D.—No. 2a,

further letter from the Postmaster-General, stating that the name of the vessel has been changed to " Auckland," and that she is fit, when certain alterations have been effected, for the Service in which it is proposed that she should be employed. I have, ifcc, , Newcastle. Governor Sir George Grey, K.C.B. P.S. A Copy of a further Letter from the Post Office on this subject is likewise annexed.

No. 12. MB. F. HILL TO SIB F. EOGEBS. General Post Office, 11th April, 1863. Sie, — With reference to my Letter of the 24th February, I am directed by the Postmaster-General to request that you will have the goodness to state to the Duke of Newcastle that the Intej-colonial Eoyal Mail Packet Company, having changed the name of the Steamship " Paulet " to " Auckland," have submitted her for a final survey ; and that, subject to the alterations specified in the Surveying Officer's Report, copy of which is enclosed, being properly carried out, the " Auckland " appears to be in all respects fit for the Service in which the Company propose to employ her. His Lordship would suggest that, as on former similar occasions, a Copy of this Correspondence should be sent to the Governor of New Zealand, for his Excellency's information. I have, &c, F. Hill. Sir F. Rogers, Bart.

No. 13. MB. IUKE TO ADMIEAL K. S. BOBINSON. Admiralty, 7th April, 1863. Sie, — I beg leave to state that the requirements specified in the list accompanying my report of the Survey on the screw steamer "Paulet," now named "Auckland," dated 17th February last, have been complied with, except —■ 1st. That the spare tiller cannot at present be shipped : requires to be properly fitted on the rudder head. 2nd. The iron davits to lifeboats require supporting by chain spans across from side to side of vessel. 3rd. The fire-hose to Downton's Pump to be. supplied with two copper or brass discharge jets, and also with spare brass joints to connect the hose to pump. The chief officer states that these requirements will be complied with, before the vessel leaves the Victoria Docks, and I consider she will then be fit for the Mail Service under the contract with the Inter-colonial Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, dated 28th May, 1858. I have, &c, J. Tuke, Inspecting Officer. Admiral R. S. Robinson, Comptroller of the Navy.

No. 14. ME. HILL TO SIE F, EOGEBS. General Post Office, 22nd April, 1863. Sie, — With reference to my letter of the 11th instant, I am directed by the Postmaster-General to transmit to you, to be laid before the Duke of Newcastle, the enclosed copy of a further letter, which His Lordship has received from the Inter-colonial Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, respecting certain alterations on board the steamship "Auckland." His Grace will, probably, think it proper to send this further correspondence to the Governor of New Zealand for his information. I have, ic, F. Hill. Sir F. Rogers, Bart.

11

NEW ZEALAND MAIL SERVICE.