REDUCTION OF NEWSPAPER POSTAGE (PAPERS RELATING TO).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1904 Session I, F-03

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1904. NEW ZEALAND.

REDUCTION OF NEWSPAPER POSTAGE (PAPERS RELATING TO).

Pretented to both Rouses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

INDEX. Letters— Pages. Canada, 1. United States of Amerioa, 20 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1, 6 Newspapebs and Periodicals— To Australia, 11, 15, 16, 30, 31. To or from Canada, 1-10, 12, 14, 19, 80, 35. To United Kingdom, 8, 8-10, 12-14, 17, 18, 21-24, 28, 29, 82-34 ; Reduotion of Transit-rates for, 27 ; Boute for, 25-27, 29, 30. To other British Dependencies, 35 .. .. .. . 1-11

No. 1. The Deputy Postmaster-Gbnisbal, Ottawa, to the Hon. the Postmaster-Genebal, Wellington. Sib,— Post Office Department, Canada, Ottawa, sth March, 1903. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your communication of the 14th November last [not printed], transmitting a copy of a letter from Mr. G. H. Hale, Orillia, Ont., in which the suggestion is made that the domestic postage-rates of Canada should cover transmission of correspondence from Canada to New Zealand and vice versa. In reply to your proposal that the postage-rates on newspapers passing between Canada and New Zealand should be reduced to Id. per newspaper, I beg leave to say that, upon careful consideration of the matter, this Department prefers having the rate fixed at Id. or 2 cents for each 8 oz. or fraction thereof. Will you kindly inform me whether this modification of your proposal meets with the approval of your Administration? I have, &c, R. M. Coulteb, The Postmaster-General, Wellington. Deputy Postmaster-General.

No. 2. The Deputy Postmastee-Genebal, Ottawa, to the Hon. the Postmasteb-Genebal, Wellington. Sir, — Post Office Department, Canada, Ottawa, 12th March, 1903. I beg leave to inform you that since the despatch of my letter proposing the adoption of a uniform rate of Id. or 2 cents per 8 oz. on newspapers passing between Canada and New Zealand, an arrangement has been made with the British Post Office Department under which newspapers and periodicals can be sent from Canada to the United Kingdom at the same rates of postage as apply to that class of matter when posted for delivery within Canada. The Postmaster-General now desires me to inquire whether your Administration would be prepared to enter into an arrangement whereby newspapers and periodicals might be sent from Canada to New Zealand and from New Zealand to Canada at the inland postage-rates; or, failing this, whether you would consent to an arrangement —similar to that which has been made with the British Post Office —permitting the Canadian Post Office to send newspapers and periodicals to New Zealand at the Canadian domestic rates, and the New Zealand Post Office to be free to charge either the Postal Union rate, or such lower rate as it thinks fit, on newspapers and periodicals sent to Canada,

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The following are the rates applicable to newspapers and periodicals under the Canadian domestic postal regulations:— ~.;,."« j j lj On duly recognised newspapers and periodicals printed and published in Canada and posted from the office of publication to regular subscribers, | cent per pound; on sample copies of such newspapers and periodicals, also posted from the office of publication, I cent per pound; on all other newspapers and periodicals posted for delivery within Canada, 1 cent for each 4 oz. or fraction thereof. I » aye > &c -> „ R. M. Coulter, The Postmaster-General, Wellington, New Zealand. Deputy Postmaster-Generai.

No. 3. The Hon. the Pbime Minister to the Agent-General. (Telegram ) Wellington, Bth May, 1903. Canada has advised that its newspaper-postage to Great Britain now considerably below Posta Union rates, and will reduce to New Zealand. Bequest you take opportunity of urging Imperial Post Office now agree reduction newspaper-postage to and from New Zealand one penny each newspaper, irrespective of weight.

No. 4. The Hon the Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the -Hon. the Postmaster-General, Ottawa. {Teloeram ) Wellington, 9th May, 1903. Your letter 12th March, newspaper-postage. Accept proposal Canada inland rates; New Zealand penny each newspaper, irrespective of weight. When commence?

No. 5. The Hon the Postmaster-General, Ottawa, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. (Telegram.) ' . + Ottawa, 9th May, 1903. Thanks for telegram. Change newspaper-rate begins sixteenth instant.

No. 6. The Acting Deputy Postmaster-General, Ottawa, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. o _ Post Office Department, Canada, Ottawa, 11th May, 1903. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your cablegram of the 9th instant stating that you are prepared to agree to the proposal contained in my letter of the 12th March last -viz that the Canadian Post Office be permitted to send newspapers and periodicals to New the proposition of this Departmentand to inform you that the new arrangement will take effect on and from the 16th instant. I also note with pleasure that you have decided to fix the postage on newspapers from New Zealand for Canada at Id. for each newspaper, irrespective of weight. I have, &c, Wμ. Smith, The Postmaster-General, Wellington. Acting Deputy Postmaster-General.

No. 7. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General Ottawa Wellington, 12th May, 1900. (Telegram.) . . , , Thanks for telegram. Reduction this end begins sixteenth.

No. 8. The Secretary General Post Office, Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Ottawa. The Secretary, uene Wellington) mh 1903 ~ T have the honour, by direction of the Postmaster-General, to acknowledge the receipt of.

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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

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reference thereto, to request you to inform the Postmaster-General that the New Zealand Government have this day been requested by cable to defer action with regard to the Canadian proposal pending the decision of the Imperial Post Office as regards the general question of weight of printed matter and postage of newspapers, as indicated in your letter under reply. I am, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office, S.W. Walter Kennaway.

No. 11. Extract from the Post and Telegraph Official Circular, Ist July, 1903. From the Ist July, the maximum weight for each newspaper for transmission at Id. to the Australian Commonwealth will be 20 oz. This cancels the former rate to Queensland.

No. 12. The Hon. the Prime Minister to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) Wellington, 13th August, 1903. Newspaper postage: Canada's proposal adopted prior receipt your cablegram sixth June. Now hope Imperial Post Office reduce.

No. 13. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Prime Minister. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sir,— 21st August, 1903. Referring to my letter of the 6th June last, I beg to transmit copy of further correspondence with the Colonial Office by which it will be seen that the Imperial Postmaster-General does not see his way to adopt the proposal of the Government to reduce the postage on newspapers to and from New Zealand, to Id. each paper, irrespective of weight. I am, &c, Walter Kennawat, The Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington. For the Agent-General.

Enclosure 1 in No. 13. The Secretary to the Agent-General to the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, S.W., Sir,— 15th July, 1903. Referring to your letter of the sth ultimo, relating to the possible increase in 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 to my reply of the 6th idem, I am directed by the Agent-General to inquire whether any decision has yet been given by the Postmaster-General in the matter, and if so whether a reply can now be given to the letter from this office to the Imperial Post Office of the 14th May last. I am, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office, S.W. Walter Kennaway.

Enclosure 2 in No. 13. The Assistant Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Agent-General. Sir,— Colonial Office, S.W., 21st July, 1903. In reply to your letter of the 15th instant, I am directed by Mr. Secretary Chamberlain to inform you that he has not yet received any further intimation from the General Post Office as to a decision having been arrived at on the question of a possible increase in weight of printed matter transmissible for Id., or a reduction in the postage on English registered newspapers sent to the colonies; but a further communication is being addressed by this Department to the Post-master-General on the subject. 1 am ! & c '> The Agent-General for New Zealand. H. Bertram Cox.

Enclosure 3 in No. 13. The Secretary to the Agent-General to the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, S.W., Si ß _ 17th August, 1903. Referring to your letter of the sth June last and to my reply thereto of the 6th of that month, I am directed by the Agent-General to state that he has received a cablegram (dated the

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13th instant) from his Government stating that prior to the receipt of the Agent-General's telegram of the 6th June they had adopted the proposals of Canada as regards the newspaper-postage. I am to add that his Government express the hope that the Imperial Post Office will reduce the postage as proposed. I am, &c, The Under-Secretary of State, Colonial Office, S.W. Walter Kennaway.

Enclosure 4 in No. 13. The Assistant Undbr-Secbetart of State for the Colonies to the Agent-General. Sir,-- Colonial Office, S.W., 18th August, 1903. With reference to the letters from this Department of the sth June and the 21st ultimo, with regard to the consideration of the proposal of the Government of Canada for reducing the postage on newspapers between that colony and New Zealand, 1 am directed by Mr. Secretary Chamberlain to inform you that a letter has now been received from the General Post Office reporting that the Postmaster-General has, after careful consideration, been forced to the conclusion that he would not be justified in recommending the adoption of lower rates than at present exist for newspapers and other printed matter sent from this country to the colonies, not only on account of the wholly unremunerative character of such rates, but also because the proposed reductions would almost inevitably involve a corresponding reduction of the internal rates of the United Kingdom, and further heavy loss. In the case of Canada the Postmaster-General has agreed to accept newspapers and other periodicals from Canada for delivery in the United Kingdom prepaid only at the Canadian domestic rates of postage and similar proposals from other colonies would receive full consideration. The Postmaster-General is consequently not able to adopt the suggestion of the Government of New Zealand that the postage on newspapers to and from New Zealand should be reduced to Id. each paper, irrespective of weight, and Mr. Chamberlain regrets that it has not been possible to meet the wishes of the New Zealand Government in this matter. I am, <fee, The Agent-General for New Zealand. H. Bertram Cox. P.S. —Since this letter was prepared your letter of the 17th instant has been received, and will be communicated to the Postmaster-General.

No. 14. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Prime Ministee. (Telegram.) London, 22nd August, 1903. Imperial Government cannot agree reduction of newspaper-postage as proposed in your telegram of Bth of May. In case of Canada, His Majesty's Government agrees to accept newspapers and other periodicals from that colony prepaid at only Canadian domestic postal rate, and full consideration will be given to similar proposals from other colonial Governments.

No. 15. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, Bth October, 1903. Presume you will raise no objection to accepting Christmas numbers New Zealand weekly papers at newspaper-rates. Some of them may not comply strictly with newspaper conditions; but we are passing at newspaper-rates, inland transmission. Will reciprocate as regards Christmas numbers Australian weeklies.

No. 16. The Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Melbourne, 9th October, 1903. Usual latitude be allowed Christmas numbers newspapers. No difficulty apprehended, unless some glaring infringement.

No. 17. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Prime Minister. (Telegram.) London, 23rd October, 1903. Referring to my telegram of 22nd August, have you arranged that newspapers and other periodicals will be sent Home at only New Zealand domestic postal rates? If not, shall I make proposal as suggested 1

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No. 18. The Hon. the Prime Minister to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) Wellington, 3rd December, 1903. Newspapers and periodicals, and your telegram twenty-third October: Obliged if you endeavour get Imperial Government accept New Zealand newspapers at penny per newspaper.

No. 19. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Director, International Bureau, Berne Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 12th December, 1903. I have the honour to inform you that, from the 16th May, 1903, the postage on newspapers from New Zealand addressed to places in Canada was altered to Id. each, irrespective of weight. I shall be obliged if you will notify Postal Union offices in the usual way. I have, &c, W. Gray, Secretary. The Director, International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union, Berne.

No. 20 Extract from the Report, dated 30th December, 1903, of the United States Post Office Department for the Year 1903, p. 24. Reduction in Foreign Kates of Postage. The International Postal Congress will convene at Rome, Italy, in March, 1904. [Note: Convention postponed to April, 1905.] Believing that the time has arrrived for a reduction in the rate of foreign postage, our representative at the Congress will be instructed to urge upon the members of the Postal Union the propriety of a reduction in the foreign rate of postage, especially so far as it may affect the rate now obtaining between the United States and the great commercial nations of Europe. It is confidently expressed that if the rate should be reduced from 5 to 3 cents, or even to 2 cents, it would result in a very short time in such an enormous increase in the interchange of communications as would bring greater financial returns than obtain from the present rate.

No. 21. -The Agent-General to the Hon. the Prime Minister. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., g IR) — 26th January, 1904. Referring to my cablegram of the 23rd October last and to your reply thereto of the 3rd December last, relative to the postage of newspapers sent from New Zealand, I beg to transmit herewith copy of correspondence with the Imperial Post Office by which it will be seen that the Postmaster-General is awaiting a communication from the Imperial Treasury. I have, &c, The Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington. W. P. Reeves.

Enclosure 1 to No. 21. The Secretary to the Agent-General to the Secretary, General Post Office, London. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, S.W., g IR _ 7th December, 1903. I am directed by the Agent-General to inform you that his Government have received an intimation to the effect that in the case of Canada the Postmaster-General has agreed to accept newspapers from that Dominion for delivery in the United Kingdom prepaid only at the Canadian domestic rates of postage, and that similar proposals from other colonies would receive full conThe Agent-General therefore will be obliged by the Postmaster-General giving his favourable consideration to the request, which he is instructed to make on behalf of his Government—namely, to accept newspapers posted in New Zealand at Id. rate of postage for each newspaper, irrespective of weififtit I am to add, for the information of the Postmaster-General, that the following are the New Zealand domestic rates of postage for newspapers according to the scale published in the latest issue of the New Zealand official Post and Telegraph Guide, namely,— Town and inland ... • ■•• ;■■ ••■ *<*• eac £- Australia, South Sea Islands, and Canada ... ... Id. each. I am, <fee, The Secretary, General Post Office, E.G. Walter Kennaway.

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Enclosure 2 in No. 21. The Secretary to the Agent-General to the Secretary, General Post Office, London. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, S.W., Sir,— 4th January, 1904. I am instructed by the Agent-General to direct your kind attention to my letter of the 7th ultimo, relating to the rates of postage for newspapers, and to request the favour of your causing an early reply to be sent to the proposal contained therein. I am, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, E.C. Walter Kennawav.

Enclosure 3 in No. 21. The Secretary, General Post Office, London, to the Secretary to the Agent-General. Sir,— General Post Office, E.C, 11th January, 1904. With reference to your letter of the 7th December, proposing on behalf of the AgentGeneral for New Zealand that the Postmaster-General should accept and deliver in the United Kingdom newspapers posted in New Zealand at a postage-rate of Id. for each newspaper, irrespective of weight, I am directed by the Postmaster-General to acquaint you, for the information of the Agent-General, that the subject is being carefully considered in consultation with the Lords Commissioners of H.M. Treasury, and that a further reply will be sent you. I am, &c, Walter Kennaway, Esq., C.M.G, H. Buxton Forman.

Enclosure 4 in No. 21. The Secretary to the Agent-General to the Secretary, General Post Office, London. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, S.W., Sir, — 15th January, 1904. I am directed by the Agent-General to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th instant, and in reference thereto to state that he trusts that as little delay as possible will take place in arriving at a decision in respect to his Government's proposal as conveyed to you in my letter of the 7th December last. The Agent-General would point out that so far back as August last it was intimated to him through the Colonial Office that the Postmaster-General had agreed to a similar proposal made by the Government of Canada, and that he was prepared to receive like proposals from other colonies. The Agent-General therefore ventures to express surprise at the delay which is now taking place as regards the proposal made by his own Government. I am, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, E.C. Walter Kennaway.

Enclosure 5 in No. 21. The Secretary, General Post Office, London, to the Secretary to the Agent-General. Sib,— General Post Office, E.C, 19th January, 1904. With reference to your letter of the 15th instant, I am directed by the PostmasterGeneral to assure you, for the information of the Agent-General for New Zealand, that when the result of his communication with the Treasury on the subject of the postage on newspapers sent from New Zealand to the United Kingdom is known you shall be communicated with. I am, &c, Walter Kennaway, Esq., C.M.G. H. Buxton Forman.

No. 22. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Prime Minister. (Telegram.) London, 9th February, 1904. Postmaster-General will deliver in the United Kingdom without surcharge newspapers sent by post from New Zealand at a postal rate of one penny per newspaper, irrespective of weight. Postmaster-General wishes to know on what date the arrangement should come into force; also states that it is very desirable that New Zealand post-offices make clear such newspapers have been posted in New Zealand and postage prepaid in the colony.

No. 23. The Hon. the Prime Minister to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) Wellington, 12th February, 1904. Gratified Imperial Post Office now agrees deliver in United Kingdom newspapers prepaid one penny posted in New Zealand. Inform Postmaster-General propose commence first March prox,

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No. 24. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Pkime Minister. Westminster Chambers, 13, Victoria Street, London, S.W., Sir,— . 12th February, 1904. Referring to my letter of the 26th January last and to previous correspondence, I beg to inform you that the Postmaster-General has accepted the proposal that he should deliver in the United Kingdom without surcharge newspapers posted in New Zealand at a postage-rate of Id. for each newspaper, irrespective of weight. I accordingly cabled to you to the above effect, and also called your attention to the wishes of the Imperial Post Office as expressed in the second paragraph of the letter, copy of which is herewith enclosed, and I have this day received Sir J. G. Ward's cablegram instructing me to inform the Postmaster-General that it is proposed to commence sending newspapers under the new postagerate on the Ist March next. I have, &c, The Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington. W. P. Reeves.

Enclosure in No. 24. The Secretary, General Post Office, London, to the Agent-General. Sir,— General Post Office, E.C., Bth February, 1904. With reference to Mr. Walter Kennaway's letters of the 7th December and of the 15th ultimo, I am directed by the Postmaster-General to acquaint you that in concurrence with the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, he now. accepts the proposal from the Government of New Zealand that he should deliver in the United Kingdom without surcharge newspapers posted in New Zealand at a postage rate of Id. for each newspaper, irrespective of weight. I am to inquire on what date the arrangement should come into force, and to observe that, in order to prevent the erroneous collection of surcharges in this country, it is very desirable that it should in every case be made clear by the New Zealand office that the papers dealt with have been posted in New Zealand, and that the postage has been prepaid there. I am, &c, The Agent-General for New Zealand. H. Babington Smith.

No. 25. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington, to Mr. George Fenwick, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 27th February, 1904. In connection with reduced newspaper postage-rate to Great Britain, I find that the heavy transit charges across America and Atlantic, which we do not control, will make it necessary for Post Office to send all newspapers exceeding eight ounces in weight by direct steamers, so as to obviate heavy loss via San Francisco. I have assumed that transmission by the slower service will make little or no difference to newspaper-proprietors and the public, so long as penny-rate secured. I shall be pleased to hear from you to-day collect. [Also in same terms to Messrs, P Selig and J. C. Wilkin, Christchurch ; R. E. Bannister, Wellington ; and Wilson and Horton, Auckland.!]

No. 26. Messrs. J. C. Wilkin, Geo. G. Stead, H. Brett, and George Fenwick, Dunedin, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 29th February, 1904. At largely attended meeting leading newspaper-proprietors to-day, your telegram re sea-carriage overweight weekly newspapers carefully considered. Result discussion was that be singularly retrogade step hold over weekly newspapers for despatch by direct steamers, and proprietors represented strongly urge you adhere original intention send overweight papers Frisco mail. Many strong arguments against proposals you make which will set out in letter to you. With reference to Christmas numbers, we approve of your suggestion that they be forwarded by direct steamers, as there would be ample time between publication-date for these numbers to reach England before Xmas.

No. 27. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington, to Messrs. J. C. Wilkin, G. G. Stead, H. Brett, and George Fenwick, Dunedin. Gentlemen,— General Post Office, Wellington, 2nd March, 1904. I have the honour'to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram of the 29th ultimo, in continuation of telegraph correspondence about the route for newspapers exceeding 8 oz. prepaid at the new rate of Id. for each newspaper. I note that you are averse to my proposal to send all

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newspapers exceeding 8 oz. in weight prepaid Id. by the direct steamers, and that while you see no objection to Christmas numbers of weekly newspapers being sent by that route, you consider that the ordinary weekly issues should be forwarded by way of San Francisco. 1 have carefully reconsidered the matter; but 1 regret that, in view of existing transit conditions across America and the Atlantic, which, as already explained, New Zealand does not control in any way, I am unable to depart from the arrangement already decided upon. At present it costs the Department about Is. sd. (16.80 d.) for each pound of newspaper mail forwarded via San Francisco, and it does not apear to me to be reasonable for newspaper-proprietors to urge a further concession, which, in view of the largely augmented posting of weekly newspapers that may be expected, would mean a further serious loss to the post office in the case of the San Francisco service. The difference between the postage received—say, lfd. on each pound of weekly newspapers- and the Is. sd. per pound paid for carriage, you will, I am sure, admit is too great to warrant the free use of this route for heavy papers prepaid at the reduced rate. There should be little or no detention of newspapers at this end, as suggested, as the direct steamers leave every week, or oftener. The San Francisco mail interval is three weeks, and I scarcely think newspaper-proprietors or addressees of illustrated papers will be inconvenienced by the new arrangement. I shall make strong representations with a view to getting a large reduction of the cost of newspaper-transit across America and the Atlantic, and, if successful, will then open all routes at the penny rate. I have, &c, J. G. Ward, Postmaster-General. J. C. Wilkin, Esq., G. G. Stead, Esq., H. Brett, Esq., and George Fenwick, Esq., Dunedin.

No. 28. Extract from Order in Council dated the 3rd March, 1904. SCHEDULE. Reduced Newspaper-postage for the United Kingdom,. The rate of postage on newspapers for the United Kingdom shall be Id. for each newspaper irrespective of weight, but subject to the following conditions as to despatch: — If under 8 oz. prepaid Id. ... ... Sent by first available route. If over Boz. prepaid Id. ... ... Sent by direct steamer only. If prepaid less than 1d...: ... ... Surcharged at printed-paper rates, and sent by direct steamer only. If wholly unpaid ... ... ... Detained and sent to the Dead Letter Office. Newspapers over 8 oz. which it is desired may be sent by the San Francisco or the Federal route must be specially superscribed and prepaid at the rate of Id. for the first 4 ez. and id. for each additional 2 oz. or fraction thereof. If more than one newspaper be enclosed in a packet, the cover must clearly indicate the number of newspapers enclosed, and the proper postage be affixed, or the parcel shall be surcharged at printed-paper rates.

No. 29. " :, '■■■'-*'■ ■ The Hon. the Prime Minister to the Agent-General. Sir,— Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 15th March, 1904 I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th January last forwarding copy of correspondence between yourself and the Imperial Post Office on the subiect of the postage on newspapers from this colony for the United Kingdom. lam also in receipt of your cablegram of the 9th ultimo, advising that the Imperial Postmaster-General agreed to the delivery of newspapers from New Zealand prepaid Id. each, irrespective of weight, but stating that it was to be understood that such newspapers were to be posted in New Zealand and the postage prepaid. I have to confirm my telegram of the 12th February in reply thereto, copy of which is attached. I enclose four copies of the Order in Council reducing the newspaper-rate to the United Kingdom, from which you will observe that newspapers over 8 oz. in weight, prepaid at the penny rate, are to be sent only by direct steamer, instead of by the first available route as in the case of newspapers of lesser weight. This has been decided upon to avoid an increase in loss already incurred by the New Zealand Post Office in the transmission of newspapers hence by the San Francisco route. I have, &c, ' ■J. G. Ward, For the Prime Minister The Hon. W. P. Reeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

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No. 30. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne. SIX ._ General Post Office, Wellington,. 16th March, 1904. Keferri'ng to my telegram of the 7th October last and to your reply of the 9th idem, in connection with the posting at newspaper-rates of Christmas numbers of New Zealand weekly newspapers, some of which did not strictly comply with newspaper conditions, I have now the honour to inform you that it has been pointed out by newspaper-proprietors that in order to protect the packets containing a number of papers it is necessary to place some resisting substance, such as strawboards, around them. As the cardboard would be used merely as a means of protection I should be glad if you would give the matter your consideration with a view to determining whether the cardboard packing may continue to be used in future on bundles of newspapers forwarded from this colony to the Commonwealth. As you are no doubt aware the London Post Office lias agreed to accept newspapers from New Zealand prepaid Id. each, irrespective of weight, as from the Ist instant. The anomaly will, therefore now exist of newspapers for the United Kingdom, weighing over 20 oz., passing at a lower rate than those for the shorter distance to the Commonwealth, and in view of the fact that Id is already charged up to 20 oz., and that there are comparatively few newspapers for the Commonwealth which would be over that weight, the Postmaster-General would be glad to learn that your office is now able to see its way to accept our newspapers at the same rate of postage as that charged to the United Kingdom and Canada. I have, &c b _ W. Gray, Secretary. The Secretary. Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne.

No. 31. The Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Commonwealth of Australia, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, Sm _ 28th March, 1904. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 16th instant, inquiring whether cardboard packing may continue to be used on bundles of newspapers forwarded from New Zealand to the Commonwealth, and whether this Department is now able to see its way to accept such newspapers at the same rate of postage as that charged on those sent from New Zealand to the United Kingdom and Canada. These matters will receive consideration, and you will be further advised in due course. I have, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Robt. I. Scott, Secretary.

No. 32. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Director, International Bureau, Berne. SlB __ General Post Office, Wellington, 30th March, 1904. ■ I have the honour to inform you that the London Post Office has agreed to accept, as from the Ist instant, newspapers from this colony for places in the United Kingdom prepaid at the rate of Id each irrespective of weight. I shall be obliged if you will have Postal Union offices advised in the usual way. * Secretary. The Director, International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union, Berne.

No. 33. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Secretary, General Post Office, London. g __ General Post Office, Wellington, sth April, 1904. In connection with the reduced rate of postage to Id. per newspaper, irrespective of weight for newspapers from this colony for your country, which came into force on the Ist ultimo, I have' now the honour to inform you that owing to the high transit-charges by way of San Francisco it has been found necessary to limit the weight of newspapers for despatch by that route The enclosed printed slip shows the conditions and route of despatch of newspapers intended for transmission to the United Kingdom from New Zealand. ■ Newspapers sent by the direct steamers will be separated into two divisions, London and "London forward," and the bags labelled accordingly. I have, &c, W. Gray, The Secretary, General Post Office, London. For the Postmaster-General.

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No. 34 The Hon. the Peimb Minister to the Agent-General. Sir,— Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, Bth April, 1904. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th February last, on the subject of the reduced rate on newspapers posted in New Zealand, which came into force on the Ist ultimo. Instructions have been issued by the Post and Telegraph Department whereby it will be made clear that the newspapers dealt with by New Zealand offices have been posted in the colony, and the postage prepaid here. I have, &c, J. G. Ward, For the Prime Minister. The Hon. W. P. Reeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

No. 35. The Hon. the Prime Minister to the Agent-General. Sir,— Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 18th April, 1904. Referring to my letter of the Bth instant, and previous correspondence, I have now the honour to inform you that it has been ascertained that Canadian newspapers may be sent from Canada to the following colonies, as well as to Great Britain, at the same rates as between any two places in Canada: Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Honduras, British North Borneo, Ceylon, Cyprus, Falkland Islands, Gambia, Hongkong, Leeward Islands (including Antigua, &c), Newfoundland, [New Zealand], Sarawak, Sierra Leone, Transvaal, Turk's Islands, and Zanzibar. As the Postmaster-General is particularly desirous of extending the scope of the penny rate, irrespective of weight, for newspapers from New Zealand to places beyond the colony, I should be obliged if you would inquire from the London Post Office whether there is any intention to establish an Imperial arrangement similar to that existing for letters. If not, it is presumed that it will be necessary for New Zealand to negotiate direct with other colonies. I have, &c, J. G. Ward, For the Prime Minister. The Hon. W. P. Reeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

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