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No. 20. The Hon. Mr. Stuart to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Sydney, 20th April, 1883. Subject not reached last night, will probably be to-night. Will telegraph ycu when finished. Am determined not prorogue until decision one way or other arrived at. Alex. Stuart, The Colonial Secretary, Wellington. . Colonial Secretary.

No. 21. The Hon. Mr. Stuart to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Sydney, 26th April, 1883. Subject Imperial Government continuing their part, Assembly passed resolutions extending contract two years fifty thousand. This colony's contribution eighteen seven fifty. Optional withdrawal twelve months if America refuses one-third contribution. Acceleration first year twenty-four, second forty-eight hours. Alex. Stuart, The Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Colonial Secretary.

No. 22. Mr. Gray to Mr. Gamble. Wellington, 27th April, 1883. Following telegram received from the Colonial Secretary, Sydney. Postmaster-General would be glad to know whether your company is likely'to accept the conditions: " Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Subject Imperial Government continuing their part, Assembly passed resolutions extending contract two years fifty thousand. This colony's contribution eighteen seven fifty. Optional withdrawal twelve months if America refuses one-third contribution. Acceleration first year twenty-four, second forty-eight hours.—Alex. Stuart, Sydney." W. Gray/ Thomas T. Gamble, Esq., Auckland. Secretary.

No. 23. Mr. Gamble to Air. Gray. Auckland, 30th April, 1883. Please ask Postmaster-General to pardon my delay in answering despatch of Friday. Saw Premier on Saturday, and have submitted to President of company Sydney's conditions. Ido not think they will be agreed to until altered somewhat, especially clause as to time reduction. Gross amount offered will probably be accepted, and will advise you as soon as I receive reply from New York. Thos. T. Gamble, W. Gray, Esq., Wellington. Agent, P.M.S.S. Company.

. No. 24. Mr. Gamble to the Hon', the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Agency, Pacific Mail Steamship Company, Sin,— Auckland, 11th May, 1883. I have the honour to confirm the following telegraphic message which I sent to you yesterday, addressed to Mr. Secretary Gray : " Please inform Postmaster-GeneraL that Pacific Mail Company cabled as follows : ' Proposition is accepted for three steamers at fifty thousand pounds for one year, present schedule time to be reduced twenty-four hours, terminable thereafter should America decline to contribute. If continued, time to be reduced forty-eight hours from present schedule during second year.' Will you kindly advise me if the Government is willing to continue the service on these terms." I have, &c, Thos. T. Gamble, Hon. Thomas Dick, Postmaster-General, Wellington. Agent.

No. 25. The Hon. Mr. Dick to the Hon. Mr. Stuart, Sydney. Wellington, 10th May, 1883. Is it clear that if the American Government grant contribution to Fr'isco line the colonies get the benefit ? Thomas Dick, Hon. A. Stuart, Svdney. Colonial Secretary. 2—F. 3.