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I note that the London office feared that it would not be possible to bring the matter before the Congress, seeing that the service is one of those specially excluded from the scope of the Postal Union Convention. I have', &c, W. 0. Walkbb, For the Premier. The Hon. W. P. Beeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

No. 87. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Pbbmieb. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sir,— 22nd November, 1897. Referring to your letter of the Bth June last, and to previous correspondence, I now beg to transmit copies of further correspondence that has passed on the subject of a reduction in the territorial transit charges levied by the United States Post Office on colonial mails. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. W. P. Eebvbs.

Enclosure 1 in No. 87. The Secbetaby, General Post Office, London, to the Agent-General. Sib, — General Post Office, London, 17th November, 1897. With reference to your letter of the 7th April last, and to my reply of the 21st of that month, respecting a proposed attempt to procure a reduction in the rates charged by the United States Post Office for the conveyance of New Zealand mails across the American Continent, I am directed by the Postmaster-General to inform you that the British delegates to the recent Postal Congress held at Washington, though they took an opportunity of mentioning the matter to the Postmaster-General of the United States, were unable to compass any alteration of the existing rates. The question is now, however, about to be reopened here in the ordinary official way ; and, before again approaching the United States Post Office on the subject, the Postmaster-General will be glad to know whether any further communication has been made to you on the subject. I am, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand. H. Buxton Forman.

Enclosure 2 in No. 87. The Secretary to the Agent-Genebal to the Secbetart, General Post Office, London. Sir,— 13, Victoria Street, S.W., 19th November, 1897. I am directed by the Agent-General to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th instant, and, in reply, to inform you that he has received no further communication on the subject of the reduction in the rates charged by the United States Post Office for the conveyance of the New Zealand mails across the American Continent since his letter to you of the 7th of April last. I am, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, E.C. Walter Kennaway.

No. 88. The Hon. the Premier to the Agent-Geneeal. (Telegram.) - Wellington, Bth January, 1898. Eeferring to letter 22nd November, again urge Imperial Post Office obtain reduction of rates.

No. 89. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Premier. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sir,— 15th January, 1898. Eeferring to your cablegram of the Bth instant, I beg to transmit herewith copy of correspondence with the Imperial Post Office relating to the reduction of the rates charged by the United States Post Office for the conveyance of the mails across the American Continent. I have, &c, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington, New Zealand. W. P. Beeves.

Enclosure 1 in No. 89. The Secretary to the Agent-Genebal to the Seoretaby, General Post Office, London. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W , Sib,— 10th January, 1898. Eeferring to your letter of the 17th November last, and previous communications, I am directed by the Aj/ent-General to state that he has received instructions from his Government to