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No. 171. The Hon. the Peemiee and Colonial Teeasueee, Sydney, to the Hon. the Peemier, Wellington. (Telegram.) Sydney, 17th March, 1899. Vancouvee service : We are now considering application from contractors to extend contract terminating May for four years, contractors proposing call Brisbane instead of Wellington. Matter appears one for settlement between you and contractors. Ido not see that we could go length of stipulating continuance present route, especially as Brisbane route is shorter by some two or three days. As, however, correspondence is small, we are not urging change, leaving it to contractors' option. In November last, before question of renewal was raised, contractors stated they were considering question of accelerating by calling at Brisbane, and asked if we preferred alteration. We replied it was immaterial to us which route adopted, and concluded they were negotiating with you and Queensland.

No. 172. The Geneeal Manages for the Colonies, New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited), • Christchurch, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Christchurch, 18th March, 1899. Buens, Philp cable that contracts have been finally settled between the Canadian-Australian Company and the Governments of New South Wales and Queensland. Messrs. Burns, Philp desire us to apologize on their behalf for the delay which has occurred in connection with this matter.

No. 173. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Managee for the Colonies, New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited), Christchurch. (Telegram.) Wellington, 18th March, 1899. Thanks for telegram re Vancouver service. Assume that the "Aorangi" is the last outward and the "Miowera" the last inward boat.

No. 174. The Geneeal Manages for the Colonies, New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited), Christchurch, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Christchurch, 20th March, 1899. Buens, Philp advise that "Aorangi" from Wellington 30th instant, and "Miowera" from Vancouver 9th instant, will be the last steamers of the Canadian-Australian Company's to call at New Zealand.

No. 175. The Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal, Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmastee-Geneeal, Ottawa. (Telegram.) Wellington, 20th March, 1899. Vancouvee service : Contractors decline renew with New Zealand. Last homeward mail by " Aorangi " leaving thirtieth. " Miowera " from Vancouver ninth last inward.

No. 176. The Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Besident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco. (Telegram.) Wellington, 20th March, 1899. Vancouvee service not renewed. Last inward mail left Vancouver ninth. Last homeward by "Aorangi" thirtieth. Inform Post Office.

No. 177. The Besident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. Sic, — Besident Agency for New Zealand, San Francisco, 21st March, 1899. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your communication by cable dated Wellington, 20th March, from which I understand that the New Zealand Government have concluded to discontinue their contribution to the mail-subsidy paid to the steamers lately running between Vancouver and Wellington. I have duly advised the postal authorities both at Washington and at the local office in this city. This action on the part of the New Zealand Government will, of course, prevent any consideration of the proposition referred to in my communication by last mail [see No. 119], in