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as the said services expire on the 31st March, 1899, it is now expedient to make provision for the continuation of the services ; It is therefore resolved, — That this House authorises the Government to extend the said San Francisco and Vancouver mail-services for a period of one year from, the Ist April, 1899, on the terms and conditions set out in the aforesaid resolutions, and amplified in the draft contracts already submitted to and accepted by the contracting companies. (On motion of the Bight Hon. B. J. Seddon.)

No. 7. The Hon. the Peemieb, Wellington, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 4th November, 1898. On further consideration, I decided to ask House renew San Francisco and Vancouver mailservices for another year only, so as to give time to negotiate for improved services for a term of years. House of Eepresentatives agreed to this last night. Hope to hear that you also will renew Vancouver service for twelve months.

No. 8. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Deputy Postmastee-Geneeal, Sydney. Sic, — General Post Office, Wellington, sth November, 1898. I have the honour to forward herewith copy of resolution relative to the San Francisco and Vancouver mail-services passed by the House of Eepresentatives on the 3rd instant (headed the 28th ultimo). It is understood that your colony proposes to. continue its present contribution to the San Francisco service, but I should be glad to be informed as early as possible what are the intentions of your Government concerning the Vancouver service. I have, &c, The Deputy Postmaster-General, Sydney. W. Geay, Secretary.

No. 9. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Managing Dieectoe, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. Sic, — General Post Office, Wellington, sth November, 1898. I have the honour to forward herewith copy of a resolution passed by the House of Eepresentatives on the 3rd instant relative to the San Francisco and Vancouver mail-services. I shall be glad to learn as early as possible whether your company is prepared to continue the service between Auckland and San Francisco for one year from the Ist April, 1899, on the present conditions. I have, &c, The Managing Director, W. Geay, Secretary. Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin.

No. 10. The Hon. the Peemiee to the Agent-Geneead. (Telegram.) Wellington, 7th November, 1898. House authorised Government renew San Francisco Vancouver mail-services for twelve months on present terms. Communicating with companies.

No. 11. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Acting-Seceetaey of the Auckland Harbour Board, Auckland. Sic, — General Post Office, Wellington, Bth November, 1898. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd instant, in reference to the harbour-dues charged by your Board on steamers employed in the San Francisco mail-service, and to inform you, in reply, that the renewed San Francisco mail-service contract commenced on the Ist April last. I have, &c, W. Geay, Secretary. The Acting-Secretary, Auckland Harbour Board, Auckland.