9

H.—27

4th October, 1902. Sir, — South African Steam Service. I am directed by the Hon. the Minister of Industries and Commerce to ask you for.the following information as to the nature of the New Zealand and African Steamship Company, for whom, as agents, you have tendered for the above service: (1.) Is the company in a position to promptly provide a thoroughly effective service ? (2.) Will the steamers belonging to your line sail under the British or a foreign flag? (3.) Whether, if foreign, will the steamers sail under the American flag? (4.) Are you prepared to state, before the tenders are dealt with by the Government, who you are acting for beyond what appears in your tender? The foregoing information is required for the guidance of the Government before it finally decides the question of your tender, which upon the whole is the most favourable to the colony, but its favourable consideration depends upon the Government being satisfied as to the several matters that I am directed to inquire about. I have, &c, J. J. Kinsey, Esq., of Kinsey, Barns, and Co., T. E. Donne, Secretary. Agents for the New Zealand and African Steamship Company, Wellington. Sir,— Wellington Club, Wellington, 4th October, 1902. We have to acknowledge receipt of yours of even date. South African Steam Service. In answer to your inquiries : (1.) The company is in a position to promptly provide a thoroughly efficient service, and, in fact, we anticipate being able to declare the first steamer for loading this month in the course of a few days. (2.) We understand the steamers will sail under the British flag. (3.) Our answer to this question is covered by our answer to question 2 ; they will not sail under the American flag. In answer to your question No. 4, we are not authorised at the present moment to disclose our principals, but they are undoubtedly of the highest respectability, and in every way in a position to carry out the contract. We have, &c, Kinsey, Barns, and Co. The Secretary, Department of Industries and Commerce, Wellington. 6th October, 1902. Tender, Steam Service New Zealand to South Africa. Sir — I am directed by the Hon. the Minister of Industries and Commerce to advise you that your alternative tender for the above service is accepted subject to your undertaking to carry on the service for twelve months, and that the name of the four loading-ports in New Zealand for each voyage be submitted to and approved of by the Government from time to time, and that the word "main," as applied to loading-ports in New Zealand, be omitted, and the word "safe" substituted. Please confirm'the foregoing at your earliest convenience,'and name your solicitors who will confer with the Government solicitors and prepare the contract in terms of the negotiations. I have, &c, T. E. Donne, Secretary. J. J. Kinsey, Esq., Messrs. Kinsey, Barns, and Co., Agents for the New Zealand and African Steamship Company, Wellington. Wellington Club, Wellington, 6th October, 1902. Sir, — South African Service. In reply to your letter of even date, the intention of our tender of the 29th ultimo was to guarantee a monthly service for twelve (12) months, on the terms and conditions as stated therein: this we have pleasure in confirming. We also agree to the substitution of the word " safe " in lieu of the word " main," under the heading of " Loading-ports," on page 2 of our letter above referred to, and the Government's conditions as to agreeing to such ports. The clause will then read.—"Loading-ports: Not exceeding four safe ports in New Zealand, the names of such loading-ports to be submitted to and approved of by the Government from time to time." Our solicitors are Messrs. Skerrett and Wylie. We have &c, Kinsey, Barns, and Co. The Secretary Industries and Commerce, Wellington. 6th October, 1902. Sir, — Soitth African Service. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of even date, agreeing to and confirming the amendments to your tender for the above service. The names of your solicitors are duly noted. I have, &c, J. J. Kinsey, Esq., Wellington Club, T. E. Donne, Secretary. Agent for the New Zealand and South African Steamship Line.

Copy of Contract. Agreement made this eleventh day of October, one thousand nine hundred and two, between His Majesty, in right of His colony of New Zealand (who, with his successors and assigns, is herein2—H. 27.