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inform you that a copy of the resolution was duly forwarded to the Postmaster-General at Washington, and that a reply has been received from him to the effect that the amount now paid by the United States Post Office Department for the sea-conveyance of mails from San Francisco to the Australian Colonies, about $55,000 annually is the maximum sum allowable under the statutes now in force in that country and that the rate charged for the transportation of closed mails between San Francisco and New York is less than the actual cost. I have, &c, The Hon. E. J Seddon, Wellington, New Zealand. Hugh M. Nelson.

No. 62. The Hon. the Pbemieb to the Agent-Genebal. Sib, — Premier's Office, 22nd February, 1894. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3rd ultimo, covering copy of correspondence between the Imperial Post Office and yourself in reference to suggestion made for securing an earlier delivery in New Zealand of English mails sent via San Francisco. I have, &c, Sir Westby B. Perceval, K.C.M.G., A. J. Cadman, Agent-General for New Zealand, London. For the Premier

No. 63. The Managing Dibeotob, Union Steam Ship Company, to the Seceetaey General Post Office. (Telegram.) Auckland, sth March, 1894. Spbeckels again writes strongly on subject of despatch of mails from London. Present mail three days late owing to long passages " Umbria" and " Adriatic." Urges you bring pressure London Post Office select fastest Atlantic route, avoid unfavourable comparison Canadian line, whose agents are alive to importance best Atlantic connection.

No. 64. The Eesident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco, to the Seobetaby, General Post Office, Wellington. Sib, — San Francisco, Bth March, 1894. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 25th January acknowledging my communication of the 15th December, also informing me that the question of an increased contribution to the San Francisco service by the United States, and of the extension of land-transit charges, will receive consideration at the Wellington Conference on the sth March. In connection therewith I enclose a clipping from a San Francisco paper of yesterday's date, being a cable record of the proceedings at that Conference in reference to this matter Adverting to my communication of the 6th February, with reference to the attempted detention of the steamer " New York " at New York City, I have now the honour to enclose you copy of a communication received from the International Navigation Company of New York with reference to their failure to carry out the request to detain their steamer on the occasion referred to, and, while not successful upon that occasion, it is pleasing to note their willingness to hold their steamships when circumstances are more favourable towards that course. I have, &c., • H. Stbphenson Smith, The Secretary, Posts and Telegraphs, Wellington. Eesident Agent.

Enclosure 1 in No 64. [Extract from the San Francisco Daily Morning Gall, 7th March, 1894.] Intercolonial Service.—Confebence to consideb Postal and Telegbaph Apeaibs. Wellington, New Zealand, 6th March. At the Conference to discuss the intercolonial postal and telegraph service the matter of the Vancouver mail-service was considered at some length. The Hon. Mr Ward, who presided, moved the Conference should support the four-weekly service to alternate with the San Francisco service. Ward's motion was carried by a unanimous vote. A resolution was also adopted that strong representations be made to the Washington Government, pointing to the inadequate support given by it to the San Francisco route, and urging that increased payments be made to support the steamship line, and that a reduction be made in the heavy overland charges.

Enclosure 2 m No 64. The Supebvisob, International Navigation Company, New York, to the Eesident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco. Slit,— New York, 15th February, 1894. Your communication of the 31st January would have been acknowledged and answered before this had not our New York manager been ill, and away from the office.