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No. 4. The Hon. Dr. Pollen to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet, Sydney. Sic, — Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 14th October, 1876. With reference to previous communications relating to the proposed modifications of the route for the San Francisco Mail Service, I have the honor to inform you that the question having been brought under the consideration of the House of Eepresentatives of this colony, the House has agreed to the following resolution (vide No. 2) : — 2. I have by this mail communicated a copy of this resolution to the Agents in Sydney of the Pacific Mail Company, informing them that, subject to the concurrence of the Government of New South Wales, this Government would be prepared to agree to a modification of the contract on the terms stated in the resolution. 3. You will perceive that, in deference to the views of your Government, an alternative authority has been obtained to make the Bay of Islands the New Zealand port of call; it has, however, been impossible to do this without stipulating for some pecuniary concession to meet the extra expenditure which would thereby be entailed upon the Government. The abandonment of Auckland would save so little time in the voyage to Sydney, while it would be so inconvenient to New Zealand, and in all probability be disadvantageous to the Company, that I trust, upon reconsideration, your Government may not think it necessary to insist upon this condition. 4. I shall be glad to receive, at your early convenience, any information which you may be able to communicate on the subject of this service. 5. My colleague, the Postmaster-General, transmitted to you by telegraph this morning a copy of the above resolution, requesting you to be good enough to communicate a copy of the same to Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co. 6. I enclose a copy of that telegram. I have, &c, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New South Wales. Daniel Pollen.

No. 5. The Hon. F. Whitakee to Messrs. Gilcheist, Watt, and Co. Gentlemen, — General Post Office, Wellington, 14th October, 1876. With reference to your letter of the 29th ultimo, and to various telegrams respecting a proposed modification in the route for the San Francisco Mail Service, I have the honor to inform you that the subject has been brought under the consideration of the House of Eepresentatives of this colony, and that the House yesterday agreed to the following resolution (vide No. 2). 2. I shall feel obliged if you will communicate this resolution to the Pacific Mail Company, and inform them that, subject to the concurrence of the Government of New South Wales, this Government will be prepared to agree to a modification of the contract on the terms stated in the above resolution. 3. I forwarded this morning a copy of the resolution by telegraph to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Sydney, requesting him to communicate to you a copy of the same. I have, &c, Feed. Whitakee, Messrs. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co., Sydney. Postmaster-General.

No. 6. The Hon. Dr. Pollen to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 17th October, 1876. Has Gilchrist power to negotiate modification ? If not, as Vogel goes to England via New York, we propose he should negotiate with Pacific Company to make a formal offer for approval of two Governments, but without binding either, on the basis of New Zealand resolutions. Do you agree ? The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Sydney. Daniel Pollen.

No. 7. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet, Sydney, to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaet, Wellington. (Telegram) Sydney, 17th October, 1876. In answer to your telegram of this date, Gilchrist has authority to negotiate. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Colonial Seceetaet, Sydney.

No. 8. The Hon. the Colonial Secretaet, Sydney, to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetaet, "Wellington. (Telegram.) 17th October, 1876. Totje parliamentary conditions, as communicated to us on the fourteenth instant, would render continuance of service by Pacific Company impossible. The Company have telegraphed Gilchrist that they will forfeit penalty, and withdraw entirely, rather than run your Coastal Service, or undertake any