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PAPERS RELATIVE TO PANAMA MAIL SERVICE.

No. 77. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. Jonx Halt, to Captain Bexsox. Sir,— General Post Office. Wellington, 28th January, 18G7. With reference to my letter to you of the loth of October last, forwarding a copy of the draft contract for the mail service between Australia, New Zealand, and Panama, I have the honor to inform you that in accordance with the intentions of the Government as expressed in that letter, a copy of the draft in question was forwarded without delay to the Government of New South Wales for its approval. I had hoped that Mr. Crosbie Ward, who, as you are aware, recently proceeded to Sydney with a view of arranging all outstanding questions connected with this service, would have been able to bring back the document in question with a statement of the views of the New South Wales Government with regard to it. He has, however, been unable to do this, owing to the pressure of parliamentary business iH>( m the New South Wales Government at the time of his departure. He was assured, however, that immediately upon the prorogation of the New South Wales Parliament, the attention of the Law Officers of the Crown would be given to the subject, and that the deed would be returned to New Zealand without delay. It is understood that some alteration will be required in the draft as transmitted from New Zealand. I have, since Mr. AVard's return, taken steps for urging upon the New South Wales^Government the desirability of the settlement of this contract at a very early date, and during my approaching visit to Australia, to attend the Postal Conference there, 1 will again press the subject on the attention of the proper authorities. I have, &c, Johx Hall, The General Manager P.N.Z. and A.R.M. Company, Wellington. Postmaster-General.

No. 78. Copy of a Letter from Captain Bexsox to the Hon. John Hall. AVellington, 29th January, 18G7. SlB, PANAMA COXTBACT. I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 28th instant, referring to this document. Its contents are duly noted. I have, &c, H. B. Bensox, The Hon. the Postmaster-General. General Manager.