F.—6

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six steamers in Cook Strait running during winter ; alternative to this being special service. Am communicating by cable with Mr. Mills at Strahan to-day on subject, but afraid proposals cannot be effectually dealt with till his return. Have endeavoured meantime to fit in steamer for fourteenth September from Wellington, but fear impracticable without rearranging whole service at considerable cost.

No. 70. The Chief Managee and Inspectoe, Union Steam Ship Company, to the Secebtaey, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 10th August, 1899. Since wiring you this morning I notice you are only asking for a Thursday sailing each four weeks. Unfortunately afraid this cannot be arranged under ten-days time-table, and in any case the initial date, 14th September, is particularly inconvenient.

No. 71. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Chief Manages and Inspectoe, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 11th August, 1899. Wellington-Sydney service. Perhaps you will wire again when you hear from Mr. Mills.

No. 72. The Chief Manager and Inspectoe, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 11th August, 1899. Peess telegram states Minister in reply question stated tenders for weekly mail-service Lyttelton, Wellington, and Sydney would be called. If this correct, would like advise Mr. Mills.

No. 73. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Chief Managee and Inspectoe, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. , (Telegram.) Wellington, 11th August, 1899. Yes ; Minister indicated that he thought it would be advisable to call for tenders.

No. 74. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Geneeal Manager for the Colonies, New Zealand Shipping Company, Christchurch. Sic, — General Post Office, Wellington, 15th August, 1899. I have the honour to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of your letter of the 10th instant, advising that the " Warrimoo," leaving Sydney on the 13th idem, will be the last vessel of the Canadian-Australian line to call at Fiji, as the steamers will in future proceed direct from Brisbane to Honolulu. I have, &c, W. Geay, Secretary. The General Manager for the Colonies, New Zealand Shipping Company, (Limited), Christchurch.

No. 75. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Deputy Postmastee-Geneeal, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 16th August, 1899. " Upolo," which is to connect with " Warrimoo "at Suva, has been delayed by weather. Would you kindly ask Captain Hay wait reasonable time should " Upolu " be late reaching Suva.

No. 76. The Deputy Postmastee-General, Sydney, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 16th August, 1899. Conteactors asked to instruct captain " Warrimoo " comply with your request.

No. 77. The Deputy Postmaster-General, Sydney, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Postal and Electric Telegraph Department, General Post Office, Sydney Sir,— 17th August, 1899. Eeferring to the request made in your telegram of the 16th instant, that the captain of the s.s. " Warrimoo " might be asked to wait at Suva for a reasonable time in the event of the s.s. "Upolu," which is to connect with the "Warrimoo" at Suva, being late in reaching that place, I have the honour to inform you that your wishes in the matter were communicated to the