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No. 250. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, 15th November, 1911. I have the honour to forward herewith copy of a letter, dated the 10th instant from the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, suggesting that the steamer carrying the inward Suez mail leave Sydney for Wellington on Mondays, and shall be glad of your views, and of any proposals you may have to make in the matter. I have, &c, D. Robertson, Secretary. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin. [Suez Conn. 11/134.]

No. 251. The Assistant General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Sir,— Dunedin, 20th November, 1911. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 14th instant, in regard to the failure of the s.s. " Warrimoo " to connect with the mail-train at Sydney on the trip leaving Wellington on the 3rd instant. I beg to enclose copy [not printed] of the master's report of the 18th November, from which it will be observed that the delay was due to the very bad weather experienced on the trip. The importance of making the mail-connection appears to have been fully recognized by the master and officers of the vessel, and the seamen were sent below, and, with the assistance of the officers, did everything possible by trimming and placing the coal alongside the firemen to enable a good head of steam to be maintained. We regret, however, that these efforts were unsuccessful, and that on account of the continued heavy weather the vessel did not arrive until 8.29 p.m. We have to thank you for, in the meantime, arranging payment of the claim for the full amount, and we trust that under the circumstances explained herein you will see your way to waive the question of penalty. I have, &c, D. A. Aiken, Assistant General Manager. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. [Suez Conn. 11/142.]

No. 252. The Assistant General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Sir, — Dunedin, 21st November, 1911. Inward Suez Mail-service: Despatch from Sydney to Wellington. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 15th instant, enclosing copy of letter dated the 10th November, from the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, in regard to the above matter. We are now looking into the question, and will advise you as soon as possible in connection therewith. I have, &c, D. A. Aiken, Assistant General Manager. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. [Suez Conn. 11/136.] [Chamber of Commerce informed, 24th November.!

No. 253. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 21st December, 1911. I have the honour to refer to the Assistant General Manager's letter of the 20th ultimo, relating to the failure of the s.s. " Warrimoo " to connect with the Suez mail at Sydney on the 7th idem, and to inform you that, as the delay appears to have been beyond the control of your company, the Postmaster-General has decided that the penalty for late arrival provided for in the contract be not imposed. I have, &c, D. Robertson, Secretary. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin. [Suez Conn. 11/144.] [Acknowledged, 29th December, 1911.]