F.—6

28

No. 76. The Managing Director, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Sir, — Dunedin, 3rd October, 1904. In reply to your favour of the 28th ultimo, 1 beg to say that the steamers of the CanadianAustralian Royal Mail line leave Sydney every fourth Monday. The mail leaves Sydney on Tuesday evenings by rail for Brisbane, and the steamer leaves there as soon as it is placed aboard, usually about 11 p.m. Wednesday. This has been the time-table since the steamers resumed calling at Suva; prior to that the mail left Sydney on Wednesday, and the steamer left Brisbane about 1 a.m. Friday. I have, &c, R. McK. McLennan, for Managing Director. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.

No. 77. The Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington, to the Hon. the Prime Minister, Ottawa. (Telegram.) Wellington, 10th January, 1905. New Zealand willing to join in steamer mail-service including port of call New Zealand, either Wellington or Auckland, at option of contractor, provided Queensland port of call left out. We will give twenty thousand pounds a year for three years. Details of any proposed contract to be first submitted to and approved by New Zealand Government.

No. 78. The Hon. the Prime Minister, Ottawa, to the Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington. (Telegram.) Ottawa, 21st February, 1905. Telegram received; matter under consideration.