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instant will be the last steamer that will sail vid New Zealand; in that case we could not carry the mail-sorters by " Warrimoo " and " Aorangi," as these steamers will not be returning vid New Zealand, or could only return them to Wellington vid Sydney at the cost of your department. The steamer sailing from Vancouver to-day would call at Wellington, but she would be the last to go vid New Zealand. I have, &c, A. W. Bennett, pro General Manager. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.

No. 161. The Seceetaey, Chamber of Commerce, Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal, Wellington. Sib, — Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Wellington, 9th March, 1899. I am instructed to ask you to be good enough to receive a deputation from this Chamber in reference to the question of the continuance of the Vancouver mail-service. I have, &c, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. S. Cabeoll, Secretary.

No. 162. The Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Ottawa. (Telegram.) Wellington, 11th March, 1899. Is Canada party change calling-place Vancouver service to Brisbane, cutting out New Zealand trade mail connection ? Surprised and regret possible withdrawal service from colony, which promised mutual advantage Canada and New Zealand.

No. 163. The Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington, to the Hon. the Peemiee, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 11th March, 1899. Vancouvee service: I hope you do not intend to be a party to transfer the service from New Zealand to Queensland. We have been satisfied with the service and its prospects, which appeared to be promising to all parties ; of course, relying that so soon as company overcame its liquidation difficulties the service would be improved. No notice whatever has been given us by company of its intention to drop New Zealand, but Press telegrams indicate an arrangement with Queensland shutting out New Zealand, subject, however, to your colony renewing subsidy. Nor has company definitely asked us any other terms than those offered. lam astonished at the course which has been taken to exclude this colony from the service, and trust to hear from you that this is not contemplated.

No. 164. The Hon. the Peemiee to the Agent-Genebal. (Telegram.) Wellington, 12th March, 1899. Vancouvee service : Ask Dawes state definitely whether to be renewed with New Zealand. New Zealand Shipping Company unable to advise. If not renewed, and "Warrimoo" not return Vancouver to Wellington, advise London forward Suez, mails which would close twenty-fifth.

No. 165. The Hon. the Ministbe of Tbade and Commeece, Ottawa, to the Hon. the Peemiee, , ,: Wellington. (Telegram.) Ottawa, 14th March, 1899. Know nothing of change Brisbane. Optional call by original contract. Am writing.

No. 166. Bbief of an Inteeview between the Hon. John McKenzie and a Deputation feom the Wellington Chambeb of Commeece, 14th Maech, 1899. The deputation urged, in the interests of trade and mail communication, that the Vancouver service should not be allowed to drop ; that regular fortnightly service with Great Britain was necessary, and if the Vancouver service was not renewed the San Francisco should be made fortnightly. Mr. McKenzie said the Government was most anxious to continue the service, and that the company had been asked to renew for another year. The Minister explained why renewal was not to be for a longer term. The company had not replied whether it would renew or not, but Press cablegrams indicated that New Zealand was to be dropped for Queensland. There was, however, no official intimation of this. Therefore the Government was in the dark as to the realintentions of the company. New South Wales and Canada had been communicated with in explanation of the position, and informed that New Zealand was satisfied with the Vancouver service, and urged to be no party to transferring the service from this colony to Queensland. The question of a fortnightly San Francisco service would be taken into consideration should the Vancouver line be definitely withdrawn,