F.—6b

1898. NEW ZEALAND.

OCEAN MAIL-SERVICES (FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO). [In continuation of papers presented on the 20th September, 1898.]

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

INDEX. Page Page San Francisco service— Vancouver service— Eenewal of service .. .. .. .. 1 Departure from American ports .. .. 3 Departure from American porte: Hawaiian annexation 2

SAN FBANCISCO MAIL-SEEVICB. EBNBWAL OF SEEVICE. No. 1. The Secbetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Seceetaby, General Post Office, Sydney.. (Telegram.) Wellington, 15th September, 1898. Question renewal San Francisco Vancouver services is to be considered by House of Bepresentatives in week or ten days. Postmaster-General would be glad learn intentions your department, whether will agree renew for any period up to, say, five years, and continue San Francisco payment. Extended term probably result improvement both services.

No. 2. The Secbetaey, General Post Office, Sydney, to the Seceetaby, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 23rd September, 1898. Be yours fifteenth : Postmaster-General approves continuation present contribution Frisco service, subject Parliament voting money. Question continuing Vancouver service not yet considered. Will receive attention shortly.

No. 3. The Hon. the Peemieb, Wellington, to the Hon. the Pbemiee, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 6th October, 1898. Question renewal San Francisco and Vancouver services comes before Parliament in a few days, and I should be much obliged if you would definitely inform me intentions of your Government. I will probably ask the House to renew both services for five years, and shorten the time by one day at the end of two years. The knowledge that your Government will continue services would help proposals. lam in favour renewal of both services, and a renewal for, say, five years would probably result in better boats being employed. An early reply will oblige.

No. 4. The Hon. the Pbemiee and Tbbasubee, Sydney, to the Hon. the Pbemieb, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 15th October, 1898.5w Youb telegram of 6th instant: My Government have approved of continuance of San Francisco service, subject to parliamentary confirmation. Matter of Vancouver service not yet determined. I—F. 6b.