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November; but, as the vessel has not yet left Philadelphia, it would seem improbable that she will be able to start on that date. Mr. Spreckels is now in Philadelphia at the trial trip, which is expected to be made to-day. I have, &c., H. Stephenson Smith, Resident Agent. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.

No. 89. The Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sir, — Resident Agency for New Zealand, San Francisco, 4th October, 1900. I have the honour to enclose, for your information, the result of my inquiry through the United States Railway Mail-service of the cause of the misconnection of the homeward mails ex " Mariposa" in September. I have also to report a similar misconnection at the same point this month. These delays to the Chicago connection are most annoying, as they seem now to be the rule rather than the exception. This time, however, the through service to the United Kingdom fortunately has not suffered, as the " Majestic" has made a smart run, and is reported arriving at Queenstown yesterday morning, the 3rd. I have, &c, H. Stephenson Smith, Resident Agent. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.

Enclosure 1 in No. 89. The Superintendent, Railway Mail-service, San Francisco, to the Superintendent, Railway Mail-service, Chicago. Railway Mail-service, Office of Superintendent, Eighth Division, Sir, — San Francisco, 28th August, 1900. Mr. H. Stephenson Smith, Resident Agent for New Zealand, called on me to-day with a telegram from you, which reads : " 217 sacks foreign left here on Lake Shore train 6 at 8.30 this morning. Burlington train 8 arrived too late to connect train 32." Mr. Smith requests further information which will show cause of failure of this connection at Chicago. Will you kindly furnish same ? I have, &c, H. P. Thrall, Superintendent. Mr. E. L. West, Superintendent, Railway Mail-service, Chicago.

Enclosure 2 in No. 89. The Superintendent, Railway Mail-service, Chicago, to the Superintendent, Railway Mailservice, San Francisco. Railway Mail-service, Office of Superintendent, Sixth Division, Chicago, 3rd September, 1900. Respectfully referred. On 27th August Chicago and Council Bluffs train 8 was held at Union Pacific transfer waiting for Union Pacific train 102, which did not arrive until 7.36 p.m. This accounts for the failure to make the regular connection with Lake Shore train 32 at Chicago. E. L. West, Superintendent. The Superintendent, Railway Mail-service, San Francisco.

Enclosure 3 in No. 89. The Superintendent, Railway Mail-service, San Francisco, to the Resident Agent for New Zealand. Railway Mail-service, Office of Superintendent, Eighth Division, San Francisco, 7th September, 1900. Please note indorsement of Superintendent West, which explains failure in connection between Burlington train 8 and Lake Shore train 32 at Chicago, 28th August. The delay evidently occurred on the Union Pacific, as Southern Pacific train 6 leaving here 24th August arrived Ogden ten minutes late. If you desire any further information, please signify and it will be obtained. H. P. Thrall, Superintendent. H. Stephenson Smith, Esq., New Zealand Resident Agent, San Prancisco.

No. 90. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Resident Agent for New Zealand San Francisco. (Telegram.) Wellington, sfch October, 1900, Is it settled " Alameda " sails thirty-first ? When does " Sierra " leave ?

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