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No. 13. The Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sir, — Resident Agency for New Zealand, San Francisco, Bth January, 1915. I have the honour to further report that in consequence of Hie action of the despatching officer of the U.S. Railway Mail-service at, Seattle in retaining over one-half of Hie belated English mails for the Dominion ex " Arabic " until a following train for San Francisco, I was compelled to serve the Union Steam Ship Company's agency in this city with a further notice of detention (copy enclosed.) until the arrival of the second train from Seattle, due Saturday morning at 7.30. I sincerely trust that the steamer will be able to depart promptly upon arrival of this later train. I have, &c, H. Stephenson Smith. Resident Agent I'm- the Dominion of New Zealand. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.

Enclosure in No. 13. The Resident Agent for New Zealajnd, San Francisco, to the Agents, Union Steam Ship Company, San Francisco. Gentlemen, — Resident Agency for New Zealand, San Francisco, 7th January, 1915. I am just in receipt of advices from the Railway Mail-sea-vice officials to the effect that through an error committed by the officer in charge at Seattle the overdue mails destined for the Dominion have been sent forward from Seattle in two portions, the latter portion consisting of 170 sacks being retained for a, following train, thereby missing the connection this afternoon at Portland with the Shasta Limited, whereby it will not reach this city until 7.30 on Saturday morning. Therefore with much regret I must ask you to further delay the sailing of the R.M.S. " Moana " until a connection can be made with the second half of the British mails on Saturday morning, 1 have, &c, H. Stephenson Smith, Resident Agent for New Zealand. Messrs, Hind, Rolph, and Co., Agents for the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), San Francisco.

No. 14. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 9th January, 1915. Frisco agent advises " Moana" mails arrive Saturday morning. «** I,

No. 15. The Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) San Francisco. 27th January, L 915. ' "Marama" arrived. Got ashore entering the port, but, got off: damage not yet ascertained. Further particulars will follow. Will dock to-morrow night. [General Manager - , U.S.S.Co., Dunedin, informed 29th January.]

No. 16. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company. Dunedin, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 29th January, 1915. Thanks for wire re "Marama." Our- advices-appeal- indicate vessel not seriously damaged, but will advise you after result her examination in dock.

No. 17. The Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco, to the Secretary, General Post Office. Wellington. (Telegram.) San Francisco, 29th January, 1915. " Marama " : Temporary repairs will delay four clays. If permanent, repairs ordered I propose send mails Vancouver. Instruct.