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No. 11. The Eight Hon. the Puime Minister to His Excellency the Governor. Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 18th March, 1910. Memorandum for His Excellency the Governor. The Prime Minister presents his compliments, and begs to refer to the Government House record covering a despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies dated the 6th July, 1904 [not printed], on the subject of postage-rates between New Z jaland and French Oceania. The Prime Minister would be glad if the question could be reopened. Since 1904 this Dominion has established another mail route from New Zealand to Tahiti, which with the original service provides twenty-two voyages each way per annum, at a cost to the Dominion of £8,200. In the meantime it is understood that the rates of postage between France and French Oceania have been reduced below Postal Union rates. Considering the proximity of Tahiti to New Zealand, and the close commercial ties which have been fostered by the action of this Government in subsidising the mail-services referred to, it is hoped that the present may be an opportune time for requesting the French Government to reconsider the question of entering into a reciprocal engagement under which letters between New Zealand and French Oceania may be sent at the minimum rate of Id. (10 centimes) instead of 2|d. (25 centimes). J. G. Ward, Prime Minister. [P.O. 10/981(1).] _^_____________^^_

No. 12. The Acting-Consul for Fbance, Auckland, to the Eight Hon. the Prime Minister. Consulat de France en Nouvelle-Zelande et Dependances et aux lies Tonga, Sir,— Auckland, 30th March, 1910. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 10th March, which reached this Consulate only on the 24th instant. M. Boeufve left Auckland on the 14th instant for a short holiday in Europe, but I am forwarding to him a copy of your letter so that he may be able to take advantage of his visit in France to put before the authorities in Paris your proposal concerning the penny postage between New Zealand and the French Settlements in the Pacific. I have, &c, Geo. Dunhet, Acting Consul for France. The Eight Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, P. 0., K.C.M.G., Prime Minister, Wellington.

Approximate Coat of Paprr.— Preparation, not given; printiug(l,sso copies), £i 19s.

Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9lo.

Price 6d-\

2-F. 7.

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