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steamer which will arrive on the way to Pago Pago. Passengers and freight in such case to pay the local rate between Honolulu and Pago Pago in addition to the fare and freight originally paid. Passenger and freighc rates from Sydney and Auckland to Fanning Island to be the same as at present from these points to Honolulu." Will you kindly advise us if your Government is willing that the call should be made ? We have, &c, Hbndbeson and Macfaelanb, General Agents for New Zealand. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.

No. 6. Messrs. Hbndeeson and Maopablane, Auckland, to the Sbcbbtaky, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sib,— Auckland, 24th July, 1902. In reference to clause 15 of the contract for the conveyance of ocean mails between this port and San Francisco, would you kindly inform us if the Oceanic mail-steamers are exempt from the payment of light dues, as well as harbour and dock dues ? Thanking you in anticipation of a reply, We have, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Hendebson and Macpablane.

No. 7. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Captain Edwin, Wellington. (Memorandum.) General Post Office, Wellington, 25th July, 1902. A pboposal has been made for the San Francisco mail-steamers to call at Fanning Island while on the voyage to Honolulu and San Francisco. Will you kindly inform me what extra distance would have to be traversed if this proposal is agreed to, and to what extent the voyage would be lengthened in point of time, taking an average speed of, say, fifteen knots an hour? Captain Edwin, Wellington. . W. Gbay, Secretary. Eeply : Additional distance, 108 knots. Additional time at fifteen knots, seven hours.

No. 8. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. Gentlemen, — General Post Office, Wellington, 30th July, 1902. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th instant, asking whether the steamers of the Oceanic Steamship Company are exempt from payment of light dues at Auckland, as well as harbour and dock dues. In reply, I have to inform you that the steamers are not so exempt. Light dues are payable, as they are not included by the Harbours Act of 1878 in the dues from which the contractors are exempt from payment. I have, &c, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. W. Gray, Secretary.

No. 9. The Hon. the Acting-Premiee to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) Wellington, Ist August, 1902. Consented to Frisco steamers calling at Fanning Island on voyage from Auckland. Contractors applied outcome request by Cuthbert. Assume this with Board's concurrence.

No. 10. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Hendeeson and Macpaelane, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, Ist August, 1902. Bbpeering to your letter of the 23rd ultimo : Postmaster-General consents to Frisco steamers calling at Fanning Island on outward voyage.

No. 11. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macparlane, Auckland. Gentlemen,— . General Post Office, Wellington, Ist August, 1902. I have the honour to confirm my telegram to you to-day. The Minister desires me to add that he had much pleasure in giving the consent asked for in

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