H.—27.

once communicate with his Government by cable for the purpose of ascertaining whether they will agree to the steamers calling at three Australian ports for the purpose only of filling up. Pending his Government's reply the Agent-General will retain your cheque. Meanwhile the Agent-General will be glad if you will state for the information and approval of his Government the names of those who you propose shall execute the security bond. I am, &c, H. C. Sleigh, Esq. Walter Kennaway.

No. 13.

The Agent-General to Mr. H. C. Sleigh. Sib,— 29th April, 1902. Beferring to your letter of the 24th instant, and to previous correspondence, I am directed by the Agent-General to state that he, on behalf of his Government, agrees to the steamers calling at three Australian ports after loading in New Zealand, for the purpose of filling up, but for that purpose only. Messrs. Mackrell, Maton, Godlee, and Quincey (21, Cannon Street, 8.C.), the New Zealand Government solicitors in London, have accordingly been instructed to prepare the deed of contract and security bond. The Agent-General awaits your furnishing him with the names of those who will execute the security bond. I am, &c, H. C. Sleigh, Esq. Walter Kennaway.

No. 14. The Agent-General to Mr. H. , C. Sleigh. Sir, — South African Steam Service. 30th April, 1902. Eeferring to my letter of yesterday, I am directed by the Agent-General to inform you that he has since received a cablegram from his Government defining the provision with respect to the steamers calling at Australian ports, to the following effect, namely : " The steamers are to call at one port in Western Australia, as well as to have the right to call at two other Australian ports, provided sufficient freight to complete the loading has not been obtainable in New Zealand." Messrs. Mackrell, Maton, Godlee, and Quincey have been instructed accordingly. I am, &c, H. C. Sleigh, Esq. Walter Kennaway.

No. 15. The Agent-Genebal to Mr. H. C. Sleigh. Sir, — South African Steam Service. 30th April, 1902. Eeferring to my letter of 29th instant, I am directed by the Agent-General to state that he has been instructed by his Government that it must be provided in the contract that one port in Western Australia must be included as a port of call, as well as the right to call at two other Australian ports, provided sufficient freight to complete the loading has not been obtainable in New Zealand. I am, &c, H. C. Sleigh, Esq. Walter Kennaway.

No. 16. The Agent-General to Mr. H. C. Sleigh. Sib,— 6th May, 1902. Eeferring to my letter of 30th ultimo and to previous correspondence, I am directed by the Agent-General to request you to furnish him, not later than Friday next, with the names of those who you propose shall execute the security bond. I am, &c, H. C. Sleigh, Esq. Walter Kennaway.

No. 17. The Agent-Genebal to Mr. H. C. Sleigh. Sib,— Bth May, 1902. Eeferring to my letter of 6th instant and to your interview with me of to-day, I am directed by the Agent-General again to urge on you the necessity of your at once furnishing him with the names of those who you propose shall execute the security bond, as he sees no ground for your delaying to do so. I am, &c, H. C. Sleigh, Esq. Walter Kennaway.

No. 18. Mr. H. C. Sleigh to the Agent-Genebal. Care of Messrs. Wincott, Cooper, and Co., 10 and 11, Lime Street, E.C. 9th May, 1902. Sir, — South African Steam Service. In reference to your letters of the 30th ultimo and the 6th and Bth instant, requesting me to furnish the names of those who will execute the security bond, as pointed out in my personal

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