5

F.—6

Government is very anxious to ascertain what support, if any, the Imperial Government is likely to give the service. Mr Bowell, the special representative from Canada, is still in Australia, but has not as yet communicated with this Government in reference to the service, and has just intimated that he will not have time to visit New Zealand. I have, &c, W B. Perceval, Esq P A. Buckley, Agent-General for New Zealand, London. For the Premier

No. 17 The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Eesident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco. Sic, — General Post Office, Wellington, 2nd November, 1893. I beg to advise you that the San Francisco mail-service has been formally renewed for another year I enclose two copies of the time-table, which is a continuation of the present one. Be so good as to advise the San Francisco Post Office. I have, &c, H. Stephenson Smith, Esq., Sun Fire Insurance Company W Geay, Secretary. California Street, San Francisco, California.

No. 18. The Seobetaey, General Post Office, to the Managing Dieectoe, Union Steam Ship Company. Sic,— General Post Office, Wellington, 24th November, 1893. Adverting to my letter of the 27th ultimo, I have the honour formally to announce that the Hon. the Postmaster-General has accepted your offer to continue to carry on the San Francisco service for another year on existing terms from the expiry of the present contract. I enclose copy of my telegram, and of your reply preceding my letter —namely, of the 7th and 11th ultimo respectively I have already communicated with you by a separate letter on the subject of the interprovicial service. I have, &c, The Managing Director, W Geay, Secretary Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin.

No. 19 The Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal, Wellington, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, London. Sic,— General Post Office, Wellington, 24th November, 1893. I have the honour to inform you that arrangements have been completed for the renewal of the San Francisco mail-service for twelve months from the expiry of the present contract, of which fact you have probably been advised by the Agent-General. It is noted, as advised by the Agent-General, that your department will continue to contribute towards the cost of the service at the present Postal Union rates. I have, &c, W Gbay, The Secretary, General Post Office, London. For the Postmaster-General.

No. 20. The Secbetaby, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Deputy Postmastee-Genebal, Sydney Sic,— General Post Office, Wellington, 24th November, 1893. Adverting to your cablegram of the 23rd September last, and my acknowledgment thereof by letter of the 6th ultimo, I have now the honour to inform you that the contract for the San Francisco service has been renewed with the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited) for a period of twelve months from the termination of the contract now expiring. I shall no doubt hear from you by an early mail that your Parliament has agreed to the continuance of your department's contribution towards the cost of the service. I have, &c, The Deputy Postmaster-General, Sydney W Geay, Secretary.

No. 21 The Deputy Postmastee-Geneeal, Sydney, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington Postal and Electric Telegraph Department, General Post Office, Sydney, Sic,— 12th December 1893. I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 24th ultimo, with reference to the contribution of this colony towards the cost of the San Francisco mail-service for another year from the date of termination of the contract just expired, and to inform you that provision has been made on the estimates for 1894 to cover the expenditure, but the amount has not yet been voted by Parliament. I have, &c, J. Dalgaeno, The Secretary, pro Deputy Postmaster-General. General Post Office, Wellington, New Zealand.