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factory, the Government of New Zealand will report the matter to the Admiralty, and until their decision be learned, will permit the " Claud Hamilton " to run under the Contract. I have, &c, Ckosbie Ward. Captain J. VineJHall, Sydney.

No. 6. CAPTAIN J. V. HALL TO THE HONOBABLE THE POSTMASTEB-GENEBAL. Sydney, November 14th, 1862. Sie, — I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 11th instant, relative to the steamer "Claud Hamilton" and trial of her speed. I will take care that your wishes are carried out on her return to Sydney, and furnish the New Zealand Government with an official report of the same. I am likewise favoured with the time table and postal arrangements for 1863, which I shall endeavour to have faithfully performed. I have, &c, John Vine Hall, General Manager, Inter-colonial Royal Mail Company. The Honorable the Postmaster-General.

No. 7. CAPTAIN J. V. HALL TO THE HONOKABLE THE POSTMASTER-GENEBAL. Inter-colonial Royal Mail Company, Sydney and New Zealand ; Sydney, November 17th, 1862. Sir, — As I am not aware of your address in Melbourne, I have written another note on the same subject as this to have a better chance of reaching you. It appears from the press of engagements that the probability of getting the use of the sup promptly on "Claud Hamilton's" return is doubtful, and as I want to give both "Ashley" and " Airedale" a renovation it would materially aid my plans and benefit the service by sending as I proposed " Claud Hamilton" to Auckland the next trip. The loss of " Worsley," on which I had successfully spent so much money, has of course limited our resources, but having a new and superior ship coming out, I beg that there will be no objection made to " Claud Hamilton" relieving " Ashley" for a voyage, when she shall be officially tried and be our spare ship. As you are leaving the colony, to prevent discussion on this matter I have to request a line from you giving me this conditional permission, and I hope you are aware that, in making any proposition, I have always in view the advantage of the service and its efficient performance. I have, &c, • John Vine Hall. The Honorable the Postmaster-General.

No. 8. CAPTAIN J. V. HALL TO THE HONOHAULE THE POSTMASTEB-GENEBAL. Inter-colonial Eoyal Mail Company Sydney and New Zealand ; Sydney, Tuesday, November 18th, 1862. Sie, — I find that it is extremely doubtful if I shall succeed in getting the slip in sufficient time, on " Claud Hamilton's " return, to clean her bottom for trial and despatch her. I have, therefore, to request that you will not object to my using her to relieve the " Ashley " on the next trip to Auckland, after ■which you may depend on my having her speed duly and officially tested. I find that though I could send the " Airedale " to Auckland, and " Ashley " for a time South, there ■would be a great difficulty in relief, and the service would not be benefited thereby ; whereas it will be

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NEW ZEALAND MAIL SERVICE.