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No. 4. The Agent-Geneeal, to the Hon. the Peemiee. (Telegram.) London, S.W , 4th October, 1893. With reference to telegram of 23rd September, Imperial Post Office confirms assumption.

No. 5 The Deputy Postmastee-Genebal, Sydney to the Seceetaby General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 23rd September, 1893. Subject approval Parliament, New South Wales will continue subsidy Frisco service for another year

No. 6. The Sbceetaby, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Deputy Postmastee-Genebal, Sydney Sik,— General Post Office, Wellington, 6th October, 1893. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your cablegram of the 23rd ultimo, intimating that, subject to the approval of Parliament, your department will continue its contribution towards the cost of the San Francisco mail-service for another year I have, &c, The Deputy Postmaster-General, Sydney W Gbay, Secretary

No 7 The Secbetaby General Post Office, to the Managing Dieectob, Union Steam Ship Company (Telegram.) Wellington, 7th October, 1893. I have now replies from Sydney agreeing to renew subsidy to the San Francisco mail-service for another year subject to approval of Parliament, and a reply from the Agent-General that London will continue to pay under Postal Union rates. I should be glad to hear formally that your company will agree to renewal on existing terms and conditions.

No 8. The Seobetaey General Post Office, to the Managing Dibectob, Union Steam Ship Company. Sib,— General Post Office, Wellington, 9th October, 1893. In connection with the proposed renewal of the San Francisco mail-service for another year, I have the honour to ask whether your company is prepared to renew the interprovincial connecting-service, and on what terms. It is considered, that a reduction on the rate hitherto paid may now be reasonably expected, and I shall be glad to hear that your company is prepared to meet the wishes of the department in this direction. I have, &c, The Managing Director, W Gbay, Secretary Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin.

No. 9 The Managing Dibectob, Union Steam Ship Company, to the Secbetaby, General Post Office. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 11th October, 1893. We are willing to carry on mail-service for another year on existing terms. Presume there is no hope Imperial Government reverting to previous rates for outward mails. Can you send me comparative statement for current year as far as it has gone, showing difference between payment under Postal Union rates and under rates previously paid.

No. 10. The Managing Dikeotok, Union Steam Ship Company, to the Secbetaby, General Post Office. Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin, Deae Sib,— 26th October, 1893. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your favour of 9th instant, asking whether this company is prepared to renew the interprovincial service in connection with the San Francisco mail-service, and on what terms. The directors are quite prepared to renew the interprovincial service on the existing terms. They think you cannot reasonably expect them to render the services they do for any less sum. The carrying out of the running necessitates studying dates of arrival and departure of mailsteamers, and making special disposition of the boats to insure prompt connection. The directors also think it should be taken into consideration that the agreement is now only made from year to year, and not for a definite lengthened period. I have, &c, W Gray, Esq., T W Whitson, Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. For Managing Director.