F.—6

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or fast as the ones at present employed. The Canadian Postmaster-General, however, objected to this. Sir James Mills added that he intended to visit Canada shortly, and would interview the Postmaster General at Ottawa. Mr. Thomas promised consideration of the proposals. If Canada's consent were obtained he would agree. [H.T.B. p. 422.]

No. 87. The President, Chamber of Commerce, Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Sir.- Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Wellington, 4th May, 1910. I have the honour, by request of the Council of this Chamber, to ask you to be good enough to allow me to place before you the views of the Chamber in reference to ocean mail-services. This Chamber is strongly in favour of the maintenance of the existing arrangement for a weekly service to the United Kingdom via Sydney and Suez, and desires respectfully to protest against any suggestion for its abandonment. The cost of this service is moderate, and its regularity and reliability make it a valuable and satisfactory arrangement for the Dominion as a whole. No service at longer than weekly intervals would now take the place of this arrangement. My Council further desires to say that if the Government contemplates the voting of additional subsidies for the improvement of the mail-services of the Dominion they could not, in the opinion of this Chamber, be better bestowed than on the direct lines of steamers which have for so many years carried on the trade of New Zealand with the Mother-country. It would be a great advantage if, in return for a reasonable subsidy, certain of the best of those steamers could be set apart as mail-steamers under responsibility to leave the port of departure and arrive at the port of destination on definite dates. It would also be feasible that arrangement should be made to shorten the passage to, say, thirty-six days, instead of forty or forty-two days. Such a service would be attractive to tourists and intending immigrants, as well as to shippers of cargo, and would constitute a good advertisement for the Dominion. 1 have, &c, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. H. C. Tewsley, President. [P.O. 10/490(8).]

No. 88. The President. Chamber of Commerce, Auckland, to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. (Telegram.) Auckland. 7th May. 1910. In respect to Wellington Chamber's representations re mail question, as reported in Press, my Chamber does not suggest the abandonment of the Suez route, but in relation thereto is in accord with your views, as expressed in your telegram of 28th ultimo, and would urge the adoption of your proposals in that connection. Wellington suggestion re proposed subsidy direct service is antiquated, and in view of your late declarations it would seem unnecessary to combat it. Anything fresh from Melbourne ? [Van. Misc. 10/107.] ______p____________________a

No. 89. The President, Chamber of Commerce. Auckland, to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. (Telegram.) Auckland, 9th May, 1910. I notice by Press Association cable that the Postmaster-General of the Commonwealth visits Sydney re question improve Vancouver service, with call here. My Chamber heartily thanks you for your effort in this A'raction, and trusts with negotiations present stage that you will leave no stone unturned to clinch the business. My Chamber is most anxious that the negotiations should be brought to a satisfactory conclusion, and 1 trust that the improved three-weekly service with Auckland call, as suggested by my Chamber, will with new contract in July become an established connection. Failing that, we look forward at least an extension to Auckland of the present service, thereby affording relief until time permits the inauguration of your " fast fortnightly." [Van. Misc. 10/108.]

No. 90. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington, to the Hon. the Prime Minister, Commonwealth of Australia, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 11th May, 1910. Vancouver mail service : On 22nd November last 1 wrote Mr. Deakin informing him that Canada was agreeable to participating in extension Canadian Australian mail contract for period of five years from Ist August next including Auckland as a port of call. My letter was acknowledged, and on reminding Mr. Deakin on 30th March last I was informed that the matter would receive attention. Position is that New Zealand is willing to join in subsidy to extent of twenty thousand pounds per annum if steamers are allowed to call at Auckland, and i trust that, as matters are so far advanced as to secure the promise of Canada to enter into a contract for five years, the Commonwealth will see its way to meet the desire of New Zealand by making Auckland a port of call. In view of possibility of an All-