i).-4,

4

Extract from Board Minutes of 14th November, 1882. Direct Steam.- —Telegrams which had passed between London and the Head Office on this matter since last meeting were read, considered, and the latter approved. A conversational discussion took place on the whole question and position, and the Board were unanimous in the resolve to adhere to the policy they had entered upon, and the managing director was desired to act accordingly. Extracts from Board Minutes of 28th November, 1882. It was decided that the "British King" should proceed first to Wellington from London commg on to Lyttelton for loading and despatch homewards. Failing the amalgamated companies' accepting the offer of alternate despatch, and providing a steamer for February, it was decided to despatch the " British Queen " on 20th February for Port Chalmers direct, and to continue monthly despatch thereafter. It was also decided to cable Mr. Strickland to spare no expense in making the chartered service as perfect as possible in all arrangements. Extract from Board Minutes of 9th January, 1883. Direct Steam. —This subject again occupied the attention of the Board, and it was decided that, as the amalgamated companies had declined the overtures of this company for an alternate monthly despatch of steamers, the London manager should be instructed to make no arrangements in this direction without special reference to the directors in the colony. Isaac Gibbs, Secretary,

Enclosure 3 in No. 6. Mr. Isaac Gibbs to the Hon. E. Eichardson. (Telegram.) Christchurch, 6th August, 1883. J. E. Strickland cabled, on 6th February, as follows : " James Galbraith will not on any account accept less than £40,000 subsidy per annum. Speed not under 10_ knots or 11 knots." The Hon. E. Eichardson, Wellington. Isaac Gibbs.

No. 7. The Hon. the Minister of Immigration to the Hon. E. Eichardson, C.M.G. Sir,- — Immigration Office, Wellington, 20th August, 1883. I have the honour to transmit herewith, for your information, a copy of the report of the Joint Direct Steam Service Committee, from which you will learn that the contemplated arrangements with the New Zealand Shipping Company for the conveyance of immigrants and cargo have to be set aside in favour of the proposals which are embodied in the report of the Joint Committee. I hope shortly to be able to communicate with you as to the manner in which the Government propose to give effect to the suggestions of the Committee. I have, &c, W. Eolleston, The Hon. E. Eichardson, C.M.G., Wellington. Minister of Immigration.

Enclosure in No 7. Eeport of the Joint Direct Steam Service Committee.—(l.-10, 1883). The Committee to whom was referred the consideration of the proposals for a direct steam. service between Great Britain and New Zealand, have the honour to report that they have adopted the following resolutions : (1.) That no contract for a direct steam service should be entered into before the next session of the General Assembly. (2.) That, in the meantime, the Government should make such arrangements, consistent with efficiency, as will be least burdensome on the public revenue. (3). That, in making such arrangements, due regard should be paid to the claim which the New Zealand Shipping Company, by its enterprise, has upon the colony. (4). That, having regard to the safety and comfort of passengers, the Government should give the preference to unsinkable ships. (5.) That the Bluff should be included in the ports of arrival and departure which shall be optional for steamers under arrangements with the Government. 15th August, 1883. Daniel Pollen, Chairman.

No. 8. The Hon. the Minister of Immigration to the Agent-General. Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, Bth September, 1883. I forward herewith for your information a copy of the report of the Joint Committee on Direct Steam Service,* and I shall be glad if you will, pending further instructions, make arrangements for sending immigrants as far as possible in accordance with the terms of the resolution adopted by the Committee. I have, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand, London. W. Eolleston.

"Enclosure in No. 7,