17

F.—6

I enclose copy of the correspondence, which, you will observe, is of an unofficial nature, that mode of corresponding being, I considered, under the circumstances, more likely to be effective than if I had addressed the Colonial Office officially. I think that everything has now been done to induce the Imperial authorities to take a more equitable view of the matter than they have hitherto adopted, and that we must now await their final decision. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. W. B. Perceval. P.S.—Since writing the above, I have had an interview with Lord Eipon, Mr Sydney Buxton being also present, both of whom expressed themselves as taking a favourable view of the demands of the colony, and I have every reason to think that they will use their influence accordingly with the General Post Office and Treasury.

Enclosure 1 in No. 37.—(See Nos. 24 and 25.)

Enclosure 2 in No. 37. The Secretary, General Post Office, London, to the Agent-General. Sir,— General Post Office, London, E.C., 10th October, 1892. With reference to your letter of the 29th of last month, in which you asked for an interview with the Postmaster-General, for the purpose of representing the views of your Government on the question of the mail-service to New Zealand via San Francisco, I am directed by Mr. Arnold Morley to state that he will be pleased to see you next Monday, 17th October, at 1 p.m., if that hour is convenient to you. I am, &c, W. B. Perceval, Esq., Agent-General for New Zealand. H. Joyce.

Enclosure 3 in No. 37. Memorandum by the Agent-Genebal. San Francisco Service. Interview with Mr. Arnold Morley, Postmaster-General, and Sir Arthur Blackwood, Secretary to General Post Office, at 1 p.m. Urged Postmaster-General to press upon the Treasury the continuance of present arrangements regulating the San Francisco service on grounds — 1. That in the interest of the colony and also in the interest of Great Britain service should be maintained, owing to its superiority over other services. 2. That the Frisco service is the only reliable service to the colony, being regular and much shorter than the other services. 3. That the Suez service is irregular, owing to Great Britain refusing to join in subsidising a federal connection between New Zealand and Australia. 4. That the colony recognised the superiority of the Frisco service by making a sacrifice to maintain it, the annual loss being several thousand pounds. 5. That in determining whether the Frisco service should be maintained the colony should be consulted, and if the colony is willing to make a sacrifice to maintain it, that should be conclusive evidence of the opinion of the colony that that service is superior. 6. That in view of the Vancouver service being established, the Frisco connection should be maintained. Mr. Morley promised to communicate the views expressed to the Treasury, and would be glad of any reliable information as to the prospects of a Vancouver service being established. 17th October, 1892. W. B. P.

Enclosure 4 in No. 37. Mr. Perceval to Mr. Bkamston. Dear Mb. Bkamston,— 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., 18th October, 1892. I fancy Mr. Meacle is away, so I write to you. A controversy is going on between the General Post Office and myself with regard to the San Francisco mail-service. It has always been the practice to deal direct with the General Post Office, instead of through the Colonial Office, but the matter is one which I think ought to be brought under the notice of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, as, if the decision of the Post Office is insisted on, it will be unfair to the colony, and cause a feeling of resentment at the action of the Imperial Government. I shall be glad to know whether the Marquis of Eipon will grant me an interview on the subject. Yours, &c, John Bramston, Esq., C.8., Colonial Office. W. B. Perceval. 3—F. 6.