H.—2B

1881. NEW ZEALAND.

DIRECT STEAM SERVICE BETWEEN GREAT BRITAIN AND NEW ZEALAND (CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO). [In Continuation of D.-2, Session II., 1879.]

Return to an Order of the House of Representatives of 30th June, 1881. " For copiea of all correspondence which passed between Mr. Macandrew, when Minister for Public Works, the Agent-Geneva], and some shipbuilding firms in Scotland, relative to the establishment of direct steam service between Great Britain and New Zealand." — (Mr. Shrimslcl.)

No. 1. The TJisdee-Secketary for Immigbation to the General Manager, New Zealand Shipping Company Sir, — Immigration Office, Wellington, 3rd October, 1878. I have the honor, by direction of the Hon. the Minister for Immigration, to inform you that the Government are desirous of knowing from you on what terms the New Zealand Shipping Company would be disposed to provide direct steam communication between Great Britain and this colony The Government will be glad if you will say, — 1. Whether you will entertain the proposal? 2. If so, what class and description of boats you would propose to put on ? 3. Whether you would require any, and what, subsidy? i. Whether, in the event of the Government determining to bring out immigrants in such steamers, you would require any, and what, extra amount of passage-money per head, or any, or what, extension of the terms of the present contract ? 5. When could you commence such a steam service? 6. What rates would you require for the conveyance of freight or merchandise ? 7 How many trips between Great Britain and the colony would be made in the year ? 8. What would be the length of time occupied on the voyage ? I have, &c, The General Manager, H. J H. Eliott, New Zealand Shipping Company, Wellington. Under-Secretary

No. 2. The Genebal Mauagee, New Zealand Shipping Company, to the ILtoee-Secbetaky for Immigration. Sib, — New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited), Wellington, 4th October, 1873. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter No. 348, of the 3rd instant. 1 beg that you will assure the Hon. the Minister for Immigration that the important questions submitted will have the early and anxious consideration of my board of directors, whose views on the matter I shall have the honor to communicate shortly Interim, it is right I should say that the directors have been collecting all the information obtainable as to the cost of initiating and maintaining an efficient steam service between the United Kingdom and this colony I have, &c, H. Selwyn Smith, The Umler-Secretary for Immigration, Wellington. General Manager.