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No. 8. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Postmaster-General. Sir, — 7, Westminster Chambers, London, 3rd June, 1879. 1 have the honor to enclose copy of a letter which I have received from Messrs. J. Mackrell and Co., covering copy of a communication from the solicitors of Messrs. John Elder and Co., on the subject of the steps which have been taken for the completion of the mail contract. I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Agent-General.

Enclosure in No. 8. Messrs. John Mackrell and Co. to the Agents-General for New Zealand and New South Wales. 21, Cannon Street, London, E.C., 24th May, 1879. Gentlemen,- — Mail Contract. We have been using all the pressure we have been able to apply to get this matter settled, but have not, until to-day, received any definite reply. We append hereto a copy of a letter we have received from the solicitors to Messrs. John Elder and Co., from which it appears probable that the matter may be shortly concluded by the amended contract and the necessary bond being executed. We have, &c, The Agents-General for New Zealand and John Mackrell and Co. New South Wales.

Sub-Enclosure to Enclosure in No. 8. Messrs. Lyne and Holman to Messrs. John Mackrell and Co. 5 and 6, Great Winchester Street, London, 23rd May, 1879. Dear Sirs, — Australian and New Zealand Mail Contract. We have been in communication with Messrs. Elder and Co. in reference to the draft agreement which you sent us for perusal; but, as it is now arranged that Mr. Ure and Mr. Jamieson, notwithstanding their withdrawal from the firm of John Elder and Co., shall join with Mr. Pearce in executing the bond for the due performance of the amended mail contract, they think there is no necessity for entering into the temporary agreement you propose. We have sent to tire Pacific Mail Company for their execution an agreement making the original contract between them and Messrs. Elder and Co. accord with the new arrangement, and as soon as this is executed and returned our clients will be ready to execute the bond; and wo trust this may all be carried out in the course of, say, another month. We are, &c, Messrs. Mackrell and Co., 21, Cannon Street. Lyne and Holman.

No. 9. Mr. Gray to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 22nd July, 1879. Frisco contract. Have you information that sureties bond been executed by Elders ? The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. W. Gray.

No. 10. The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 23rd July, 1879. No information that Elder's firm have yet executed bond ; am sending you by post letter on the subject from Agent-General. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Secretary, G.P.0., Sydney.

No. 11. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Postmaster-General. g IE> 7, Westminster Chambers, London, S.W., 20th May, 1879. I have the honor to enclose copy of a letter which has been forwarded to me by direction of the Agent-General for New South Wales, covering copy of his reply to the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the subject of the Australian postal question.* I have, &c, Julius Vogel, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Agent-General.

* In continuation of subject treated of in No. 85 of F.-3 1879.