E.—3f.

1876. NEW ZEALAND.

SAN FRANCISCO MAIL SERVICE, (FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO).

(In continuation of Papers presented on the 21st October, 1876.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency. No. 1. Messrs. Gilcheist, Watt, and Co., Sydney, to the Hon. the Postmaster-Genebal, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 21st October, 1876. Pending final arrangements between both Governments, and approval Parliament of proposed change, please permit contractors run direct service. Early reply desired that we may communicate to Fiji, per " Australia," decision, and cable to Frisco regarding movement of steamer to leave there eighth November. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Gilchrist, Watt, and Co.

No. 2. The Hon. F. WniTAKER to the Hon. the Colonial Secbetabt, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 21st October, 1876. As temporary arrangement, pending negotiation, we consent to your proposal in telegram 17th October, substituting Auckland for Bay of Islands. Could not be otherwise for present, as only one small coastal steamer, unsuitable for Frisco passengers, runs between Auckland and Bay, and no suitable steamer could be got to take up service pending negotiation only. If you arrange with Gilchrist, pleaae telegraph that we may arrange for temporary Coastal Service. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Sydney. F. Whitakeb.

No. 3. Mr. Stiapley to Dr. Lemon, Wellington. (Telegram.) Wakapuaka, 21st October, 1876. Svdnet says no reply from Colonial Secretary to-night, but opens at 8.30 Sydney time to-morrow, in case reply should be sent then. Dr. Lemon, Wellington. . Shaplet.

No. 4. Mr. Siiapley to the Hon. John Hall, Wellington. (Telegram.) Wakapuaka, 22nd October, 1876. Following is from officer in charge Sydney cable:—" Sydney Government says think no chance of any reply to-day." Do you wish anything further done? The" Hon. J. Hall, Wellington. ■ Shaplet.

No. 5. The Hon. F. Whitaker to Officer in Chabge Telegraph Station, Wakapuaka. (Telegram.) "Wellington, 22nd October, 1876. Offtce to be kept open from 5 p.m. until further orders. Telegraph Sydney that this is done. The Officer in Charge, Telegraph Station, "Wakapuaka. Feed. Whitaker.