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distinct from Imperial, penny postage. There will, no doubt, be difficulties in the way of making arrangements with many of the countries in the Postal Union, but the cordial relations which have for so many years subsisted between the United States and this colony lead me to hope that you will see your way to grant the same privileges to New Zealand in regard to the exchange of letters at the penny rate as are at present accorded to the Dominion of Canada. I have the less hesitation in expressing this hope as for a generation—from the time when New Zealand was an unimportant colony, indeed, until the present day—the route by way of the United States has been availed of by the colony, as it is the quickest for mail communication with the Mother-country. * * * * * * I have, &c, J. G. Waed, Postmaster-General. The Postmaster-General, Washington, D.C.

No. 35. The Hon. the Postmasteb-Genekal, Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Ottawa. Sic,— General Post Office, Wellington, 30th August, 1900. I have the honour to confirm my telegram of the lHth instant, informing you that this colony would introduce universal penny postage from the Ist January next. Recalling the prominent part which Canada took in the negotiations which preceded the establishing of the Imperial penny-postage scheme, it give.s me unusual pleasure to make this announcement. No doubt the Postmaster-General, London, will write to you in connection with any necessary arrangements yet to be made. I have, &c, J. G. Waed, Postmaster-General. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Ottawa.

No. 36. The Hog. the Postmastee General, Wellington, to the Directoe of the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union, Berne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 31st August, 1900. New Zealand introduces universal penny postage first January, befitting commemoration new century. Hope for your favourable consideration.

No. 37. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Director, Inteenational Bueeau of the Universal Postal Union, Berne. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 31st August, 1900. I have the honour to confirm my telegram of to-day, advising that New Zealand would introduce universal penny postage on the Ist January next. I should be obliged if you would communicate wich other Administrations informing them that New Zealand is desirous of extending the penny-poscage rate as widely as possible, and would be glad to enter into a restricted union under Regulation XXI. of the Washington Convention, with a view to a reduction of letter-postage rates with any country which may be willing to do so. I may explain that through inadvertence my telegram of the 18th instant, intended for you, was addressed to the Director-General of Posts, Berne. I have, &c, J. G. Ward, Postmaster-General. The Director, International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union, Berne.

No. 38. The Agent-General for New Zealand to the Hon. the Premiee. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sir,— 31st August, 1900. Referring to my letter of the 24th instant, I beg herewith to transmit copy of letter and enclosure received from the Colonial Office, relating to the adoption by New Zealand of universal penny post. I also enclose copy of a letter received this day from the Director-General of the Swiss Post Office, stating that the Hon. J. G. Ward's cablegram of 18th instant has been transmitted to the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union at Berne. I have, &c, Walter Kennaway, The Hon. the Premier, Wellington. For the Agent-General for New Zealand.

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