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outward trip she arrived at Auckland six days late; and 1 have, I regret, to report that upon the last incoming trip the vessel did not reach here until 4 p.m. on Monday—over seven days late. Whether there is any plausible explanation for these severe delays I am not aware, but I think strong representation, if nothing else, should be made to the Oceanic Steamship Company in regard to the matter. 1 am satisfied, however, that these serious disruptions of the service caused by these slow trips are a source of much annoyance to the company. Notwithstanding the late arrival of this vessel, the company are making strenuous efforts to get the " Sonoma " away to-day (Thursday). 1 sincerely hope a better voyage may be made. I have, &c, H. Stephenson Smith, Resident Agent. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. v . [U.S. Inc.^oe/102.]

No. 40. The Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Resident Agency for New Zealand, San Francisco, Si R) _ 216 California Street, 25th October, 1906. I have the honour to report that the It.M.S. "Ventura" did not reach this port until 6 p.m. on Friday, the 19th instant. A heavy northerly gale was blowing at the time, and the steamer was not able to dock until after noon on the 20th instant. The gale was so severe that it was found impossible to even get a tug alongside the steamer, consequently the through mails did not leave this port until 6 p.m. on Saturday. This delay, coupled with the remarkably severe weather now being experienced on this continent, has probably lost us the connection at New York with the Thursday steamer. No advices yet have been received of the mails having passed Chicago, and I fear that they will be delayed at New York until Saturday. In this connection it would look as if some action will have to be taken with respect to the serious delays being experienced in the cases of the "Sonoma" and "Ventura." The reason given for the bad performance is the impossibility of procuring competent firemen in the enginerooms. The unions appear to be putting any men they like on these steamers despite the remonstrance of the Oceanic Steamship Company. Mr. Samuels is much perturbed at the poor record of these steamers, and says that the Oceanic Company is helpless in the hands of the union. The " Sierra," however, seems to be enabled to get n better class of men. Lloyd's surveyor, who has just returned from Honolulu upon the " Ventura," gives it as his opinion that as far as he could ascertain without making a thorough survey, there is nothing radically wrong with the engines or boilers. The vessel has been on the dry dock here, and had a new propeller installed, and it is hoped that better results will be obtained on the " Ventura " this trip. It is sincerely to be hoped this will be the case. I have, &c, H. Stephenson Smith, Resident Agent. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. [U.S. Inc. 06/117.]

No. 41. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Mr. L. F. Cockroft, Oceanic Steamship Company, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 29th October, 1906. Quite a relief to hear of " Sonoma' s" arrival, and I hope you are none the worse your verylong passage. You will now recognise that these irregularities must cease, and that " Sonoma " and " Ventura " must be given thorough overhaul forthwith, unless the service is to drop altogether out of public estimation. It is fast becoming a mere by-word. . . . [S.F. Agr..oe/1000

No. 42. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 29th October, 1906. Do not expect "Sonoma" can leave Sydney till twelfth proximo, Auckland sixteenth proximo. Hope wire definite dates to-morrow. [S.F. Agr. 06/94.]

No. 43. Mr L F Cockroft, Oceanic Steamship Company, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 30th October, 1906. Thanks for your telegram. Conferring with Frisco reference " Sonoma." Will wire you shortly. [3.F. Agr. 06/100.]