F.—2

1892. NEW ZEALAND.

OCEAN MAIL-SERVICES (FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO). [In Continuation of Papers presented on the 9th September, 1891.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

SAN FEANCISCO MAIL-SEE VICE. No. 1. Mr. Gkay to the Managing Dieectoe, Union Steamship Company (Limited), Dunedin. Sic,— General Post Office, Wellington, 28th May, 1891. I have the honour to inform you, by direction of the Postmaster-General, that the Government proposes to ask the House of Representatives to renew with your company the contract for the San Francisco mail-service for a period of three years from the expiry of the present temporary contract. Should your directors desire to make any representations in the matter, the Postmaster-General will be obliged if they will communicate them to him as early as possible. I have, &c, The Managing Director, W. Geay, Secretary. Union Steamship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin.

No. 2. Mr. Whitson to the Seoeetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. Union Steamship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Sic, — Dunedin, 16th June, 1891. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 28th ultimo, advising that the Government purpose asking the House of Representatives to renew the contract for the San Francisco mail-service for a period of three years from the expiry of the present agreement. This matter is receiving the attention of the chairman and managing director, and will be dealt with by them during their stay in Wellington. They will no doubt see you about the matter. Yours faithfully, T. W. Whitson, For the Managing Director. W. Gray, Esq., Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.

No. 3. Mr. Geay to Mr. Cbeighton, San Francisco. Sib,— General Post Office, Wellington, 18th June, 1891. I have the honour to inform you, in reference to the continuation of the Pacific service after the expiry of the existing temporary contract, that the Government has decided to ask Parliament to agree to a renewal of the service to San Francisco for a period o£ three years. I shall be in a position, I hope, to send you full particulars by next mail. Parliament will be asked to renew the Direct service for the same period also. I have, &c, E. J. Creighton, Esq., W. Geay, Secretary. Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco, California. I—F. 2.