15

¥.— 6

No. 44 The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Chief Postmasters. (Telegram.) Wellington, 30th October, 1906. Next best despatches for United Kingdom and Europe are via Suez on Saturday next from Wellington, and on Monday next from Auckland and Bluff. " Sonoma " leaves Auckland 16th November. I [S.F. Agt. 06/93.]; »___________^_

No. 45. Mr. L. F. Cockroft, Oceanic Steamship Company, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 31st October, 1906. Further reference your message Sydney advises sufficient material at hand to make repairs "Sonoma" and "Ventura." Would be necessary to cancel next "Sonoma's" date, repairs requiring full three weeks. "Sonoma" would thus take "Ventura's" sailing November 30th from here without difficulty. "Ventura" would take ''Sierra's" date December 21st, and " Sierra " lay over three weeks likewise. This would give steamers opportunity for overhauling. If you approve this plan will you kindly advise? Also cablo San Francisco authorising cancellation of " Sonoma's " next date November 9th. [S.F. Agr. 06/100.]

No. 46. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 31st October, 1906. To drop the "Sonoma's" delayed outward trip altogether to enable her and "Ventura" overhauled thoroughly Sydney seems the best way meet the trouble. Presume you are quite satisfied that complete repairs can be effected both vessels in the time, and that all trouble will disappear. I would like have your assurance on the point before I communicate with Sir Joseph Ward, who is in Christchurch. Presume you have obtained Spreckels's consent to dropping " Sonoma's " trip. Matter should be settled without delay. [S.F. Agr ..06/100.]

No. 47. Mr. L. F. Cockroft, Oceanic Steamship Company, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, Ist November, 1906. Re your message Henderson and Macfarlane: Engineer "Sonoma" assured me if three weeks were given complete repairs could be made, and that ship would then maintain schedule time. Have advised Frisco that proper material available Australia to make renewals, and recommended "Sonoma" and "Ventura" be each given three weeks' layover. If you approve, please cable Frisco direct authorising lapse, advising me when you have so done. jj. [S.F. Agr. 06/100.]

No. 48. Mr. L. F. Cockroft, Oceanic Steamship Company, Auckland, to <he Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, Ist November, 1906. Frisco wires instruction given to overhaul " Sonoma " Sydney. Sailing day November 26th. [S.F. Agr. 06/100.]

No. 49. Ttie Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Branch Manager, Oceanic Steamship Company, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, Ist November, 1906. I have not yet heard from Postmaster-General, but as soon as I do I will cable San Francisco. [S.F. Agr. 06/102.]

No. 50. The Branch Manager, Oceanic Steamship Company, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Poet Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, Ist November, 1906. Advertising "Sonoma" hence to San Francisco November thirtieth, "Ventura" December twenty-first, " Sierra " January eleventh. As company has established branch office here, kindly address future communications to Oceanic Steamship Company. [S.F. Agr. 06/104.]