F.—7

2

In 191 1 the Eight Hon. Sir Joseph Ward wrote [No. 23, P. 7, 1912] to the Eight Hon. Herbert, Samuel renewing the proposal. The reply was again unfavourable [see Sub-enclosure 2to Enclosure 1 in No. 7]. I shall be glad if you will now inquire of the British Post Office whether there is any expectation of the rate for newspapers from the United Kingdom to New Zealand by direct steamers being reduced. I have, &c, K. Heaton Rhodes, For the Prime Minister. « The Hon. Thos. Mackenzie, F.8.G.5., High Commissioner for New Zealand, London.

No. 3. The Secretary, British Empire League, London, to the Hon. the Postmastnr-General, Wellington. Sir, Norfolk House, Laurence Pountney Hill, London E.C., 28th May, 1914. I have the honour to transmit to you herewith copy of resolution [not printed] adopted by the Council of the British Empire League, at its meeting held at the House of Commons on the 21st instant, on the subject of newspaper postal rates. I beg to refer you to the last paragraph of the resolution, in which the Council of the league expresses its desire " that efforts be made to secure for New Zealand tin; advantages of cheaper postal rates on British newspapers and magazines." I have, &c, C. Freeman Murray, Secretary. The Hon. the Postmaster-General of the Dominion of New Zealand.

No. 4. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Secretary, British Empire League, London. Sir, — Postmaster-General's Office, Wellington, 10th July, 1914. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th May last, forwarding copy of a resolution adopted by the Council of your league on the subject of newspaper-postage rates. I am pleased to hear that your Council desires to see a reduction in the postage rates for .British newspapers and magazines posted in the United Kingdom for New Zealand. Years ago the Post master-General of this Dominion endeavoured to induce the Imperial Postmaster-General to reduce the rate for newspapers and periodicals sent here by direct steamers to Id. per pound, and I have renewed the question. As a matter of fact, lam awaiting a reply to representations 1 made through our High Commissioner in January last. The assistance of your league will be much appreciated. I have, &c, ..j. E. Heaton Ehodes, Postmaster-General, The Secretary, British Empire League, Norfolk House, Laurence Pountney Hill. London E.C.

No. 5. The Eight Hon. the Prime Minister to the High Commissioner. Sir, — Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, sth August, 1914. 1 have the honour to refer to my letter of the 15th January last asking you to inquire of the British .Post Office whether there is any expectation of the rate of postage for newspapers from the United Kingdom to New Zealand by direct steamers being reduced ; and shall be glad to hear whether you have yet received a reply to the inquiry. I have, &c, E. Heaton Ehodes, For the Prime Minister. The Hon. Thos. Mackenzie, F.E.G.S., High Commissioner for New Zealand, London.

Nd. 6. The High Commissioner to the Eight Hon. the Prime Minister. Sir,—- Westminster Chambers, 13 Victoria Street, London S.W., 6th October, 1914. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the sth August last, and in replv to enclose you herein copy of the letter I caused to be written to the Colonial Office, together