H.—3sa.

Freight to be paid as agreed—viz., £1 10s. per ton of 2,2401b. for wheat, and £1 12s. 6d. per ton of 2,240 lb. for oats, both with 5 per cent, primage added. The grain to be shipped in proportion of not less than two-thirds wheat to one-third oats. As regards our New York steamers, I am authorised to offer you the " Queen Eleanor"— sailed from New York Ist instant—at £1 10s. per ton on her dead-weight capacity. I shall require prompt reply for this vessel, as other negotiations are pending, and she is only offering at the above low rate on account of your promised outward support. I hope to be able to arrange for the succeeding steamer " Ardendeary " at the same rate, but cannot close her for a fortnight. 1 am &c, Hon. J. McKenzie, Wellington. Eichabd Todd.

[Telegrams to Tyser Shipping Company.] Captain E. Todd, Tyser Shipping Line, Napier. Wellington, 17th March, 1899. Youe letter duly received last night. I have called meeting of Cabinet this morning to place matter before my colleagues, and afterwards will communicate with Premier for his concurrence, if Cabinet decides. I have delayed going South until Monday, so as to get this matter fixed up. I hope, at latest to-morrow night or Monday morning, to give you definite answer confirming matter. It will afterwards be necessary for you to come to Wellington to place whole arrangement in proper order in writing, so that there would be no possibility of any dispute arising hereafter. John McKbnzie.

Captain E. Todd, Tyser Shipping Line, Napier. Wellington, 17th March, 1899. I am now in a position to inform you that Government has decided to confirm and carry out arrangement made between us re shipping wheat and oats from New Zealand on the terms stated by you by telegraph, and which you confirm in your letter. To prevent any mistake, I think it will be necessary the whole matter should now be put in writing, so as to prevent any misunderstanding. Could you come to Wellington for this purpose, or would you instruct Mr. Beauchamp, your representative here, to act for the company ? I think you should instruct your agents throughout the colony to try and procure freights for the ships at the various ports. John McKbnzik. Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (1,375 copies, not including lithographs), £1 6s. cd.

By Authority : John Mackat, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB99. Price 3d.]

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