3

F.—3

The Postmaster-General directs me, in reply, to confirm his telegram to you of the 9th instant accepting the proposal, and to say that he is much gratified to find that it is possible to reduce the rates referred to. Sir Joseph Ward trusts that the adoption of this change may be the forerunner of a reduction in the newspaper-postage between the United Kingdom and this colony which, notwithstanding the representations which have been made from time to time in the matter, it has not yet been possible to secure. I have, &c, The Postmaster-General, Ottawa. W. Gray, Secretary.

No 9. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Prime Minister. (Telegram.) London, 6th June, 1903. Referring to your telegram of the Bth May, Postmaster-General having under consideration general question of postal rates, weight of printed papers, would be glad if New Zealand Government defers action with regard to Canadian proposals pending decision of Imperial Government.

No. 10. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Prime Minister. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sir,— 6th June, 1903. Referring to your cablegram of the Bth May last, I beg to transmit herewith copy of correspondence with the Imperial Post Office and the Colonial Office, by which it will be seen that, as cabled to you this day, the Postmaster-General desires that the Government shall defer action as regards the Canadian proposal pending the decision of the Imperial Post Office on the general question. I have, &c, The Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington. W. P. Reeves.

Enclosure 1 in No. 10. The Secretary to the Agent-General to the Secretary, General Post Office, London. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, S.W., Sir,— Hth May, 1903. 1 am directed by the Agent-General to inform you that he has received an intimation from his Government that the Government of the Dominion of Canada having considerably reduced its newspaper postage to this country proposes also to make a similar reduction as regards New Zealand. Under these circumstances the Agent-General, under instruction from his Government, requests the favour of your submitting to the Postmaster-General for his concurrence a proposal that the newspaper-postage to and from New Zealand be reduced to one penny (Id.) each paper, irrespective of weight. The Agent-General, on behalf of his Government, begs to express a strong hope that the proposal will receive the favourable consideration of.the Postmaster-General. 1 am, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, E.C. Walter Kennaway.

Enclosure 2 in No. 10. The Assistant Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Agent-General. gj R _ Colonial Office, S.W., sth June, 1903. I am directed by Mr. Secretary Chamberlain to inform you that the Postmaster-General has communicated to this Department a copy of your letter of the 14th ultimo with regard to the proposal of the Government of the Dominion of Canada for reducing the postage on newspapers between New Zealand and Canada. 2. The Postmaster-General has at present under his consideration the general question whether it is possible to increase the weight of printed matter transmissible both within and outside the United Kingdom for Id., as well as the question of reducing to Id. the postage on English registered newspapers sent to the colonies, and he would be glad if the Government of New Zealand would defer action with regard to the Canadian proposal pending a decision as to the action of the Imperial Post Office. 1 am, &c The Agent-General for New Zealand. H. Bertram Cox.

Enclosure 3 in No. 10. The Secretary to the Agent-General to the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, S.W., g 6th June, 1903. I am directed by the Agent-General to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the sth instant, relating to the letter from this office to the General Post Office of the 14th May last, and in