F.—S.

No. 12. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal, Wellington. 7, Westminster Chambers, A^ictoria Street, London, S.W., Sib, — 6th November, 1878. In continuation of my letter of the 10th ultimo, I have the honor to enclose you a copy of further telegram which, after consultation with Mr. Mackrell, the Agent-General for New South Wales and I decided to send on the 30th ultimo, in consequence of our having received no reply to our former telegram of the Bth ultimo on the subject of the mail contract, the preparation of which is delayed pending a reply. I have, Ac, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 12. The Agents-Geneeal for New South Wales and New Zealand to the Hon. the Colonial Seceetaby, Sydney. (Telegram.) London, 30th October, 1878. Mail contract delayed, pending reply to our telegram eighth. W. Foestee. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Sydney. J. A r OGEL.

No. 13. The Hon. J. T. Fishee to the Agent-Genebal. Sib, — General Post Office, AVellington, 2nd January, 1879. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 6th November last, enclosing a copy of a telegram, which, after consultation with Mr. Mackrell, the Agent-General for New South Wales and yourself had dispatched to Sydney on the 30th October last, relative to the execution of the new contract. I have, Ac, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. J. T. Fishee.

No. 14 The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Postmasteb-Genebal, Wellington. 7, AYestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sib,— 4th December, 1878. I have the honor to enclose for your information copy of a telegram* received from New South Wales, addressed to Mr. Forster and myself, advising the concurrence of New Zealand as to the number of boats necessary for the mail service under the proposed contract. I have, Ac, Julius A togel, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 15. The Seceetaby, General Post Office, Sydney, to the Secketary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, sth March, 1879. Following is a copy of telegram received from Forster and A rogel:—" Pacific Company accepted modified contract, but cannot furnish other security than Elder, to which we agreed 29th January. Impossible compel another surety. Elders' firm consents, but will not give bond until they make new agreement with Company. This may involve delay. Shall we execute contract and wait for bond, or delay contract until bondsmen ready. Consult New Zealand." Postmaster-General is of opinion contract should be executed without further delay, leaving Agents-General to act as they deem best with regard to bond. Seceetaby, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. General Post Office, Sydney.

No. 16. The Hon. J. T. Fisher to the Hon. the Postmaster-Geneeal, Sydney. (Telegram.) AVellington, 6th March, 1879. Re Agents-General telegram concerning bondsmen Frisco contract. —I presume the delay in getting Elder's signature cannot be long, therefore there is no need of hurry in signing contract, but, if signed, it should only be on tho understanding that contract shall be void if bond not signed by surety within some short limited period. AVould suggest that reply of this nature be sent Agents-General. J. T. Fisher, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Sydney. Postmaster-General. * Vide No. 7.

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