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No. 49. Mr. James Mills to the Seceetaby, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 29th December, 1887. I have cabled Spreckels, and am also writing fully. lam intimating to him that we shall probably wish to replace " Mararoa." I presume your department will not offer any objection. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. James Mills.

No. 50. Mr. Geay to the Managing Dibbctob, Union Steamship Company (Limited), Dunedin. Sib,— General Post Office, Wellington, 29th December, 1887. I have the honour to enclose an extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives,* giving a resolution authorising the Government to arrange with the present contractors for an extension of the San Francisco mail-contract for twelve (12) months, and to submit to the House next session definite proposals for the continuance of the service. I have, &c, W. Gbay, Secretary. The Managing Director, Union Steamship Company (Limited), Dunedin.

No. 51. Mr. Gbay to the Secbetaby, General Post Office, Sydney. Sib,— General Post Office, Wellington, 29th December, 1887. I have the honour to enclose an extract from the Journals of the House of Representatives, giving a resolution authorising the Government to arrange with the present contractors for an extension of the San Francisco mail contract for twelve months, and to submit to the House next session definite proposals for continuance of the service. I also enclose copy of a telegramf sent to the Hon. Sir Henry Parkes, inquiring whether his Government concurred in the proposed extension. I have, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. W. Gbay, Secretary.

No. 52. The Hon. Sir Henby Paekes to the Hon. the Pbemieb, New Zealand. (Telegram.) Sydney, 30th December, 1887. This Government is of opinion that there is no urgency in the matter of the Pacific mail-service. The powerful ships now placed on the Orient and P. and 0. lines —fifteen to sixteen knots—render the service of much reduced value to us. Still, we are anxious for its maintenance ; but we think improved speed should be sought, and probably complete reorganisation. The Premier, New Zealand. Henby Pabkes.

No. 53. Mr. Geat to the Managing Dieectob, Union Steamship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 4th January, 1888. Fb'isco service. — Postmaster-General has no objection to "Mararoa" being re-employed in service, and has asked whether Sydney will also concur. Presume you have considered that promised increased contributions from United States may not be given in event of " Mararoa" replacing one of the American boats. James Mills, Esq., Union Company, Dunedin. W. Gbay.

No. 54. The Hon. Major Atkinson to the Hon. the Pbemiee, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, sth January, 1888. Feisoo service, and your telegram of 30th ultimo.—We also recognise that for permanent renewal there should be acceleration of speed and reorganization. Our present proposal will not prejudice this, and I hope to receive your early approval to an extension of existing contract for twelve months. Contractors ask that "Mararoa" be re-employed in the service in the event of the extension being arranged. Have your Government any objection? We have none. The Premier, Sydney. H. A. Atkinson, Premier.

* See Enclosure in No. 21. t Vide No. 45.