5

F.—4

Francisco postal authorities, are disposed to take a lively and practical interest in promoting the efficiency of the San Francisco mail route. There is little doubt that if joint representations were made to the Contractors great improvements could be effected. The various points to which Mr. Creighton refers in his letters may be summarized as follows:— 1. That the mail steamers should be despatched from San Francisco immediately on the arrival of the London mails from New York. 2. That the time at present occupied in the transcontinental journey admits of being considerably shortened. 3. That a postponement in the day of departure from Sydney might be arranged, contingent upon an increased rate of speed being maintained, which would secure the arrival of the mail steamers at San Francisco on Friday, in time for the through train of Saturday morning. 4. That the Atlantic connection might be improved. 5. That all the Australian mails should be enclosed in Sydney bags, with a view to simplify the operation of checking the transfer of the mails, and at the same time lessen the number of way-bills. 6. That, in cases where the mail steamers may arrive late for the through train, and a possibility may exist of overtaking it, a special mail train should be engaged ; and that the New Zealand Mail Agent should go forward in charge of all the colonial mails, and see them safely transferred to the through train. Mr. Creighton having dealt with each head in detail, it will be unnecessary that I should enlarge upon each in the present communication. I would state, however, with reference to the suggestion No. 5, that our Mail Agents have been instructed to have all mails in readiness for transhipping prior to the arrival of the mail steamers at San Francisco, and, if necessary, to accompany any special train, and superintend the transference of the mails to the through train. I trust that these arrangements will commend themselves to the favourable consideration of your department. The Postmaster-General will be glad to receive an expression of opinion from your Department on the foregoing suggestions at an early date. I have, &c, W. Geat, The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. Secretary.

No. 8. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Postmaster-General. Sir,— 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 4th December, 1877. I have the honor to enclose copy of a communication I have received from Mr. Creighton, of San Francisco, regarding certain steps which have been taken in America for accelerating the mail service. ' I also enclose copy of my reply, expressing my sense of Mr. Creighton's exertions, and advising him that the correspondence will be submitted to the Government. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 8. The A gent-General to Mr. Cbeighton. Sib,— 29th November, 1877. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 2nd instant, respecting the steps which have been taken for accelerating the New Zealand and Australian Mail Service. I have read your letter with much interest, and am sure the Government will be gratified with your exertions. I will send to the Government a copy of your letter and my reply. I find from the Agents here that, to the best of their knowledge, arrangements are completed to enable the outward mails to leave San Francisco immediately on their arrival there. the arrangement for shipping the mails from New York, the two Governments have well considered the question of the boats they desire to be used, and I believe the Post Office is well acquainted with their views. I have, &c, JULIUS VoGEL, E. J. Creighton, Esq., San Francisco. Agent-General for New Zealand.

No. 9. The Hon. Mr. Fisher to the A gent-General. Sib,— General Post Office, Wellington, 12th February, 1878. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 4th December last, enclosing copy of a letter you had received from Mr. Creighton, of (-'an Francisco, regarding certain steps which had been taken in America for accelerating the San Francisco Mail Service, together with a copy of your reply to Mr. Creighton.