OCEAN MAIL-SERVICES (FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO). [In continuation of Paper F.-6, presented on he 5th September, 1901.]

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1901 Session I, F-06b

E.—6b

1901. NEW. ZEALAND.

OCEAN MAIL-SERVICES (FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO). [In continuation of Paper F.-6, presented on he 5th September, 1901.]

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

SAN FBANCISCO MAIL-SEEVICE.

No. 1, Mr. Dunnet, Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sib,— Wellington, Bth August, 1901. I have the honour, as representing John D. Spreckels, Esq., president of the Oceanic Steamship Company, of San Francisco, to state that he is willing to enter into a five-years contract for the carriage of New Zealand mails from Auckland to San Francisco for the sum of $7,500 (United States gold) per trip : seventeen trips per annum. This is probably about $2,500 more than the present average payments per trip for poundage, but Mr. Spreckels feels that the Oceanic Company is entitled to more under the present conditions, and that, long before the expiration of the five years, the poundage basis—if continued as at present —would, no doubt, reach the sum now asked, per trip. I have, &c, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Geo. Dunnet.

No. 2. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Mr. Dunnet, Wellington. Sir,— General Post Office, 21st August, 1901. I have the honour, by direction of the Postmaster-General, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the Bth instant, advising that Mr. Spreckels was now willing to enter into a fiveyears contract with this Government for the carriage of New Zealand mails by his steamers from Auckland to San Francisco for the sum of $7,500 (United States gold) per trip: seventeen trips per annum. Your letter was submitted for the consideration of Cabinet; and Sir Joseph Ward desires me to say that Government is unable to accept Mr. Spreckels's proposals, but has decided to offer him a subsidy of £12,000 a year for five years for the service in question, subject, however, to ratification by Parliament. The Postmaster-General will be glad if you will at once communicate with Mr. Spreckels, and oblige him with an early and definite reply. I have, &c, Geo. Dunnet, Esq. (representing John D. Spreckels, Esq., W. Gray, Secretary. President, Oceanic Steamship Company, San Francisco), Wellington Club, Wellington.

No. 3. Mr. Dunnet, Wellington, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sir,— Wellington, 22nd August, 1901. I'have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st instant, written by direction of the Postmaster-General, stating that the Government is unable to accept Mr. Spreckels's proposal for the sum of $7,500 per trip: seventeen trips per annum; and offering a subsidy of £12,000 a year for five years for the service in question.

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I beg to state that, considering the sum offered is less than what was paid for a four-weekly service at a slower rate of speed, I cannot submit the offer to Mr. Spreckels, fearing that it would probably cause him to break off negotiations with New Zealand, and lose a service that is without question far ahead of any other in its benefit to the colony. Trusting that the Government will approach the matter in a more liberal manner, I have, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Geo. Dunnet.

No. 4. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Mr. Dunnet, Auckland. (Telegram.) General Post Office, Wellington, 10th September, 1901. Frisco service and Mr. Spreckels's proposals : Cabinet has again considered matter, and has now decided to recommend Parliament to approve of payment of £15,000 (fifteen thousand pounds) per annum for three years. This is final.

No. 5. Mr. Dunnet, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 11th September, 1901. Wire to hand. Am wiring to San Francisco.

No. 6. Mr. Dunnet, Auckland, the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 13th September, 1901. Have received reply from Mr. Spreckels. Offer declined.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,450 copies), £1 7s. 63.

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