I\— 4

4

No. 7. The Hon. Sir J. Vogel to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey, Sydney. (Telegram) Wellington, 7th March, 1876. I think it best cable Mackrel, and if he advises it take ten thousand from Cunningham ; do so at once, without referring to Parliament. Advice of lawyer would justify Government's action. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Sydney. Julius Vogel.

No. 8. Messrs. John Mackeell and Co. to the Hon. Sir J. Vogel. (Telegram.) London, 21st March, 1876. Sydney Government are offered ten thousand pounds final settlement all claims against all parties concerned with regard Forbes-Cunningham-Hall contract, aud are favourable accept. Do you authorize acceptance ? Should be exclusive De Bussche's settlement and costs. The Hon. Sir J. Vogel, Wellington. John Mackeell and Co.

No. 9. The Hon. Sir J. Vogel to the Hon. J. Robeetson. (Telegram.) Wellington, 21st March, 1876. Re Cunningham's offer: Have you telegraphed Mackrell; suppose you have,for he has telegraphed asking my advice ? You had better wire me your message to him. Following is telegram received by me.* The Hon. J. Robertson, Sydney. Julius Vogel.

No. 10. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey, Sydney, to the Hon. Sir J. Vogel. (Telegram.) Sydney, 22nd March, 1876. My telegram to Agent-General was in these words: " See Mackrell. We are offered ten thousand pounds final settlement all claims against all parties concerned with, regard Forbes-Cunningham-Hall contract. AYe favourable. New Zealand will concur. —10th March." The Hon. Sir Julius A Togel, AVellington. Colonial Seceetaey.

No. 11. The Hon. Sir J. A 7 ogel to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 24th March, 1876. Re Cunningham: Your telegram overlooked that object telegraphing Mackrell was to ask his advice. Better commence afresh. Shall I telegraph following:—" Two Governments want your advice—shall they accept ten thousand offered by Cunningham or try for more?" The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Sydney. Julius Vogel.

No. 12. The Hon. the Colonial Seceetaey, Sydney, to the Hon. Sir J. Vogel. (Telegram.) Sydney, March 25, 1876. Telegraph as you suggest to Mackrell, if you please. The Hon. Sir J. Vogel, Wellington. Colonial Seceetaey.

No. 13. The Hon. Sir J. A^ogel to Messrs. John Mackeell and Co. (Telegram.) Wellington, 28th March, 1876. Two Governments want your advice. Shall they accept ten thousand offered by Cunningham, or try for more? Messrs. John Mackrell and Co., London. Julius Vogel.

No. 14. The Hon. Sir J. Vogel to the Hon. the Postmastee-General, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 3rd July, 1876. My telegram to Mackrell, re Cunningham, must have reached him incorrectly, since I have no reply. Have you any? What do you propose to do about Cunningham's offer? The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Sydney. Julius Vogel. * Vide No. 8. "