D.—No. 2a

view^to save time, to despatch her direct to Sydney from that Island (although at a great additional expense), instead of having her first brought home to London. The Directors were, therefore, unable to submit the vessel for trial and inspection by the Admiralty Surveyors.' Awaiting the favour of an early reply, I have, &c, James Worley, Secretary. The Honorable Crosbie Ward, Esq., Postmaster-General of New Zealand.

No. 2. THE HONORABLE THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL TO MB. WOBLEY. 8, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, 24th February, 18G3. Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd instant, respecting the survey and acceptance of the " Phoebe," steamer, and will communicate with the Government of" New Zealand as you request. I have, &c, Crosbie "Ward. James Worley, Esq., I.C.R.M. Company.

No. 3. THE HONORABLE THE rOSTHASTER-GENEBAL TO THE HONORABLE THE COLONIAL SECBETABY. Office of the New Zealand Government Agency, 3, Adelaide Place, King William-street, London, 2Gth February, 18G3. Sir, — I have the honor to inform you that the Inter-colonial Royal Mail Company have reported to me the intended departure of the steamer " Phoebe," from Bermuda to New Zealand, for the purpose of being employed there for the carriage of Mails under their contract. They inform me that, to save time, she will not be sent to London for survey. They therefore request that the " Phcebe" may be submitted for survey on arrival in the Colony. As the Post Office authorities of the United Kingdom decline to exercise any control over the contractors, the power under the contract having been delegated to the Governor of New Zealand, it seems to be the proper course to submit any new vessel for survey in the Colony. I have, therefore, recommended that on her passing inspection by the Steam Navigation Board of Sydney, Melbourne, or New Zealand, and also survey as to speed and equipment, by order of the Naval Officer commanding on the station, the " Phcebe" may be passed as a vessel under the contract ill question. I have, &c, Crosbie Ward. The Honorable Colonial Secretary, Auckland.

No. 4. MR. ELIOTT TO CAPTAIN JOHNSON. General Post Office, Auckland, 24th July, 1863. Sir,— I am directed to request that on the arrival of the S.S. " Phoebe," belonging to the Intercolonial Royal Mail Company, you will be good enough to inspect and report on the fitness of that vessel as a mail steamer, under the Admiralty Contract, 1858. I have, &c, G. Eliott Eliott, Secretary. Captain R. Johnson, &c, Auckland.

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NEW ZEALAND MAIL SERVICE.