F.—6

6

So far as I can see, the existing time-table cannot at present be improved upon. I should, however, be obliged if you would furnish mc with any facts and figures showing that for trade purposes the present arrangement is the best. There is no question about its being the most satisfactory for mails. I think I am correct in stating that the bulk of the trade is still between New Zealand and Canada, and that the San Francisco steamers carry shipments for Vancouver. 1 have, &c, W. R. Morris, For Secretary. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin. [Wn.-S.F. 12/97.1

No. 7. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister to the High Commissioner. Sir, I'iinie Minister's Office, Wellington, 2nd May, 1912. I have the honour to refer to the arrangement under which you announce by cable to the Post Office here the arrival in London of New Zealand mails despatched via Vancouver and via San Francisco ; and to request that, in the event of delay in the arrival of the mails, you will add to your advice the reason therefor. I have, &c, H. G. Ell, For Prime Minister. The Hon. Sir Wm. Hall-Jones, K.C.M.G., High Commissioner for New Zealand, London. [P.O. 12/1090(1).!

No. 8. The Secretary. General Post Office. Wellington, to the General Manager. Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. Sir.-- General Post Office, Wellington, 11th May, 1912. In reference to your letter of the 22nd ultimo, suggesting that when the San Francisco mail arrives in London late after due delivery at San Francisco the reason for the delay be given to the Press, I beg to inform you that the High Commissioner has been requested, in the event of delay hi the arrival in London of mails despatched riu Vancouver and San Francisco, to add the reason therefor to his cable message of advice. . I have, &c. D. Robertson, Secretary. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited). Dunedin. [P.O. 12/1000(1). I

No. 9. The Secretary. General Post Office. Wellington, to the General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company. Dunedin. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 13th May, 1912. Herewith I beg to forward copy of a letter {see No. 2] from the Resident Agent for this Dominion in San Francisco on the subject of the detention of mail-steamers at that port. It appears to mc that the time for which the steamers are to be detained beyond forty-eight hours will be sufficiently established if your company will write a letter to this Department stating that arrangements will be made for a further detention for a reasonable time on being requested to do so. If at the same time you would advise your agent in San Francisco accordingly I should be obliged. It is only in very rare cases that such a necessity can arise, and in any event the Resident Agent will be instructed whenever possible to ask for advice by cable. I have, &c, D. Robertson. Secretary. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited). Dunedin. [Wn.-S.F. 12/95.1

No. 10. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Secretary. General Post Office, Wellington. Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited). Sir,— Dunedin, 15th May, 1912. In reply to your favour of the 30th ultimo re Wellington Chamber of Commerce and the transPacific mails, I beg to say that in our opinion the tune-tables now in operation should be most suitable for business purposes in the Dominion as a whole. The present arrangement allows American and Canadian correspondents to communicate at fortnightly intervals with shippers in New Zealand, giving latter a margin of about ten to fifteen days in which to make, inquiries and arrangements, and reply by the next outgoing steamer.