15

E.—3

No. 21. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaby. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic, — 24th January, 1873. I have the honor to enclose copy of a letter I yesterday addressed to Lord Kimberley. I understood from Mr. Herbert there would be no objection to send the telegram suggested. I enclose copy of one I have sent to Mr. Vogel at Sydney. I hare, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington, N.Z. I. E. Featheeston.

Enclosure 1 in No. 21. The Agent-Genebal to Mr. E. G. W. Heebeet. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., Sic,— 23rd January, 1873. As the Postal Conference commenced its sittings yesterday at Sydney, I beg respectfully to submit that Lord Kimberley's statement, in his letter of the 11th December, that " as the letter from the Treasury of 14th August amounts to an express declaration that their Lordships decline to entertain the San Francisco route unless it should be recommended as a second monthly service by the Australasian Colonies, either conjointly or by a substantial majority, there would seem to be no such present prospect of the San Francisco route being recommended by the Conference as would render it of advantage for Lord Kimborley to enter at this time upon a further consideration of its claim for adoption," is not only not borne out by the terms of their Lordship's letter, but that it is difficult to draw any such conclusion from it. As it is extremely important that there should be no misunderstanding on such a point, I venture to suggest that Lord Kimberley's interpretation of their Lordship's letter, if it is the correct one, should be at once telegraphed out to the Conference. I have, &c, Eobert G. W. Herbert, Colonial Office. I. E. Featheeston.

Enclosure 3 in No. 19.

Enclosure 2 in No. 21. (Telegram.) 24th January, 1873. Feathebston to Julius Vogel, Sydney. Kimbebley writes 11th December, " Treasury letter, 14th August, amounts declaration Lordships decline entertain Francisco route unless recommended. Second monthly service by majority Colonies.' I asked Kimberley yesterday telegraph this Conference. Charge d'Affaires acts interest Webb Arrange with Sydney, abandoning if necessary coastal service. Burnside serious with Sydney American subsidies, better boats, Australian traffic, run Webb off. Featheeston.

3 A. No. 2, Enclosure 1 in . No. 1.

No. 22. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Coloniai/'Seceetaey. 7, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, "Westminster, S.W., Sib— 6th February, 1873. In continuation of my letter of the 24th ultimo, I have the honor to transmit to you copy of a letter from Lord Kimberley, covering "copy correspondence between the Colonial Office and the Treasury on the subject of the Mail Service with the Australasian Colonies. It appeared to me that the Lords of the Treasury, in the first part of their letter of the 14th August last, so completely ignored the San Francisco route, by placing it on a par with the Cape, that it was doubtful whether they would under any circumstances entertain a proposal to adopt it as a second postal service alternately with the Suez. Lord Kimberley's present explanation, indorsed by the Lords of the Treasury, removes any doubts on this point, which was my object in calling attention to the ambiguity of the terms of their letter of the 14th August. I have, <&c, I. E. Featheeston, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Agent-General. Enclosure in No. 22. Mr. H. T. Holland to the Agent-General. Sic, — Downing Street, 3rd February, 1873. With reference to your letter of the 23rd ultimo, on the subject of the Mail Service with the Australasian Colonies, I am directed by the Earl of Kimberley to transmit to you, for your information, a copy of a letter which was addressed by His Lordship's desire to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, together with a copy of the reply. I am, &c, Dr. Featherston, Agent-General for New Zealand. H. T. Holland. 6—F. 3.

• No. 21 of this [ series. i A. No. 2, - Knclosure 1 ia ' No. 1.

I i Enclosure 1 in , No. 21. I