D.—No. 1

AVith regard to the minor modifications proposed in your Lordship's letter, I have to observe that they appear to be desirable amendments to tho original Tender, except that the commencement of the Service is proposed to be postponed from the first of January to the first of March, 1865, au alteration in which I. trust the Board will not insist unless upon the ground of some practical necessity for it. A draft Contract, embodying the heads of the Agreement, shall be prepared as quickly as possible, and submitted to your Lordship for the approval of the Board. I have, Ac, Crosbie Ward. The Right Honourable Lord C. Hamilton, AI.P., Ac., Ac, Ac, 1.C.R.A1. Company's Offices, 41, Aloorgate Street, London, E.C. No. 48. Consulat General de France en Angleterre, London, November 20, 1863. Sir,— In reference to an advice I have read this morning in the Money Article of the Times, respecting a line of Steamers, intended to run monthly between New Zealand and Panama, I beg leave to apply to you, in order to ascertain whether such Steamers might possibly be allowed to call at Tahiti, and if so, on what conditions both the Government of New Zealand and the Intercolonial Company would be prepared to come to an agreement with the French Government. I would feel particularly obliged by an early answer. I have, Ac, Fleury, Consul General for France. To the Honourable Air. Crosbie AVard, Representative Agent of New Zealand, London. No. 49. London, 23rd November, 1863. Sir, — I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of* the 20th instant, in which vou do me the honour to enquire whether the Steamers which have been arranged to run monthly between New Zealand and Panama might possibly be allowed to call at Tahiti, and if so, on what conditions both the Government of New Zealand and the Inter-Colonial Company will be prepared to come to an agreement with the French Government. In reply, I desire to acquaint you that the New Zealand Government having taken upon themselves the entire charge for, and the sole control of the new service, have done so, not in any exclusive spirit, but with the desire of rendering that means of Postal communication available to all who wish to use it; and among others they will be gratified to include if possible the French Colony of Tahiti. But before determining the conditions on which the New Zealand Government will be prepared to send their Mail Steamers to Tahiti, it will be necessary to fix to the satisfaction of both parties, the increased distance to be run, and the delay which will be caused in the conveyance of the New Zealand Alails, as well as the principle on which the contribution of the French Government to the general subsidy shall be calculated. As you express a desire for a speedy reply, and as my duties will compel me to leave town for a few davs, after to-morrow, I shall be nappy to meet yourself, or such person as you may appoint, at this office, at any time to-morrow, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., for consultation on the matters above referred to ; and I shall be glad to receive, early to-morrow, a note appointing the exact hour, if you can accord me the interview. I have, Ac, Crosbie Ward. A Alonsieur Fleury, Consul General de France, ' French Consulate, London. No. 50. Office of the New Zealand Government Agency, 3, Adelaide Place, King William Street, London, E.G., 24th November, 1863. Si it — I have the honor to inform you that I have accepted a Tender from the Inter-Colonial Royal Alail Steam Packet Company to run a monthly Line of Steamers, each way, between Welling-

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