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No. 82. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington to the Deputy Postmaster-General, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 28th January, 1907. Understand " Sonoma " will not leave dry dock until Wednesday. Kindly ascertain quickly, and let me know exact time she is to leave Sydney for Auckland. [P.O. 07/278.]

No. 83. The Deputy Postmaster-General, Sydney, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 28th January, 1907. " Sonoma " leaving 1 p.m., 30th [Wednesday]. [P.O. 07/278.]

No. 84. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Branch Manager, Oceanic Steamship Company, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 28th January, 1907. If " Sonoma " is to be delayed in dry dock until Wednesday, I do not see how she can sail from Sydney that day. Think you should make further inquiries, and let me know positively when she does leave Sydney. [P.O. 07/278.] ____ p __^___ ——— _^^__

No. 85. The Branch Manager, Oceanic Steamship Company, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 28th January, 1907. The Sydney office cables that the " Sonoma " will be delayed in dry dock until Wednesday, and cannot therefore sail hence till Sunday next. Am therefore advertising her for 3 p.m. that day. Understand her starboard propeller blades are bent, and require adjusting. [P.O. 07/278.]

No. 86. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Branch Manager, Oceanic Steamship Company (at Taupo). (Telegram.) Wellington, 28th January, 1907. Regret to say another delay to " Sonoma." Your office has just telegraphed as follows: —Begins: '•' The Sydney office cables that the " Sonoma " will be delayed in dry dock until Wednesday, and cannot therefore bail hence till Sunday next. Therefore advertising her for 3 p.m. that day. Understand her starboard propeller blades are bent, and require adjusting." Ends. In reply to inquiries, I learn that this advice really means that "Sonoma" will leave Sydney 1 p.m., Wednesday next. Will reach Auckland Sunday, and will leave 3 p.m. Earnestly hope no further delays. [P.O. 07/278.] .

No. 87. The Branch Manager, Oceanic Steamship Company, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Tele°ram.) Auckland, 28th January, 1907. #° * * « * * * * * Regret not seeing you while in Wellington. " Sierra " now seems at least able to make time, and if public will only withhold caustic criticism for two or three months the other steamers are bound to justify the large amounts being expended on them. [P.O. 07/278.]

No. 88. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Branch Manager, Oceanic Steamship Company, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 31st January, 1907. What is really the trouble with " Sonoma," and is she going to get away to-day? I hope her immediate departure is the first consideration with your people. IP.O. 07/278.]