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1903. NEW ZEALAND.
OCEAN MAIL-SERVICES (FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO). [In continuation of Paper F.-6, presented on the 12th August, 1902.]
Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.
INDEX. San Fbancisco Mail-sebvice — Pages Contract with the Oceanic Company, &c. Steamers leaving Auckland on Friday, 1, 74. Detaining Steamers at San Francisco, 2, 20, 73. Demurrage, 2, 20. Leaving Auckland Three Days before Arrival of Inooming Steamer, 2, 20. Period for Distribution in United States, 3. Seventy-two Hours' Detention at San Francisoo to await Mails, 4 13-15, 17-20, 26, 75. Calling at Fanning Island, proposed Three-weekly, actual Six-weekly begun September, 1902, 5, 9, 22, 25-33, 39, 42, 47, 52, 59, 65, 67; Mail-agents to leave Correspondence at Pago Pago, 39 ; establishment of New Zealand Post-office, 43, 49, 55-8, 61, 66, 68; lengthening Voyage Distance and Time, 7 ; question of Postage-rates and Union Adherence, 59'; despatch of Mails from London, 59. Exemption Oceanic Steamers from Dues at Auckland, 6, 8. Proposal for Oceanio Steamers to call Noumea : Mr. Spreekels's Alleged Reasons, 23, 36. Cessation of Colleotion by New Zealand of Payments from other Administrations, 37, 44, 46, 48, 53-4, 60, 62-4; as to Bates payable, 69-70. Distribution of Copies of Contract, 34, 38, 45. Signalling Steamers passing Tiritiri, 50-1. Renewal of Servioe from May, 1903, 69. Continuing Service until Parliament deoides, 72, 72a .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ~ _ 2 -i7 Incidents of United States and Atlantic Transit, &c. Washington agrees to Stipulation in the New Zealand Contract for holding Steamers at San Francisco, 20, 73. That Mail-steamers catch the 10 a.m. Train at San Francisco, 75-8. Prompt Transfer of Mails at San Francisco, 78, 80-1, 85-6. Delay in United States, 79, 82, 88-9, 91. Cunard Company holding or not holding Steamers to expedite Despatoh of Mails, 79, 82-4, 86-7, 89-91, 90, 94; New York being a Tidal Harbour, 86-7. Steamers proposed to leave San Franoisco at 2 p.m. instead of 10 a.m. on Thursdays, 95, 96 .. .. .. .. .. ~ 17_26 Vancouver Service— Forwarding Mails for United States by Vanoouver Steamer to Honolulu, 97-8 .. .. .. 26 AUSTBALIA-SUEZ SERVICES— Christchureh Chamber of Commerce, for Weekly Post between Wellington and Sydney to conneot with Suez Mails, 99-102 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .... .. 27 iNTEBPBOVINCIAIi SEBVICE — Proposal for Lyttelton-Onehunga Time-table, 104. Discontinuing Daily New Plymouth-Oneuunga Service, 110-11. Transport from Wellington to New Plymouth, 104, 106-7. No Delay in Delivery of Marlborough and West Coast Mails, 105. Shipping Mails by " Ngapuhi," June, 1902, 107. Continuation of Agreement for Interprovinoial Servioe, 108-9 .. .. ~ ~ ~ 28-9
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SAN FBANCISCO SEEVICE.
CONTRACT WITH THE OCEANIC COMPANY, ETC.
No. 1. The Agent-Genekal to the Hon. the Peemieb. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sir,— 30th May, 1902. I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your cablegram of the 28th instant [No. 77, P.-6, 1902], stating that, commencing with the s.s. " Ventura's " departure on the 27th June, the steamers taking the mails to San Francisco will leave Auckland on Friday instead of Saturday. I at once communicated this information to the Imperial Post Office. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. W. P. Beeves.
No. 2. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macfablanb, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 3rd July, 1902. The Superintendent, Foreign Mails, Washington, now advises [No. 73] that his Department agrees to the insertion in the contract of provision for detaining Spreckels's steamers at San Francisco when that becomes necessary in order to receive there the British closed mails, provided such detention is requested by his Department. Nor is objection made to the proposed payment to the company of demurrage at the rate of £5 an hour after the first twelve hours. This is exceedingly satisfactory. The Superintendent also invites attention to the time-table under which the steamers leave Auckland three days before the arrival there of the incoming steamer, and he suggests that, if practicable, the future schedules of the company be so arranged that the steamers shall arrive at and depart from Auckland upon dates which will remove the inconvenience now felt, and about which complaints have been made to the Washington office, owing to the existing time-table. As you are aware, the time-tables have been fixed by Mr. Spreckels, and he informed us he was unable to make the change we suggested to him some time ago, which would have got rid of the objections. Inconvenience is also experienced at New York, as there is no time for replies by return of post to letters received by the incoming mail.
No. 3. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sir,— Auckland, 3rd July, 1902. We are exceedingly pleased to receive your telegram of even date, advising that the Washington postal authorities have agreed to the main points at issue of the New Zealand contract. In reference to the steamers leaving Auckland for San Francisco three days before the arrival of the inward steamer, this point has been discussed at some length locally. Personally, we had formed the opinion that, while it did not suit the Auckland people very well, it gave the merchants, especially of the South Island, an opportunity to read their letters, execute orders, and forward same by the return mail. For example, should the San Francisco steamer arrive here on the Monday and a steamer leave on the following Monday for San Francisco, the mails of the former steamer would barely have reached Dunedin or the Bluff before the others left, and there would then be a blank of at least twenty-one days before replies would go forward. Take the principle centres on the other side at which New Zealand mail is distributed : San Francisco mails distributed on Monday are despatched ten days later; Chicago mails distributed on Friday are despatched two days later; New York mails distributed on Saturday are despatched same day; London mails distributed on Saturday are despatched on the following Saturday. From the above it would appear that the States from Illinois eastward are inconveniently served by the present service, but the westward States and London seem to have fair time to reply to Australasian mails. Necessarily the Washington Post Office is in a position to exercise con-
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siderable influence with Mr. Spreckels. We would recommend, if you think the present time-fable can be greatly improved on, that you pass on your views to the United States Postmaster-General, who could then take up the question of change with Mr. Spreckels. Should you do this we should be very pleased if you would give us an outline of the changes you have suggested, so that we can keep in touch with any alteration which might possibly eventuate. Apart from any future change, we have reason to congratulate ourselves on the change of sailing-date from this port, though, curious to remark, the steamers now seem to be getting into splendid steaming-form. Trusting the future will develop a punctual and a satisfactory service to all the principal points embraced, We remain, &c, Hendebson and Macfaelane. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 4. Messrs. Hendeeson and Macfablane, Auckland, to the Secbetaby, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sic, — Auckland, 23rd July, 1902. We have now the honour to forward you the contract for conveyance of ocean mails, hearing the signature of Mr. John D. Spreckels for Messrs. the J. D. Spreckels and Bros. Company, and have to confirm our telegram just despatched apprising you of our intention to post it by this day's mail. Mr. Spreckels writes that in virtue of the understanding between your good self and this firm he has amended clause 9to read seventy-two hours in lieu of ninety-six. He points out that the steamers have at the present time only ten days in Sydney, and are obliged to work continually overtime to be ready for the return voyage to San Francisco. If the English mails arrive late in San Francisco this time is necessarily subject to a further reduction, and imperils the correct delivery of the outward mail at San Francisco. Mr. Spreckels is most anxious to meet your wishes where he can possibly do so, and regrets his inability to bind his company to a delay at San Francisco which might disarrange all the delivery dates on the return trip. Even when the steamers will be delayed seventy-two hours at San Francisco waiting for the mails, considerable expense will require to be borne by the Oceanic Company, as the demurrage of £5 per hour after the .first twelve hours will in no way recoup them for the delay. Mr. Spreckels trusts that you will use every possible effort to have the mails despatched from Europe to reach San Francisco on their due date; also that you will impress on the postal authorities at Home the necessity for despatching their mails by swift Atlantic steamers, and not by a slower boat when a fast steamer belonging to a different company is leaving on the same date. We are confident that you will appreciate the fact that in not pressing Messrs. J. D. Spreckels and Bros, to sign the contract providing for a ninety-six-hours delay at San Francisco you are directly assisting them to maintain time-table dates, and indirectly meeting the wishes of all New Zealand correspondents. Trusting, therefore, that you will accept the enclosed contract with the one amendment made by Mr. Spreckels, We have, &c, Hendeeson and Macfaelane, General Agents for New Zealand. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 5. Messrs. Henderson and Macfaelane, Auckland, to the Seceetaby, General Post Office Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sic,— Auckland, 23rd July, 1902. We have the honour to refer to you a request from Messrs. the J. D. Spreckels and Bros. Company that your Government consent to the three Oceanic sister-ships now carrying out the mail contract between this port and San Francisco calling at Fanning Island on their way from Auckland and Pago Pago to Honolulu and San Francisco. The request for this call was made to Messrs. Spreckels by Mr. David Cuthbert, Superintendent of the Pacific Cable Board, and the following reply from Mr. Spreckels to. that gentleman will show you the present position. Mr. Spreckels writes to him as follows: " Referring to the conversation between you and our Mr. Samuels in reference to the stoppage of our mail-steamers at Fanning Island on their way from Sydney, Auckland, and Pago Pago to Honolulu and San Francisco, we beg to say that, provided the New Zealand Government desires us to do so, we will call at Fanning Island every twenty-one days with our through steamers. Passenger and freight rates are to be the same as now existing between San Francisco and Auckland. Both passengers and freight would be landed at Pago Pago by our down steamer, and six days later would be taken on board by our up steamer and delivered at Fanning Island. Both passengers and freight would be required to bear their own expenses at the Port of Pago Pago while waiting the arrival of the up-bound steamer. Upon arrival at Fanning Island the steamer must be promptly met by a craft from the shore for the transferring of passengers, mails, and freight. One hour will be the limit of time for stoppage at Fanning Island. Should the weather prove such that it would be impossible to safely land the passengers or freight, then such passengers and freight are to be taken on to Honolulu and -there transferred to the
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steamer which will arrive on the way to Pago Pago. Passengers and freight in such case to pay the local rate between Honolulu and Pago Pago in addition to the fare and freight originally paid. Passenger and freighc rates from Sydney and Auckland to Fanning Island to be the same as at present from these points to Honolulu." Will you kindly advise us if your Government is willing that the call should be made ? We have, &c, Hbndbeson and Macfaelanb, General Agents for New Zealand. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 6. Messrs. Hbndeeson and Maopablane, Auckland, to the Sbcbbtaky, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sib,— Auckland, 24th July, 1902. In reference to clause 15 of the contract for the conveyance of ocean mails between this port and San Francisco, would you kindly inform us if the Oceanic mail-steamers are exempt from the payment of light dues, as well as harbour and dock dues ? Thanking you in anticipation of a reply, We have, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Hendebson and Macpablane.
No. 7. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Captain Edwin, Wellington. (Memorandum.) General Post Office, Wellington, 25th July, 1902. A pboposal has been made for the San Francisco mail-steamers to call at Fanning Island while on the voyage to Honolulu and San Francisco. Will you kindly inform me what extra distance would have to be traversed if this proposal is agreed to, and to what extent the voyage would be lengthened in point of time, taking an average speed of, say, fifteen knots an hour? Captain Edwin, Wellington. . W. Gbay, Secretary. Eeply : Additional distance, 108 knots. Additional time at fifteen knots, seven hours.
No. 8. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. Gentlemen, — General Post Office, Wellington, 30th July, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th instant, asking whether the steamers of the Oceanic Steamship Company are exempt from payment of light dues at Auckland, as well as harbour and dock dues. In reply, I have to inform you that the steamers are not so exempt. Light dues are payable, as they are not included by the Harbours Act of 1878 in the dues from which the contractors are exempt from payment. I have, &c, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. W. Gray, Secretary.
No. 9. The Hon. the Acting-Premiee to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) Wellington, Ist August, 1902. Consented to Frisco steamers calling at Fanning Island on voyage from Auckland. Contractors applied outcome request by Cuthbert. Assume this with Board's concurrence.
No. 10. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Hendeeson and Macpaelane, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, Ist August, 1902. Bbpeering to your letter of the 23rd ultimo : Postmaster-General consents to Frisco steamers calling at Fanning Island on outward voyage.
No. 11. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macparlane, Auckland. Gentlemen,— . General Post Office, Wellington, Ist August, 1902. I have the honour to confirm my telegram to you to-day. The Minister desires me to add that he had much pleasure in giving the consent asked for in
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your, letter, and he acknowledges Mr. Spreckels's courtesy and liberal spirit in so readily falling in with the request made on behalf of the Pacific Cable Board. It is hoped that the detention at Panning Island will be minimised as indicated in Mr. Spreckels's reply to Mr. Cuthbert. I have, &c, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. W. Geay, Secretary.
No. 12. The Hon. the Acting-Pbemieb to the Agent-Genebal. Sib, — Premier's Office, Wellington, Ist August, 1902. I have the honour to forward herewith copy of a letter, dated the 23rd ultimo, from the agents of the Oceanic Steamship Company, Auckland, to the Secretary of the General Post Office here, preferring a request from Messrs. the J. D. Spreckels and Bros. Company that consent be given to the San Francisco steamers calling at Fanning Island on their way from Auckland. I had much pleasure in consenting to the request to call at Fanning Island, and have thanked the contractors for so readily falling in with what I assumed to be the wish of the Pacific Cable Board. I enclose copy of my cablegram to you to-day. I have, &c, J. G. Wabd, Acting-Premier. The Hon. W. P. Beeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, London.
No. 13. Messrs. Hendeeson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Secbetary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, Ist August, 1902. Glad Minister consents call Fanning Island. Can we now cable amendment clause nine of contract accepted ?
No. 14. The Sbceetaby, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Hendebson and Macfaelane, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, Ist August, 1902. Not yet.
No. 15. Messrs. Hendeeson and Macfaelane, Auckland, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sic, — Auckland, 2nd August, 1902. We have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your favour of the 30th ultimo and telegrams of the Ist instant. We note that the Postmaster-General has not yet decided whether he will accept the amendment in clause 9 of the mail contract with the Oceanic Company, and trust that after reading Mr. Spreckels's reasons [No. 4] for the amendment he will see his way to do so. We are pleased to note that the Postmaster-General consents to our steamers calling at Fanning Island on the upward trip, and have also to thank you for advising in respect to the payment of light dues by our company. We have, &c, Hendebson and Macfaelane. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 16. Messrs. Hendeeson and Macfaelane, Auckland, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 6th August, 1902. Be amendment clause nine: Kindly advise if I can pass on Minister's assent this mail. Be call Fanning Island: Pacific Cable Board now think sufficient if steamer calls once six weeks instead three.
No. 17. Messrs. Hendebson and Macfablane, Auckland, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sic,— Auckland, Bth August, 1902. On the 6th instant we despatched a telegram to you which read [No. 16]. We are sorry you were not able to answer this before the mail left to-day, and take it that the Minister is somewhat reluctant to give his consent.
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Considering the fineness of the time-table, we can realise the spirit in which Mr. Spreckels made the amendment, as even a delay of three days at San Francisco means a terrible rush for the round trip, and the possibility of leaving Sydney short of coal and with many a thing undone which should have been done. Of course, according to our agreement, the question can still be reopened by Sir Joseph Ward; but we sincerely trust that, considering the contract has already run quite a part of its duration, the reading of clause 9 will be accepted just as it now is. As we previously wrote you, we did not imagine for a moment that the steamer would leave San Francisco immediately on the expiration of the seventy-two hours as provided for in the contract, as they would be almost sure to know to a moment when the mails would arrive, and if despatched from Liverpool on their due date by a fast steamer it is improbable, to say the least of it, that even three days' detention will ever occur. .... We remain, &c, Hbndebson and Macfablane. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 18. The Secbetaby, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macfaelane, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 12th August, 1902. Fe'isco contract : Minister has agreed to seventy-two instead of ninety-six hours' detention at Frisco on the conditions already discussed by ourselves.
No. 19. Messrs. Hkndkbson and Macfablane, Auckland, to the Secbetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sib,— Auckland, 13th August, 1902. Thanks very much for your telegram of 12th instant, advising the Minister's consent to clause 9of the mail contract on the conditions discussed between ourselves. We have cabled the information to Mr. Spreckels, also advising him in the same cable of the Minister's agreeing to our steamers calling at Fanning Island. We think this will be done alternate trips Yours, &c, Hendebson and Macfaelane. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 20. The Sbceetaby, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Supeeintendent of Foeeign Mails, Washington, D.C. Sik,— General Post Office, Wellington, 15th August, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22nd May last [No. 73], informing me, in reply to mine of the 24th April on the subject of the revision of the San Francisco mail-service contract, that your Administration has no objection to the insertion in the contract of a stipulation that the Oceanic Steamship Company shall hold its steamers at San Francisco when that course becomes necessary in order that the British closed mails may connect with them. I note that requests to the company for the detention of steamers will be made by you, and that no objection is raised to the company being paid demurrage on account of detention at the rate of £5 an hour after the first twelve hours. The Postmaster-General directs me to express his cordial appreciation of the ready response of your office to the wishes of this Department. Your suggestion that the revised contract should, if practicable, provide for the arrival at and departure from Auckland of the steamers at more convenient dates than at present, has had careful consideration, but I regret to say that no change appears possible so long as the three-weekly service is performed by only three vessels. The fact of the outward mail leaving Auckland three days before the arrival of the inward mail received full consideration in the first instance, and the contractors have on more than one occasion since then expressed their inability to make any change, and have represented that the inward schedule, which was drawn up by your office, governed the outward one. The present minimum stay of the mail-steamers at the terminal ports of San Francisco and Sydney would, unfortunately, appear to be unavoidable. I have, &c, The Superintendent, Office of Foreign Mails, W. Gbay, Secretary. Post Office Department, Washington, D.C.
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No. 21. The Secrbtaby, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. General Post Office, Wellington, 15th August, 1902. Gentlemen, — San Francisco Mail-service Contract. I have the honour to refer to your letter of the 23rd ultimo on the above subjecti and to confirm my telegram in reply of the 12th instant. The contract as signed by the Postmaster-General and the Messrs. Spreckels and Bros. Company has been laid before Parliament. I have, &c, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. W. Gbay, Secretary.
No. 22. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 15th August, 1902. Unless receive cable from Mr. Spreckels, "Ventura" will not call Fanning Island this trip. Will advise you immediately we hear.
No. 23. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Sir,— Auckland, 18th August, 1902. We have the honour to direct your attention to the subjoined copy of a Press cable which appeared in the Auckland Star and other New Zealand papers in issue of the 19th May last, and which dealt with a proposal by Mr. Spreckels for the Oceanic mail-steamers to make Noumea a port of call. We drew Mr. Spreckels's attention to the wording of the cable, from which the inference could be taken that he pointed out to the French colony the advantage of doing so in case of France being at war with England, and are now in receipt of his reply advising that he mentioned nothing that could be construed or twisted into such a suggestion, and requests us to give absolute denial of his ever having entertained such an idea. We have therefore the honour to advise you of the tenor of his remarks, and remain, &0., Henderson and Macfablane. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. " News from Noumea, New Caledonia, states that the General Council discussed a proposal by Mr. Spreckels for the San Francisco steamers to call at Noumea for an annual subsidy. Amongst the advantages pointed out were that the French colony would be able to import from America corn and conserves, of which Australia at present had the monopoly; while in case of war with England the line would bring Noumea within twenty-eight days of Paris. The Council has authorised the Administrator to negotiate with Mr. Spreckels on the basis of a subsidy of 50,000 francs a year."
No. 24. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Acting-Premier. (Telegram.) London, 19th August, 1902.. Pacific Cable Board request you to give formal permission Spreckels call Fanning Island.
No. 25. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 20th August, 1902. Did you not advise Mr. Spreekels by cable that steamers may call at Fanning Island? AgentGeneral just cabled requesting that Spreckels be formally advised that Postmaster-General consents to steamers calling at the island. Kindly reply at once.
No. 26. Messrs. Hendhbson and Macfarlanb, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 20th August, 1902. Cabled Mr. Spreckels on the 13th instant that Postmaster-General accepted amendment to clause 9of contract; also that he agreed to steamers calling at Fanning Island.
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No. 27. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Hendebson and Macfablane, Auckland. (Telegram ) Wellington, 20th August, 1902. It is now believed that Agent-General's cable meant that we should get Mr .Spreckels to direct that "Ventura" call at Fanning Island on outgoing voyage. Would you ask Mr. Spreckels to arrange this, or would you prefer that we should cable him ?
No. 28. Messrs. Hendeeson and Macpaelane, Auckland, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram ) Auckland, 20th August, 1902. As suggested, am cabling Mr. Spreckels to arrange, if possible, "Ventura" call Fanning Island. Will advise you as soon as reply comes to hand.
No. 29. The Hon. the Acting-Peemieb to the Agent-Geneeal. (Telegram.) Wellington, 20th August, 1902. Youb telegram nineteenth : Spreckels requested instruct outgoing steamer call Fanning.
No. 30. Messrs. Hendebson and Macpablane, Auckland, to the Secbetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram ) Auckland, 22nd August, 1902. Befeeence Fanning Island : San Francisco cables they have arranged for " Sierra " make first call.
No. 31. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Hendeeson and Macfablane, Auckland. (Telegram ) Wellington, 25th August, 1902. Fanning Island and your telegram 22nd : Am I to understand that " Ventura " will not call at Fanning Island ? Kindly reply sharp.
No. 32. Messrs. Hendeeson and Macpaelane, Auckland, to the Secbetaby, General Pose Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 25th August, 1902. " Vbntuba " will not call Fanning Island this trip.
No. 33. The Hon. the Acting-Pbemieb to the Agent-Geneeal. (Telegram ) Wellington, 25th August, 1902. Fanning Island and my telegram twentieth: Now learn outgoing steamer will not touch at island " Sierra," leaving Auckland nineteenth September, will be first vessel calling.
No. 34. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Hbndebson and Macpablane, Auckland. Gentlemen — General Post Office, Wellington, 27th August, 1902. In 'reply to your letter of the 20th instant [not printed], I have pleasure in forwarding herewith, as requested, three copies of the San Francisco mail-service contract I have, &c, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, W. Geay, Secretary.
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No. 35. Messrs. Hbndbeson and Macfaelane, Auckland, to the Secbetaby, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sib,— Auckland, 29th August, 1902. We have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 27th and telegram of 28th instant [not printed], also to thank you for forwarding three copies of the San Francisco mail contract. These copies came to hand in time to be forwarded to San Francisco by the " Ventura's " mail; and thanking you for your attention to our request, We have, &c, Henderson and Macfarlane, General Agents for New Zealand. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 36. The Sbcbbtary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Hbndbeson and Macfablane, Auckland. Gentlemen, — General Post Office, Wellington, 3rd September, 1902. I have the honour, by direction, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th August, directing attention to a Press cablegram which appeared in several New Zealand newspapers in May last with reference to the advantages pointed out in favour of the proposal that the San Francisco steamers should call at Noumea. The Postmaster-General has noted Mr. Spreckels's remarks as conveyed in your letter under acknowledgment. I have, &c, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. W. Geay, Secretary.
No. 37. Messrs. Hendebson and Macpaelane, Auckland, to the Secretaby, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sib, — Auckland, 9th September, 1902. We have the honour to draw your attention to the carriage of mails from the Australian States, Tasmania, and Fiji by our steamers to San Francisco. The last payment by your Government covered the period from Ist November, 1900, to 30th June, 1901, and we now respectfully ask whether payment for the period from Ist July, 1901, to 30th June, 1902, is not due. We have, &c, Hendebson and Maopablane. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 38. The Secbbtaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Hendebson and Macfarlane, Auckland. Sib,— General Post Office, Wellington, 12th September, 1902. , I have the honour to forward herewith for your acceptance three additional copies of the contract between the Postmaster-General of this colony and the J. D. Spreckels and Bros. Company for the conveyance of mails between Auckland and San Francisco. I have, &c, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. W. Geay, Secretary. [Letters in similar terms to the J. D. Spreckels and Bros. Company, San Francisco; Mr. H. Stephenson Smith, Eesident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco (with three copies each); to the Managing Director, Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin (with two copies); and to the Manager, Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Wellington (with one copy).]
No. 39. The Hon. the Postmastee-Genebal, Wellington, to the Seceetaby, General Post Office, London. Sib, General Post Office, Wellington, 15th September, 1902. I have the honour to inform you that this Administration will, commencing with the voyage of the " Sierra " on the 19th instant, be in a position to despatch mails for Fanning Island once every six weeks by the mail-steamers leaving Auckland for San Francisco. The time-table will, when it is finally settled, be advertised in our " Post and Telegraph Guide." Correspondence despatched from the United Kingdom by way of San Francisco should be enclosed in the mail labelled " Samoa," as it will be necessary for the Mail-agents to leave such correspondence at %— F. 6.
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Pago Pago to be picked up by the outgoing steamers. Correspondence forwarded by the eastern route should be enclosed in the Auckland mails. I have, &c, W. Gbay, for the Postmaster-General. The Secretary, General Post Office, London.
No. 40. The Sbcebtaby, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Director, International Bureau of the Universal Postal. Union, Berne. Sib,— General Post Office, Wellington, 15th September, 1902. I have the honour to inform you that this Administration will be in a position to despatch mails for Fanning Island once every six weeks by the mail-steamers leaving Auckland for San Francisco. Will you kindly advise other Administrations ? Fanning Island is one of the Pacific telegraph-cable stations. I have, &c, W. Gray, Secretary. The Director, International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union, Berne.
No. 41. The Secbbtaey, General. Post Office, Wellington, to the Superintendent, Office of Foreign Mails, Washington. S IE) General Post Office', Wellington, 15th September, 1902. I have the honour to inform you that this Administration will be in a position to despatch mails for Fanning Island by the mail-steamers leaving Auckland for San Francisco. The present intention is that the outward steamers only shall call at Fanning Island once every six weeks, beginning with the voyage of the " Sierra " from Auckland on the 19th instant. The New Zealand Marine Post Office will make up a mail addressed to the Superintendent of the Pacific Cable Board at Fanning Island until it is decided whether a post-office is to be opened. Correspondence from the United States should be handed by the San Francisco Post Office to the New Zealand Mail-agent, or enclosed in a bag directed to him. I have, &c, The Superintendent, Office of Foreign Mails, W. Gbay, Secretary. Post Office Department, Washington, D.C.
No. 42. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne. Sic, — General Post Office, Wellington, 15th September, 1902. I have the honour to inform you that this Department will be in a position to despatch mails from Fanning Island once every six weeks by mail-steamer leaving Auckland for San Francisco. The time-table will, when it is finally settled, be advertised in our " Post and Telegraph Guide." Correspondence should, be sent forward on Auckland, except that conveyed by the outward mail-steamer, which is to call at Fanning Island. In such case a mail should be made up for the New Zealand Marine Post Office. Will you kindly instruct the Sydney office accordingly? I have, &c, The Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, W. Gray, Secretary. Commonwealth of Australia, Melbourne.
No. 43. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Superintendent, Pacific Cable Station, Fanning Island. Sic,— General Post Office, Wellington, 16th September, 1902. All mail-matter for Fanning Island will for the time being be made up in a mail by the Mail-agents on the steamers and delivered to you for distribution ; and any correspondence desired to be forwarded from the island should be delivered to the Mail-agents for disposal, on being prepaid in New Zealand postage-stamps, which may be obtained from the Mailagents. You will probably agree with me that it is advisable to establish a post-office at the island, and I assume you will be willing to accept the position of Postmaster, seeing that the mailmatter will be almost entirely for and from members of your staff. I have asked Mr. Isbister, the Mail-agent, to see you personally and explain what is really required of a Postmaster in charge of an office at such a place as Fanning Island I have, &c, W. Gray, Secretary. The Superintendent, Pacific Cable Station, Fanning Island.
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No. 44. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macpaelane, Auckland. Sib,— General Post Office, Wellington, 17th September, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th instant, on the subject of payment for the carriage of mails from the Australian States, Tasmania, and Fiji by the San Francisco steamers during the period Ist July, 1901, to the 30th June, 1902. In reply, I have to invite your attention to my letter of the 22nd July, 1901 (No. 2 in Parliamentary Paper F.-6 of this year, on the subject of ocean mail-services), in which Messrs. the Spreckels and Bros. Company were advised that from the Ist idem your company would make its own arrangements with the States concerned, including Tasmania, for the conveyance of Australian mails. The New Caledonia Post Office will also make payment to your company direct for the carriage of its mails. , My letter of the 11th June last (No. 89 in parliamentary paper above quoted) intimated that this Department proposed to make payment annually of the amount due to your company for the conveyance of Fijian correspondence, and so soon as a complete year's payments have been received from Suva a statement will be rendered showing the amount payable to the Oceanic Steamship Company. I have, 4c, Messrs. Henderson and Maefarlane, W. Gray, Secretary. General Agents for New Zealand, Oceanic Steamship Company, Auckland.
No. 45. The Hon. the Acting-Premier to the Agent-General. g IB Premier's Office, Wellington, 18th September, 1902. I have the honour to forward herewith for your acceptance three copies of the contract between the Postmaster-General of this colony and the J. D. Spreckels and Bros. Company for the conveyance of mails between Auckland and San Francisco. I have, &c, J. G. Ward, Acting-Premier. The Hon. W. P. Eeeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, London.
No. 46. Messrs. Hknderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), g m __ Auckland, 20th September, 1902. We have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of 17th instant .... about mails from outside States. We note from your letter under reply that your Department will make annual payment of the amount due to our company for the conveyance of Fijian correspondence, and that the Australian States, Tasmania, and New Caledonia will make payment direct for the mails conveyed from there by our steamers. We have endeavoured to trace the letter you advise having sent us on this subject, and which was dated 22nd July, 1901, but have failed to do so, and would feel obliged if you would forward us copy of same We have, &c, Henderson and Macfarlane, General Agents for New Zealand. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 47. The Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Commonwealth of Australia, Postmaster-General's Department, g lß| _ Melbourne, 27th September, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 15th instant, informing me that your Department will be in a position to despatch mails for Fanning Island by the mail-steamers leaving Auckland for San Francisco every six weeks, and asking that the Sydney office be directed to send correspondence forward on Auckland, except that conveyed by the outward mail-steamer, which is to call at Fanning Island. The necessary instructions have been issued accordingly. I have, &c, Eobt. T. Scott, Secretary. ■ The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
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No. 48. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. Gentlemen, — General Post Office, Wellington, 29th September, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th instant, stating that you were unable to trace the letter from this office on the subject of direct payment from the Australian States for the conveyance of mails from these places by the San Francisco steamers. In reply, I have to inform you that the letter in question was addressed to the J. D. Spreckels and Bros. Company. At the request of that firm a copy was forwarded to Messrs. Burns, Philp, and Co., Sydney, for whose action the matter was supposed to be entirely. I now enclose copy of the letter as desired. I have, &c, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. W. Gray, Secretary.
No. 49. The Superintendent, Pacific Cable Station, Fanning Island, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sir, Fanning Island, Ist October, 1902. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 16th September, and to thank you for the information with reference to the mail-steamers and " Colonia," and also for the papers, &c, which you so kindly sent It is very necessary that we should have a post-office here. I am quite willing to act as Postmaster, and have requested Mr. Isbister by letter to arrange with the Mail-agent on the next steamer calling to have ready for me a supply of stamps, post-cards, and any forms necessary. It would be very convenient for the staff here if you could arrange for a parcel-post service to enable us to get parcels from Auckland, and from England, &c, via Auckland. Yours, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. David Cuthbert.
No. 50. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. Gentlemen, — General Post Office, Wellington, 9th October, 1902. I have the honour to inform you that, in order to facilitate the receipt of mails at Auckland, the Marine Department, at the suggestion of the Chief Postmaster, has authorised a code of signals for use by the inward San Francisco mail-steamers when passing the Tiritiri Lighthouse at night. On the signals from the mail-steamer —namely, two long and one short blasts of the steamwhistle—being heard by the light-keeper, he will exhibit a flash-light as follows—long, short; long, short; long, short —to indicate that he understands the message. When the vessels of the Oceanic Steamship Company are arriving from Sydney it would be in conformity with an arrangement to be made with the Union Steam Ship Company and the Huddart-Parker Proprietary were the signals under such circumstances to be one long and one short blasts. As this will no doubt prove of equal convenience to your company, perhaps you will be so good as to request the commanders concerned to make use of the code. I have, &c, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, W. Gray, Secretary. Agents, Oceanic Steamship Company, Auckland. [Similar letters addressed to the Managing Director, Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin ; the Manager, the Huddart, Parker, and Company Proprietary (Limited), Wellington ; the Agents, Tyser Line (Limited), Wellington ; the General Manager, New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited), Christchurch ; and the Agents, Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company (Limited), Wellington.]
No. 51. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sib,— Auckland, 13th October, 1902. We have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your communication of the 9th instant, dealing with signals which the Chief Postmaster has suggested should be used when the mailsteamers are passing Tiritiri light. We are requesting the commanders of the Oceanic mailsteamers to act in accordance therewith, and would only add that the arrangement should certainly prove convenient to all parties, as the light-keeper will no doubt immediately report the steamers to Auckland after the signals. We have, &c, Henderson and Macfarlane. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
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No. 52. The Supbbintendent of PoREiGN Mails, Washington, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Post Office Department, Office of Foreign Mails, Washington, D.C., Sir,— 16th October, 1902. I have the honour, by direction of the Postmaster-General, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th September last, announcing that your Administration is prepared to despatch mails for Fanning Island by the mail-steamer leaving Auckland for San Francisco on the 19th September and every six weeks thereafter, and stating that articles from the United States should be delivered by the San Francisco Post Office to the New Zealand Mail-agent. In reply, I am to inform you that due notice of the foregoing has been taken, and to inquire whether Fanning Island is to be considered as a part of New Zealand to the extent that parcels-post packages destined for that island should be accepted when presented for mailing in this country. I am, &c, N. M. Brooks, Superintendent of Foreign Mails. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington.
No. 53 Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sir, — Auckland, 3rd November, 1902. We have the honour to refer you to your letter of the 17th September, in which you state that the New Caledonia Post Office will make payment direct for the carriage of its mails to San Francisco. This information we passed on to our San Francisco friends, who now ask us to give them the date at which payment commences, also for what period settlement will be made, whether yearly or otherwise. We will feel much obliged if you can furnish us with this information, which resolves itself into the question of when the last payment was made by the New Caledonian authorities and the date of the next despatch. We have, &c, Henderson and Macfarlane. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 54. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sir, — Auckland, 4th November, 1902. Messrs. the J. D. Spreckels and Bros. Company, referring to a letter which we wrote to them dealing with the payment for conveyance of Fijian correspondence, and in which letter we advised that payment would be made annually, ask us when the first year will expire, or, in other words, to advise the month which terminates the year outstanding. Will you kindly advise us and oblige, Yours, &c, Henderson and Macfarlane. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 55. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Secretary, General Post Office, London. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, 12th November, 1902. I have the honour to inform you that an agency of the New Zealand Post Office has been established at Fanning Island, and that parcels for that place may be treated and sent forward in the New Zealand mails under the same conditions as are applied to parcels for places on the mainland of this colony. I have, &c., W. Gray, for the Postmaster-General. The Secretary, General Post Office, London.
No. 56. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Director, International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union, Berne. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, 12th November, 1902. I have the honour to inform you that an agency of the New Zealand Post Office has been established at Fanning Island, and I shall be obliged if you will advise countries of the Postal Union that Postal Union rates will apply to mail-matter forwarded to and from that island. I have, &c, W. Gray, Secretary. The Director, International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union, Berne.
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No. 57. The Sbcebtaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to che Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 12th November, 1902. I have the honour to inform you that an agency of the New Zealand Post Office has been established at Fanning Island, and that parcels for that place may be treated and sent forward in the New Zealand mails under the same conditions as apply to parcels for places on the mainland of this colony. I have, &c, W. Gray, Secretary. The Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne. [The same letter also sent to the Deputy Postmasters-General, Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, and Ottawa ; the Superintendent, Office of Foreign Mails, Post Office Department, Washington, D.C. ; and the Director-General of Posts, Berlin.]
No. 58. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager, Pacific Cable Board, London. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 13th November, 1902. I have the honour to inform you that, anticipating your approval, an agency of the New Zealand Post Office has been established at Fanning Island, Mr. Outhbert, the Superintendent of the cable station, having expressed his willingness to act as Postmaster. The post-office should be a convenience to the Pacific Cable Board's employees on the'island, as it will enable them to receive ordinary mail-matter from all parts of the world, as well as parcels from places which have parcelpost exchanges with New Zealand. I have, &c, The General Manager, Pacific Cable Board, London. W. Gray, Secretary.
No. 59. The Secretary, General Post Office, London, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Sir, — General Post Office, London, 14th November, 1902. I am directed by the Postmaster-General to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th September last, and to thank you for informing him that, once in six weeks, there will be an opportunity for sending correspondence to Fanning Island by means of the mail-steamers on the line from Auckland to San Francisco. With reference to the statement that any correspondence from this country for Fanning Island sent via San Francisco should be enclosed in the mail labelled " Samoa," I am to say that instructions have been given accordingly. It is understood that, as matters stand, the connection will be secured by the mails leaving London on the 15th November, 27th December, and thenceforward every six weeks. There would, it is calculated, be no advantage in sending correspondence for Fanning Island to Auckland via Italy on the first and second Fridays following a despatch by the San Francisco route. The Director of the International Bureau of the Postal Union has inquired of this Department, in connection with a communication which he had received from you, whether Fanning Island is included in the Postal Union. The Postmaster-General has no certain knowledge of the position in which the island stands in regard to the Government of New Zealand, and he is inquiring of the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it should, for postal purposes, be regarded as part of New Zealand, and as such included not only in the Postal Union, but in the penny-postage system. I am, &c, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. H. Buxton Forman.
No. 60. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. Gentlemen, — General Post Office, Wellington, 18th November, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd instant, on the subject of the payment for the carriage of mails from New Caledonia by the San Francisco steamers, and, in reply, beg to inform you that, New Caledonia having settled annual accounts with this Department to the 31st December, 1900, on the basis fixed by the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union, the date of payment to your company by the Administration in question should be as from the Ist January, 1901. This account your company will, of course, have settled directly by New Caledonia. As to the carriage of mails for Fiji, claim has now been made by this Department for the June and September quarters of the present year. As soon as payment owing for the full year up to the 30th June, 1902, is received the amount will be handed over. This should be in a few weeks now. I have, &c, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, W. Gray, Secretary, General Agents for New Zealand, Oceanic Steamship Company, Auckland.
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No. 61. The Hon. the Premier to the Agent-General. Sir, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 29th November, 1902. I have the honour to inform you that, anticipating the approval of the Pacific Gable Board, an agency of the New Zealand Post Office has been established at Panning Island, Mr. Cuthbert, the Superintendent of the cable station, having expressed his willingness to act as Postmaster. The post-office should be a convenience to. the Pacific Cable Board's employees on the island, as it will enable them to receive ordinary mail-matter from all parts of the world, as well as parcels from places which have parcel-post exchanges with New Zealand. I have, &c, J. G. Ward, for the Premier. The Hon. W. P. Beeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, London.
No. 62. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Deputy Postmaster - General Melbourne. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 12th December, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th ultimo [not printed], advising that the sum of £1,641 16s. 3d. had been credited this Department in the money-order account for the conveyance of Victorian mail-matter by the San Francisco service for the year ended the 30th June last. In reply, I would refer you to my letter of the 27th July, 1901 [No. 8, F.-6, 1902], stating that the collection of all moneys due by the non-contracting States for the carriage of their mails by the service would cease as from the 30th June, 1901, and that Messrs. the J. D. Spreckels and Bros. Company would communicate with you as to the manner in which future payments for the conveyance of your outward mail-matter should be made. I have paid over to Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, the company's agents in Auckland, the sum you have credited this office with, and asked them to communicate with you about future payments. I have, Ac, The Deputy Postmaster-General, Melbourne. W. Gray, Secretary.
No. 63. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. Gentlemen, — General Post Office, Wellington, 12th December, 1902. I have the honour to forward herewith copy of a letter from the Deputy PostmasterGeneral, Melbourne, stating that the sum of £1,641 16s. 3d. had been credited this Department on account of the conveyance of Victorian mail-matter by the San Francisco mail-service for the year ended 30th June last. I also attach a copy of my reply, intimating that the amount is due to the Oceanic Steamship Company. From the letter of the 22nd July, 1901, to the J. D. Spreckels and Bros. Company, copy of which was forwarded you on the 29th September last, you would see that the company was advised that it should make its own arrangements for collecting the amounts due by the Australian States. No doubt you will make claims on the Deputy Postmaster-General, Melbourne, for future payments. The present sum in the hands of the Department will be paid you in the usual way. I have, &c, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. W. Gray, Secretary.
No. 64. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sir,— Auckland, 17th December, 1902. We have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your favour of the 12th instant, enclosing copy of a letter from the Deputy Postmaster-General, Melbourne, advising that the sum of £1,641 16s. 3d. has been credited to your Department on account of the conveyance of Victorian mail-matter by our steamers for the year ended 30th June, 1902. We are making application for payment in the usual manner, and may remark that we are advising the Sydney agents of the Oceanic Steamship Company to make claims on the Federal Postmaster-General for future payments. We have, &c, Henderson and Macfarlane. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 65. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 22nd December, 1902. Until further notice each steamer to San Francisco will call at Fanning Island en route.
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No. 66. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington, to tlie Secretary, General Post Office> London. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 29th December, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th ultimo, on the subject of correspondence for Fanning Island. My letter of the 12th ultimo would advise you of the opening of an agency of the New Zealand Post Office at Panning Island. It is thought that for postal purposes it would be more convenient to have the office controlled by the General Post Office here, and that it should be included in the Postal Union. As a matter of fact, the penny-postage system is already applied to the island so far as New Zealand is concerned. As the steamers are now to call at Panning Island regularly every three weeks on the outward voyage, it might be advantageous to send correspondence from your country via Italy to Auckland by the first mail following the despatch by the San Francisco route. For the second week's correspondence the following despatch by way of San Francisco would be the quicker. I have, &c, W. Gray, for the Postmaster-General. The Secretary, General Post Office, London.
No. 67. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne. General Post Office, Wellington, 30th December, 1902. Sic, — Mails for Fanning Island. Adverting to my letter of the 15th September last, I have now the honour to inform you that until further notice mails will be despatched by the steamer leaving Auckland every three weeks. I have, &c, W. Gray, Secretary. The Secretary to the Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne. [The same letter also sent to the Superintendent, Office of Foreign Mails, Post Office Department, Washington, D.C. ; and the Director, International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union, Berne.]
No. 68. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Superintendent, Pacific Cable Station, Fanning Island. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 12th January, 1903. I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 11th and 12th ultimo [not printed : Island is described in letter of 18th October in paper on Telegraph Gables], and have to thank you for the information given therein, as well as that supplied to Mr. Isbister, about Fanning Island, and also for the photographs, two of which I have forwarded to the Weekly Press, Christchurch, for reproduction, together with the description you forwarded of the island I duly received your declarations of secrecy. It will also be necessary that any member of your staff who may handle the mails should sign the declarations, and to enable this to be done I send a supply of forms herewith. The warrant of your appointment as Postmaster is being prepared, and will be forwarded in due course. Yours, &c, W. Gray, Secretary. D. Cuthbert, Esq., Superintendent, Pacific Cable Station, Fanning Island.
No. 69. The Deputy Postmaster - General, Melbourne, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Melbourne, 7th May, 1903. Be your letter twelfth December, San Francisco service : No previous advice received any alteration. Kindly wire new arrangements and date of commencement, what rates you pay, whether any understanding exists binding this office to continue paying special rate of twelve shillings per pound letters.
No. 70. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Deputy Postmaster - General, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 7th May, 1903. San Francisco service :My letter twenty-seventh July, 1901, was duly sent to you. It informed you that previous arrangement with Union Company had been cancelled, and this Department would not collect subsidies from other States after thirtieth June, l>9ol, leaving you to make your Own arrangements with Spreckels. We now pay seven and sixpence per pound for letters, one shilling books, sixpence newspapers, with minimum annual payment fifteen thousand pounds. Am not aware any understanding binding your office to continue paying special rate twelve shillings per pound letters. Will post copy letter.
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No. 71. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Deputy Postmaster -General; Melbourne. Sir— General Post Office, Wellington, Bth May, 1903. I have the honour to confirm my telegram of the 7th instant, as follows, sent in reply to yours of the same date on the subject of the San Francisco mail-service contract: [No. 70.] I enclose herewith copy of the letter to you of the 27th July, 1901, referred to in my telegram [No. 8, F.-6, 1902.] " I have, &c, The Deputy Postmaster-General, Melbourne. W. Gray, Secretary.
No. 72. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Mr. Dunnet, Auckland. (Telegram.) General Post Office, Wellington, 29th June, 1903. Beferring to my service telegram of 7th ultimo [not printed] and your reply the same day [not printed], lam directed by the Postmaster-General to ask you to be good enough to inform me whether the contractors for the San Francisco mail-service will agree to a renewal of the service for a few months—say, not exceeding six months— until Parliament has had an opportunity to consider the question of renewal. I shall be obliged if you will reply to-morrow.
No. 72a. Mr. Dunnet to the Seceetary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 30th June, 1903. Oceanic will agree to a renewal of San Francisco mail-service for a few months, not exceeding six months, until Parliament has had an opportunity to consider the question of a new contract.
INCIDENTS OF UNITED STATES AND ATLANTIC TRANSIT, ETC.
No. 73. The Superintendent of Foreign Mails, Washington, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Post Office Department, Office of Foreign Mails, Washington, D.C., Sir,— 22nd May, 1902. I have the honour, by direction of the Postmaster-General, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th ultimo [No. 133, F.-6, 1902], in which—with reference to the correspondence closing with your reply, under date of the Ist April, 1901, to this Department's letter of the 15th February, 1901—you state that the draft of a contract between your Administration and the Oceanic Steamship Company for ocean mail-service from Auckland to San Francisco is now being revised, and inquire whether or not this Department would object to the insertion of a stipulation in said contract requiring the company to hold its steamers at San Francisco to await the arrival of the British closed mails, whenever that course may become necessary, in order to secure the prompt forwarding of said closed mails from San Francisco, for which detention your Administration is prepared to pay the Oceanic Steamship Company demurrage at the rate of £5 an hour after the first twelve hours, provided this. Department does not object to such payments. In reply, I am to inform you that this Department does not object to the insertion in the contract in question of a stipulation that the Oceanic Steamship Company shall hold its steamers at San Francisco when that course becomes necessary in order to receive there the British closed mails, provided such detention is requested by this Department; nor is objection made to the proposed payment to the company of demurrage therefor at the rate of £5 an hour after the first twelve hours. In this connection I am to invite attention to the circumstance that the schedules issued by the Oceanic Steamship Company show that the steamers leave Auckland for San Francisco, three days before the arrival at Auckland of the steamers from San Francisco, and several complaints have been made to this Department of the inconvenience caused by that arrangement to persons in Auckland having business relations with persons in the United States.
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I am to suggest, therefore, that if practicable the revised contract shall provide that future schedules of the company be so arranged that steamers shall arrive at and depart from Auckland upon dates which will do away with the inconvenience now sustained by reason of the current schedules. I am, &c, N. M. Bbooks, Superintendent of Foreign Mails. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington.
No. 74. The Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco, to the Secbetaky, General Post Office, Wellington. Sib, — Resident Agency for New Zealand, San Francisco, Ist July, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 30th May [No. 79, F.-6, 1902], informing me that arrangements have been concluded with Messrs. J. D. Spreckels and Go. whereby the steamers of their fleet, commencing with the "Ventura" on the 27th June, will leave Auckland on Fridays instead of Saturdays, as hitherto, it being anticipated that this change will insure the connection at New York with the Cunard Steamship Company's steamers on Saturday. I am pleased to hear of this change, and think there is a prospect of your anticipations being realised, except in cases of extremely rigorous weather being experienced either on land or sea. I have, &c, H. Stephenson Smith, Resident Agent. W. Gray, Esq., Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 75. The Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco, to the Seoketaby, General Post Office, Wellington. Sib, — Resident Agency for New Zealand, San Francisco, 3rd September, 1902. Your letter of the 6th August [not printed] duly to hand. I am pleased to note that Messrs. Spreckels have signed the contract with seventy-two hours' detention at this end when necessary The mails per " Ventura," which missed connection at Chicago on the eastward trip, finally arrived at Southampton per " Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse " on the 18th August, two days late. I have not yet been informed as to the exact cause of the misconnection, as also I am awaiting information as to whether the new 20th Century train on the Lake Shore, Chicago to New York, can be induced to take mails. If we can get this arranged it is possible to make the trip to New York in three days and twenty hours, which may be of material assistance in some cases. The " Sonoma's " mails left New York on Saturday per " Lucania," so we may anticipate a quick trip. Even with the Friday's departure from Auckland we still have a close call for connections, and I think it would be well if Messrs. Spreckels were urged to instruct their captains to use every endeavour to arrive here in time to catch the 10 a.m. train, as it will give us nearly twelve hours' leeway to provide for train-detentions I expect the " Sonoma " will get away at schedule time to-morrow morning, although I am advised that two mail-bags are missing, and have telegraphed for a description thereof, as if lettermails are included it may be necessary or advisable to hold the steamer a limited time. Please answer my question in previous letter [not printed] in respect to the time for commencement of payments to contractors in case of delay. I mean the hour after due time of arrival. Yours, &c, H. Stephenson Smith, Resident Agent. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 76. The Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco, to the Secbetaby, General Post Office, Wellington. Sib, — Resident Agency for New Zealand, San Francisco, 15th October, 1902. I have the honour to report that, recognising the importance of having a margin of time for leeway in the overland carriage of the through mails during the approaching winter, I waited upon Messrs. Spreckels and Bros, this morning, and urged upon them the importance of so accelerating the trans-Pacific voyage from the colonies as to enable the steamers to arrive here in time to connect with the 10 a.m. express over the Southern Pacific railroad-lines. I am actuated in making this request by the fact that the last Homeward mails, as, well as the present Homeward mails per s.s. " Sierra," have misconnected with the Atlantic steamer at New York, in both cases the cause being a few hours' detention (alleged) upon the Union Pacific railroad through labour troubles now being experienced upon their line. The delayed mails in this case will not, I anticipate, leave New York until to-day, which will, in all probability, cause three days' ' late arrival in England.
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I am pleased to inform you that Messrs. J. , D. Spreokels and Bros, have recognised the importance of facilitating the arrival of their steamers at this port, and assure me that instructions will be given the commanders of their vessels to make all possible effort to arrive at this port in time to connect with the 10 a.m. train on the Monday morning. I have, &c, H. Stbphenson Smith, Resident Agent. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 77. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Besident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco. Sib,— General Post Office, Wellington, 12th November, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th ultimo, advising that, as the result of your interview with Messrs. Spreckels Bros, and Company, the contractors had agreed to give instructions to the commanders of their vessels to make every possible effort to arrive at San Francisco in time to connect with the 10 a.m. express train over the Southern Pacific railway on the due date. I am pleased to learn that Messrs. Spreckels Bros, have expressed themselves as so willing to fall in with the suggestion made to insure prompt connection of the mails at San Francisco. I have, &c, W. Gbay, Secretary. H. Stephenson Smith, Esq., Eesident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco.
No. 78. The Eesident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco, to the Seceetary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sat, — Eesident Agency for New Zealand, San Francisco, 16th December, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 12th ultimo, respecting the promise of Messrs. J. D. Spreckels and Bros, to instruct the masters of their steamships to make every effort to arrive at this port sufficiently early on Monday mornings to enable a connection to be made with the 10 a.m. express for the Eastern States. I would report that, in this connection, the s.s. " Sierra " arrived here on Monday morning last at 7 a.m., and reached the dock by 9 a.m. Through the prompt action of the Postal and Post Office Eailway Mail-service officials the mails succeeded in connecting with the overland express at 10 a.m., and reached New York on Friday evening, the English portion going on Saturday at 2 p.m. by the fast steamer " Kronprinz Wilhelm," and the Irish portion by the s.s. " Umbria " at 1 p.m.; which, considering the state of the weather and the season, should be considered a satisfactory inauguration of the early arrivals at this port. I have, &c, H. Stephenson Smith, Eesident Agent for New Zealand. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 79. Messrs. Henderson and Macpaelane, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sir,— Auckland, 15th January, 1903. We have the honour to write you in respect of the mails which left Auckland by the " Sierra " and arrived in London three days late, notwithstanding the fact that our steamer reached San Francisco at noon on the 6th October (due date), and that the mails were despatched from that port the same day to make connection with the " Campania," sailing at noon on the 10th October from New York. Our San Francisco office now forwards us copies of the inquiries made by the Superintendent of the Eailway Mail-service, New York, and the following extract from his letter to our New York agent speaks for itself : " The investigation made shows that these mails failed to be transferred at Chicago, Illinois, to the New York and Chicago E.P.O. train No. 6. This was caused by Superintendent West not being advised of the despatch of these mails from San Francisco by the Ogden and San Francisco E.P.O. train No. 6, and no provision was made for the transfer from the Chicago and Council Bluffs E.P.O. train No. 24 to New. York and Chicago E.P.O. train No. 6. These mails were forwarded through to New York City via New York and Chicago E.P.O. train No. 16, which accounts for the failure to make regular connection with the steamer sailing from New York on the 11th October." Supplementing the particulars given in the foregoing extract, we may say that train No. 6 leaves Chicago at 8.30 a.m., and arrives in New York the following morning at 10 a.m. ; while No. 16 leaves Chicago at 2 p.m., and arrives the following afternoon at 2.55. The Cunard Company
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in New York were requested tc hold the "Campania" back until the arrival of the 2.55 p.m. train in order that the mails could go forward, but the agent notified our office that it would not be possible to hold their steamer for the three or four hours necessary. Although we have no other data before us at the present writing, we now feel assured that more than once during the past year when the mails were delivered a day or two late in London the delay was due to some little hitch in the rail transportation, and we think pressure ought to be brought to bear on the Cunard Company to detain their steamer for three or four hours in cases like the one now instanced. It is needless to point out to you that the Cunard Company in New York know to the minute when the New Zealand mail will arrive in their city, so that it seems all the more inconsiderate that they should despatch the steamer at noon, when aware that by a delay of the steamer a matter of four hours the colonial mails would be delivered on their due date in London. You are aware that the mail contract with the Oceanic Steamship Company provides for the detention of the steamers at San Francisco for three days if necessary, in order to insure against Atlantic or railway-transport delays with the English mail; and for the benefit and satisfaction of all concerned, we respectfully ask you to represent the question to the Agent-General in London with a view of influencing the Cunard Company to detain their steamers a limited time. As such detentions would only occur at rare intervals, we feel sure that you will co-operate with us to arrive at a satisfactory issue, And remain, &c, Henderson and Macfarlane, General Agents in New Zealand. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 80. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Postmaster, San Francisco. g m> General Post Office, Wellington, 16th January, 1903. I have the honour to inform you that the excellent arrangements made by your office for promptly handling and checking the colonial mails which reached San Francisco by the E.M.S. "Sierra "on the Bth ultimo have been brought under the notice of this office. Although the " Sierra" was only made fast to the wharf at 9.17 a.m., the eastern mails, consisting of 540 bags, were ready for despatch by the Oakland ferry-steamer leaving at 10 a.m., the waybills being made up by one of your officers on the trip across the harbour. The Postmaster General directs me to convey to you"his thanks for and appreciation of the care and attention which enabled sucli a smart piece of work to be accomplished. I have, &c, The Postmaster, San Francisco. W. Gray, Secretary.
No. 81. The Secretaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the J. D. Spreckels and Bros. Company, San Francisco. Gentlemen, — General Post Office, Wellington, 16th January, 1903. I have the honour to inform you that it has been brought under notice that, although the E.M.S. " Sierra" was only made fast to the wharf at 9.17 a.m. on the Bth ultimo, yet, owing to the excellent arrangements made by your company, the colonial mails for the east, consisting of 540 bags, were conveyed to the ferry in time for despatch by the Oakland steamer leaving at 10 a.m. lam directed not only to express the Postmaster-General's admiration of such a smart piece of work, but also to convey his appreciation of the care and attention given by you to the prompt transmission of the mails. I have, &c, W. Gray, Secretary. Messrs. the J. D. Spreckels and Bros. Company, San Francisco.
No. 82. The Hon. the Premier to the Agent-General. Sib, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 20th January, 1903. I have the honour to inform you that the local agents for the contractors for the San Francisco mail-service have represented that, although the " Sierra" reached San Francisco on the 6th October last, due date, the mails by that vessel, owing to a delay of five hours and a half at Chicago, arrived in London three days late. The mails did not reach New York until 2.55 p.m., instead of by the 10 a.m. train, and, although the Cunard Steamship Company was requested to hold its steamer, then about to sail from New York, for three or four hours, the request was not acceded to. The local agents here of the Oceanic Steamship Company are of opinion that more than once during the past year when the mails were delivered a day or two late in London the delay was due to some hitch in the railway transportation. However, the case now instanced shows the importance of prompt connection at New York, and I should be obliged if you would use your good offices with the London Post Office and the Cunard Company with the object of securing a promise that, on occasions when mails do not reach New York until the arrival of the 2.55 p.m. train, the steamers of the company may be detained for a few hours in order to avoid the inevitable late arrival in London which would otherwise occur. In but a very few cases would such a detention
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be necessary. I need not point out the advantage which such a concession would afford, as you are already familiar with the inconvenience arising from the late delivery of our mails ac Home. I have, &c, J. G. Wabd, for the Premier. The Hon. W. P. Beeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, London.
No. 83. The Seoebtaby, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Besident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco. Sib,— General Post Office, Wellington, 20th January, 1903. I have the honour to inform you that representations have been made by the agents at Auckland of the Oceanic Steamship Company that, although the " Sierra" reached San Francisco on the 6th October last, due date, the mails, through delay at Chicago, arrived in London three days late. The following is an extract from a letter from the Superintendent of the Railway Mail-service at New York : " The investigation made shows that these mails failed to be transferred at Chicago, 111., to the New York and Chicago 8.P.0. train No. 6. This was caused by Superintendent West not being advised of the despatch of these mails from San Francisco by the Ogden and San Francisco 8.P.0. train No. 6, and no provision was made for the transfer from the Chicago and Council Bluffs 8.P.0. train No. 6. These mails were forwarded through to New York City by the New York and Chicago 8.P.0. train No. 16, which accounts for the failure to make regular connection with the steamer sailing from New York on 11th October." Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane state that " No. 6. train leaves Chicago at 8.30 a.m., and arrives in New York the following morning at 10 a.m.; while No. 16 leaves Chicago at 2 p.m., and arrives the following afternoon at 2.55. The Cunard Company in New York were requested to hold the ' Campania' back until the arrival of the 2.55 p.m. train in order that the mails could go forward, but the agent notified our office that it would not be possible to hold their steamer for the three or four hours necessary. Although we have no other data before us at the present writing, we now feel assured that more than once during the past year when the mails were delivered a day or two late in London the delay was due to some little hitch in the rail transportation, and we think pressure ought to be brought to bear on the Cunard Company to detain their steamer for three or four hours in cases like the one instanced. It is needless to point out that the Cunard Company in New York know to the minute when the New Zealand mail will arrive in their city, so that it seems all the more inconsiderate that they should despatch the steamer at noon, when aware that by a delay of the steamer a matter of four hours the colonial mails would be delivered on their due date in London." The Agent-General for the colony in London is being asked to see the Cunard Company, with the object of prevailing upon it to detain the steamer for London when the mails do not arrive until the 2.55 p.m. train. The need for such detention would only arise at infrequent intervals. I shall be obliged if you will also use your good offices in the same direction with the New York agents of the Cunard Company, through the Post Office authorities there. The importance of a prompt connection at New York cannot be too strongly emphasized, seeing that delay there tends to nullify the efforts made at San Francisco and other points along the route to secure rapid transmission of the mails. I have, &c, W. Gbay, Secretary. H. Stephenson Smith, Esq., Besident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco.
No. 84. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Hendebson and Macfaelane, Auckland. Gentlemen, — General Post Office, Wellington, 20th January, 1903. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th instant, representing that, although the " Sierra " arrived at San Francisco on the 6th October last, due date, the mails, owing to delay at Chicago, reached London three days late, and that the Cunard Steamship Company refused to hold its vessel a few hours at New York to enable the mails to connect there. I have asked the Besident Agent for this colony at San Francisco to use his good offices with the agents of the Cunard Company at New York through the Post Office authorities there, with the view of securing the detention of the steamer for a few hours should this be necessary at some future time. Bepresentations have also been made to the Agent-General in the same direction, and I trust that the desired result will be attained. I have, &c, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. W. Gbay, Secretary.
No. 85. The Postmaster, San Francisco, to the Seobetaby, General Post Office, Wellington. Stb, — San Francisco, Cal., 11th February, 1903. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your communication of 16th January, 1903, in which you were pleased to say some kind words concerning the arrangements made by this office for
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promptly handling and expediting the movements of colonial mails reaching this office by the " Sierra " on the Bth December last en route to the east. It is exceedingly pleasant to feel that in our efforts to advance the general interests of the postal service we have earned your approbation. It is the effort of this office at all times to spare no pains in making the exchange of the important mails from Australia and New Zealand for London as prompt and satisfactory as possible, and that will continue to be both our policy and our pleasure. Again thanking you for your kind words, and asking that you will convey my reciprocal regards to the Postmaster-General, who has directed you to write this kindly letter, I remain, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. W. W. Montague.
No. 86. The Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sir, — Eesident Agency for New Zealand, San Francisco, 17th February, 1903. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 20th January, covering a complaint from Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, agents for the Oceanic Steamship Company in New Zealand, in respect to the misconnection of the through mails to Great Britain received'here in October last per s.s. " Sierra," also quoting the report of the Superintendent of the Eailway Mail-service at New York in connection with the matter, and referring to the position of the Cunard Steamship Company at New York in respect to connections at New York generally. In reply, I would state that, in respect of the failure to connect at Chicago as indicated in the report, I have interviewed the Superintendent of the Eailway Mail-service here, who states that the failure to notify the Chicago office of the mails being en route was caused by the default of the officer in charge at Omaha, and that special instructions have now been issued to the Ogden office to notify both the Omaha and Chicago offices as soon as the mail leaves Ogden, and that it is anticipated that no further error of this nature will occur in the future. In respect to the connection at New York with the Cunard Steamship Company's steamers, I would state that I have frequently directed the attention of this company to the vital importance of connecting with their Saturday's steamers at New York, and have personally made the same representation to the general manager of the Cunard Company at New York, and I am confident that no stone is left unturned by the management of this company to insure connection with their steamers on the Saturdays. But it must not be forgotten that New York is a tidal harbour, and that the large steamers of the Cunard Company can only leave port when the tide permits. The Cunard Company have always, I feel confident, waited for the Australian mails up to the last moment of safety. As my personal relations with the Cunard Steamship Company have in the past been extremely cordial, and of such a nature that I have felt that I could at all times call upon them for reasonable delays, with the assurance that all would be done that was possible under the circumstances of the case at the time of application, I have not deemed it in the best interests of the through connections to forward any complaint, such as that made by Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, feeling that no good could be accomplished, and possibly some friction would be caused. This company has just held their vessel over an hour in order to connect with the mails ex " Ventura." If the Oceanic Steamship Company can only accelerate the passage of their steamers (which I believe they are endeavouring to do) so as to reach this port in time enough to connect with the morning train for the east from here, there will be more reasonable hope of the New York connection being assured. I have, &c, H. Stephenson Smith, Resident Agent for New Zealand. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 87. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Premier. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sir,— 16th March, 1903. In compliance with the instructions contained in your letter of the 20th January last, I communicated with both the Imperial Post Office and the Cunard Company, bringing under their notice the circumstances under which the New Zealand mails via San Francisco were delayed at New York, and urging that on future similar occasions it may be so arranged that the steamers of the company may be detained for a few hours in order to avoid the otherwise late delivery of the mails in London. Herewith I transmit copies of replies from the Post Office and Cunard Company, from which it will be seen that the company represent that it is not possible to comply with the request, as the times of sailings of the steamers are fixed according to tides, and to miss a tide would mean a detention of twelve hours. The Cunard Company, however, state that the company's agents in New York have done, and will continue to do, everything possible to assist in making a connection with the mails, and a copy of the correspondence will be sent to them, so that they may keep the matter before them. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. W. P. Reeves,
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Enclosure 1 in No. 87. The Seceetaky, Cunard Steamship Company (Limited), Liverpool, to the Agent-General for New Zealand, London. The Cunard Steamship Company (Limited), Secretary's Office, Liverpool, Sib,— 11th March, 1903. Your letter of the 7th instant, in relation to the connection at New York of the mails from New Zealand with this company's steamers, has now been submitted to my directors; and, in reply to the request contained therein that on occasions when the New Zealand mails do not reach New York until the arrival of the 2.55 p.m. train this company's Saturday steamer from New York may be detained for a few hours in order to avoid the otherwise inevitable late arrival of the mails in London, I am desired to say that times of sailings of this company's steamers from New York are fixed according to the tides, and that consequently it is not possible to comply with the request, as to miss the tide would mean a detention of twelve hours. The company's agents in New York have done, and will continue to do, everything possible to assist in making a connection with the mails, and we will send them a copy of this correspondence so that they may keep the matter before them. I am, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand. A. P. Meaens, Secretary.
Enclosure 2 in No. 87. The Secbetaby, General Post Office, London, to the Agent-General for New Zealand, London. Sib,— General Post Office, 8.C., 13th March, 1903. I am directed by the Postmaster-General to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th of this month, and to inform you that he has represented to the Cunard Steamship Company the desire of the New Zealand Government that the company's Homeward-bound packet leaving New York on Saturday may be detained a few hours whenever mails from New Zealand for this country are expected to reach New York from San Francisco by the train due at 2.55 p.m. I am, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand. H. Buxton Fobman. •
No. 88. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Eesident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 18th March, 1903. I have the honour to inform you that the Mail-agent by the R.M.S. " Sierra " reports as follows: "The San Francisco office reported the following mails short-shipped the day we left: New York to Auckland, one bag of newspapers; New York to Brisbane, one bag of newspapers; New York to Adelaide, one bag of newspapers ; Dublin to New Zealand, one bag of newspapers ; London to Honolulu, one bag of letters ; Cologne-Verviers to Apia, one bag. As it was uncertain when these mails would arrive in San Francisco, it was not deemed advisable to hold the steamer for them." I shall be glad if you will again communicate with the railway authorities about this failure, and point out the serious delay that arises through the omission to connect with the steamer. You will, perhaps, also be good enough to represent the matter to the Washington Post Office. I have, &c, W. Geay, Secretary. H. Stephenson Smith, Esq., Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco.
No. 89. The Seceetaby, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco. Sib,— General Post Office, Wellington, 14th April, 1903. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 17th February, in connection with the complaint from the agents at Auckland of the Oceanic Steamship Company that the " Sierra's" Homeward mails which arrived at San Francisco on the 6th October last were, through their detention at Chicago, received in London three days after due date. I note that you interviewed the Superintendent of the Railway Mail-service at San Francisco on the subject, who informed you that the failure to advise the Chicago office that the mails were en route lay with the railway officer at Omaha, and that, in order to avoid any further accident of the kind, special instructions had been issued to the Ogden office to notify both Omaha and Chicago as soon as the mails leave Ogden. I also observe that you had frequently impressed upon the Cunard Company the importance of the colonial mails connecting with its Saturday steamer from New York, and that you felt confident, from your experience of the company, that it would do whatever was practicable to insure the desired connection being regularly made. I have, &c, W. Geay, Secretary. H. Stephenson Smith, Esq., Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco.
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No. 90. The Agent-Genebai to the Hon. the Pbemier. Westminster Chambers, 13 Victoria Street, London, S.W.. Sib,— 15th April, 1903. Eeferring to my letter of the 16th March last, I beg to transmit herewith copy of further letter received from the Cunard Steamship Company, stating that on a recent occasion the " Btruria " was delayed for one hour in order to receive the mails coming from New Zealand via San Francisco. I have replied thanking the company for this action on their part. I have, &c, Walter Kennaway, for the Agent-General. The Hon. the Premier, Wellington.
Enclosure in No. 90. The Secketaky, Cunard Steamship Company, Liverpool, to the Agent-Genebal for New Zealand. The Cunard Steamship Company (Limited), Secretary's Office, Liverpool, Bm,— 14th April, 1903. With reference to the correspondence which has passed between us in relation to the arrangements for connecting the New Zealand mails to New York with the sailings of the company's steamers, I think it well to mention for your information that the company's steamer "Etruria," which sailed from New York on the 28th ultimo, was advertised to sail from the company's wharf at 3 p.m., but, in deference to the wishes of the United States Post Office officials, the ship was delayed until 4 p.m., in order to receive the Australian and New Zealand mail, which was due at the Grand Central Station, New York, at 2.45 p.m. on that day. I mention this matter to show that the company's agents at New York do everything possible to assist in the direction indicated. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. A. P. Mearns, Secretary.
No. 91. The Eesident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Eesident Agency for New Zealand, San Francisco, Sir,— 14tn Mav > 19 - 3 9--1 have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 14th April in regard to various short delivery of mails by the overland express from the east, as reported in your communication of the 18th of March, 1903; and herewith enclose a communication from the Superintendent of the Hailway Mail-service for this division in reference thereto. A further report will probably be forthcoming later. I feel confident that the Eailway Mail-service will use every effort to minimise these irregularities in the future, but, of course, much rests with the various railroads conveying the mails from the Atlantic seaboard. I am still in correspondence with the Eailway Mail-service in an endeavour to arrange with the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Eailroad to permit our letter mails to go forward on the 20th Century (Limited) train from Chicago when that course will enable a connection to be made at New York. I have, &c, H. Stephenson Smith, Eesident Agent. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
Enclosure in No. 91. The Superintendent, Eailway Mail-service, San Francisco, to the Eesident Agent for New Zealand. Post Office Department, Office of Superintendent Eailway Mail-service, g lß| Eighth Division, San Francisco, Bth May, 1903. In reply to your letter of 29th April, relative to shortage of Australian mails despatched from New York City which were due to arrive at San Francisco on or about 19th February, the records of this office show the following irregularities in connection with mail due at San Francisco on Southern Pacific train number 3 of 20th February, which probably have some connection with the irregularities mentioned by you, and which may be briefly stated as follows : — A consignment of mail despatched from New York on 15th February reached San Francisco apparently short of one bag, Dublin to New Zealand. The San Francisco office was subsequently advised by the New York office that this mail had been incorrectly billed, and that only six bags were despatched, instead of seven, as stated in the bill. One bag, Cologne-Verviers to Apia, despatched from New York, 15th February, did not reach San Francisco with the balance of the mail despatched on the same date. This consignment of mail arrived at San Francisco on train 3, 20th February, while the missing bag for Apia arrived on train 1, due 20th February, but which arrived on the morning of 21st February.
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One bag, London to Honolulu, despatched at the same time as the bag for Apia just mentioned, and which should have arrived on train 3, 20th February, was received on train 1, due 20th February. It has been learned that this bag was, through error, put off the train at Buffalo, New York, with Canadian mail. The mistake was noticed, and the bag was promptly forwarded to Chicago. Papers in the case have been referred by this office to the Division Superintendent having charge of the line from which the bag was missent, for appropriate action against the clerk at fault. The consignment of mail arriving on train 3, 20th February, was also found to be short by one bag for Auckland, one bag for Brisbane, and one ba.g for Adelaide. Investigation regarding all the irregularities mentioned in the foregoing was promptly instituted, but the case relating to delay to the bag from London to Honolulu is the only one in which the responsibility has thus far been determined. I shall be pleased to advise you as to the results in the other cases as soon as known. In this connection I beg to state that every effort is being made to have this mail handled properly, and that such endeavours will be continued in the future. I shall be pleased at any time to take such action as may be found necessary for the purpose of advancing the delivery of this ™ail. Very respectfully, H. P. Thrall, Superintendent.
No. 92. The Hon. the Premieb to the Agent-General. Sir,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 27th May, 1903. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th March last, forwarding copy of replies from the Imperial Post Office and the Cunard Company to the request for a detention of the company's steamers at New York, when our mails do not reach there, until the arrival of the 2.55 p.m. train. I regret to learn that the company is unable to comply with the request; but it is hoped that when occasion arises the agents at New York will do their best to arrange a detention of the steamer when, through the late arrival of the mails, this is desired. The Eesident Agent for the colony at San Francisco has been instructed to telegraph to the agents at New York whenever the mails will not reach that port until the arrival of the 2.55 p.m. train. I have, &c, T. Y. Duncan, for the Premier. The Hon. W. P. Eeeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, London.
No. 93. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Eesident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco. Sic, — General Post Office, Wellington, 27th May, 1903. With further reference to the latter part of your letter of the 17th February last, on the subject of the detention of the Cunard Company's steamers at New York on the occasions when our mails do not reach there until the arrival of the 2.55 p.m. train, I have now the honour to inform you that the Agent-General for the colony has received replies from the Imperial Post Office and the Cunard Company to his representations. I regret to say that the company is unable to see its way to comply with the request, representing that, as the times of sailings of the steamers are fixed according to tide, to miss a tide would mean a detention of twelve hours. The Agent-General has again been written to, and the hope expressed that when occasion arises the Cunard Company's agents at New York will do their best to arrange the detention of the steamer when, through the late arrival of the mails, this is desired. I shall be glad if you will telegraph the agents whenever the mails will not reach New York until the arrival of the 2.55 p.m. train. I have, &c, W. Gray, Secretary. H. Stephenson Smith, Esq., Eesident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco.
No. 94. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Eesident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 29th May, 1903. Beferring to my letter of the 27th instant, I have now the honour to forward herewith for your information copy of a letter transmitted by the Agent-General from the Cunard Steamship Company, stating that on a recent occasion the "Etruria " was delayed at New York for one hour in order to receive the mails coming from New Zealand via San Francisco. I have, &c, W. Gray, Secretary. H, Stephenson Smith, Esq., Eesident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco 4—F. 6.
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No. 95. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Hendbbson and Macpablane, Auckland. Gentlemen, — General Post Office, Wellington, Bth June, 1903. I have the honour to inform you that the Mail-agent on the R.M.S. " Sonoma " reports that it is understood that, at the request of the Postal Department at Washington, the Oceanic Steamship Company's steamers will leave San Francisco at 2 p.m. instead of 10 a.m. on Thursdays. 1 shall be glad to know whether you are in a position to confirm the information. If you are unable to do so, perhaps you will be good enough to say whether the Department should regard 2 p.m. as the due time of departure from San Francisco. I have, &c, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. W. Geay, Secretary.
No. 96. Messrs. Hendebson and Macfablane, Auckland, to the Secbbtaby, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sib,— Auckland, 12th June, 1903. We have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Bth instant, dealing with the hour of departure of the mail-steamers from San Francisco, and have to inform you that up to the present we have had no advice whatever respecting such a change. We regret that we are not in a position to advise your Department to accept 2 p.m. as the correct sailing-hour from San Francisco; and in writing to our head office by the outgoing mail we will ask them to cable us if the change has taken place. Should, however, we hear by the incoming mail we will, of course, at once pass the information on to you. We have, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Hendeeson and Macfaelane.
VANCOUVER J3ERVICE.
No. 97. The Secbetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Supeeintendent of Fobeign Mails, Washington. Sib,— General Post Office, Wellington, 22nd April, 1902. I have the honour to inform you that, as steamer communication between Honolulu and the United States is now frequent, it occasionally happens that New Zealand correspondence addressed to places in America would reach your country from three to five days sooner if transhipped at Honolulu than if it were carried on to Vancouver. This Administration has therefore arranged for such mail-matter as may be despatched hence to Fiji to connect with the BrisbaneVancouver mail-steamer to be landed at Honolulu for conveyance to San Francisco by direct steamer when by so doing the delivery of the correspondence will be accelerated. The bags covering mail-matter to be so dealt with will be labelled " United States: To be landed at Honolulu." I have, &c, The Superintendent, Office of Foreign Mails, W. Gbay, Secretary. Post Office Department, Washington, D.C.
No. 98.. The Supeeintendent of Fobeign Mails, Washington, to the Hon. the Postmastee-Genebal, Wellington. Post Office Department, Office of Foreign Mails, Washington, D.C, Sib,— 22nd May, 1902. Referring to your letter of the 22nd ultimo, stating that you have provided for the landing at Honolulu for despatch thence to San Francisco of the mails from New Zealand for the United States despatched by the Brisbane-Vancouver steamers whenever that course will expedite the delivery of the correspondence at destination, I have the honour, by direction of the Post-master-General, to inform you that due notice of the same has been taken, and that the necessary instructions in regard thereto have been issued on this side. I am, &c, N. M. Beooks, The Postmaster-General, Wellington. Superintendent of Foreign Mails.
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AUSTRALIA-SUEZ SERVTG ES.
No. 99. The Secretary, Chamber of Commerce, Christohurch, to the Hon. Postmaster-General, Wellington. Sir, — Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, Christchurch, 17th March, 1903. I am directed to call your attention to the fact that now the Union Steam Ship Company's boats leave on Thursday they will be able to connect with the Homeward mails from Australia, and to forward the following resolution in connection therewith: "That the Postmaster-General be requested to arrange a weekly postal service between Wellington and Sydney to connect with the weekly mails via Suez to the United Kingdom." I have, &c, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. H. Antill Adley, Secretary.
No. 100. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Secretary, Chamber of Commerce, Christchurch. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, 27th March, 1903. I have the honour, by direction of the Acting Postmaster-General, to reply to your letter of the 17th instant, enclosing copy of resolution passed by. your Chamber as follows: " That the Postmaster-General be requested to arrange a weekly postal service between Wellington and Sydney to connect with the weekly mails vid Suez to the United Kingdom." I am to point out that, although the weekly direct steamer for Sydney has lately, with some exceptions, sailed hence on the Friday and connected with the outgoing mail via Suez from Sydney the following Tuesday, the Union Company is unable to give an undertaking that Friday will be the regular day of departure from Wellington. As you are probably aware, the last two sailings were on Saturday, and this week's steamer does not leave until to-morrow. Under these circumstances the Minister regrets that it is not practicable at present to arrange for such a service as is desired by your Chamber. I have, &c, W. Gray, Secretary. The Secretary, Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, Christchurch.
No. 101. The Secretary, Chamber of Commerce, Christchureh, to the Hon. Postmaster-General, Wellington. Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, Christchurch, N.Z., Sir,— 21st April, 1903. I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 27th March, on the subject of a weekly mail-service vid Suez, with thanks. This Chamber would, however, like to point out the great convenience such a service would be to the mercantile community, not necessarily every week, but especially on the Friday week following the departure of the San Francisco mail, and would urge that the Union Steam Ship Company and the Huddart-Parker Company be subsidised so that the steamer may be sure of leaving on that day. I have, &c, The Hon. Postmaster-General, Wellington. H. Antill Adley, Secretary.
No. 102. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Managing Director, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington 23rd May, 1903. Referring to the weekly steamer service from Wellington to Sydney, I am directed by the Hon. the Postmaster-General to ask for what payment your company would be disposed to arrange for a sailing every Friday from here, or on the Friday in each week following that on which the San Francisco mail leaves here, with the view to insuring a connection being made at Sydney with the mail vid Suez leaving there the following Tuesday. I have, &c, The Managing Director, W. Gray, Secretary. Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin.
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11.—6.I 1 .—6.
INTEEPEOVINOIAL SERVICE.
No. 108. The Managing Dikbctob, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Seoketaey, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 30th May, 1902. Presume you will arrange to send mails to New Plymouth by Thursday's train, in which case we will undertake have steamer from New Plymouth Thursday evening. Alternative is to despatch " Takapuna " from Wellington Wednesday; but nothing gained by this, and would cause public inconvenience, as would cancel Friday-night sailing from New Plymouth, and therefore no steamer between Thursday and Monday.
No. 104. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Managing Director, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 4th June, 1902. Ootward Frisco service and your telegram 30th ultimo: Should we decide to send mails by Thursday morning's train, what steamer would connect at New Plymouth Thursday night ? Eeduction of subsidy again involved. Matter was raised when daily service between Wellington and Onehunga established. It was then urged by your people that no reduction of subsidy should be made, because of additional expense to your company in falling in with the daily-service arrangements. The Postmaster-General agreed to this tentatively. I think there should now be a reduction.
No. 105. The Hon. the Postmaster-General to the Hon. Colonel Pitt, M.L.C., Nelson. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, 18th June, 1902. I have the honour to refer to the representations of the deputation which waited upon me when at Nelson on the 13th ultimo, urging that arrangements might be made to facilitate the transmission from Wellington of the Marlborough, Nelson, and West Coast portions of the inward San Francisco mail. In reply, I have to inform you that I have had prepared, and enclose herewith, a statement [not printed], from which it will be observed that no unreasonable delay has taken place in sending on from Wellington the portions of the San Francisco mail in question on the last seven occasions. The request of the deputation has received my careful consideration, and I much regret to find that, except at a cost that would not be warranted, the existing arrangement for carrying the mails to Nelson and other places on the West Coast cannot be improved. I have, &c, The Hon. Colonel A. Pitt, M.L.C., Nelson. , J. G. Ward, Postmaster-General.
No. 106. The Managing Director, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 20th June, 1902. Pending consideration your telegram 4th instant [not printed], will you approve next week's outward mail going forward by train from Wellington to connect with " Ngapuhi " at New Plymouth Thursday evening? Failing this, it will be necessary for "Takapuna" to leave Wellington Wednesday evening; but she would clash with " Ngapuhi " from New Plymouth Thursday, which wish to avoid.
No. 107. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Managing Dieectoe, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd June, 1902. Yours of 20th : Have instructed that this week's outward San Francisco mail be shipped by " Ngapuhi" at New Plymouth. Mails leave here by Thursday morning's train.
No. 108. The Managing Director, Union Steam Ship Company (at Wellington) to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Sir,— Wellington, Bth July, 1902. Eeferring to the coastal collection and distribution of the San Francisco mail, the following are the terms on which it has been agreed that the present contract will be renewed for a further period of twelve months : — The present rate of payment per voyage to be continued. During the winter months, when there is not a daily service between Onehunga and New Plymouth, our Monday steamer from Onehunga will wait till Tuesday, if necessary, for the inward mail without extra payment.
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Should the mail arrive later in the week, and it be necessary to detain our steamer after the ordinary date of sailing, £50 to be paid for the first twenty-four hours or any portion thereof, and a proportionate payment for detention beyond twenty-four hours. During the same period the outward mails from the south, which arrive at Wellington on the Wednesday, to be conveyed to New Plymouth by Thursday's ordinary train. The daily service between New Plymouth and Onehunga to be resumed during the summer months. While this service continues, should the inward mail arrive on Monday it is to be conveyed through to Wellington by steamer. Should it arrive on Tuesday, it is to be conveyed to New Plymouth only, and thence by ordinary or special train. During the same period the outward mail from the south to be conveyed by steamers from Wellington on Wednesdays, the same steamer waiting at Nqw Plymouth on Thursday evening for a supplementary mail by ordinary train. Other conditions, as set forth in clauses 1, 2, 3, and 5 of your letter of Ist July, 1899 [No. 23, F.-6a, 1899], to remain as at present. I shall be glad if you will confirm this arrangement. I have, &c, Jambs Mills, Managing Director. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 109. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Managing Director, Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 20th August, 1902. I have the honour to refer to your letter of the Bth ultimo, informing me of the terms on which your company is prepared to agree to a renewal, for a period of twelve months from the Ist July last, of the service for the coastal collection and distribution of the San Francisco mail. In reply, I have to inform you that your letter has been submitted to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, who has approved of *the extension of the period of contract until the date of expiry of the existing agreement with the J. D. Spreckels and Bros. Company, which will probably be about July next. The conditions of the renewed service are to be understood to be the same as those which now apply, with the exception that the Department will not be required to make payment for the detention to Tuesday of the Monday steamer at Onehunga through the late arrival of the inward San Francisco mail. I have, &c, The Managing Director, W. Gray, Secretary. Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin.
No. 110. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Sir,— Dunedin, 3rd April, 1903. I have the honour to advise you that it is our intention after Easter to discontinue temporarily the daily service between Onehunga and New Plymouth, and to revert to the sailings which were in force before December last; that is to say, steamers will leave Onehunga for New Plymouth on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and from New Plymouth for Onehunga on"Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. I have also to advise you that, commencing with the " Mokoia " from Wellington on the 11th instant, the steamers for Sydney via Cook Strait will meantime take their departure from Wellington on Saturdays, instead of on Fridays, as has been the custom for the last few months. I have, &c, S. K. Sleigh, for General Manager. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 111. The Acting Chief Postmaster, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 14th April, 1903. Have just been notified that, commencing Friday next, the daily service between Onehunga and New Plymouth will be discontinued for the present, and that the old time-table will be reverted to. Union Company steamers will leave Onehunga Mondays and Thursdays, and Northern Company's on Sundays and Wednesdays. When San Francisco mail is expected the Monday's steamer will, when necessary, be kept till late on Tuesday afternoon. Approximate Cost of Paper -Preparation, not given printing (1,450 copies), £16 12s.
By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o3. Price, 9d.)
5—F. 6.
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Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/AJHR1903-I.2.2.4.7/1
Bibliographic details
OCEAN MAIL-SERVICES (FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO). [In continuation of Paper F.-6, presented on the 12th August, 1902.], Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1903 Session I, F-06
Word Count
18,855OCEAN MAIL-SERVICES (FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO). [In continuation of Paper F.-6, presented on the 12th August, 1902.] Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1903 Session I, F-06
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