the arrangement for this department to undertake the framing of a time-table under the renewed contract with the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, and to request that you will be good enough, in terms of your letter of the 18th instant, to cable to New York for exact dates of arrival at, and departure from, that place of the fast steamers across the Atlantic, and inform me of the result at your earliest possible convenience. I have, &c, S. H. Lambton, Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., Sydney. Secretary.

Enclosure 3 in No. 3. Messrs Gilchrist, Watt, and Co. to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. g __ Sydney, 27th July, 1883. We have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th instant, and in accordance with which we have cabled, and now await reply. We have, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co,

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Enclosure 4 in No. 3. Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co. to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Sic,— Sydney, 30th July, 1883. Confirming ours of the 27th, and in reply to yours of the 24th instant, we have the honour to inform you that we have received to-day the following cablegram from the Pacific Mail Steamship Company: "From New York: Fastest, Tuesday, Williams and Guion Line; next, Wednesday, Bremen Line, Cunard Line ; Thursday, Saturday, White Star Line, Inman Line. From Liverpool : Saturday, Williams and Guion Line, Inman Line. Southampton : Thursday, Bremen Line." Wo have, _c, The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co.

Enclosure 5 in No. 3. Mr. Lambton to Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co. Gentlemen, — General Post Office, Sydney, 16th August, 1883. Adverting to correspondence with you on the subject, I am directed to forward herewith a draft time-table for the regulation of the San Francisco mail service from the 15th November next, when the new contract with the Pacific Mail Steamship Company commences. The first mail under this time-table will leave Sydney a week later than would be the case were the table framed on the basis of the one now in operation, while the day of departure of the mail from London remains the same. It will be seen the intervals which in your letter of the 12th July last you asked to be allowed respectively at San Francisco and Sydney, viz., ten and twenty days, are provided for. The days of arrival at Auckland have not been inserted. The Postmaster-General will be glad if you will, as early as possible, favour him with any remarks you may wish to make upon this matter, as it is desirable that the necessary concurrence of the Postmaster-General of New Zealand in the time-table proposed should be obtained without delay. I have, &c, S. H. Lambton, Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., Sydney. Secretary.

No. 4. . Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 31st August, 1883. Frisco time-table. Was on the eve of telegraphing when your letter, per " Wakatipu," arrived. Your draft unsuitable New Zealand, owing excessive interval for replies, which would destroy usefulness of service. You have reduced time Sydney to London from forty-six to forty-two days, and London to Sydney from forty-four to forty-one days. Do not at present think we should provide for more than two days' reduction each way. Our proposed time-table as follows:—Leave Sydney, Thursday, November twenty-nine; Auckland, Tuesday, December four: arrive Frisco, Wednesday, December twenty-six; London, Saturday, January twelve: forty-four days. Leave London, Saturday, November three; arrive Frisco, Sunday, November eighteen; Auckland, Monday, December ten; Sydney, Saturday, December fifteen : forty-two days; and every succeeding four weeks. London, fourteen days for replies; Frisco, eighteen; Auckland, twenty-two; Sydney, twelve. Dates arranged with special object mails being conveyed across Atlantic by Guion steamers. Contractors' proposal for twenty days in Sydney out of the question; all extraordinary work should be done in Frisco. Twelve days in Sydney should be ample for usual overhaul. Please give our proposal consideration, and then wire, after conferring with Gilchrist. The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. W. Gray.

No. 5. Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. g IB _ General Post Office, Wellington, Ist September, 1883. With reference to the correspondence anent the framing of a suitable time-schedule for the new San Francisco service, I have the honour to thank you for the copies of the draft timetable as prepared by your department for approval, and forwarded with your letter of the 20th ultimo and to express very sincere regret that the proposed schedule is not suitable to the necessities or requirements of this colony. After mature consideration, the Postmaster-General is of opinion that no arrangement which necessitated an interval of thirty-one days between the arrival of the in-coming steamer at Auckland and her return to San Francisco (as is the case under the proposal of your office) would be acceptable to this department. Obviously, therefore, it will be impracticable to give effect to the desire of the agents for the contractors to have twenty days m port at Sydney for docking and repairs. Under the time-table sketched out by this department, twelve days are allowed at Sydney; and, unless what is required to be done can be effected within this time, there seems no alternative but for the contractors to provide for the very heavy work being undertaken at San Francisco Ihe Postmaster-General, however, is sanguine that the contractors will be able to do all that is absolutely required to be done at Sydney in the twelve days. As this colony mainly relies on the San Francisco service for its mail communication with the United Kingdom, and as the same importance is not

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attached to the service as a mail line by your department, the Postmaster-General trusts that the Hon. Mr. Brown will consent to approve the time-schedule as prepared by this department. I enclose you copies of the draft time-table ; also copy of telegram I forwarded you yesterday, in which I pointed out the objections to your proposals. You will observe that the time under the proposal of this office has been shortened two days only each way; and that provision has been made for the mails being forwarded from London and New York by the very fastest steamers on the Atlantic, viz., those of the Guion line. It does not seem to the Postmaster-General that the time should be reduced by more than two days at present; but, if the Agents-General or the London Post Office agree that the mails may be delivered within the lesser time, then the through time as proposed by your office should be adopted. I have, &c, W. Gray, The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Secretary.

No. 6. Mr. Lambton to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 7th September, 1883. Agents here state twelve days insufficient for necessary docking, overhauling, and coaling at Sydney; and dates you propose from Sydney unsuitable for us, as Orient mail will leave Sydney same days. What do you say to leave London week later than proposed in our table? This would give you twenty-four days' interval, instead of twenty-two as you propose, and would give contractors fourteen days here, which they will try and manage with. Another time-table is proposed, giving same intervals, viz.: Leave London Saturday, 10th November, and Sydney Saturday, Bth December. Saturday unpopular mail-day at London, and inconvenient one here. No objection to making number of days for through trip as you suggest. S. H. Lambton, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Secretary.

No. 7. Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 29th September, 1883. Eegretted you did not first arrange Frisco time-table with us, before fixing Orient dates. Have to request that you consent to Frisco steamers leaving Sydney on the usual days as given in our time-table, and obviate the need to make the despatch at either end a week later. PostmasterGeneral strongly of opinion this should be agreed to by Mr. Trickett. W. Gray. The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney.

No. 8. The Hon. Mr. Trickett to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 2nd October, 1883. You appear to overlook the fact that we had no choice in fixing the Orient time-table, as it must necessarily be alternate with P. and 0., so as to connect at Suez with Imperial weekly service from India, Home Government undertaking conveyance between Suez and England. You must see that our public would never consent to two contract steamers leaving Sydney same day, and, if matters were so arranged, it is quite certain that the continuance of the Frisco contract would not be sanctioned by Parliament. We are, however, willing to meet you in any reasonable way, and are now considering Tuesday, twenty-seventh November, Saturday, first December, and Monday, third December, as possible days of departure from Sydney; and you might also consider how these days would suit you. W. J. Trickett. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington.

No. 9. Mr. Dalgarno to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sir, — General Post Office, Sydney, 27th September, 1883. I am directed by the Postmaster-General to enclose herewith an extract from a letter from the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, New York, addressed to the Sydney agents, giving information respecting fast trans-Atlantic steamers, which Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., who forwarded to this office the extract referred to in duplicate, suggest should be sent to you. I have, &c, J. Dalgarno, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. For the Secretary.

Enclosure in No. 9. Extract from Letter from the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, dated New York, 17th August, 1883, and received 22nd September, 1883. "Transatlantic steamers (mail). On the 25th ultimo we received your despatch reading, ' Government ask sailing-day fast Atlantic steamers, arranging new time-table;' and on the 27th we cabled to you that the fastest steamers to New York are those of the Guion Line, leaving here on

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Tuesday. At present it is true that there are but two of these—the ' Alaska' and ' Arizona;' but by October next, Mr. Guion informs us, their new ship ' Oregon' will be regularly on the line, and they expect from her a speed of from six to six and one-half days, the other two making the passage, as you are aware, in from seven to eight days. Following the Guion ships on Wednesday (in case the mails should miss the former) are the steamers of the Bremen and Cunard lines ; and on Thursday and Saturday alternately, those of the White Star and Inman lines. It would appear, therefore, that it would be well if the mail could be arranged to arrive in New York on Monday, or early Tuesday morning, as we believe that such an arrival here would insure the quickest transit across the Atlantic. From Liverpool, the Guion and Cunard lines leave on Saturday, the White Star and Inman lines leaving on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and from Southampton, the Bremen Line also leaves on Thursdays, although we suppose the Imperial Government would object to forwarding the mails by a German ship ? We trust our cablegram was sufficiently full and clear to give all the information necessary to your good selves and to the Government, in deciding on this very important point in the arrangement of the new time-table."

No. 10. Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 11th October, 1883. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 27th ultimo, and to thank you for the extract forwarded therewith from a letter from the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, New York, to Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., respecting fast trans-Atlantic steamers, in connection with the time-table of the renewed San Francisco mail service. I have, (fee, W. Gray, The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Secretary.

No. 11. The Hon. Mr. Trickett to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 4th October, 1883. Have considered time-table question in all its bearings, and consulted agents here. Eegret we can frame no better table than first proposed by us. Have you not overlooked the opportunities Orient and P. and 0. services would afford you for replies? Orient dates from Melbourne under our contract are sixteenth and thirtieth November, and so on. P. and 0. dates you know. Will consider any table you can propose which provides for intervals of not less than two days between departure of Frisco and Orient steamers from Sydney and London, and for contractors having not less than fourteen days in Sydney, which, they affirm, are absolutely necessary to dock, refit, load, coal, &c, two of those days being Saturdays and two being Sundays. We would agree to 27th November from here and from London, but agents point out that steamers leaving Auckland on Sundays would be objectionable to you and them. Desirable that matter decided as soon as possible, as contractors pressing for dates. And please bear in mind that your department had matter before it for over three weeks after my telegram of 7th ultimo was sent. W. J. Trickett, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Postmaster-General.

No. 12. The Hon. Mr. Trickett to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, sth October, 1883. In portion of yesterday's telegram suggesting to you to frame time-table, I omitted to say that Orient dates from London are December seventh, twenty-first, and so on. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. W. J. Trickett.

No. 13. The Hon. Mr. Conolly to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, sth October, 1883. Frisco service. As you cannot accept our proposal, consent to mails leaving week later either end. Thursday from Sydney most suitable ; but desire that steamers be despatched in forenoon, to admit of their leaving Auckland in morning. Dates will be November eight, December six, from London, and December six, January three, from Sydney, and every four weeks thereafter. This gives fourteen days in Sydney. E. T. Conolly, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Sydney. (Acting for Postmaster-General.)

No. 14. The Hon. Mr. Conolly to the Agent-General, London. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 6th October, 1883. Herewith I have the honour to forward you three proof copies of the proposed time-table for the renewed San Francisco service, which will come into force on the Bth proximo from London, and on the 6th and 11th December from Sydney and Auckland respectively.

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The through time between London and Auckland and Sydney has been shortened by two days, it being possible to effect a saving of one day between New York and San Francisco, in addition to the reduction of twenty-four hours on the voyage between San Francisco, Auckland, and Sydney, as agreed to by the contractors. The Thursday's departures from London and Sydney are continued, but the first despatch has been made a week later than would be the case under the existing time-table. You will observe that the interval for replies at London is to be twelve instead of ten days. It was at first intended, with the object of having the mails forwarded by the steamers of the Guion line, the fastest on the Atlantic, to fix the despatch from London on Saturday ; but, it having been suggested that Saturday would probably be an inconvenient mail-day for London, it was eventually decided to adhere to Thursday. I should, however, like to be informed whether there would be any serious objection to making Saturday the mail-day for the year 1884-85. So soon as the draft contract has been approved, a proof copy shall be sent to you. As you are aware, the preparation of the new contract has been intrusted to the Postmaster-General of New South Wales. I have, &c, Sir F. D. Bell, K.C.M.G., E. T. Conolly, Agent-General for New Zealand, London. (for the Postmaster-General.) ;j»m_«_______nj___________n»_______*_i__■___■

No. 15. Mr. Lambton to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 10th October, 1883. Postmaster-General agrees to try for six months table last proposed for Frisco service, namely, leaving Sydney December sixth, London November eighth, Frisco November twenty-third, and so on; but thinks that three p.m. as time of leaving Sydney should be adhered to, as an earlier hour would be very inconvenient for public and department. Local agents, however, point out nothing would be gained by earlier departure from here as regards arriving Auckland, as steamers would reach there at night, and would have to lie off the port till morning. S. H. Lambton, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Secretary.

No. 16. Mr. Lambton to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 12th October, 1883. Eeferring telegram 10th, presume we may now issue Frisco time-table as approved by Post-masters-General of both colonies. Please reply. S. H. Lambton, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Secretary. __a__oa m a_a_K3z__ca_nn__________a__H____Kß__i

No. 17. Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 13th October, 1883. Frisco time-table may now be issued. Should be for twelve months. The Secretary, Post Office, Sydney. W. Gray.

No. 18. Mr. Lambton to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 13th October, 1883. Postmaster-General must press for time-table being issued for six months, to see how it works. If no complications arise, can then be extended. Eeply. S. H. Lambton, The Secretary, Post Office, Wellington. Secretary.

No. 19. Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 16th October, 1883. Frisco time-table for six months only. The Secretary, Post Office, Sydney. W. Gray.

No. 20. Mr. Lambton to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sir,— General Post Office, Sydney, 18th October, 1883. Adverting to your telegram, dated the 16th instant, conveying the approval of the Postmaster-Genral of New Zealand to the adoption for six months of the draft time-table for the regulation of the mail service between Great Britain, New Zealand, and New South Wales, by way

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of San Francisco, in connection with the postal contract with the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, I am directed to forward herewith one dozen copies of the time-table referred to, and to inform you that copies have also been forwarded to the agents for the contractors in this colony, for their guidance. I have, &c, S. H. Lambton, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Secretary.

No. 21. Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 3rd November, 1883. Your approved Frisco time-table reduces time from Sydney to London by five instead of two days; see my telegram of 31st August and your reply of 7th September. Time-tables issued by us provide two days' reduction only. Will you amend yours ? W. Gray. The Secretary, Post Office, Sydney.

No. 22. Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, 13th November, 1883. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 18th ultimo, forwarding copies of the time-table for the San Francisco mail service for the six months ending May-June next. In sending you herewith a copy of the telegram which I sent you on the 3rd instant, on receipt of your letter, in reference to the matter, I beg to add that I have been informed that it will be impossible to have the mails delivered with regularity in London from San Francisco in the time allowed in the table which you have published. I have, &c, W. Gray, The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Secretary. san_g_____________-_a__-B^Mna_t_s__________i_________i

No. 23. Mr. Lambton to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sir, — General Post Office, Sydney, 15th November, 1883. With reference to my communication of the 18th ultimo, enclosing copies of a time-table for the mail service between Great Britain, New Zealand, and New South Wales, by way of San Francisco, in connection with the postal contract with the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, I am now directed to forward herewith one dozen copies of an amended time-table for the mail service referred to, and to point out that the only alteration therein is in the day of arrival of the mails at London. I have, &c, S. H. Lambton, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Secretary.

No. 24. Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, 29th November, 1883. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of the copies of the amended time-table for the San Francisco mail service, showing the alteration in the dates of arrival of the mails at London, forwarded with your letter of the 15th instant; and to thank you for the same. I shall be glad to be informed if you received the representations in my telegram of the 3rd instant, on the subject of the alteration referred to. I have, &c, W. Gray, The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. . Secretary. _________._______________■_■

No. 25. Mr. Lambton to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sir, — General Post Office, Sydney, 13th December, 1883. I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 29th ultimo, and to state, in reply to your inquiry, that your telegram of the 3rd idem, on the subject of the alteration of the time-table for the San Francisco mail service, was duly received and acted upon. I have, &c, S. H. Lambton, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Secretary.

No. 26. Sir F. D. Bell to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. (Memorandum.) 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 31st October, 1883. I enclose herewith, for your information, copy of a communication which has been forwarded to

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me by direction of the Agent-General for New South Wales, covering copy of a cablegram from his Government relating to the approval of the time-table of the San Francisco mails for six months, and the consequent later despatch of the mails by that service. In accordance with that cablegram, Sir Saul Samuel informed the Postmaster-General of the proposed alteration of date of departure of the mail from London, which would in the ordinary course have taken place to-morrow, but is now fixed for the Bth November. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

Enclosure in No. 26. Mr. Yardley to the Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Sir,— 5, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, S.W., 26th October, 1883. I am desired by Sir Saul Samuel to enclose herein, for your information, copy of a telegram which he has received from his Government relative to the alteration of the San Francisco mail service, and to acquaint you that the Eight Hon. the Postmaster-General has been informed accordingly. I have, <fee, S. Yardley, Sir F. D. Bell, Esq., K.C.M.G. Secretary, New South Wales Government Agency. Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 26. The Hon. Mr. Stuart to the Agent-General for New South Wales, London. (Telegram.) Sydney, 20th October, 1883. Frisco time-table approved for six months: Leave London Thursday, eighth November; leave Sydney sixth December, week later than present. Instruct London Post Office. A. Stuart.

No. 27. Sir F. D. Bell to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 6th December, 1883. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th October, transmitting me the proposed time-table for the renewed San Francisco service, which came into force on the Bth ultimo in London. I think it was quite right not to fix Saturday as the day of despatch from London; but I will ascertain whether there is any serious objection to it on the part of the Post Office for the year 1884-85. J I beg to congratulate you on the renewal of the San Francisco service. Taking it as a postal line, it is quite certain that until the Panama Canal is open nothing can touch it as far as New Zealand is concerned. I have &c. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

No. 28. Sir F, D. Bell to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Sir, — _ 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 21st December, 1883. With reference to the question of the most convenient mail-day for London in the San Francisco service, as mentioned in your letter of the 6th October, it is one of some difficulty. I beg to enclose copy of a letter which Sir Saul Samuel and I have received from the President of the Pacific Company, dated the 27th November, in which objection is made to the days of despatch from London and San Francisco; and suggesting that the time-table may be amended, either by despatching the outward mail from London on Tuesdays, or by returning to Saturday as.the day of departure from San Francisco, which the President predicts will be the actual day of despatch under the present arrangement much more frequently than Friday. The London agent of the Pacific Company had an interview yesterday with Sir Saul Samuel and myself, when we discussed the matter. In the absence of the contract itself, and of any instructions to Sir Saul Samuel from his Government, we did not feel justified in going further than to recommend the Pacific Company to communicate directly with the two Governments, and obtain a decision upon the alteration they propose. The objection there is to making Saturday the London mail-day is one which I do not think can be got over. No one here likes to write business letters on Saturdays; and a service which required banks and merchants' offices to be kept open on the last day of the week would be very unpopular in the city, and would, in fact, defeat its own object. A point, however, of more importance is the one still under consideration at the Post Office, of abolishing the calling of outward mail steamers at Queenstown, and starting the mails direct from Liverpool. All the old factors in the postal service between England and America, which were in existence when the San Francisco service was started, are now entirely changed; and I understand the fast lines would be very glad if the calling at Queenstown were to cease. When Sir Saul Samuel and myself have received the contract we shall see the Post Office authorities without delay. I have, &c, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

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Enclosure in No. 28. The Secretary, Pacific Mail Steamship Company, to the Agents-General, London. Gentlemen,— Pacific Mail Steamship Company, New York, 27th November, 1883. I am directed by Mr. Houston, President of this Company, to call your attention to the unsatisfactory working of the schedule, as we understand it to be arranged under the new contract with your Governments, although we have not as yet received the official copy from the Postmaster-General, much to our embarrassment and regret. While the negotiations were pending in August last, Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., our general agents in Sydney, cabled us for information as to the fastest lines of trans-Atlantic steamers, and their departures from England and the United States. We cabled them immediately this information very fully, supplementing the telegram with full advices by mail, and had hoped that some consideration would be given to the facts thus presented in the determination on the schedule by the Colonial Governments for the benefit of the San Francisco service and all interested therein. d . Much to our regret, we now learn that the Postmaster-General in London announced the departures thence of the last instalment of the first mails despatched thence under the new contract, to be made on the Bth instant, and every fourth Thursday thereafter. We were also informed by cable from our Sydney agents that the departures from San Francisco would commence with November 23rd, and every fourth Friday succeeding, instead of every fourth Saturday as hitherto ; also, that the homeward mail service commences from Sydney with the departure thence December 6th, and every fourth Thursday thereafter. In view of our previous experience, we trust to be able to make a good showing for the line in the homeward transit of mails under this schedule, as our Postmaster will co-operate with us in expediting them as far as practicable, by sending them forward, as hitherto, by the fastest steamer leaving New York after their arrival here. But we beg to represent that the selection of Thursday as the day of departure from London, and of a slow line of trans-Atlantic steamers for their conveyance to New York, is certain to operate against the outward expedition ; and the setting-back of the date of departure from San Francisco from Saturday to Friday is rendered practically inoperative, except perhaps in one or two individual cases during the summer season. For example, the mails leaving London on the Bth instant were forwarded by the "City of Berlin," which steamer, under the best of circumstances, could not arrive in New York before the 17th (Saturday), or the 18th (Sunday). As a matter of fact, owing to head winds, she delivered the mails here on Tuesday, the 20th, only in season to go forward by the 8 p.m. train of that date for San Francisco. . This renders the despatch of the mails from San Francisco before Monday, the 26th instant, simply impracticable, although the "City of Sydney" was advertised under the new schedule to leave San Francisco on Friday, the 23rd instant, and intending passengers and shippers were of course governed thereby. In case of any possible detention overland, she may not get away until Tuesday, the 27th, which, we submit, is very prejudicial to the interests of the San Francisco route and all concerned. _ In view of these facts, we cannot but regret the decision of the Colonial Governments, as shown in the dates of despatch from London and San Francisco, and would suggest for the good of the service that they be amended at once, either by despatching the last instalment of outward mails from London on Tuesday, if the slow lines of steamers have to be preferred, or returning to the old date of departure from San Francisco, namely, Saturday, which, as a matter of experience, we can safely predict will be the actual date of despatch under the present arrangement much more frequently than Friday, which latter date we are unfortunately obliged to advertise, and thus mislead the public. We understand that the object in naming Thursday as the day for despatching the mails from London is to alternate at equal intervals with the Suez route ; but certainly this consideration should not be made paramount to the other very important features to which we have already referred at length. We trust that, on a reconsideration of this matter, steps may be taken to meet our views, or at least improve on the present state of affairs. We enclose copies of correspondence and telegrams referred to; and, asking the favour of an early reply, I Lane, Hon. S. Samuel, C.M.G., Agent-General for New South Wales, and Secretary. Hon. Sir F. D, Bell, K.C.M.G., Agent-General for New Zealand, London. to the present moment, 11 a.m., we have received no advice of the sailing of the "City of Sydney" from San Francisco.—2Bth November: We have since learned that she sailed November 27th, 2 a.m.—W.H.L.

Sub-Enclosure 1 to Enclosure in No. 28. The Secretary, Pacific Mail Steamship Company, to Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., Sydney. Gentlemen,— Pacific Mail Steamship Company, New York, 17th August, 1883. On the 25th we received your despatch reading, " Government ask sailing-day fast Atlantic steamers; arranging new time-table:" and on the 27th we cabled you that the fastest steamers from New York are those of the Guion Line, leaving here on Tuesday. At present it is true that there are but two of these, the " Alaska " and " Arizona;" but by October next Mr. Guion

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informs us their new ship, the " Oregon," will be regularly in the line, and they expect from her a speed of from six to six and one-half days, the other two making the passage, as you are aware, in from seven to eight days. Following the Guion ships on Wednesday (in case the mails should miss the former), are the steamers of the Bremen and Cunard lines, and on Thursday and Saturday alternately those of the White Star and Inman lines. It would appear, therefore, that it would be well if the mail could be arranged to arrive in New York on Monday or early on Tuesday morning, as we believe that such an arrival here would insure the quickest transit across the Atlantic. From Liverpool, the Guion and Cunard lines leave on Saturdays, the White Star and Inman lines leaving Tuesdays and Thursdays; and from Southampton the Bremen Line also leaves on Thursdays, although we suppose the Imperial Government would object to forwarding the mails by a German ship. We trust our cablegram was sufficiently full and clear to give all the information necessary to yourselves and to the Government in deciding on this very important point in the arrangement of the new time-table. ... I have, &c, Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., General Agents, W. H. Lane, P.M.S.S. Co., Sydney. Secretary.

Sub-Enclosure 2 to Enclosure in No. 28. Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co. to the President, Pacific Mail Steamship Company, New York. Pacific Mail Steamship Company's Agency, Sydney, 4th October, 1883. Sir, — Transatlantic Mail Steamers. We thank you for the very full information afforded, which we conveyed to this and the New Zealand Government. The new time-table is now being considered, and we enclose memorandum showing the matter as far as it has gone. The first proposal of our Government was rejected by New Zealand, as not giving sufficient time in Auckland for receipt and reply of their intercolonial correspondence, and the modified form now suggested by New South Wales will in all probability be adopted. You will see Thursday has been adhered to for the departure here and in London, as alternating with the Orient mails, which will close here under new contract on Thursday. . . . We have, (fee, J. B. Houston, Esq., President, P.M.S.S. Co., New York. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co.

Sub-Enclosure 3 to Enclosure in No. 28. Messrs. C. Clark and Co. to the President, Pacific Mail Steamship Company, New York. Sir, — Agency Pacific Mail Steamship Company, London, E.C., 30th October, 1883. Our Postmaster-General makes official announcement that the mails for New South Wales and New Zealand will be despatched from London on the Bth November (instead of Ist November), and every fourth Thursday thereafter. Will you kindly cause a copy of the new time-table to be sent to us forthwith. It is very awkward for us to have to say to inquirers on the subject that we have no advice of any change. We have, &c, J. B. Houston, Esq., President, P.M.S.S. Co., New York. Chas. Clark and Co.

Sub-Enclosure 4 to Enclosure in No. 28. The Secretary, Pacific Mail Steamship Company, to Messrs. C. Clark and Co., London. Pacific Mail Steamship Company, New York, 14th November, 1883. Sirs, — New Time-table for Australian Line. . . . . We notice that your Postmaster-General has made the official announcement that the mails for New South Wales and New Zealand will be despatched from London on the Bth November, instead of the Ist, and every fourth Thursday thereafter; also that you find it very awkward to haVe to say to inquirers on the subject that you have no advice of any change, and desire a copy of the new time-table to be sent you forthwith. We beg to say that we have also experienced considerable embarrassment from the fact that the Governments of New South Wales and New Zealand have been, and were still on the departure of the last mail from Sydney, at loggerheads respecting this new time-table. Consequently We have received no official advice as yet_ on which we could issue a time-table and advise our correspondents. In fact we have been obligedto cable to Sydney to ascertain the sailings for November and December, to which we are in receipt of a reply that the new contract commences from San Francisco with the departure of the "City of Sydney," 23rd instant, which vessel will be followed by the " Australia," 21st December. From Sydney the sailings are "Zealandia," 6th December, and "City of Sydney," 3rd January. As soon as the new time-table comes to hand (which we presume will be by the " City of New York's" mails, due here about the 7th proximo), we will have the same printed and distributed as usual. I have, &c, W. H. Lane, Messrs. Charles Clark and Co., London. Secretary.

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No. 29. The Hon. Mr. Dick to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 16th February, 1884. You no doubt have received from Agent-General correspondence from Frisco contractors, urging that mails leave London Tuesday, or Frisco Saturday. Am of opinion Saturday should be substituted forthwith for Friday as sailing-day from Frisco. Mails invariably late since commencement renewed service, and irregularities seriously prejudice the line. Anticipating you will consent alteration, beg that you cable Agents-General, and inform contractors. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Sydney. Thomas Dick.

No. 30. The Hon. Mr. Trickett to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 18th February, 1884. No proposal alter Frisco table received. Present day from London little use here, as Orient, leaving day after, gets here first. If Frisco mail left London Tuesday previous, the service still less use here. No objection Saturday from Frisco, though Frisco day nominal, steamer leaving whenever mails aboard. Why not alter your public notice, making probable arrival Auckland day later than now ? Gilchrist says that suggestions made to Agent-General for Saturday from London. Matter hardly ripe for decision. W. J. Trickett. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington.

No. 31. The Hon. Mr. Dick to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 21st February, 1884. Useless alter day arrival Auckland. Impossible London mails under present arrangements reach Frisco Friday. London Post Office considering abolishing Queenstown port call outward steamers, and sending mails by fastest vessels only. In meantime, Saturday should be Frisco sailing-day. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Sydney. Thomas Dick.

No. 32. The Hon. Mr. Trickett to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 22nd February, 1884. Agree alter to Saturday, on understanding day only nominal as heretofore, steamer leaving Frisco soon as mails arrive, whether Friday, Saturday, or later or earlier. Agents-General and contractors' agents informed. W. J. Trickett. The Hon. the Postmastor-General, Wellington.

No. 33. The Hon. Mr. Oliver to Sir F. D. Bell, London. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 26th February, 1884. I have received your letter* of the 21st December last, enclosing copy of one of the 27th November, together with its enclosures, from the Pacific Mail Company to yourself and Sir Saul Samuel, pointing out the serious delays at San Francisco which have followed the adoption of the new time-table fixing the despatch of the mails from London on Thursday and from San Francisco on Friday. The contractors have undoubted grounds for complaint, for since the commencement of the renewed service it has not been possible for the steamers to leave San Francisco on the contract day, owing to the fact that the London mails every month have been from one to three days late, the delays being due to the slow speed of steamers by which the mails were forwarded to New York. Eecognizing that a change was urgently demanded in the interest of the service, the New South Wales Post Office was, on receipt of your letter, immediately communicated with and asked to consent to Saturday being reverted to as the sailing-day from San Francisco, until other measures were considered for securing more regular connection between London and San Francisco. This was eventually agreed to, and at my request Sir Saul Samuel and yourself and the contractors were apprised by the New South Wales Post Office of the change. This alteration, while affording the contractors a measure of relief, will not disarrange the time-table, as mails reaching San Francisco on Friday will still, under the contract, be despatched on that day. Should the London Post Office decide—as I trust it may —to abandon Queenstown as a port of call for the steamers sailing from Liverpool for New York, and select only the swiftest vessels for the mails, the present serious delays would no doubt disappear. But, if this change is not to be brought about at once, it will be necessary for the colonies to make suitable representations to the London Post Office. Faster steamers should be selected for the transport of the colonial mails to New York, so that the punctuality of the service may be relied on, and its reputation for regularity maintained, on which its value to New Zealand so much depends. I shall therefore be glad if you will

• Vide No. 28.

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call the attention of the London Post Office authorities to the very unsatisfactory manner in which the service is at present worked, from the causes I have already pointed out. If the present day of despatch from London will not admit of the mails being forwarded by the fastest steamers, I am desirous that it be changed to any other suitable day on which the swiftest steamers leave Liverpool for New York. A Saturday despatch, I now agree with you, would be most inconvenient; but you will of course confer with the Agent-General for New South Wales and the London Post Office before recommending any change. New South Wales, I should inform you, is at present averse to an earlier despatch in the week than Thursday; but, seeing that that colony now mainly relies on the Orient service, I have every reason to hope that the New South Wales Post Office may be prevailed upon to consent to adopt any change which would be likely to secure punctuality in the transmission of our mails by the San Francisco service. I have, &c, Sir F. D. Bell, K.C.M.G., E. Oliver, Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Postmaster-General.

No. 34. The Hon. the Premier to the Agent-General, London. (Telegram.) Wellington, Ist March, 1884. Frisco mails again behind. Unless faster steamer, Thursday, inquire change day despatch. The Agent-General, London.

No. 35. Sir F. D. Bell to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 3rd March, 1884. I duly received your telegram of the Ist instant, of which I annex copy, showing how I have read it. The Agent-General of New South Wales informed the General Post Office and myself on the 23rd February that he had received a telegram from his Government notifying that, " at desire of New Zealand, departure of mail from San Francisco outward had been altered to Saturday;" and I now annex copy of that telegram. Your telegram states that instructions to me are on their way: in the meantime I communicated semi-officially with the Post Office; but I may mention that it is not possible for the Post Office to make sure of having a fast steamer to New York for the Thursday's despatch from London. I have, <fee, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

Enclosure 1 in No. 35. (Telegram.) Frisco mails again behind : unless faster steamer [is employed on] Thursday, inquire [read as "we shall require to"] change day [of] despatch.

Enclosure 2 in No. 35. The Hon. the Premier, Sydney, to the AGent-Geneeal for New South Wales, London. (Telegram.) Sydney, 23rd February, 1884. At desire New Zealand departure mail from Frisco outwards altered to Saturdays. Inform AgentGeneral, New Zealand. Alex. Stuart.

No. 36. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Sydney, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 12th March, 1884. Propose issuing Frisco time-table further six months, with alteration day departure from Frisco recently approved. Eeply. Postmaster-General, Sydney. Postmaster-General, Wellington.

No. 37. The Hon. Mr. Oliver to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 18th March, 1884. Wish issuing Frisco time-table deferred week or tw r o. Expect hear from Agent-General re possibility better time between London and Frisco. E. Oliver, Postmaster-General, Sydney. Postmaster-Genera}.

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No. 38. The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, sth April, 1884, Re your last telegram, how does matter Frisco table stand? Contractors inquiring. Secretary, Secretary, Post Office, Wellington. Post Office, Sydney. , „ —____ ,

No. 39. The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 21st April, 1884. Contractors' agents urging issue Frisco table, as inconvenience felt to their passenger traffic. Nothing yet from Agent-General ? Still waiting your consent to issue table further six months. Secretary, Secretary, Post Office, Wellington, Post Office, Sydney.

No. 40. Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd April, 1884. Issue Frisco time-table with Saturday as Frisco sailing-day. Secretary, Post Office, Sydney. W. Gray.

No. 41. Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, 25th April, 1884. I have the honour to send you the enclosed copy of the telegram which I forwarded you on the 23rd instant, in reply to yours of the 21st. It notifies the agreement of this department to Saturday being published as the date of sailing of the San Francisco mail-steamers from San Francisco in the new time-table. The delay in replying was caused by the desire to receive information from the Agent-General guiding the department. This information is not yet to hand. It is believed that, in a month or two, the mails will be transported between New York and San Francisco in five days. The contractors must, therefore, always be prepared to leave San Francisco on Friday, should the Home mails reach that place in time to admit of the steamer starting on that day. I have, &c, W. Gray, The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Secretary.

No. 42. The Hon. Mr. Dick to the Agent-General, London. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 26th April, 1884. In reference to my letter* to you of the 26th February, concerning delays to the colonial mails arriving at San Francisco, I have to again inform you that the mails were three days late in leaving San Francisco on each of the last two occasions. The time of transit between New York and San Francisco, however, will shortly be reduced to five days, and no doubt this will go a great way towards obviating the detentions which now seem inevitable; but something should be done as well by the London Post Office in the direction of insuring faster transit across the Atlantic. I need scarcely say that I shall be glad if you will represent the matter to the Post Office authorities as one of urgency to the interests of this colony. The time-table for a Ltrther period of six months is on the point of being issued. Its publication has been delayed in anticipation of hearing something favourable from you as to the possibility of faster steamers being employed for the carriage of our mails" to New York. In the absence of any such reply it has been decided to adhere to the original dates, except as relates to the day of departure from San Francisco, which has now been fixed for Saturday instead of Friday. I have, &c, Sir F. D. Bell, K.C.M.G., Thomas Dick, Agent-General for New Zealand, London. (for the Postmaster-General.)

No. 43. Mr. Lambton to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sic,— General Post Office, Sydney, 24th April, 1884. I am directed to inform you that, in accordance with the cablegram received from you on the 23rd instant, the time-table for the San Francisco mail service has been issued for a further term of six months, and enclosed are copies thereof for your use. You will observe that the day of sailing from San Francisco has been made Saturday instead of Friday, in compliance with your desire. I have, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. S. H. Lambton, Secretary.

• Vide No, 33,

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No. 44. Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 6th May, 1884. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 24th ultimo, and to thank you for the copies of the time-table for the San Francisco mail service for a further period of six months, with Saturday as the day of sailing of the mail steamer from San Francisco. I have, &c, W. Gray, The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Secretary.

No. 45 Mr. Gray to the President, Pacific Mail Steamship Company, New York. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 6th May, 1884. I have the honour to inform you that the time-table, copy enclosed, for the mail service between Great Britain, New Zealand, and New South Wales by way of San Francisco was issued by the Postmasters-General at the end of last month, for a further period of six months. The only alteration is that the mail steamers are appointed to leave San Francisco on Saturday instead of on Friday as previously announced; but, of course, the steamers will leave on Friday whenever the London mails reach San Francisco on that day. I have, &c, W. Gray, The President, Pacific Mail Steamship Company, New York. Secretary.

No. 46. Mr. DAegarno to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sir, — General Post Office, Sydney, 24th September, 1883. I am directed by the Postmaster-General to forward herewith, for your perusal, a copy of the draft agreement between the Governments of New South Wales and New Zealand and the Pacific Mail Steamship Company for the conveyance of mails to and from Sydney, Auckland, and San Francisco, from the expiration of the present contract. Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co. have perused this draft, and have asked that the following provision be made therein, as a continuation of clause 15, viz. : " Should the Government, of New South Wales withdraw from the contract as before provided, then it shall be optional with the contractors to continue to convey the New Zealand mails alone for such subsidy as may be arranged, terminating the contract at Auckland, but with permission to come on to a port in New South Wales, or to withdraw from the contract altogether." I have, &c, Jno. Dalgarno, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (for the Secretary.)

No. 47. Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 22nd October, 1883. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th ultimo, covering draft copy of the proposed agreement for the renewal of the San Francisco mail service with the Pacific Mail Steamship Company. Your draft agreement, which is retained, has been perused by the Postmaster-General, and I am directed to forward you another draft, with a few alterations, which the Postmaster-General considers should be made. The amendments of this office are in red ink ; yours in black ink. In clause 2 the minimum tonnage of the substitute boat is stated; and, in the first of the added clauses (15), the manner in which the contribution (equal to one-third of the annual subsidy) which may be received by the contractors is to be applied in reduction of the colonies' payments, is stated. Clause 16 is a substitution for what has been suggested by Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co. It requires the contractors, in the event of your colony withdrawing from the service, to give the Postmaster-General of New Zealand three months' notice of their intention to abandon the service altogether, and restricts the contractors from visiting any other port in the colonies but Auckland. I have, &c, W. Gray, The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Secretary.

No. 48. Mr. Lambton to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sir,— General Post Office, Sydney, 26th November, 1883. The draft contract agreement for renewal of the Pacific mail service, as altered by you and forwarded to me in your letter, dated the 22nd ultimo, has been sent for the perusal pf Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., and I am directed to transmit a copy of their letter in reply.

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You will perceive that Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co. suggest the 6th December as the date upon which the new contract shall take effect. The old contract terminated on the 15th November, and there seems to be no reason whatever why the new one should not commence on the 16th, as it cannot possibly affect the question of payment under either contract, especially as the old contract provides for all uncompleted voyages under that agreement being completed. As regards the contractors' observations in reference to the size of the substitute vessels, Mr. Trickett thinks there might be difficulty in chartering, at almost a moment's notice, a steamer of the stipulated 2,000 tons, and the Postmaster-General of New T Zealand may therefore be disposed to concede this point to the contractors. Clause 7 : Contractors propose that, in the event of a detention-—provided for under the contract —of seven days at San Francisco, they should be allowed four days' grace on leaving Sydney on the return trip. Such a concession would at once disturb the regularity of the whole service; but, on- the other hand, it is very easy to see that the contractors, in the event of such detention at San Francisco, would be unable to turn their boat round and start on the proper day without some such concession, unless, of course, by chartering another steamer. The San Francisco mail service is not now of such prime importance to this colony as it was formerly, and the Postmaster-General is willing to leave this request of contractors to be dealt with by your colony. In clause 16, the contractors' proposal that, in the event of New South Wales withdrawing at the end of the stipulated period from the contract, the contract shall hold good with New Zealand only, in all respects except that the vessels should not be permitted to go on to any other Australian port, is one that rests with your department to settle. Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co. also ask whether the contract should be signed in New York, or by them here as general agents. As it has been prepared by the Crown Solicitor here, it would, it is thought, be more expeditious and satisfactory if the contract were sent back here for completion, after the various points at issue have been settled by your colony, provided there would be no legal difficulty in the agents here signing on behalf of the contractors. The bond, when prepared, will of course have to be sent for the execution of the sureties. As regards the minor points, the words deleted by you in clause 3 are correctly scored out, and were only left in by an oversight. No objection is seen to the proposals in clause 15, as regards disposal of foreign subsidies; the verbal alterations in that clause are unobjectionable, and the proviso at the end seems a proper one. As regards the stipulation in clause 32, that the bond be executed within a certain number of days, the Postmaster-General thinks that if, instead of stipulating a certain number of days, the clause were to commence with the words " When required," it would meet the case. I have, Ac, S. H. Lambton, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, New Zealand. Secretary.

Enclosure in No. 48. Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co. to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Sydney. Sir,— Sydney, 19th November, 1883. We have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 2nd instant, enclosing copy of letter from the Postal Department, Wellington, of the 22nd ultimo, with draft agreement of new contract of the San Francisco mail service, which we return herewith, and beg to make the following remarks regarding the amendments therein : — Clause 2: We presume that the new contract will take effect from the 6th December. As to size of substitute (2,000 tons), it is only contemplated that this would apply to a steamer provided on an emergency, and therefore on short notice, and the selection would be limited to boats obtainable on such short notice in San Francisco or in the colonies. The limitation to 2,000 tons would narrow the choice, and make it extremely difficult and perhaps impossible to comply with, within the short period left for such selection. The contractors' own interest will make them study the comfort of the passengers, and the substitute would be subject to the conditions of time during which a voyage is to be performed. We suggest, therefore, that the tonnage of a substitute boat be not limited to 2,000 tons so long as the contractors find a vessel of sufficient speed to carry the mails up to contract time. Clause 7: In the event of the detention of the steamer for seven days in San Francisco, it would be only fair to allow the contractors to detain the steamer in Sydney, say not exceeding four days, and some allowance should be made for extra labour, night-work, &c, thereby rendered necessary in order to despatch the steamer within the shortened period. Clause 16: We trust that the Postmaster-General of New Zealand will not adhere to this new clause, but, in the event of New South Wales withdrawing from the contract for the last twelve months of the period, that he will consent to leave it optional with the contractors to come on to Sydney, from which the larger part of the freight and passenger revenue is derived. We do not suppose that the contractors would be able to continue the service, even with the advantage of Sydney freight and passage-money, for the New Zealand subsidy alone, but we suggest this option being given to the contractors, with the view of leaving the matter open, and continuing the service as at present, should they be willing to do so even at a loss, pending further negotiations between the Colonial Governments, for we hardly think New South Wales will ultimately decide to cut herself off from direct communication with the United States, even though the general policy of the latter country may be adverse to contributing to postal subsidies. We trust the above remarks and suggestions will meet with your approval, and, if they do so we shall be much obliged if you will be good enough to confirm and approve of them when returning the draft of agreement to the New Zealand Government.

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To save time, we think it would be well if the postal authorities at Wellington, New Zealand, were to forward direct to New York the draft agreement, for signature and completion. Do you wish the contract signed in New York by the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, or would you prefer it approved of by them and returned here to be signed by us as general agents ? Mr. Watt is still unable to attend to business, and his illness has prevented us giving this matter earlier attention. We have, &c, Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., General Agents for the Contractors, San Francisco Mail Service. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Sydney.

No. 49. Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, 20th December, 1883. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 26th ultimo., enclosing a copy of One of the 19th idem from Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co. to your department, on the renewal of the San Francisco mail service. Due consideration has been given to the several points raised, and I am to reply as follow x s : — 1. The new contract should have force from the day after that on which the late contract terminated : that is to say, it should date from the 29th ultimo, as the last voyage under the late agreement was actually completed at San ____"'„2O on the 28th idem. 2. As regards the size of the substitute boats, the Postmaster-General desires that the clause as amended by this department shall remain, but with this addition, between the words " two thousand tons" and " and every such vessel ": " Provided further that in any special case, and with the written consent of the Postmasters-General, a vessel of less than two thousand tons gross register may be used as such substitute as aforesaid." 3. Clause 7 : The Postmaster-General is unable to agree to the proposal of the contractors to postpone the departure of the steamer from Sydney four days, in the event of her being detained at San Francisco a week, as provided by the clause. The usefulness and reliability of the service would be completely destroyed by the possibility of the fixed dates of departure not being adhered to. 4. Added Clause 16: As this is not pertinent to the contract itself, the Postmaster-General has agreed to excise it altogether, if the contractors' agents are still unable to agree to its provisions. The point contended for by Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co. cannot be conceded by the PostmasterGeneral. 5. It is not clear that Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co. have the necessary powers to legally execute a contract; and the Postmaster-General is of opinion that the contract should be executed at New York by the proper officers of the company under seal. There can be no objection to Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co. signing an ad interim contract, pending execution by the company in New York. 6. The Postmaster-General is decidedly of opinion that the bond should be executed contemporaneously with the contract; and that notice should now be given the contractors to submit the names of their bondsmen. But he is willing that seven days' grace may be given. 7. If there be an agreement on these several points, the Postmaster will be glad if the Hon. Mr. Trickett will have the contract and bond prepared for execution. I have, &c, W. Gray, The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Secretary.

No. 50. Mr. Lambton to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sir, — General Post Office, Sydney, 7th January, 1884. With reference to your communication of the 20th ultimo, respecting certain points in connection with the renewal of the contract for the San Francisco mail service, a copy of which was forwarded to Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., general agents for the contractors, I am now directed to forward herewith a copy of their remarks thereon, and, at the same time, to intimate that the Postmaster-General, while of opinion that it is impossible to provide for every contingency that may arise, thinks that the modifications proposed in your communication under notice can well be agreed to, and has accordingly given instructions for the contract to be completed, the matters referred to by Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co. in the attached copy of their communication being dealt with as they arise. I have, &c, S, H. Lambton, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Secretary,

Enclosure in No. 50. Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co. to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Sydney. Sir, — Sydney, 2nd January, 1884. We have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 28th December, enclosing copy of a communication from the postal authorities in New Zealand, upon which we beg to make the following remarks:—

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1. Dates : 29th November or 6th December. We do not think this is of much consequence. 2. Size of Substitutes : In any case of this kind arising at this port we would of course seek the consent of both Postmasters-General. In San Francisco it may be impossible to obtain this : possibly the object might be met by obtaining the consent of the New Zealand Government Agent in San Francisco; but in both ports circumstances may arise, such as a ship requiring more extensive overhaul when she is in dock than anticipated. In such case the agents may be compelled to act on their own responsibility, and trust to meeting liberal consideration at the hands of the two Governments. 3. Postponement of Departures : As the detention of the steamer in San Francisco would be to enable the outgoing steamer to receive the mails, delayed probably on the Atlantic, over which they cannot exercise control, some allowance is only reasonable. The service being run with three steamers, to despatch the return steamer to the exact date may prevent the possibility of docking, and thus probably prolong the voyage quite as much as the delay in departure; but this matter also we must leave to the consideration of the respective Governments. We note the New Zealand Government do not allude to an allowance for extra labour incurred, and we trust they and you will consent to this. 4. Clause 16 : We note, the New Zealand Government are willing to omit. 5. We -would prefer the contract being submitted to New York to be executed by the proper officers of the company, as we have had no opportunity of ascertaining the view of the New York head office on the details of the renewed contract. 6. The sureties will be Messrs. John Elder and Co., at Glasgow, by whom the bond will be executed. We have, &c, Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., General Agents for the Contractors, San Francisco Mail Service. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Sydney.

No. 51. Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, 29th January, 1884. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 7th instant, conveying Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co.'s remarks on the points raised by this department in connection with the renewal of the San Francisco mail service, and intimating that the PostmasterGeneral, having agreed to the modifications proposed by this department, had given instructions for the completion of the contract. It is assumed that the contract will be signed in New York, and that the Agent-General will be requested to see that the bond is executed in due course by Messrs. Elder and Co. W. Gray, The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Secretary.

No. 52. Mr. Lambton to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sir, — General Post Office, Sydney, Bth April, 1884. Eeferring to previous correspondence, I am directed to forward herewith, for the perusal of the Hon. the Postmaster-General of New Zealand, ten printed copies of draft form of contract and draft bond, prepared at the instance of the Crown Solicitor, in connection with the renewal of the San Francisco mail contract. Perhaps you will be so good as to intimate whether they meet with approval. I may add that copies were submitted to Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., the contractors' agents here, who state that "they appear to be all in order." I have, &c, S. H. Lambton, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Secretary.

[The renewed contract and bond generally in terms of the contract and bond published in F.-4, 1881, except in respect to the dates and period of the contract, and with the following new clause inserted:— Clause 15. The contractors will endeavour to obtain from the Government of the United States or from other sources a contribution on account of the amounts payable under this contract for carrying the said mails from Sydney to San Francisco and from San Francisco to Sydney, and from Auckland to San Francisco and from San Francisco to Auckland, equal to one-third of the total amount of the moneys payable hereunder for such services*. And it is hereby expressly agreed that, if any such contribution shall be obtained as aforesaid, the same shall be applied and go in reduction of the payments agreed to be made under this contract, and that, as between the PostmasterGeneral of New South Wales and the Postmaster-General of New Zealand, such reduction shall bo divided equally between them in respect of the payments agreed to be made under this contract. And it is hereby also expressly declared and agreed between the several parties hereto that, if the contractors shall not succeed in obtaining such contribution as aforesaid, it shall be lawful for the Postmaster-General of the Colony of New South Wales to withdraw from this agreement at the end of twelve calendar months from the said twenty-ninth day of November, one thousand eight hundred and eighty-three, on giving three months' previous notice to the contractors of his desire so to do, and that the service of such notice upon the -contractors shall be deemed and taken to have

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been sufficiently made if the same is left with the agents for the time being of the said contractors in New South Wales : Provided that, immediately upon such notice being served on the contractors as aforesaid, they shall cause a copy thereof to be forwarded to the Postmaster-General of New Zealand for his information. In the bond the following words are inserted after the word "same," in eighth line from the bottom of the sixth page: "or in case the said company shall not in all other respects duly and faithfully perform and observe all other the covenants and agreements on the part of the contractors contained in the hereinbefore recited articles of agreement."]

No. 53. Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 19th April, 1884. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the Bth instant, forwarding printed copies of the draft contract and draft bond of the renewed San Francisco mail service. In reply, I beg to thank you for the copies, and to inform you that the Postmaster-General approves of the contract as it stands, and of the bond as it now appears with the correction in red ink made here. I forward a copy of the corrected bond. I have, &c, W. Gray, The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Secretary.

By Authority : Ghorge Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB4.