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No. 17. The Hon. J. Norton to the Hon. Sir J. Vogel, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 21st September, 1885. Please inform whether you have or can arrange mail service Frisco Auckland Sydney. James Norton, Sir Julius Vogel, Postmaster-General, Wellington. Postmaster-General.

No. 18. The Hon. Sir J. Vogel to the Hon. James Norton, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 22nd September, 1885. Tour telegrams received ro Frisco. Venture ask you reconsider matter. Connection at Honolulu will mean contract in which Union Company, Mr. Pearce, and Oceanic Company, chiefly owned by Messrs. Spreckels Brothers, all interested. Suitable arrangements will be made for transhipping mails, passengers, and cargo at Honolulu. Oceanic Company runs fortnightly steamers between Honolulu Frisco. They have two vessels, each three thousand tons and three thousand horse-power, capable high speed, splendidly fitted for passengers, modern improvements, built 1883. Superior anything hitherto on Fr'iseo line. Our mail-agent has reported very favourably on them. We think also Spreckels's influence secures us facilities from railway companies and additional speed which English companies quite unable command. The route would be Sydney, Auckland, Honolulu, Frisco, and back. Spreckels would do Honolulu Frisco; and Union Company and Pearce, Honolulu, Auckland, Sydney. Time not exceed twenty and twenty-five days Auckland and Sydney respectively, but shall try obtain half day concession. Contract for three years. You will have by far the greater advantage from this service ; and we will accept seven thousand pounds from you, you paying and receiving third bonuses and penalties, and leaving us contributions other colonies. Great importance, reply quickly. Spreckels's agent has to return, besides many arrangements require to be made to take up service. Hon. James Norton, Sydney. Julius Vogel.

No. 19. The Hon. the Postmaster-General to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Washington. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd September, 1885. Negotiating for service Sydney, Auckland, Honolulu, Frisco, connecting at Honolulu with Spreckels's steamers. Will you undertake for three years give twenty thousand dollars yearly in excess of present payments for carriage American mails? Reply immediate definitely, as continuance service probably depends on your decision. Vogel, Postmaster-General of the United States, Washington. Postmaster-General.

No. 20. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Washington, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General. (Telegram.) Washington, 23rd September, 1885. Such continuous contract not authorized. Will allow such sum while desirable, unless Congress forbids. Vilas, Postmaster-General, Wellington. Postmaster-General.

No. 21. The Hon. J. Norton to the Hon. Sir J. Vogel, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 23rd September, 1885. After careful reconsideration this Government is willing, subject to approval of Parliament, to join in service between Sydney and Frisco, via Auckland and Honolulu, for seven thousand psr annum; but requires to see proposed contract, and to be furnished with full particulars of steamers and arrangements. James Norton, Sir Julius Vogel, Postmaster-General, Wellington. Postmaster-General.

No. 22. The Hon. Sir J. Vogbl to the Hon. J. Norton, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 24th September, 1885. Am I to understand that your telegram of yesterday refers to service proposed, with break at Honolulu, and that you include third share bonuses and premiums ? Will you also bring at once before Parliament, subject, of course, to your approving contract and steamers ? lam waiting enter into particulars of contract with intending contractors until I hear positively from you. When we go into details, I shall advise and consult you. Hon. James Norton, Sydney. Julius Vogel.