D.—No. 2a

contract of May 1858, I have notified to the Company that that vessel will be accepted by the Government of N ew Zealand as a contract Mail Packet so long as she maintains a state of efficiency in all the particulars required by the said Contract. The " Auckland " left the Port of London under steam on the 15th instant and was, at the time of her departure in such a condition as satisfied me that she is well suited to the passenger and traffic requirements of the Colony. I have, <fec., Crosbie Ward. The Honorable the Colonial Secretary, Auckland.

No. 20. ME. ELIOTT TO CAPTAIN JOHNSON General Post Office, Auckland, 2nd July, 1863. Sir, — I am directed to forward to you the enclosed copies of correspondence relative to the S.S. " Auckland " and to request that on the arrival of that vessel you will be good enough to ascertain whether the alterations and improvements set forth in the accompanying report have been carried out. I have, (fee, G. Eliott Eliott, Secretary. Captain R. Johnson, Inspector of Mail Steamers.

No. 21. CAPTAIN JOHNSON TO THE HONOBABLE THE POSTJIASTEE-GENERAL. Nelson, 5th August, 1803. Sir, — I have the honor to report that the requirements specified in the letter of J. Tuke, Esq, Inspecting Officer to the Admiralty, dated 7th April, 1863, respecting the S.S. "Auckland"' have" been carried out. I have, tfec, R. Johnson, Inspector of Mail Steamers. The Honorable the Postmaster-General, Auckland.

CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING EMPLOYMENT OF I. C. R. M. COMPANY'S STEAMER "PH(EBE."

No. 1. MR. WOELEY TO THE HONOBABLE THE POSTMASTEE-GENEBAL. I.C.R.M. Company's Office, February 23rd, 1863. Sir, — The Company having purchased the "Phoebe," a screw steamer of 700 tons, Builders' measurement, 120 horse-power nominal, as a substitute for the " Lord Worsley," wrecked in September last, and the former vessel being now on her way to Sydney from Bermuda, I am desired by the Board of Directors to submit the request that you will be pleased to give directions for the acceptance of the " Phoebe," as a fit and proper vessel for employment in the New Zealand Mail Service, on her arrival at Sydney, in the event of her attaining, on the official trial at the measured mile, the speed of ten knots per hour, and the Company's General Manager in the Colonies obtaining for her a certificate from the Local Steam Navigation Board. The " Phoebe " being at Bermuda when purchased by the Company, it was decided, with a

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