19
F.—6
We regret very much indeed that we were unable to keep the ' New York " for the Australian mails on the morning of the 24th , but our President decided Tuesday evening, after considering the matter, that we were not justified in detaining the very large United States mail which we had on board, and the large number of passengers which the ship carried that trip, five or six hours. We have once or twice before been able to keep the ship back an hour or two for the through mails, and will always be very glad indeed to do so again, when circumstances justify it. Please have no hesitation whatever in making such requests in the future. I remain, &c, C. A. Griscom, Jun. Supervisor H. Stephenson Smith, Esq., Eesident Agent, New Zealand Government, San Francisco, California.
No. 65 The Eesident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Dear Sic, — San Francisco, Bth March, 1894. The " Alameda " is expected to get away to-morrow, being one day later than schedule time, notwithstanding the fact that the mails cross the Atlantic by the steamer "Lucania, which appears to have again taken up her running, and from which better results will be anticipated. The Homeward mails by steamer " Alameda," reaching here on the 15th ultimo, arrived in New York in time to catch the " Majestic," and were landed in England on the 27th of February (thirty days from Auckland). This is a very pleasing contrast to the previous month's despatch, and, as it was a midwinter journey, a strong testimony in favour of the San Francisco route. It may be interesting to ascertain the time occupied by the " Arawa's" mails leaving some little time prior to the "Alameda." I think the comparison would show to the advantage of the American service. Yours, &c, W Gray, Esq., Wellington, New Zealand. H. Stephenson Smith.
No. 66. The Secretary, General Post Office, to the Managing Director, Union Steam Ship Company Sir,-- General Post Office, Wellington, 9th April, 1894. Eeferring to your telegram of the sth ultimo from Auckland, urging that representations be made to the London Post Office with a view of having the Australasian mails from London, via San Francisco, forwarded across the Atlantic by the fastest steamers, I beg to forward herewith copies of correspondence which has already taken place between the Premier's Office and the AgentGeneral in the matter I should add that it is intended to again take up the matter with the London Post Office. Yours, &c, The Managing Director, W Gray, Secretary Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin. P S.—l forward a second copy, so that you may send it to Mr Spreckels.
No. 67 The Hon. the President of the Postal and Telegraph Conference, New Zealand, to the Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco. Postal and Telegraph Conference, New Zealand, 1894. Sib,— Wellington, 16th April, 1894. 1 have the honour to refer to your letter of the Bth ultimo, addressed to the Secretary of the General Post Office, which has been submitted to me, with reference to the question of an increased contribution to the San Francisco mail-service by the United States, and a reduction on the overland transit charges, and, in reply, to inform you that these matters were considered at the Postal Conference which commenced its sittings at Wellington on,the sth March last, when it was resolved that " In the opinion of this Conference its is desirable that a four-weekly service vid San Francisco be continued, and that strong representations be again made to the United States Government, pointing out the inadequate support given to the service by them, and urging an increased payment in support of the line, and that further representations be made to obtain a reduction in the heavy overland charges." A proof copy of the proceedings is forwarded for your information. I have, &c, J G. Wabd, H. Stephenson Smith, Esq., Eesident Agent for New Zealand, President San Francisco, California.