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No. 17. The Hon. Saul Samuel to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 7th March, 1879. I am of opinion Agents-General would not have incurred expenses of telegram if they did not believe some delay would occur in getting bond executed. Still think we should urge signing of contract at once, adding, if Agents think it necessary, stipulation you propose as to bond. If you concur, will cable accordingly. Saul Samuel, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Postmaster-General.

No. 18. The Hon. J. T. Fishee to the Hon. the Postmasteb-Genebal, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, Bth March, 1879. Do not object to contract being at once signed, but with the proviso suggested in my telegram of 6th. J. T. Fishee, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Sydney. Postmaster-General.

No. 19. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. 7, AVestminster Chambers, Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sib — 23rd January, 1879. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 7th December,* relating to the decision of the Governments of New South Wales and New Zealand as regards the number of boats to be stipulated for in tho new mail contract. I have, Ac, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Agent-General.

No. 20. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Postmasteb-Genebal, Wellington. 7, AVestminster Chambers, A rictoria Street, London, S.W., Sib,— 30th January, 1879. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 7th December last,* on the subject of the new mail contract. In reply, I beg to enclose copies of correspondence with the solicitors of the Government, showing the steps taken at the instance of the Agent-General for New South AVales and myself to forward the completion of the contract by the Pacific Mail Steamship Company. 1 regret the delay, but Mr. Forster and I have, as you will see, endeavoured to obviate it in every way possible. I have, Ac, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Agent-General.

Enclosure 1 in No. 20. Messrs. John Mackeell and Co. to the Agent-Genebal. Dear Sib Julius, — 21, Cannon Street, London, 27th December, 1878. AYe send below copy of a letter we havo to-day received from the Pacific Mail Steamship Company. AYe have sent a copy to Messrs. Elder and Co.'s solicitors, and asked them to let us hear from them. Wc have, Ac, The Agent-General for New Zealand. John Mackeell and Co.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure 1 in No. 20. The President of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company to Messrs, John Mackeell and Co. Deae Sibs, — New York, 14th December, 1878. Yours of 29th November came duly to hand, and contents have our careful attention. AYe have received the copies of amended contract and bond through Messrs. Foster and Thomson, and the same are having the attention of our counsel for comparison and advice as to same before signing. We will advise you at the earliest possible moment by cable (to the address registered, as per your letter), both as to the acceptance of the amended contract, and the matter of the surety in the place of Mr. Macgregor. AYe shall be obliged, however, to consult Messrs. John Elder and Co., to whom we note you have sent also copies of both contract and bond, and are writing them by this mail to cable us their views. It is probable, however, that we shall hear from them on this matter in anticipation of our inquiry, which will, of course, facilitate us in giving our reply to the Agents-General. I have, Ac, Messrs. John Mackrell and Co., D. S. Babcock, 21, Cannon Street, London. President. # Vide No. 11.

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