F.—6a,

It is possible that the Congress now in session may enact legislation in favour of American shipping which will confer additional power upon the Postmaster-General in regard to compensating steamers for the conveyance of mails to foreign countries ; but until final action is taken upon some one of* the measures of this character now before Congress, the Postmaster-General is not prepared to say what he would do if either of the measures referred to should become a law. I am, &c, N. M. Bbooks, Acting Superintendent of Foreign Mails. Hon. Eobert J. Creighton, Agent of New Zealand Government, No. 327, Market Street, San Francisco, California.

DIRECT MAIL-SEBVICE.

No. 11. The Secbetary, General Post Office, to the Secbetaet, New Zealand Shipping Company, Christchurch. (Telegram.) Wellington, 21st August, 1890. Postmast-UM-Genekal wishes to know the terms on which your company willing continue the fourweekly service, and what payment would be required for a fortnightly service for twelve months. Mr. Mitchelson would bo glad to have reply on Monday.

No. V 2. The Secbetabt, New Zealand Shipping Company, to the Secbetabt, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Christchurch, 26th August, 1890. Boakd decided undertake fortnightly service for one year. Subsidy thirty thousand. No bonuses or penalties. Provided Shaw-Savill agrees. Cunningham has cabled for authority accept above terms. Will send definite reply when answer received from them.

No. 13. The Secbetabt, General Post Office, to the Secbetaet, New Zealand Shipping Company, Christchurch. (Telegram.) Wellington, 26th August, LB9O. Mail-SEBVICE. —You have overlooked giving price for four-weekly service for twelve months Please see my telegram of 21st.

No. 14. The Secbetabt, New Zealand Shipping Company, to the Seoeetaet, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Christchurch, 26th August, 1890. Monthly service price fifteen thousand. Other terms as wired.

No. 15. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Pbemiee. (Telegram.) London, 29th August, 1890. Ocean Services.—The question is still unsettled about Direct steamers. Would you accept. Imperial Post Office contribution twelve shillings pound letters same as offered Frisco, together with half -postage books newspapers ?

[Approximate Cost of Paper.-* Preparation, nil; printing (1373 copiesj, i'.'S 9s,]

By Authority: Geobge Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB9o.

2—F. Ga.

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