F.—6

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initial two-days later despatch), reached San Francisco on time-table date, and duly connected with the " St. Louis " at New York on Wednesday, the 12th April. I note that the " Mariposa's " January mails were sent on from New York on the 18th of that month by the " St. Louis " and " Germanic," and arrived in London on the 26th. I have, &c, H. Stephenson Smith, Esq., W. Geay, Secretary. Besident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco.

No. 135. The Hon. the Peemiee to the Agent-Geneeal. Sic,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 15th May, 1899. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your memorandum of the 7th ultimo, forwarding copy of a letter received from Messrs. W. Weddel and Cc, making certain representations with regard to the times at which the New Zealand mails depart from and arrive in London. Messrs. Weddel and Co.'s representations will receive consideration. In the meantime, however, I should be glad to know whether, if the mails were closed in London on any other day of the week except Saturday, and at Auckland on any other day than Monday, the services of the swiftest vessels would be secured across the Atlantic. I have, &c, W. C. Walkee, for the Premier. The Hon. W. P. Beeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

VANCOUVER MAIL-SERVICE.

PBOPOSED EENEWAL. CESSATION. SUBSEQUENT ABBANGEMENTS. No. 136. The Geneeae Manages for the Colonies, New Zealand Shipping Company, Christchurch, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington. (Telegram.) Christchurch, 31st October, 1898. Sgpplementaby Order Paper, dated 28th October [see No. 6], indicates proposal to extend Vancouver mail-service subsidy for one year. From letter just received from London think it most unlikely that the Canadian-Australian Company will agree to continue service on a yearly contract.

No. 137. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Geneeal Managee for the Colonies. New Zealand Shipping Company, Christchurch. 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-service. I shall be glad to learn as early as possible whether your company is prepared to continue the service between Wellington and Vancouver for one year from the Ist April, 1899, and on the present conditions. The General Manager for the Colonies, I have, &c, New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited), Christchurch. W. Gbay, Secretary.

No. 138. The Geneeal Manages for the Colonies, New Zealand Shipping Company, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited), Christchurch, Sic,— Bth November, 1898. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the sth instant, asking whether the Canadian-Australian Boyal Mail Steamship Company is prepared to continue -the service between Wellington and Vancouver for one year from the Ist April, 1899, on the present conditions, and to inform you that we have cabled to London for instructions, and will communicate with you again on receipt of reply. I have, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Isaac Gibbs, General Manager.

No. 139. The Seceetaey, Chamber of Commerce, Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal. Sic, — Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Wellington, 20th January, 1899. I have the honour, by direction of the council of this Chamber, to respectfully forward for your consideration the copy (at foot) of a resolution adopted at a meeting of the council in reference to the Vancouver service. I have, &c, The Hon. the Postmaster-General. S. Cabboll, Secretary.