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Copy of Besolution. " That a representation be forwarded to the Government stating that the opinion of this council is that the Vancouver service has been of great benefit to the mercantile community, and that a reversion to the four-weekly service would be in every sense a retrograde step."

No. 140. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Geneeal Manages for the Colonies, New Zealand Shipping Company, Christchurch. (Telegram.) General Post Office, Wellington, 20th January, 1899. Would remind you that I am still awaiting reply about renewal Vancouver service.

No. 141. The Manages, New Zealand Shipping Company, Christchurch, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Christchurch, 20th January, 1899. Me. Gibbs on West Coast. Beturns Monday. He will wire you then.

No. 142. The Geneeal Manages for the Colonies, New Zealand Shipping Company, Christchurch, to the Secbetaby, General Post Office, Wellington. New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited), Christchurch. Sib,— 24th January, 1899. Beferring to your telegram of the 20th instant, I beg to inform you that we are awaiting instructions from London with reference to the extension of the Vancouver mail-contract for one year. We are advised that arrangements are being made to dispose of the steamers and business of the Canadian-Australian Steamship Company, and until these negotiations are completed we do not expect to be in a position to commit the Canadian Australian Steamship Company to continue the service. We will, however, communicate with you immediately we receive advice from London. I have, &c, Isaac Gibbs, General Manager. W. Gray, Esq., Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.

No. 143. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Deputy Postmastee-Geneeal, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 26th January, 1899. Vancouvee service and my letter of sth November [see No. 8]: Have you yet decided to renew service? '

No. 144. The Deputy Postmastee-Geneeal, Sydney, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 27th January, 1899. Vancouvee service : No decision yet arrived at. Matter is still under consideration.

No. 145. The Seceetaey, Chamber of Commerce, Nelson, to the Hon. the Postmasteb - Geneeal, Wellington. Sic,— Nelson, 3rd February, 1899. The attention of the Nelson Chamber of Commerce having been drawn to a report that the Government are likely to discontinue their support to the Vancouver mail-service, I am directed by the Chamber to respectfully urge upon the Government not to disturb the existing fortnightly mail-services by way of Vancouver and San Francisco, as in the opinion of the Chamber a step in the direction indicated would be a serious blow to the best interests of the mercantile community. I have, &c, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. John P. Haeeis, Secretary.

No. 146. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Seceetaey, Chamber of Commerce, Nelson. Sic, — General Post Office, Wellington, 13th February, 1899. I have the honour, by direction of the Postmaster-General, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of-the 3rd instant, and to inform you that the Government had already decided to renew the Vancouver mail-service, but the company now performing the service has not yet agreed to the renewal. . . ... I have, &q., The Secretary, Chamber of Commerce, Nelson, W. Geay, Secretary,