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No. 18. Mr. Lambton to the Seceetary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 6th July, 1889. Thanks for wire. Postmaster-General anxious for reply before asking parliamentary sanction. Believas such sanction depends a great deal on support from New Zealand.

No. 19. The Hon. Sir H. A. Atkinson to the Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 20th July, 1889. Eegeet position Government business will not admit of Frisco service question being considered by Parliament within ensuing three or four weeks. Will take earliest opportunity submitting resolution to House.

No. 20. The Hon. Sir H. A. Atkinson to the Agent-General, London. (Telegram.) Wellington, 3rd September, 1889. Propose asking Parliament join Sydney renewing Frisco service twelve months. Ascertain Imperial Government continue arrangements end ninety. Urgent.

No. 21. The Hon. Sir H. A. Atkinson to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington 7th September, 1889. Confidential. —Frisco service : Congratulate you on getting your resolutions through Parliament. Purpose on Tuesday asking for authority to join you in renewal. Payment, eleven thousand two hundred and fifty. You receive and retain contributions, non-contracting colonies and United States. This really means we pay half-cost. You also pay demurrage anel receive penalties. No bonus; no penalties unless late arrival exceeds forty-eight hours. Otherwise provisions present contract to be given effect to. Contract to be in joint names Postmasters-General.

No. 22. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington. (Telegram.) London, 9th September, 1889. Message received. Ministers away. Imperial Post Office cannot say when likely matter decided.

No. 23. The Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal, Sydney, to the Hon. Sir H. A. Atkinson, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 10th September, 1889. Confidential.—Thanks for telegram. Hope you will succeed with Pacific mail resolutions.

No. 24. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal, Wellington. Sic, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 12th July, 1889. I received in due course, and with many thanks, your letters of 3rd April and 9th, 15th, and 16th May, on various postal matters. Any information of that kind which you are pleased to send me is always welcome and valuable. Towards the end of last month a Eeuter's telegram appeared to the effect that the New South Wales Government had determined to continue the San Francisco mail-service for another year, in order to give time for further consideration, and I shall be curious to see what course the debates in our own House take if New South Wales asks New Zealand to join in this temporary extension of the contract. In the meanwhile nothing further has taken place here about a Vancouver route, consideration of which is still adjourned till the Australasian Colonies shall have decided whether to take any part in such a service. I duly conveyed your thanks, as desired, to Mr. Baines for his action about the parcel mails. I have, &c, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. F. D. Bell.

No. 25. The Agent-Geneeal to the Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal, Wellington. Sib,— 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 26th July, 1889. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th June, relating to the Direct service, and to the step taken by the Government of New South Wales for continuing the San Francisco service for another year,