53

P.—6

September, 1905, 1 am directed by the Postmaster-General to acquaint 3-011 that the estimate of £320 was based on the average payment to the shipping companies for the years 1901, 1902, and 1903, as shown in the statement which accompanied your letter of the 2nd July, 1904 [No. 63, F.-6, 1906]. From the particulars now furnished it appears that the average weight of the parcels despatched during the period in question was somewhat greater than that estimated here; and thai the amount actually paid by your office to the shipping companies in excess of that received was 16s. In the circumstances, the Postinaster-Geneml authorises you to claim the balance of £123 His. from this office in your next General Account. 1 am, &c, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. H. Buxton Fouman. [P.O. 06/2137.]

No. 241. The Hon. the Postmasteu-General, Wellington, to the SECRETARY, General Post Office, London. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 7th December, 1906. 1 have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd October last, on the subject of payments made by this office to the shipping companies beyond the share of the postage allotted for the sea conveyance of parcel mails during the period from the Ist July, 1904. to the 30th September, 1905. In reply, I have to thank you for agreeing to reimburse this office in the sum of £123 165., representing the difference between the estimate of £320 arrived at by your office as the amount overpaid to the companies and the amount actually paid, £443 16s. The amount will be claimed in the next General Account. I have, &c, W. Gray, for the Postmaster-General. The Secretary, General Post Office, London. [P.O. 06/2137.1

No. 242. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager, New Zealand Shipping Company, Christchurch. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, 16th January, 1907. I have the honour to inquire whether you are yet able to reply to my letter of the sth October last, on the subject of a proposed agreement between your company and this Department in connection with the conveyance of parcel mails from New Zealand to the United Kingdom. I have, &c, W. Gray, Secretary. The General Manager, New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited), Christchurch. [P.O. 06/2137.] „

No. 243. The General, Manager, New Zealand Shipping Company, Christehurch, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited), SlB, — Christchurch, 19th January, 1907. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 16th instant, and to inform you that a copy of your letter of sth October was forwarded to our London office, and thej' inform us that they have not entered into any agreement with the Postal authorities for the carriage of parcel-post mails from the United Kingdom to this colony, and that they do not wish us to do so for the homeward voyage. Taking into consideration the small amount of freight we receive for these mails, we are not disposed to sign a formal agreement, but are quite prepared to continue the carriage of same upon present terms. I have, &C, Isaac Gibbs, General Manager. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. [P.O. 06/2137.1

No. 244. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Deputy Postmaster-General, Ottawa. (Telegram.) Wellington, 12th April, 1907. During cessation San Francisco service, may we send parcels for United States through Canada? If so, what transit rates? [5.1 , . News 07/94.]

No. 245. The Deputy Postmaster-General, Ottawa, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Ottawa, 23rd April, 1907. As United States has declined parcel post arrangements with Canada, regret we have no power to accept parcels for that country. [P.O. 07/998.] . ..