F.—3.

In reply, I hasten to inform you that my Administration, however desirous of profiting by the advantages presented by reduced tariffs which have for their object the augmentation of international traffic, cannot, it is regretted, ac present agree to the proposal, although it appreciates the progressive sentiment by which it was dictated, as the tariffs at present applicable in the inland service are higher, and a reduction in the sense of your proposition would constitute a breach of the regulations in force. For these same reasons it is not possible to admit that letters originating in your country addressed to Bulgaria, prepaid by Id. stamps, be considered fully prepaid, and they will therefore be treated under the present conditions of the International Convention.

No. 109. The Director of the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union, Berne, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Bureau International de l'Union Postale Universelle, Berne, le 30 Janvier, 1901. Monsieur le Postmaster-General, — Comme suite a ma lettre dv 18 Janvier courant, j'ai l'honneur de vous informer que, d'apres une lettre qu'elle vient de m'adresser en reponse a ma circulaire dv 10 Octobre, 1900, I'Administration dcs Postes de Victoria regrette de ne pouvoir accepter comme regulierement affranchies les lettres de la Nouvelle-Zelande pour son pays gui ne porteraient qu'un timbre dun penny par port simple, et que ces lettres seraient taxees dans son service comme insuffisamment affranchies. Veuillez agreer, &c, Pour le Directeur, The General Post Office, Wellington. . —

[Translation.] In continuation of my letter of the 18th January, I have the honour to inform you that, according to a letter just addressed to me in reply to my circular of the 10th October, 1900, the Administration of Posts of Victoria regrets not being able to accept as regularly prepaid letters from New Zealand for that country which bear only a penny stamp per single rate, and that such letters would be charged in its service as insufficiently prepaid.

No. 110. The Director-General of Colonies, Lisbon, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Direction Generale d' Outremer, Lisbonne, le 30 Janvier, 1901. Monsieur le Directeur-General, — J'ai l'honneur de vous accuser la reception de votre office dv 23 Novembre ecoule relatif a l'introduction a partir dv ler Janvier courant dv "penny tarif " (tarif de 10 centimes pour 15 grammes) pour lettres pour tous pays en commemoration dv commencement dv nouveau siecle. En vous felicitant par une mesure si simpathique, je veux de vous dire que les colonies portugaises ne peuvent pas a present faire partie de la meme reciprocite. Je vous peux assurer, cependant, que les lettres mises a la poste dans votre pays affranchies dun penny par 15 grammes et destinees aux colonies portugaises seront delivrees aux destinataires sans taxe. Agreez, &c, Le Directeur-General d' Outremer, P. F. Dias Costa. Monsieur le Directeur dcs Postes de la Nouvelle-Zelande a Wellington.

[Translation.] I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 23rd November last, respecting the introduction from the Ist January instant of the " penny postage " (postage of 10 centimes per 15 grammes) for letters for all countries in commemoration of the new century. In congratulating you on such a sympathetic measure, I have to say that the Portuguese colonies are unable at present to take part reciprocally. I may assure you, however, that letters posted in your country prepaid Id. per 15 grammes and addressed to Portuguese colonies will be delivered free of charge.

No. 111. The Postmaster-General, Alexandria, Egypt, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Sir, — General Post Office, Alexandria, 31st January, 1901. In reply to your letter dated the 23rd November, 1900, I have the honour to inform you that I regret my inability to establish the penny-postage system for correspondence exchanged between your colony of New Zealand and this country, and vice versa.

5—F. 3.

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