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The Agent-General has now, therefore, to request that your company will, in co-operation with the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company, take into consideration the above-given proposals, and he will be glad to meet the representatives of both companies with the view of finally completing the arrangement. I am to add by way of explanation, and in reference to the division of the passengers between the two companies, as referred to in a letter received from the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company, that the Agent-General does not see that it would be expedient, or even possible, to enforce any arbitrary division, but that it must be left to the passengers themselves to name the time of sailing that would be most convenient to them, and their passages be taken accordingly. I am, &c, Walteb Kennaway. Thomas Johnson, Esq., Director New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited).

[Similar letter to above addressed to Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company (Limited).] Deab Sib, — Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company (Limited), 12th March, 1895. Your letter of the 7th instant came duly to hand, and it does not seem to us that there is anything in the suggestions you make in connection with the conveyance of passengers proceeding to New Zealand under your auspices to which we can take exception. We think, however, that we must stipulate that the passengers be divided as nearly as possible in equal moieties between the two companies. This is the arrangement contemplated in the agreement between us and "the New Zealand Shipping Company, and regarding it we shall be glad personally to explain our views. If you will kindly name a day when it will be convenient for you to see us to finally complete arrangements, we will have pleasure in waiting upon you. Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company (Limited), The Agent-General for New Zealand. J. A. Potteb, Manager.

Deab Sib,— 13, Victoria Street, S.W., 15th March, 1895. I am directed by the Agent-General, in reference to Mr. Potter's letter of the 12th instant, and to. previous correspondence, to inform you that he will be glad if you can see him here ou Tuesday next, at 11.30 a.m., for the purpose of completing the arrangements for the proposed reduced rates of passage. I am, &c, Walteb Kennaway, Secretary to the Department. J. W. Temple, Esq., Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company (Limited).

Deab Sib,— 13, Victoria Street, S.W., 15th March, 1895. I am directed by the Agent-General, in reference to my letter of the 7th instant, and to previous correspondence, to inform you that he will be glad if you can see him here on Tuesday next, at 11.30, for the purpose of completing the arrangements for the proposed reduced rates of passage. I am, &c, Walteb Kennaway, Secretary to the Department. Thomas Johnson, Esq., Director, New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited).

Deab Sib,— 138, Leadenhall Street, E.C., 29th March, 1895. Referring to your letter of the 7th instant, and to our interview of the 19th idem, we have had pleasure in considering your suggestions with regard to details of the arrangement entered into for the conveyance by this company and the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company of passengers approved by you. The details of your letter above referred to are adopted, which we trust will be satisfactory to you. The cabin accommodation we propose improving by the addition of water-bottles, basinstands, table-covers, &c. It is a little difficult to detail all that will be done in this respect, but we will be pleased if your despatching officer will inspect any of the steamers, and any reasonable addition which may commend itself to him as being desirable will be supplied by us. We are sorry it has not been possible to arrange with the other members of the Conference to make the discount for families applicable to third-class passengers at present. We will, however, keep your wishes before us, and it may be possible later on to fall in with them. It is understood that a commission of 5 per cent.— i.e., the odd shillings of the guineas—is to be paid your office in respect of any passengers booked by you at the rates quoted in your letter, but that we are not to be debarred from paying this to agents when it is clearly demonstrated to us that the passengers have been secured through their agency. Asking the favour of a line in confirmation, We are, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand. J. B. Westbay and Co. P.S.—We enclose copy of the dietary scale which we propose adopting for your third-class passengers. This is made up on a liberal basis, and should, we think, be found amply sufficient in every respect. Steebage Passengees' Victualling Scale. Sunday. Breakfast. —Porridge and syrup, curry and rice, bread and butter, tea or coffee. Dinner.—Soup, fresh meat, potatoes, bread, plum pudding. Monday. Breakfast. —Dry hash, bread and butter, tea or coffee. Dinner.—Soup, fresh meat, potatoes, bread. Tuesday. Breakfast.—lrish stew, bread and butter, tea or coffee. Dinner. —Soup, fresh meat, potatoes, bread, and pudding.