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Session 11. 1906. NEW- ZEALAND.
OCEAN MAIL-SERVICES (FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO). [In continuation of Paper F.-6, presented on the 22nd August, 1906.]
Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Gomm,and of His Excellency.
INDEX. San Francisco Service — San Francisco Service— continued. Contract with Oceanic Company, &c. Earthquake at San Francisco and followPages 2-3 ing Events- continued. No. Delay in arrival of " Sonoma " at Auckland, No. Resident Agent's loss of reoords .. .. 84 June, 1906 .. .. .. .. 3-7 Resident Agent's report of earthquake, &c. 69 Gratuity to Ooeanic Steamship Company for Services of Messrs. D. E. Lindsay, Mail Australian correspondence .. .. 86, ft 7 Agent, and W. R. Hounsell, Assistant Proposed Australian subsidy to San Francisco Mail Agent, acknowledged .. .. 80-1 servioe .. .. .. .. 86,87 Steamer from New Zealand, 25th May, Service temporarily stopped: Resumption .. 1 Providing .. .. .. .. 48 49 57 Use of Suez for Eastern United States, Eastern Temporary suspension of San Francisco Canada .. .. .. .. 2 service .. .. .. 1,14,16-18,22, CO (TO QQ QO Incidents of United States and Atlantic «Tutanekai "to Fiji, proposal to send 82,'88,'«,'i4, Transit, &C. Page 4 45-47, 51-54, 59 Delay to mails across U.S.A. .. .. No. 8 VANCOUVER SERVICE— Pages 21-2 Earthquake at San Francisco and No. 85 QUAKE, &0.) Assistance at Portland and Seattle by Messrs. No. F. E. Whitney and R. A. Whiting .. 75 AuSTRALIA-SuEZ SERVICE— Paces 23-5 Assistance at Vancouver by F. E. Harmon eh for mailg b p and Q an(J orien( . - and J. 0. McLeod .. .. .. 7b steamers BR-Q4 Assistance by Captain Neville and Mr. Pender, New Zea]and 2^ tlsiiM June - and Ju - y ,- -" Moana .. .. .. • • /» igo g ■ qo_4 Despatching all New Zealand correspondence Sendi j Zgaland oorre V den ;; from London ma Italy. (See Australia- from London >m Italy while San FranSuez). cisoo service stopped .. .. 42-60 Diverting mails to Vancouver, thence by Use of guez for astern United stateg " Moana 66 68 83 and Eastern Craada 2 Earthquake, advice of, &c. .. 9-13, 55, 66, InterproVlNClAL Service— Pages 26-9 First steamer from San Francisco after earth- w*» %T v , sm , is 1 sion , o£ f mail by , ' No - *«* WiM ™»* •• 103-5 Gratuity for correspondence diverted via Van- conveyance from couver 70-72 77 78 Special train from New Plymouth with Inward mails at time of earthquake, tracing 15, 20, 21, carriages for passengers .. .. 95-101 Mail Agents from New Zealand, providing ' 48 PARCEL Mails— Pages 30-32 Mail Agent's report of voyage, earthquake, Arrangements with Shaw, Savill, and Albion No. return via Vancouver, &c. .. .. 66 and New Zealand Shipping Companies: Mail Agents'passages from Vancouver .. 26-7 London to New Zealand .. .. 105 Mail Agents, safety of .. 18, 19, 21, Parcels for Ind a. Conveyance from Mel--23-25,29,50 i bourne to Colombo: Sea transit rate " Moana" touching at Auckland.. 32,33,41,44-47, altered .. .. .. .. 107,109 51-54, 64 Refund for paxcels conveyed by Shaw, Savill, Resident Agent's list of code words for and Albion, and New Zealand Shipping arrival and departure of mails .. 74 Companies .. .. 108-10 I—F. 6a.
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SAN FRANCISCO SERVICE.
CONTRACT WITH THE OCEANIC COMPANY, ETC.
No. 1. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Chief Postmasters. (Telegram.) Wellington, Bth May, 1906. There will be no steamer from Auckland for San Francisco on 25th instant, and none on 15th June. Service from San Francisco will be resumed by steamer leaving for New Zealand on 31st instant. In meantime use is to be made of Brindisi, Vancouver, and direct steamers for mails from colony as may be most advantageous.
No. 2. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Chief Postmasters. (Telegram.) Wellington, 11th May, 1906. Advertise despatch of specially addressed correspondence for Eastern United States and Eastern Canada by Suez mails leaving Wellington May 19th, Auckland 21st, Bluff 21st. This will be a favourable opportunity for despatching duplicates. The mail will reach New York about same time as Vancouver despatch from Auckland of 13th June.
No. 3. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 23rd June, 1906. Delay in arrival " Sonoma " caused by foul bottom account docks not being available San Francisco. Sydney agents cable will dock ship their port on arrival. Expect to despatch her from Sydney Thursday, July sth, making Monday, July 9th, departure from Auckland, arriving New York July 30th, London, August 6th, per " Kronprinz Wilhelm."
No. 4. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company, American and Australian Line, Sir, — Auckland, 25th June, 1906. We have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your telegram of the 23rd instant, reading, 'Is it the case that delay to ' Sonoma ' mainly caused by bottom being very foul ? If so, I presume arrangements will be made to have ship docked in Sydney to avoid anj- excessive delay on outward voyage," to which we replied [see No. 3], which-speaks for itself. We trust that under the exceptional circumstances governing the late arrival of the " Sonoma " at this port, your Department will see its way clear to consent to the change in departure hence to San Francisco. We have, &c, Henderson and Macfarlane, General Agents for New Zealand. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
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No. 5. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 3rd July, 1906. Our Sydney agents cable us that the "Sonoma" cannot leave Sydney until Saturday next; will therefore leave Auckland Wednesday, list instant. Much regret unavoidable delay.
No. 6. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company, American and Australian Line, Sik,— Auckland, 4th July, 1906. We have the honour to confirm our telegram of yesterday, reading [No. s], which speaks for itself. As stated, we very much regret the unavoidable delay, and trust your Department will not be put to much inconvenience through the postponement. The " Sonoma " mails should reach San Francisco on Saturday, the 28th instant, and New York in time to be placed on board the " Baltic," sailing from that port on Wednesday, Ist August. We have, &c, Henderson and Macfarlane, General Agents for New Zealand. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 7. The Acting-Secbetary, General Post Offioe, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macfablanb, Auckland. Gentlemen, — General Post Office, Wellington, 9th July, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant, confirming your telegram of the previous day, notifying that the " Sonoma " could not leave Sydney until the 7th idem, and would leave Auckland on the 11th. I have, &c, Thomas Eosb, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. Acting-Secretary.
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INCIDENTS OF UNITED STATES AND ATLANTIC TRANSIT
No. 8. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, Ist May, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 29th March last [not printed: see No. 11, F.-6, 1906], transmitting a letter from the Superintendent, Railway Mail Service, San Francisco [not printed], in explanation of the delay in transit across the United States of seventy-six bags of mail in August last. It is noted that the delay was due to a failure on the part of a transfer-clerk, who is not now connected with the Railway Mail Service. I have, &c, Thomas Rose, Acting-Secretary. H. Stephenson Smith, Esq., Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco.
EARTHQUAKE AT SAN FRANCISCO AND FOLLOWING EVENTS.
No. 9. The Officer in Charge, Telegraph Office, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 19th April, 1906. Bamfield advises: "10.40 a.m. —Vancouver advises San Francisco cut off all routes. Communication established several times this morning. Hope get in this afternoon."
No. 10. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco. (Telegram.) Wellington, 19th April, 1906. Is the report true respecting earthquake? Are you and Lindsay safe? I anxiously await particulars.
No. 11. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to all Postmasters. (Telegram.) Wellington, 19th April, 1906. The General Manager of the Pacific Cable Board has handed the following telegrams to the Premier, who desires that they be made public: — (Received at Wellington, 0.32 p.m., 19th April.) Seattle advises unable obtain any information re Commercial Pacific. All harbour cables gone, but Commercial trenched several miles from beach to city. Last report at 12.30 p.m. Local magnitude disaster grows. Fires raging all directions. AVater-mains burst. Authorities using dynamite to localise. Palace Hotel and Spreckels's building destroj-ed. City under martial law. All troops called out. Present no communication. (Received at Wellington, 1.15 p.m., 19th April.) Short bulletin just through from San Francisco says whole water front in flames. No means arresting. Post Office, Grand Opera House destroyed. Gasworks blown up, starting other fires. Impossible estimate loss life, but heaviest in tenement district.
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No. 12. The Hon. the Acting Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Postmaster-General, Washington. (Telegram.) Wellington, 20th April, 1906. Can you kindly ascertain safety our Mail Agents, Lindsay and Hounsell? Usual residence California Hotel, San Francisco.
No. 13. The Mail Agent, Dunsmuir, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunsmuir, Cal., 22nd April, 1906. San Francisco destroyed earthquake, fire. " Sonoma " remains three weeks, Taking mails north. Instruct care Postmaster, Vancouver, if assistant and self come " Moana."
No. 14. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 23rd April, 1906. It is reported, sailing of steamers from Frisco temporarily suspended. If " Sonoma " is withdrawn, suggest mails could oonnect with " Moana," leaving Vancouver 27th instant. If we can assist in matter, shall be glad cable our Vancouver office.
No. 15. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd April, 1906. Many thanks. Unfortunately we cannot ascertain where our mails are. Wo cabled London this morning suggesting that if possible to locate the mails, they should be diverted to Vancouver. Will wire you further about matter immediately reply is received.
No. 16. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 23rd April, 1906. We are in receipt of a cable from Messrs. Spreckels, addressed from Oakland, reading, " Notify Government sailings temporarily suspended. Accept cargo and passengers homeward ' Sierra.' Can care for them properly. Railroad connections intact."
No. 17. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister to the High Commissioner. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd April, 1906. Spreckels advises sailings from San Francisco temporarily suspended. Request Imperial Post Office despatch all accumulation mails up to Friday via Suez. Will endeavour advise later whether anything should come forward via, San Francisco on Saturday. Ask Imperial Post Office if possible to locate mail which left London seventh, and if there would be any time to divert to Vancouver. Unable so far to hear from Smith or our Mail Agents.
No. 18. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd April, 1906. Received telegram and note that sailings temporarily suspended. Unless anything more definite received within next day or two, doubtful if it will be advisable to send anything for Europe by " Sierra." Can you suggest any means by which we can trace our Mail Agents? So far we have heard nothing either from Smith or Lindsay. If you are cabling Spreckels kindly ask if Mail Agents safe. We have cabled both to Smith and Postmaster-General, Washington, but cannot get a reply. I will also cable Spreckels, and ask Pacific cable to follow up the telegram.
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No. 19. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 23rd April, 1906. Will cable Spreckels re Mail Agents. Referring to that portion of your telegram reading that unless anything more definite received within next day or two doubtful if it will be advisable to send anything for Europe by " Sierra," we think you would be well advised to despatch mail by " Sierr.a " as usual, considering that our head office points out that the railroad connections are intact. There is really no good reason why outward mails should be diverted.
No. 20. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister to the High Commissioner. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd April, 1906. Mail which left Loudon seventh now traced and diverted to Vancouver. Our Mail Agents safe.
No. 21. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd April, 1906. Glad to inform you that since I sent my last telegram have heard from Mail Agent, who is safe. He is taking mails north to Vancouver. Will wire you in morning about arrangements.
No. 22. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Chief Postmasters throughout New Zealand. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd April, 1906. Sailings of steamers from San Francisco temporarily suspended. - Am endeavouring to divert mail which should have left there on 19th by way of Vancouver, but fear little chance of arranging this, as there is no telegraphic communication open yet. Advise public.
No. 23. The Postmaster-General, Washington, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. (Telegram.) Washington, D.C., 24th April, 1906. Mail Agents reported safe. accompany New Zealand mails from San Francisco 19th, to connect steamer " Moana," Vancouver 27th, and will endeavour to have vessel touch Auckland.
No. 24. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 24th April, 1906. Our Mail Agents safe, and report mails being taken on to Vancouver to connect with " Moana." As regards inward mail, we cabled London yesterday asking that everything this week should be sent via Brindisi. This would mean that one inward mail via San Francisco is missed. Understand, however, from Mail Agent's telegram that intention is to drop out one trip of your steamers only. Your telegram said " temporarily mspended." Kindly ascertain quickly whether " Sonoma " can be absolutely depended upon to leavj San Francisco on May 10th.
No. 25. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 24th April, 1906. Pleased to hear Mail Agents safe. Have wired San Francisco to inform us definitely if " Sonoma " leaves tenth May. We believe she or " Ventura " will leave without doubt. You need not hesitate about sending mails " Sierra."
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No. 26. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 24th April, 1906. Kindly arrange with your agent at Vancouver to grant passages to Lindsay, Mail Agent, and his assistant; also to provide suitable sorting accommodation if possible; also to put Mail Agent in funds, if required, up to, say, £100; also to grant passage for second assistant, who will be picked up at Honolulu. Please send me voucher for amount of passages and advances, also cost of cables.
No. 27. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 24th April, 1906. Have cabled Vancouver grant passages Mail Agents, also to advance necessary funds, and arrange sorting accommodation.
No. 28. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne. (Telegram.) Wellington, 24th April, 1906. Our Mail Agent advises " Sonoma " remains three weeks San Francisco. He is taking mails north, and will connect with " Moana," leaving Vancouver twenty-seventh. Presume your mails also coming that way.
No. 29. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to New Zealand Mail Agent, Vancouver (Telegram.) Wellington, 24th April, 1906. All thankful hear your safety. Bring mails by " Moana." Requesting Union Company cable their agents grant passages and provide sorting accommodation. Will endeavour arrange connection Fiji. Pick up Willett at Honolulu as second assistant. Is Smith safe?
No. 30. The New Zealand Mail Agent, Vancouver, 8.C., to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegiam.) Vancouver, 8.C., 24th April, 1906. Arrangements " Moana " satisfactory. Believe Smith safe.
No. 31. Messrs. Henderson anb Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company, American and Australian Line, Sir,-— Auckland, 24th April, 1906. We have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your telegrams of the 23rd and 24th instant, relating to the interruption of the San Francisco service sailings. We have cabled Messrs. J. D. Spreckels and Brothers Company, asking for definite information of the next sailing from their port, and will pass on the news immediately we are in receipt. We are glad to hear that the " Sonoma " Mail Agents are safe, also that you are in receipt of a cable from Mr. Lindsay stating that it is proposed to drop one trip from San Francisco only. That is our own feeling in the matter, and we should say that the words "temporarily suspended" used by our San Francisco principals were not meant to convey that the suspension would cover any great length of time. The word " interrupted " would, no doubt, have been more suitable, but we merely passed on the message to you as it reached us. We have, &c, Henderson and Macfarlane. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
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No. 32. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 25th April, 1906. Postmaster-General, Washington, telegraphs that some endeavour is being made to have "Moana" touch at Auckland. We had proposed to send " Tutanekai "to bring mails on from Fiji. Have you heard anything about proposal that "Moana" should touch at Auckland? Presume that nothing will be done without reference to you.
No. 33. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 25th April, 1906. Have not been advised of any proposal " Moana " touch Auckland. Had intended make proposals bring mails from Fiji to New Zealand by special steamer. " Moana " could not call Auckland without consent of Canadian and Commonwealth Governments, and fear exception will be taken to long deviation unless authorities would consent to Brisbane being omitted in favour of Auckland. If Government wish " Moana " deliver her mails in Auckland, we shall be glad make application; but representations from Premier to Canada and Commonwealth would carry greatest weight. Reply urgent, so that we may act to-day. " Moana " should leave to-morrow.
No. 34. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 25th April, 1906. Referring my wire: " Moana " sails from Vancouver 27th.
No. 35. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. • (Telegram.) Wellington, 25th April, 1906. Department is prepared to have " Tutanekai " waiting at Suva. Have you any steamer that could be available to bring on the mails without any delay? If so, what terms did you intend to propose? It is not thought advisable to now commence negotiations for " Moana " touching at Auckland.
No. 36. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 25th April, 1906. We have no steamer in Islands, but could arrange send special steamer from New Zealand if necessary. Will specify terms later when decide what boat available.
No. 37. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 25th April, 1906. Many thanks; but as we had practically completed all arrangements for sending " Tutanekai " to Suva, it has now been decided to adhere to that arrangement. It was thought that you perhaps had a steamer in Islands.
No. 38. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Chief Postmasters throughout New Zealand. (Telegram.) Wellington, 26th April, 1906. Diverted inward EVisco mail will be conveyed from Fiji to New Zealand by " Tutanekai," and if " Moana " arrives Suva on time, mail should reach Auckland 19th proximo. Inform public.
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No. 39. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 26th April, 1906. Received the following cable from San Francisco: " Mail connections sure ' Sierra.' Agents safe."
No. 40. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Chief Postmasters throughout New Zealand. (Telegram.) Wellington, 26th April, 1906 Mails will be sent as usual via San Francisco next week. Advertise, and inform public and suboffices.
No. 41. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 26th April, 1906. Have received following telegram from our Vancouver agents: "We have permission call Auckland instead Brisbane this trip only. 'Moana' sails advertised date. Wire what is finally arranged." Message ends. Think it probable Commonwealth may consent deviation; if so, " Moana " could deliver mails Auckland earlier than " Tutanekai." If this eventually arranged we could advise " Moana " Honolulu. What amount for poundage do you expect to pay us to Suva? On receipt this information we will be able to quote you for the deviation, if agreed to.
No. 42. The High Commissioner to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. Sir, — Westminster Chambers, 13 Victoria Street, London, S.W., 27th April, 1906. Referring to your cablegrams (two) of the 23rd instant, I beg to state that I at once communicated with the Imperial Post Office in accordance with your instructions, with the result that an official notice has been issued to the effect that no mail for New Zealand, &c, will be despatched to-morrow (28th) for conveyance via San Francisco, and that all correspondence for New Zealand which is posted in time for despatch with the Australian mails to be forwarded by way of Italy this evening will be sent on by that route. I have, &c, Walter Kennaway, For the High Commissioner, The Right Hon. the Premier, Wellington, New Zealand.
No. 43. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 27th April, 1906. We do not at present know contents of mail which is to be put on board "Moana" at Vancouver, but, assuming it will be of equal volume to other recent mails, the amount of gratuity payable on New Zealand mails from England and America would be about £500. You are aware, of course, that the gratuity will be payable to you by United States America, which collects from London the amount payable for sea transit. If you can let me know without delay to-day amount you require for " Moana " to touch at Auckland, assuming Commonwealth agrees, the question of sending " Tutanekai " may be reconsidered.
No. 44. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 27th April, 1906. We can obtain consent Canada, Commonwealth, call Auckland, and by pressing " Moana " estimate could deliver mails Auckland Thursday, 17th May. This would be nearly two days quicker than if transhipped to "Tutanekai." We estimate cost deviation, including cost transhipping Brisbane passengers and cargo at Sydney, about £750, and will accept this in addition to poundage. Glad if you will reply promptly, as may be able advise " Moana " Vancouver, 2—F. 6a.
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No. 45. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 27th April, 1906. Acting Postmaster-General, while thanking you for offer to arrange for " Moana " to touch at Auckland, has decided under all the circumstances your offer is to be declined, and the original intention to send " Tutanekai " to be carried out.
No. 46. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 27th April, 1906. Regret Acting Postmaster-General not favourable to proposal " Moana " call; and in view of proposal in connection with Canadian-Australian service calling New Zealand, am cabling Premier suggesting advisability reconsidering. You will recognise this is a policy matter, and not traversing Department's decision re delivering " Moana's " mails.
No. 47. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister to the Acting Postmaster-General, Wellington. (Telegram.) Wellington, 27th April, 1906. Have sent following telegram to Mr. Holdsworth, General Manager, Union Company, Dunedin: "Be 'Moana' coming to New Zealand. Prefer she should do so, but amount asked by Union Company under the circumstances considered excessive. Have advised Acting Postmaster-General to offer you what it will cost us to send ' Tutanekai,' and I think it is advisable you should accept. Government have no desire (quite the reverse) to intervene, and, your company having taken action, I prefer to have the arrangements consummated; otherwise I fully realise the position your company will be placed in at having taken the initiative.
No. 48. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 27th April, 1906. How is it proposed to provide for outward trip to San Francisco on 25th May? Have you-yet heard from Mr. Spreckels whether " Sonoma " will leave San Francisco on 10th May? We must get reply within next day or two, as, if running from San Francisco is to be resumed, we have to provide for Mail Agents to bring down the mail which should leave San Francisco on 21st June.
No. 49. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 27th April, 1906. We cabled Messrs. Spreckels last Tuesday, asking for definite information as to sailing of " Sonoma." Should have reply any moment. Their answer will also guide us anent first sailing to-San Francisco after " Sierra " May 4th.
No. 50. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company, American and Australian Line, Sir,— Auckland, 27th April, 1906. We have the honour to confirm our telegram to you of yesterday, reading, " Received the following cable from San Francisco: 'Mail connections sure "Sierra"; Agents safe'"; and thank you for your reply stating that the usual mail will be forwarded by the " Sierra " hence May 4th. We have, &c, Henderson and Macfarlane, The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington,
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No. 51. The Acting Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 28th April, 1906. Be mail by "Moana." Government have already incurred considerable expense in preparing to send " Tutanekai "to Fiji, which will be chiefly lost if she does not go. Your company will receive considerable poundage in respect of this mail from British, American, and Commonwealth Governments. Your company also interested in experiment of "Moana" calling at Auckland. If " Tutanekai " goes Fiji, New Zealand Government will receive certain amount of poundage in respect of mail, which would diminish their outlay. Under all circumstances, New Zealand Government are prepared to pay Union Company total sum of four hundred pounds if " Moana " lands " Sonoma's " New Zealand Fx'isco mail at Auckland as proposed. Please reply early as possible whether or not Union Company accept this offer.
No. 52. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Acting PostmasterGeneral, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 28th April, 1906. Accept your offer 400 pounds " Moana " deviation, and have wired all parties interested complete arrangements. We would point, however, this sum will not cover our actual expenses in connection with altered route. We have no advice from Vancouver as to what payments we will receive for carrying Frisco mail, and in this matter have to rely on your assurance that company will receive considerable poundage in respect of Frisco mail from British, American, and Commonwealth Governments.
No. 53. The Acting Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 28th April, 1906. Your telegram received accepting Government offer of four hundred pounds " Moana " deviation, and note that you have wired all parties interested complete arrangements. You say in this matter you rely on my assurance that company will receive considerable poundage in respect of Frisco mail from British, American, and Commonwealth Governments. Of course, New Zealand Government do not guarantee this, and have no better knowledge in matter than yourselves, but we feel certain your company will not carry this mail gratis. " Tutanekai " will not now go to Fiji.
No. 54. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, to Chief Postmasters throughout New Zealand. (Telegram.) Wellington, 28th April, 1906. It has now been decided that " Moana " will herself bring on diverted Frisco mail to Auckland, arriving Thursday, 17th May. "Tutanekai" will therefore not go to Fiji as advised on 26th. Inform public and sub-offices.
No. 55. The Resident Agent for New- Zealand, San Francisco, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Oakland, San Francisco, 28th April, 1906. City nearly all burnt down. Send last account, stationery, remittance. Lindsay on " Sonoma."
No. 56. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 30th April, 1906. Messrs. Spreckels cable us that the state of local conditions make it quite impossible for them to say at the present time when the " Sonoma " will leave San Francisco, and add that she will not get away on May 10th, but that they will advise us date fixed as soon as it is decided.
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No. 57. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. Gentlemen, — General Post Office, Wellington, 30th April, 1906. I have to confirm my telegram of the 27th instant, asking how it is proposed to provide for the outward voyage to San Francisco, on the 25th May, and to acknowledge the receipt of your reply of the same date, stating that you had cabled Messrs. J. D. Spreckels and Co. for definite information as to sailing of the s.s. " Sonoma." I learn from your telegram to-day that it is impossible to say at present when the " Sonorna " will leave San Francisco, but that she will not get away on the 10th proximo. My service to-day will have informed you that it has now been decided not to send a second assistant agent by the s.s. " Sierra." Yours, &c, Thomas Rose, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. Acting-Secretary.
No. 58. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister to the High Commissioner. Sir,— Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 30th April, 1906. Iv confirming my cablegrams [Nos. 17 and 20] to you of the 23rd instant, advising you that owing to the earthquake at San Francisco the sailings of the steamers for Auckland would be temporarily suspended, I have now the honour to inform you that arrangements were made for the transmission from San Francisco to Vancouver of the mails awaiting despatch at the former port by the R.M.S. " Sonoma." They were shipped b}' the R.M.S. " Moana "on the 28th instant, and it was arranged that that vessel should call at Auckland with the mails, going thence to Sydney, and omitting the call at Brisbane. It is expected that the mails will reach Auckland on the 18th proximo. The Mail Agents acoompany the vessel from Vancouver. Messrs. J. D. Spreckels and Brothers Company have advised, through their agents at Auckland, that the local conditions, which are the outcome of the earthquake, make it quite impossible to say at present when the " Sonoma," due to leave San Francisco on the 10th May, will be able to get away, but that she will not be able to sail on time-table date. So soon as a date is definitely fixed you will be informed. I have, &c, Albert Pitt, For the Prime Minister. Hon. W. P. Reeves, High Commissioner for New Zealand, London.
No. 59. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company (Limited), Dunedin. Sir,-— General Post Office, Wellington, 30th April, 1906. Referring to previous correspondence, by telegraph, in connection with the transmission from Vancouver of the mail which should have left San Francisco on the 19th instant by the R.M.S. " Sonoma," I have now the honour to confirm the arrangement with your company that the R.M.S. " Moana " will call at Auckland with the mail on her way to Sydney, for a payment of £400. As pointed out in the Hon. the Acting Postmaster-General's telegram of the 28th instant [No. 53], this Government does not guarantee any poundage from British, American, or Commonwealth Governments in respect of the carriage of the mail, but the Acting Postmaster-General feels sure that this is a matter than can be satisfactorily arranged. I have, &c, Thomas Rose, Acting-Secretary. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin.
No. 60. The Hon. the Acting Postmaster-General to the Hon. the Postmaster-General (at Rome). (Telegram.) Wellington, Ist May, 1906. San Francisco service disorganized. No San Francisco despatch nineteenth. Uncertain when next despatch. Using Brindisi. No outward mail twenty-fifth. Mails which left London seventh April diverted Vancouver. Left there Saturday. Arranged " Moana " touch Auckland. Mail Agents and Smith safe.
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No. 61. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 4th May, 1906. Messrs. Spreckels cable us that service will be resumed by "Sonoma" sailing from San Francisco May 31st. " Sierra " sails for San Francisco five o'clock to-day.
No. 62. The Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Oakland, California, 4th May, 1906. Mail-service resumed " Sonoma " 31st May. Have instructed Willett come here " Sierra," presuming London mails come as usual. No time communicate.
No. 63. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister to the High Commissioner. (Telegram.) Wellington, 10th May, 1906. Inform Imperial Post Office and Ward service from San Francisco resumes thirty-first May. Mails to come as before. Inform Ward also that no steamer from Auckland fifteenth June. Only chance connection Vancouver steamer Auckland sixteenth instant.
No. 64. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company (Limited), Dunedin, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 15th May, 1906. " Moana " sailed midnight [from Fiji]. Arrive Auckland daylight Friday.
No. 65. The High Commissioner to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. Westminster Chambers, 13 Victoria Street, London, 18th May, 1906. Sir, — San Francisco Mail-service. I duly received your cablegram of 10th instant, instructing me to inform the Imperial Post Office that the mail-service from San Francisco to New Zealand would be resumed on the 31st instant, and that mails were to go as before. I at once advised the Post Office authorities, but they had however already received advice, and had issued the necessary instructions for the regular despatch of the mails. I also acquainted Sir Joseph Ward and Mr. Gray with the above information, and conveyed to them the rest of your above-quoted cable message, reporting that there would not be any steamer leaving Auckland on the 15th proximo. I may here mention that Sir Joseph Ward arrived in London from Rome last evening. I have, (fee. The Right Hon. the Premier, Wellington. W. P. Reeves.
No. 66, Mr. D. E. Lindsay, Mail Agent, Wellington, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sir,— Marine Post Office, 18th May, 1906. I have the honour to report as under on the outward voyage of the " Sonoma " to San Francisco, and the return voyage of the " Moana " from Vancouver. ♦ On the outward voyage the "Sonoma" left Auckland on the 25th March, at 6 a.m., about thirty-nine hours late, the delay being caused by a gale experienced after leaving Sydney, and also very strong wind in Auckland, which prevented the vessel leaving the wharf until Sunday morn-
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ing. She arrived at Pagopago on the 28th March at 11.16 p.ni.; left the next day at 5.31 a.m.; arrived at Honolulu, sth April, at 12.30 p.m.; continued the voyage the following day at 1.33 a.m.; arriving at San Francisco on the 12th April at 3.45 p.m., after a slow voyage of 19 days 5 hours 34 minutes, the machinery being out of order. The quarantine authorities would not allow the mails to be sent ashore by tender, and consequently they missed despatch by the 6 p.m. train, being forwarded east next day, the 13th April, at 11 a.m., and arriving at New York in time to connect with the North German Lloyd s.s. " Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse," which sailed on the 17th April at 10 a.m. for Southampton. Early on the morning of the 18th April San Francisco was visited by a severe earthquake, and, owing to the partial destruction of the water-mains, the Fire Department was unable to cope with the fires which broke out in various parts, and, although many buildings were blown up by dynamite, it was quite impossible to stop the conflagration, and practically the whole of the business quarter and many of the residential parts were entirely swept away. It was amazing to see the way in which the flames passed through the so-called fireproof buildings, and appalling to witness the destruction of a magnificent city. On Thursday morning, the 19th Aprii, the Oceanic Company gave me notice that, as the repairs which the " Sonoma " was undergoing could not then be completed, owing to the destruction of various parts of machinery which had been prepared for fitting, her departure would be postponed for three weeks. I informed them that the return English mail received at New York by the Cunard s.s. " Umbria " on the 15th April, and forwarded west by the 8.46 a.m. train the same day, was due at Oakland in a few hours' time, and further asked what arrangements were proposed for its delivery at destination. Under the then existing circumstances the discussion was hurried. The risk of bringing the mail across to San Francisco was too great, as the " Sonoma " was going into the stream, so I suggested diverting the mail north and shipping by the " Moana " from Vancouver. I could not find Mr. Stephenson Smith, or any one in authority at the Post Office to consult with, nor could I get a cable message away to New Zealand, and, promptness seeming necessary, I acted accordingly. We had then been working on board for two days, and it was necessary to clear the mail-room at very short notice, get the bags off the hoppers and labelled, collect and pack up stores sufficient for a possible voyage from Vancouver, prepare a way-bill, so that nothing might go astray in transit without being missed, and get the mails ashore. Then arose the greatest difficulty I had to contend with—the transference of these bags from the Oceanic wharf to the ferry station, about a quarter of a mile away. The " Sonoma " had gone out into the stream; the shed was insecure, and looked as if it might come down at any time. There was also the possibility of fire, as the ruins just across the road were still aglow and sparks flying about in the wind. After anxiously waiting two hours for the promised assistance with regard to a dray or conveyance, and as this was not forthcoming, I moved round and managed to secure a light express, with which we transferred the mails to the ferry in about eight loads. The United States Mail Service rendered every assistance at Oakland pier, but more especially at Portland and Seattle; at Portland, Oregon, Mr. F. E. Whitney is Chief Clerk, and Mr. R. A. Whiting occupies a similar position at Seattle. At Vancouver, 8.C., Mr. F. E. Harrison, Assistant Postmaster, and Mr. J. 0. McLeod, Superintendent of the Canadian Railway Mail Service, helped me in many ways, the latter providing a letter-sorting case, table, and set of iron newspaper hoppers, which I have asked the chief officer of the " Moana " to return to Vancouver by the " Aorangi " or first steamer. The Union Steam Ship Company fulfilled all requirements with regard to the mail-room and other fittings on the " Moana," whilst Captain Neville and Mr. Pender, chief officer, did everything possible to aid me throughout the voyage. I found it necessary to incur a little expense with regard to overtime, to the extent of thirty-nine hours, for the sailor employed in the mail-room, and, as the amount, at the rate of Is. per hour, would be paid by the purser, a claim in this direction will doubtless be made by the Union Steam Ship Company. The "Moana" left Vancouver on the 28th April at 1.4 a.m.; arrived Victoria, 28th April, 7.25 a.m.; left same day 9.42 a.m.; arrived Honolulu, sth May, 5.25 a.m.; left same day 12.25 p.m.; arrived Suva, 14th May, 9.46 a.m.; resumed voyage next day 0.32 a.m., arriving Auckland, 18th May, 4.21 a.m., after a voyage of 18 days 23 hours 9 minutes. The mail consisted of 770 bags from all ports. Acting on cable advice from Mr. Stephenson Smith at Honolulu, I instructed Mr. Willett, whom I had been previously advised would return to New Zealand with me, as second assistant, to proceed to San Francisco by the " Sierra." ' Mr. H. R. Hounsell, of Nelson, accompanied me as assistant, and performed his duties throughout in a satisfactory manner. I have, &c, D. E. Lindsay, The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Mail Agent.
No. 67. The Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Oakland, 22nd May, 1906. "Sierra" arrived yesterday 1 p.m. What arrangements made Mail Agents 12th July sailing? Telegraph as soon as possible.
No. 68. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd May, 1906. Lindsay proceeding Vancouver steamer Honolulu. Arrive San Francisco about beginning of July. Assistant gone forward by Vancouver.
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No. 69. The Resident Agent for New Zealand at Oakland, San Francisco, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sir, — Resident Agency for New Zealand, Oakland, 25th May, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your communications of the 4th and 11th April [not printed], and the Ist May [No. B], contents of which have been noted, and I beg to acknowledge receipt of a limited supply of stationery; also a copy of the New Zealand Post Office Directory and remittance acknowledged elsewhere, together with Year-book of 1905 and copy of last account. I also have to acknowledge receipt of your cable of the 18th April (received by me on the 29th April), and replied to same date. The terrible disaster which has befallen the city has been announced by cable and telegraph despatches long ere this, and therefore it will be unnecessary for me to go into any details further than to report that all the records in my charge were destroyed by fire on the 18th April last. You will also be aware that this disaster to the City of San Francisco caused the suspension of the mail-service hitherto existing under contract with the Oceanic Steamship Company. For many days after the disaster the United States Government would not permit the departure of any vessels, steam or sail, from the port of San Francisco. The steamer " Sonoma " was ready to depart on her usual schedule, but as the Government embargo prevented her proceeding for many days, Messrs. J. D. Spreckels Bros, concluded, knowing the serious conditions of affairs, financial and otherwise, as affecting the Oceanic Steamship Company to temporarily suspend the operations in the mail-service. You were, undoubtedly, duly notified by cable by them that the service is now resumed (as cabled you by me) with the departure of the steamer " Sonoma " on the 31st instant, and thereafter the schedule will be continued. Finding that under these circumstances the Mail Agent arriving here by the steamer "Ventura " would be without assistance on the " Sonoma," and finding also that there was a possibility that the assistant (Mr. Willett) would proceed to New Zealand by the steamer "Moana" on the oth instant from Honolulu, I took it upon myself to cable him to come on to San Francisco by the " Sierra " so as to arrive in time to accompany Mr. Rudd on the " Sonoma " on the 31st instant. There was no time to communicate with you, as prompt action was necessary. This gentleman has arrived as ordered. Upon the arrival of the steamer " Sierra," and consulting with Isbister, I thought it necessary to cable you in reference to the agent to leave here by the steamer 12th July, and I now have your cable informing me that you have arranged for Mr. Lindsay to arrive here by the Vancouver steamer, deviating at Honolulu. I regret to report that the mails arriving here by the steamers " Sonoma " and " Ventura " were too late to connect with the Saturday mails from New York, but proceeded on the followingTuesday, that will probably cause a delay from the other side of two or three days each. Of course, the terrible calamity which has befallen San Francisco has interrupted, and may yet delay, the arrivals and departures of the other mails, but I think hereafter we may anticipate unobstructive continuation of the service. I have, &c, The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. H. Stephenson Smith.
No. 70. The Hon. the Acting Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Postmaster-General, Ottawa. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 31st May, 1906. I have the honour to forward herewith a statement showing the weight of mails from the United Kingdom for New Zealand which were diverted from San Francisco to Vancouver for conveyance to New Zealand by the R.M.S. " Moana," of the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand, in consequence of the earthquake at San Francisco on the 18th April, and the inability of the contract steamer " Sonoma," of the Oceanic Steamship Company of San Francisco, to proceed on her voyage to New Zealand. It will be remembered that when the diversion of the English and American mails was made to Vancouver, the Postmaster-General of the United States approached you with the view of the R.M.S. " Moana " calling at Auckland, New Zealand, on her voyage to Australia, and on your consent and that of the Australian Commonwealth being obtained, the New Zealand Government made the necessary negotiation with the Union Steam Ship Company as to the payment to be made for the special service. The Union Steam Ship Company based the amount of its offer to call at Auckland on the assumption that it would receive poundage at the Postal Union rates for the carriage of the mails between Vancouver and Suva, Fiji, and this colony arranged to pay a lump sum of £400 for the special call at Auckland, which amount the Union Company, though accepting, stated was insufficient to cover the extra cost of calling at Auckland and delivering the mail in contract time in Sydney. Special arrangements had also to be made to send on mails and passengers to Brisbane. It will be seen that the poundage payable on the mails from the United Kingdom amounted to £374 2s. 6d., and that on the weight of a previous United States mail for New Zealand estimated to be somewhat smaller than the mail under notice, of which the weight was not taken by the New Zealand Mail Agent, the poundage amounted to £286 lis. Id. I am aware that the Union Company is subsidised to convey all mails put on board, but under the exceptional circumstances it is hoped that you will be able to see your way to agree to the sea-transit rates on the mail from the United Kingdom and the United States of America being paid to the Union Company instead of to your Administration. I would add that the statement does not include the correspondence from the United States of America for the Australian States, which was a mail of considerable size. I am communicating with the Postmasters-General of the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the Commonwealth of Australia in similar terms. I have, &c, Albert Pitt, The Postmaster-General, Ottawa. Acting Postmaster-General.
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Enclosure in No. 70. Statement showing the Amount due to the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), at Postal Union Rates, for the Conveyance from Vancouver to Fiji, by the s.s. " Moana," of American and United Kingdom Mails addressed to New Zealand, which were diverted from the San Francisco Route in consequence of the Earthquake of the 18th April, 1906.
United Kingdom (Actual Weights).
General Post Office, Wellington, 29th May, 1906. Thomas Rose, Acting-Secretary.
No. 7i. The Hon. the Acting Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 31st May, 1906. I have the honour to enclose herewith, for your information, copy of a letter I am forwarding to the Postmaster-General, Ottawa, on the subject of the diversion of the New Zealand mails from San Francisco to Vancouver, for conveyance to New Zealand hj the R.M.S. "Moana," in consequence of the earthquake at San Francisco on the 18th ultimo. So far as I understand the matter, the Canadian Post Office would in the ordinary course receive the amount due as Postal Union rates for the conveyance of the United Kingdom and the American mails to New Zealand. Under the circumstances, however, I think you will agree that the special amount should be handed over to the Union Steam Ship Company, and I shall be obliged if you can see your way to favourably recommend this course to the Postmaster-General, Ottawa. I have, &c, Albert Pitt, Acting Postmaster-General. The Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne. Copy of this also sent to the Secretary, General Post Office, London, and the PostmasterGeneral, Washington, D.C.
No. 72. The Hon. the Acting Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company (Limited), Dunedin. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, 31st May, 1906. Referring to the letter of the 30th ultimo from this office with regard to the diversion of the mails from San Francisco to Vancouver, for conveyance to New Zealand by the R.M.S. " Moana," in consequence of the earthquake at San Francisco on the 18th April, I have the honour to enclose herewith copy of a letter I am forwarding to the Postmaster-General, Ottawa. I have at the same time written to the Postmasters-General at London, Washington, and Melbourne asking that they would make a similar representation to the Canadian Post Office. Immediately on receipt of replies I shall advise you further. I have, &c, Thomas Rose, . For Acting Postmaster-General. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin,
Description of Mail-matter. Weight. Rate per Pound. Amount. letters •ther articles Lb. oz. 1,849 10 26,035 14 d. 23-63 1-77 £ 182 192 s. d. 2 3 0 3 Total 374 2 6 American (Estimated Weights). letters •ther articles 598 13,444 0 0 35-42 354 88 198 5 6 1 0 Total 286 11 1 Amount due to company 660 13 7
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No. 73. Messrs. John D. Spreckels and Brothers Company, San Francisco, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sir, — Oceanic Steamship Company, San Francisco, 31st May, 1906. As you are aware, circumstances over which we had no control compelled us to temporarily suspend the operating of our Australian service, thus affecting our mail contract. Most of our records were destroj'ed in the fire, and during the first few days of the disaster the steamers were prevented from departing by the action of the United States authorities. Our entire service for the time being was temporarily disorganized. It is now in workingcondition again, and will be resumed with regularity as before. Yours, &c, Oceanic S.S. Company, J. D. Spreckels and Brothers Company. William Gray, Esq., Secretary, Post Office, Wellington, N.Z.
No. 74. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, 2nd June, 1906. I beg to attach hereto, for your information, copy of the list of code-words for announcing the arrival and departure of mails at and from Victoria, 8.C., and San Francisco. Your telegram of the 31st ultimo from Oakland, reporting the departure of the R.M.S. " Sonoma," would indicate that the list you had already been supplied with had been destroyed. Yours, &c, Thomas Rose, Acting-Secretary. H. Stephenson Smith, Esq., Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco.
No. 75. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Superintendent of Foreign Mails, Washington. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, Bth June, 1906. I have the honour to inform you that Mr. Lindsay, who was this Department's Mail Agent on the R.M.S. " Sonoma " in San Francisco when the earthquake occurred on the 18th April last, reports, in connection with the diversion of the mails to Vancouver, that the United States Railway Mail Service rendered every assistance at Oakland pier, Portland, and Seattle. He specially mentions the help given by Mr. F. E. Whitney and Mr. R. A. Whiting, Chief Clerks at Portland and Seattle respectively. As the action taken by your officers to facilitate the transmission of the mails was of considerable importance, I shall be obliged by your conveying to Mr. Whitney and Mr. Whiting this Department's appreciation of their courtesy. I have, &c, Thomas Rose, Acting-Secretary. The Superintendent of Foreign Mails, Post Office Department, Washington, D.C.
No. 76. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Deputy Postmaster-General, Ottawa. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, Bth June, 1906. I have the honour to infom you that Mr. Lindsay, Mail Agent of this Department on the R.M.S. " Moana " on her recent voyage from Vancouver, reports, in connection with the diversion of the mails from San Francisco, that he received assistance in many ways from Mr. F. E. Harrison, Assistant Postmaster, and Mr. J. 0. McLeod, Superintendent of the Canadian Railway Mail Service, Vancouver. As the action of the officers named was of much assistance in the special circumstances, I shall be obliged by your conveying to them this Department's appreciation of their courtesy. The chief officer of the " Moana " was asked to return to Vancouver by first steamer the lettersorting case, table, and set of iron newspaper-hoppers which Mr. McLeod kindly provided. I have, (fee, Thomas Rose, Acting-Secretary. The Deputy Postmaster-General, Ottawa. 3—F. 6a.
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No. 77. The Hon. the Acting Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Secretary, General Post Office, London. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, Bth June, 1906. Referring to my letter of the 31st ultimo on the subject of the payment for the diversion from San Francisco to Vancouver of the mails for New Zealand which left Vancouver on the 28th April by the R.M.S. " Moana," I have now the honour to forward herewith a supplementary statement showing the amount due for the conveyance of the mails in question from Fiji to New Zealand. You would observe from the copy of the letter to the Postmaster-General, Ottawa, that this Department paid a lump sum of £400 for the special conveyance of the mails from Fiji to New Zealand. The amount due to the Union Steam Ship Company would, in the ordinary course, have been £82 4s. 7d., as shown in the statement, and as this Department has paid for the conveyance, the sum will be claimed in the postage accounts between our Administrations for the March quarter. The amount of £82 4s. 7d. is approximately the same as would have been payable had the mails gone to Brisbane, and been sent thence to New Zealand. I have, &c, Thomas Rose, For the Acting Postmaster-General. The Secretary, General Post Office, London.
Enclosure in No. 77. Statement showing the Amount due to the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited) at Postal Union Rates, for the Conveyance from Fiji to Auckland, by the s.s. "Moana," of American and United Kingdom Mails addressed to New Zealand, which were diverted from the San Francisco Route in consequence of the Earthquake of the 18th April, 1906.
United Kingdom (Actual Weights).
Thomas Rose, Acting-Secretary. General Post Office, Wellington, 29th May, 1906.
No. 78. The Hon. the Acting Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Postmaster-General, Washington. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, Bth June, 1906. Referring to my letter of the 31st ultimo on the subject of the payment for the diversion from San Francisco to Vancouver of the mails for New Zealand which left Vancouver on the 28th April by the R.M.S. " Moana," I have now the honour to forward herewith a supplementary statement showing the amount due for the conveyance of the mails in question from Fiji to New Zealand. You would observe from the copy of the letter to the Postmaster-General, Ottawa, that this Department paid a lump sum of £400 for the special conveyance of the mails from Fiji to New Zealand. The amount due to the Union Steam Ship Company would in ordinary course have been £63 Is. Id., as shown in the statement, and as this Department has paid for the conveyance, I shall be obliged if you will have the sum deducted in the usual Extraordinary Territorial Transit Account rendered by your office. The amount of £63 Is. Id. is approximately the same as would have been payable had the mails gone to Brisbane and been sent thence to New Zealand. I have, &c, Thomas Rose, For the Acting Postmaster-General. The Postmaster-General, Washington, D.C,
Description of Mail-matter. Weights, " Rate per Pound. Amount. Letters Other articles Lb. 1,849 26,035 oz. 10 14 a. 5-18 0-39 £ s. 39 18 42 6 d. 5 2 Total 82 4 7 American (Estimated Weights). Letters Other articles 598 13,444 0 0 7-77 0-78 19 7 3 43 13 10 Total 63 1 1 Amount due to company 145 5 8
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No. 79. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Managing Director, Union Steam Ship Company (Limited), Dunedin. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, 9th. June, 1906. I have the honour to inform you that Mr. Lindsay, who was Mail Agent on the R.M.S. " Moana " on her recent voyage from Vancouver, has brought under notice the special efforts made by the agent of your company in Vancouver in regard to the mail-room and other fittings, and also the assistance rendered throughout the voyage by Captain Neville and Mr. Pender, the chief officer. As the action taken by your company's officers to provide for the convenience of the Mail Agents was of considerable importance to this Department, the Acting Postmaster-General desires me to convey to you his thanks for the courtesy shown in the matter, and his appreciation of the assistance rendered by your officers. I have, &c, Thomas Rose, Acting-Secretary. The Managing Director, Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin.
No. 80. The Hon. the Acting Postmaster-General, Wellington, to Mr. D. E. Lindsay, Mail Agent, Wellington. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 11th June, 1906. I have read with much interest the report on your voyage from the 25th March to the 18th May, 1906, and the account of the action taken by you with the mails after the disaster in San Francisco of the 18th April; and I now wish to express to you my appreciation of the steps you took to divert the mail to the Vancouver route. Your prompt and correct decision in the matter under very adverse circumstances is deserving of the highest praise. As a mark of my appreciation of your action, I have instructed that a gratuity of ten guineas be paid to you; and as Mr. Hounsell, your assistant, shared the personal anxiety with you for the moment, I have also directed that a gratuity of five guineas be paid to him. Mr. Hounsell will be communicated with, and thanked for his share in overcoming the difficulties. I have, &c, Albert Pitt, D. E. Lindsaj', Esq., Mail Agent, Acting Postmaster-General. General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 81. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Mr. H. R. Hounsell, Assistant Mail Agent, Nelson. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 27th June, 1906. The Hon. the Acting Postmaster-General has read with much interest Mr. Lindsay's report on his voyage from the 25th March to the 18th May, 1906, and the account of the action taken in connection with the mails after the disaster in San Francisco on the 18th April. The Minister is very pleased with the prompt and correct decision arrived at by the Mail Agent under the adverse circumstances, and has awarded a gratuity to Mr. Lindsay. At the same time, as you shared the personal anxiety with Mr. Lindsay for the moment, a gratuity of five guineas has been awarded to you, with the compliments and thanks of the Acting PostmasterGeneral for your share in overcoming the difficulties. A voucher for the amount has been prepared, and will be paid immediately. I have, &c, Mr. H. R. Hounsell, Assistant Mail Agent Thomas Rose, Acting-Secretary. (through the Chief Postmaster, Nelson).
No. 82. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. J. D. Spreckels and Brothers Company, San Francisco. Gentlemen,— General Post Office, Wellington, 3rd July, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st May last, notifying the temporary suspension of the San Francisco mail-service owing to the effects of the earthquake which visited that city in April last, and advising that your entire service was again in workingcondition. This Department much regrets to learn of the great inconvenience and loss sustained by your company through the severe calamity which overtook San Francisco. I note that the service has been resumed, and hope that it may be practicable to continue it with regularity. I haye x <fee, Thomas Rose, Acting-Secretary. Messrs. the J. D. Spreckels and Brothers Company, General Agents, Oceanic Steamship Company, San Francisco.
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No. 83. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Resident Agent for New Zealand, Oakland (San Francisco). Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, 7th July, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th May last, on the subject of the San Francisco earthquake and other matters. I need hardly say that you have my fullest sympathy in the great disaster which overtook the city. I regret to learn that the official records were destroyed, but it is satisfactory to know that you escaped. The suspension of the mail-service was unfortunate, but under the circumstances it could not, of course, be avoided. Fortunately we were able to divert the mails which arrived at San Francisco on the day of the earthquake to Vancouver. They came forward by the R.M.S. " Moana," which for the one voyage was allowed to call at Auckland. She made the excellent time of 18 days 23 hours, and the mails reached New Zealand with a delay of only eleven days. The succeeding mail was diverted at London to the Brindisi route, and reached New Zealand without undue delay. The " Sonoma," which resumed the service from your port on the 31st May, was five days late in reaching Auckland. This was accounted for by her bottom being foul, the absence of facilities in San Francisco having prevented her from being docked for a considerable time. I understand that she has been docked in Sydney; but this operation has delayed her departure so much that the mail which should have left Auckland yesterday will not now leave until the 11th instant, five days late. I note the action you took about ordering Mr. Willett to San Francisco. This is approved. I had, however, intended to make other arrangements for supplying Mr. Rudd with assistance, fearing that Mr. Lindsay and his assistant might be somewhat overtasked on the " Moana " ; but no harm was done, as Mr. Lindsay succeeded in completing the work in good time. I have heard from Mr. Lindsay since his departure. He thought he might be able to reach San Francisco from Honolulu, but failing advice from him, I presume he has had to go on to Vancouver. He should yet be able to reach San Francisco in good time for the departure of the steamer on the 12th instant. Mr. Gowing, his assistant, went forward by the previous Vancouver steamer, and was instructed to report in San Francisco about this date. It is to be sincerely hoped that matters in San Francisco will now be settling down, and that the mail-service will hereafter be run with more regularity and despatch than was the case before the earthquake. I have, &c, Thomas Rose, Acting-Secretary. H. Stephenson Smith, Esq., Resident Agent for New Zealand, Tribune Building, Eighth Street, Oakland, California.
No. 84. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Resident Agent for New Zealand, Oakland, San Francisco. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 12th July, 1906. I have the honour to inform you that a remittance of £40 sent you by the Chief Postmaster, Wellington, on the 26th February last, and the receipt of which you acknowledged on the 29th March, does not appear to have been accounted for. I note from your letter to me of the 28th May that all your office records were destroyed in the earthquake and fire of the 18th April, but I shall be glad if you will do your best to inform me how the remittance was disposed of. I have, <&c, Thomas Rose, Acting-Secretary. H. Stephenson Smith, Esq., Resident Agent for New Zealand, Tribune Building, Eighth Street, Oakland, Cal., U.S.A.
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VANCOUVER SERVICE.
No. 85. The Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Commonwealth of Australia, Sir, — Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, 6th June, 1906. With reference to my letter of the 9th March last [No. 44, F.-6, 1906] respecting your desire that you be furnished with copies of the agreement for the renewal of the contract for the carriage of mails between Australia, Fiji, and Canada, I have the honour to forward herewith, for your information, a typewritten copy of the document in question. I have, &c, Robt. T. Scott, Secretary. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, New Zealand.
Enclosure in No. 85. Articles of Agreement made and entered into this tenth day of May, one thousand nine hundred and six, between the Honourable Littleton Ernest Groom, the Minister of State for the Commonwealth of Australia for the time being, acting for and on behalf of the Postmaster-General of the said Commonwealth (hereinafter referred to as the " Postmaster-General," and herein contracting in his official capacity as Posmaster-General for and on behalf of the said Commonwealth, and not so as to incur any personal liability), of the one part, and the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), an incorporated company carrying on business in the Commonwealth and elsewhere (hereinafter referred to as the " Contractors ") of the other part: Whereas by two several agreements, dated respectively the fifth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and ninetynine, and the fifteenth day of August, one thousand eight hundred and ninety - nine (copies of which are annexed hereto and marked with the letters "A" and "B " respectively), Messrs. Burns, Philp, and Company (Limited) contracted to provide, establish, and carry on a mailservice under and subject to the terms, covenants, and conditions contained in the said agreements between the City of Sydney, in the State of New South Wales, the City of Brisbane, in the State of Queensland, and the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia: And whereas by an agreement dated the thirtieth day of October, one thousand nine hundred and three, made between the Postmaster-General of the Commonwealth of the one part, and the Contractors of the other part (a copy of which is annexed hereto and marked with the letter " C "), it was agreed that the said agreements dated the fifth day of June, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-nine, and fifteenth day of August, one thousand eight hundred and ninety-nine, should be extended for a further period of two years from the first day of May, one thousand nine hundred and three, on the terms and subject to the conditions and covenants set out in the said agreements in all respects as if the said agreements had originally been made to expire on the first day of May, one thousand nine hundred and five, save and except that the amount of subsidy to be paid under the said agreements was increased from and after the first day of May, one thousand nine hundred and three; and it was further agreed that the expression " Postmaster-General " in the said agreements should mean the Postmaster-General for the time being of the Commonwealth, and the expression "Contractors" therein should mean the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), or its assigns: And whereas the said agreements (hereinafter referred to as the " three first-named agreements ") have expired: And whereas the Contractors have agreed to carry on the said mail-service on the terms and subject to the conditions and covenants set out in the said three first - named agreements in all respects for the period of three months between the first day of May, one thousand nine hundred and five, and the thirty-first day of July, one thousand nine hundred and five: And whereas the Contractors have further agreed to carry on the said mail - service on the terms and subject to the conditions and covenants set out in the three first-named agreements for a further period of one year from the first day of August, one thousand nine hundred and five, in all respects as if the said three first-named agreements had originally been made to expire on the thirty-first day of July, one thousand nine hundred and six, save and except the further increased subsidy hereinafter mentioned to be paid from and after the first day of August, one thousand nine hundred and five, and the right to a further extension for one year : Now, this agreement witnesseth that in consideration of the premises it has been agreed between the Postmaster-General, for himself and his successors in office, and the Contractors for themselves and their assigns, as follows: — 1. That the Contractors shall carry on the mail-service specified in the said three first-named agreements for one year and three months from the first day of May, one thousand nine hundred and five, and shall observe and perform all conditions and covenants in the said three first-named agreements, and this agreement on their part to be observed and performed.
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2. That the Postmaster-General shall pay to the Contractors, subject to their faithful performance of all covenants, agreements, and stipulations to be performed on their part pursuant to the said three first-named agreements and this agreement for each round trip performed thereunder, which shall be commenced during the three months between the first day of May, one thousand nine hundred and five, and the thirty-first day of July, one thousand nine hundred and five, a subsidy of one thousand eight hundred and thirty-five pounds thirteen shillings and threepence (£1,835 T3s. 3d.), and for each round trip performed thereunder from and after the first day of August, one thousand nine hundred and five, a subsidy of two thousand and forty-eight pounds four shillings and fourpence (£2,048 4s. 4d.). Provided always, and it is hereby agreed and declared between the parties to this agreement that the three first-named agreements aud this agreement shall be deemed to extend and to be in full operation and virtue for a further period of one year —that is to say, until the thirty-first day of July, one thousand nine hundred and seven —unless either party shall on or before the thirtieth day of April, one thousand nine hundred and six, give to the other party notice in writing of his desire that this agreement shall determine on the thirty-first day of July, one thousand nine hundred and six; and that in the event of the three first-named agreements and this agreement being so extended the subsidy payable by the Postmaster-General to the Contractors during such extended period shall be two thousand and forty-eight pounds four shillings and fourpence (£2,048 4s. 4d.) for each round trip performed thereunder. And it is hereby further agreed that the execution of this agreement by the Postmaster-General shall be on the condition that he executes the agreement subject to its being ratified by the Parliament of the Commonwealth; but until such ratification is refused the Postmaster-General shall continue to perform this agreement on his part, including payment for the voyage commenced at the time of such refusal by the said Parliament. In witness whereof the Postmaster-General has hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal and the common seal of the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited) has been hereto affixed the day and year first above written. Signed, sealed, and delivered by the said the Honourable) T „ „ t ■Li j. rr j n • i\. c ■'- r Littleton Ernest Groom Littleton Ernest Groom, in the presence of — I R. R. Garran, Secretary, Attorney-General's Department. The common seal of the Union Steam Ship Company of New \ Zealand (Limited) was hereto affixed by us, the undersigned, and we certify that we are the proper officers I rj, -. of the said company by whom or in whose presence *■ '* the common seal is to be affixed to all deeds executed by the said company. Geo. McLean, A. Lee Smith, Two Directors of the said Company.
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AUSTRALIA-SUEZ SERVICES.
No. 86. The Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Commonwealth of Australia, Sir, — Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, 6th April, 1906. Adverting to the letter dated the 13th May, 1905 [No. 1, F.-Ba, 1905], addressed by the Postmaster-General of New Zealand to the Postmaster-General of the Commonwealth, relative to the charges made by this Department for conveyance of New Zealand mails to Europe, &c, by Peninsular and Oriental and Orient steamers, also the payment made by the Commonwealth for conveyance of mails by the San Francisco service, I have the honour, by direction, to inform you that payment by your Department may be made to this office at Postal Union rates for mail-matter (other than parcels) at the rate of 2d. per pound for parcels conveyed by Orient vessels under the contract between the Orient Company and the Commonwealth, which commenced on the 4th April, 1905. The matter of payment as from the Ist February, 1905, for conveyance of mails by P. and 0. vessels is, however, one for settlement between your Department and the London postal authorities. 2. With regard to the demand of the Oceanic Steamship Company for the payment of 12s. per pound of letters and post-cards, Is. per pound of packets, and 6d. per pound of newspapers, conveyed by that company's vessels from Australia to San Francisco, &c, I am to state that this claim cannot be entertained; but the question of making payments at rates in excess of regulation poundage rates is now the subject of correspondence between the Oceanic Steamship Company and this office. 3. I am to add that, in view of the large subsidies paid by Australia towards the maintenance of mail-services to Vancouver and via Suez, it is not considered desirable for the Commonwealth to increase its present heavy outlay in this respect by granting a fixed annual subsidy towards the maintenance of the San Francisco service. I have, &c, Robt. T. Scott, Secretary. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 87. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 18th April, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, on the subjects of payment for conveyance of New Zealand mails to Europe, &c, by P. and O. and Orient steamers; the payment to the contractors for the San Francisco mail-service, and the proposal for a fixed annual subsidy from the Commonwealth towards the maintenance of the San Francisco service. I note that the question of payment as from the Ist February, 1905, for conveyance of mails by P. and 0. steamers is one for settlement with the London Post Office. That office is accordingly been written to on the subject. I have, &c, Thomas Rose, Acting-Secretary. The Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne.
No. 88. The Hon. the Acting Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Secretary, General Post Office, London. Sm,_ General Post Office, Wellington, 20th April, 1906. In connection with the sea transit of New Zealand mail-matter by the vessels of the P. and 0. Company from Australia to Europe, I have the honour to inform you that I am advised by the Commonwealth Post Office that the matter of payment for the service as from the Ist February, 1905, is one for settlement between your office and this Department. I presume, therefore, that this Department should credit your office in the quarterly postage accounts at the proportionate Postal Union rates applicable to conveyance from New Zealand. I have, <fee, Thomas Rose, The Secretary, General Post Office, London. For the Postmaster-General.
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No. 89. The Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Commonwealth of Australia, Sir, — Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, 15th May, 1906. Adverting to my communication of the 6th ultimo [No. 86], and previous correspondence, relative to the matter of payment for the conveyance of New Zealand mails to Europe, &c, by P. and 0. and Orient steamers, I have the honour to inform you the Deputy Postmaster-General, Melbourne, advises that as the amount (£l4 lis. lOd.) received from your Department for such service included payment for certain parcels forwarded by P. and 0. vessels after the 31st January, 1905, which should be due to the United Kingdom, he has credited your colony in the Moneyorder Account with the amount so overpaid—viz., £1 3s. 2. The Deputy Postmaster-General, Melbourne, also reports that your office proposes to embody in the usual parcel account the amount due for the service mentioned, but as the amount has to be apportioned amongst the several States of the Commonwealth, it would be more convenient if your Department prepared a separate statement, instead of showing the amount in the Parcel Account between New Zealand and Victoria, and I shall be glad if you will kindly issue an instruction in the matter accordingly. I have, <fee, Robert T. Scott, Secretary. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 90. The Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Commonwealth of Australia, Sir, — Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, 19th May, 1906. With reference to my communication of the 15th instant, and previous correspondence, relative to the matter of payment for the conveyance of New Zealand mails to Europe, &c, by P. and O. and Orient steamers, I have the honour to inform you the following is an extract from a communication on the subject received from the Deputy Postmaster-General, Melbourne, namely: — " I beg to suggest that you would kindly communicate with New Zealand and ask that colony to remit the balance due under the old contract for conveyance of its mails by P. and 0. and Orient vessels for January, 1905, to permit an apportionment being made amongst the contributing States, and thus close all accounts under the recently expired contract." 2. I shall be glad if you will kindly cause the matter to receive attention. I have, &c, Robt. T. Scott, Secretary. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 91. The Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Melbourne, 21st May, 1906. In connection with suggestion recently made by this office, London office has agreed to adjustment of payment for mails convej'ed from United Kingdom per Orient vessels as from Ist April, 1905, and from Australia per P. and O. vessels as from Ist February, 1905, on basis of weight of mailmatter so conveyed during first twenty-eight days of June, 1906. Kindly take action similar to that pursued in connection with May, 1896, statistics. Forms similar to "F " and "G " appended to Detailed Regulations de Vienne (1891) Convention might be used. Letter follows.
No. 92. The Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Commonwealth of Australia, Sir, — Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, 22nd May, 1906. I have the honour to confirm my cablegram to you of yesterday's date, which read as follows [see No. 91]. It will be necessary for your office to take statistics of mails despatched from New Zealand for transmission by both Orient and P. and 0. vessels, and I shall be glad if you will kindly arrange to supply to this office a copy of the statements relating to each mail so despatched. I have, &c, Robt. T. Scott, Secretary. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
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No. 93. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, 7th June, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your cablegram of the 21st and letter of the 22nd ultimo, informing me that the London office had agreed to the adjustment of payment for mails conveyed from the United Kingdom per Orient vessels, as from the Ist April, 1905, and from Australia per P. and 0. vessels as from Ist February, 1905, on the basis of weight of mail-matter so conveyed during the first twenty-eight days of June, 1906, and asking that action be taken similar to that pursued in connection with May, 1896, statistics. In reply, I have to inform you that arrangements have been made to take the statistics during the present month. Owing, however, to the temporary stoppage of the San Francisco service, and to the fact that no mail will be despatched by that route in June, the statistics, if taken to form the basis of payments for correspondence conveyed by the Federal service will be unfavourable to New Zealand. It is proposed, therefore, that a similar return be taken here for the month of July, when the correspondence will have reverted to the usual channels. After the statistics have been taken a schedule showing "the particulars will be prepared and forwarded to your office of all mails despatched from New Zealand for conveyance by the P. and O. and Orient lines during the period in question. I have, <fee, Thomas Rose, Acting-Secretary. The Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne.
No. 94. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, 17th August, 1906. Referring to your letter of the 22nd May, and to my reply of the 7th June, in connection with the adjustment of payment for mails conveyed from the United Kingdom per Orient vessels, as from the Ist April, 1905, and from Australia per P. and 0. vessels, as from the Ist February, 1905, on the basis of weight of mail-matter so conveyed during the first twenty-eight days of June, 1906, I have now the honour to forward herewith returns [not printed] showing the results of the statistics recently taken of correspondence despatched from New Zealand for onward transmission by the steamers of the P. and O. and Orient lines during the periods (1) from the Ist to the 28th June, 1906, and (2) from the Ist to the 28th July, 1906. As pointed out in my letter of the 7th June, owing to the temporary stoppage of the San Francisco mail-service, and to the fact that no mail was despatched by that route in June, the statistics of that month, if taken to form the basis of payments for correspondence conveyed by the Federal service, will be unfavourable to New Zealand. You will, no doubt, therefore make use of the particulars herewith for the first twenty-eight days of July, during which period the correspondence had reverted to the usual channels. I have, &c, Thomas Rose, For Secretary. The Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne.
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INTERPROVINCIAL SERVICE.
No. 95. The Chief Postmaster, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Memorandum.) Auckland, 9th March, 1906. Referring to my telegram of the 26th ultimo, and your reply thereto of even date [not printed], concerning the possible detention of the " Rarawa " at Onehunga for the inward San Francisco mail, and the question of providing a special train from New Plymouth, with carriages for passengers, in the event of the steamer failing to make connection with the express, I have received pressing representations from the managers of both the Union Steam Ship Company and the Northern Steamship regarding the matter. They ask that a clear and permanent understanding shall be arrived at, and that the question shall not be left to be threshed out over and over again every time there is a prospect of the detention of the steamer at Onehunga. The matter to be settled is very simple : Will the Department undertake to provide a special train at New Plymouth on all occasions, with carriages for passengers, when the steamer fails to make connection with the express in consequence of having been detained at Onehunga beyond the usual sailingtime in order to take on board the San Francisco mail? The managers of the two companies have both stated their intention of not holding their steamers unless they receive the required guarantee. They point to the serious inconvenience which would be caused to through passengers in the event of their detention for a day at New Plymouth. The request seems to me a reasonable one, and I shall be glad if 3 7 ou can see your way to approve it. D. Gumming, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Chief Postmaster.
No. 96. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager, Railway Department, Wellington. (Memorandum.) General Post Office, Wellington, 23rd March, 1906. Special Trains from New Plymouth with Inward San Francisco Mail. It has frequently happened during the last few years that it has been necessary to arrange for a special train to bring the San Francisco mails southward from New Plymouth. So far as I know your Department has in all cases attached sufficient carriages to such special trains to provide for the passengers arriving by the steamer from Manukau. For some reason, which is not quite clear, the shipping companies have suddenly insisted upon the Chief Postmaster at Auckland giving them a guarantee that when the steamer is detained carriages will always be attached to the special trains. Will you kindly say what answer should be given to this, and whether it is understood that the payment by this Department for a special train includes payment for passenger-carriages, or whether your Department always undertakes to send passengers by the special trains engaged by the Post Office for the conveyance of English mails. Thomas Rose, Acting-Secretary. The General Manager, Railway Department, Wellington.
No. 97. The General Manager, New Zealand Railways, Wellington, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. New Zealand Government Railways, Head Office, Wellington, 26th April, 1906. (Memorandum.) Tour Communication of the 23rd ultimo: Special Trains for San Francisco Mails. In cases where the Postal Department orders specials for the conveyance of Frisco mails it is the practice of the Railway Department to attach carriages for the conveyance of any passengers arriving by steamer who wish to go on by the special train. This, however, is only done in cases where the special runs through. On the New Plymouth section the specia; sometimes overtakes goods-trains, by which the mails are sent on, and the Department cannot in such circumstances undertake to convey the passengers by the goods-trains. No charge is made to your Department in respect to the carriages placed on special trains, but the fares of any passengers
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carried are retained by this Department. The action of the shipping companies in endeavouring to obtain a guarantee that passengers would be conveyed on mail special is no doubt the outcome of the steamers having failed to connect with the train at New Plymouth on one or two occasions when they have been detained at Onehunga waiting arrival of Frisco mails. The steamer companies apparently desire to rid themselves of the responsibility in connection with the passengers, and to pass that responsibility on to the Postal or Railway Department, neither of which should, in my opinion, undertake the same. T. Ronayne, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. General Manager.
No. 98. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Chief Postmaster, Auckland. (Memorandum.) General Post Office, Wellington, 2nd May, 1906. Your memorandum of 9th March, 1906 : Shipping companies for guarantee of special train from New Plymouth, with carriages attached, in event of failure of steamers with Frisco mail to connect with express. I forward herewith, for your information, copy of a memorandum [No. 97] from the Railway Department on the above subject. I agree that no responsibility should be accepted by this Department. Thomas Rose, The Chief Postmaster, Auckland. Acting-Secretary.
No. 99. The Acting Chief Postmaster, Auckland, to the Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Auckland. Sir,— Chief Post Office, Auckland, sth May, 1906. Referring to representations made by you early in March last respecting a guarantee from my Department that a special train, with passenger-carriages attached, would be run between New Plymouth and Wellington in the event of your steamer missing connection with the express owing to its detention at Onehunga for the San Francisco mail, I beg to inform you that the matter was laid before the Department, and I am now in receipt of a reply from the Secretary of the General Post Office, Wellington, in which he concurs with the opinion expressed by the General Manager of Railways that the guarantee you asked for cannot be given. I am, &c, E. V. Senn, Acting Chief Postmaster. The Manager, Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Auckland. [Letter of same date in same terms to the Manager, Northern Steamship Company, Auckland.]
No. 100: The Manager, Northern Steamship Company, Auckland, to the Chief Postmaster, Auckland. Sir, — Northern Steamship Company (Limited), Auckland, 7th May, 1906. I am in receipt of your letter of the sth instant, and have noted contents. Under the circumstances I shall be unable to detain the " Rarawa " in future pending the arrival of the San Francisco mail if there should be a risk of the steamer missing the train on the following morning. Yours, &c, (For the Northern Steamship Company), Chief Postmaster, Auckland. Charles Ranson, Manager.
No. 101. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager, Railway Department, Wellington. (Memorandum.) General Post Office, Wellington, 18th May, 1906. Your Communication of 2%-th April, 1906: Special Trains for San Francisco Mails . The Managers of the Union Steam Ship Company and of the Northern Steamship Company, Auckland, were informed by the Acting Chief Postmaster there that the guarantee asked for could not be given. The manager of the latter company now replies as follows: — " Under the circumstances I shall be unable to detain the ' Rarawa ' in future pending the arrival of the San Francisco mail if there should be a risk of the steamer missing the train on the following morning."
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No reply has yet been received from the Union Steam Ship Company. I would point out that this Department is really more concerned than either of the companies, as if the steamers do not wait at Onehunga, even for a short time, for the mails by the San Francisco steamer, which may at the moment be already in sight, there would be great delay in having the mails sent forward. Giving a guarantee that carriages would be attached to the special train when the Northern Steamship Company's or the Union Steam Ship Company's steamers are detained for our purposes would, of course, overcome the difficulty. It is quite a reasonable attitude for the former company to assume if it is likely in consequence of detention to get into trouble with its passengers. Thomas Rose, Acting-Secretary. The General Manager, Railway Department, Wellington.
No. 102. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company (Limited), Dunedin, to the Acting-Secre-tary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 25th June, 1906. Be outward San Francisco mail: Present daily service between Onehunga and New Plymouth does not afford us much opportunity to alter time-table running, and under ordinary circumstances we shall not have boat available leave Wellington for Onehunga on Saturday, 7th proximo. We can arrange and send " Rotoiti " direct Onehunga Saturday night; or, if you desired give a southern connection, could leave 8 a.m. Sunday on arrival "Mararoa." This would involve cancelling " Rotoiti's " Nelson call and transhipping passengers and cargo, and would also necessitate her returning empty from Onehunga to New Plymouth on Monday to make usual Tuesday night connection. If you think it necessary give this late connection we are prepared make special trip " Rotoiti " as indicated for £120.
No. 103. 3 The Chief Postmaster, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Memorandum.) Auckland, 27th July, 1906. I beg to forward you herewith a voucher for £15, the amount agreed upon with the Manukau Steamship Company for taking the last inward San Francisco mail on board the " Weka " at Onehunga, and placing it on board the " Ngapuhi " at Manukau Heads on the morning of the 13th instant. The action taken was communicated to you by telegram on that date. It was only at 9.30 p.m. on the 12th instant that I learnt the "Ngapuhi" was bar-bound, and it was then too late to communicate with you that night as to what should be done. It was expected that the " Ngapuhi " would cross the bar at daylight, and it was calculated that she would arrive at New Plymouth the same evening, and that if a special train were put on the mail would be in Wellington in time for delivery on Saturday. As you know, the " Ngapuhi " did not get away until after 10 o'clock in the morning, but this could not be foreseen. Besides this, the coastal steamers have repeatedly been bar-bound during the present winter, and it was felt that every effort should be made to get away the San Francisco mail by the first opportunity, as the steamer leaving on the following day might have been bar-bound in her turn had the sea risen again. I regret such a sum should have been expended to so little purpose, seeing the mails would have reached Wellington at the same time had they been despatched by the " Takapuna " on the following day; but Ido not see what other course could safely have been pursued under the circumstances. D. Cumming. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
No. 104. The Chief Postmaster, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Memorandum.) Auckland, 3rd August, 1906. I attach hereto a letter, dated the 31st ultimo, from the manager of the Northern Steamship Company concerning the refusal of the branch manager of the Union Steam Ship Company to pay the former's claim for £25 for carrying the inward San Francisco mail from the Manukau to Taranaki on the 12th ultimo. The circumstances attending the despatch of the mail in question were explained in my memo, of the 27th ultimo. I have no knowledge of the conditions of the contract or agreement under which the Union Steam Ship Company undertakes the distribution of the San Francisco mail, but I have always understood it was the duty of this office to see that the southern portion of it was forwarded by the first steamer. When the mails were put on the " Ngapuhi "on the night of the 12th ultimo it was expected she would cross the bar at daylight, whereas the " Takapuna " was not due to leave Onehunga till 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The contention of the Union Company is that, while they are to draw the regular amount for carrying the mail, we are to pay the Northern Company for actually having performed the service. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. D. Cummino.
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Enclosure in No. 104. The Manager, Northern Steamship Company, Auckland, to the Chief Postmaster, Auckland. Sir, — Northern Steamship Company (Limited), Auckland, 31st July, 1906. I enclose copy of a letter I have received from the Union Steam Ship Company with reference to our charge for conveyance of the inward San Francisco mail to New Plymouth on the 12th instant. The amount in question is £25, which it has been customary for us to receive from the Union Company for the service stated. Please say if your Department will accept a voucher from us for the amount. Yours, &c, (For the Northern Steamship Company (Limited), C. Ranson, Manager. The Chief Postmaster, Auckland.
Sub-enclosure to Enclosure No. 104. The Branch Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Auckland, to the Manager, Northern Steamship Company, Auckland. Sir, — Union Steam Ship Company (Limited), Auckland, 30th July, 1906. With reference to the carriage of the southern portion of the mail which arrived by the "Ventura " from San Francisco, which service was performed by your company, our head office holds the opinion that you should look to the Government for payment, because had the mail been shipped by our steamer, as it should have been in terms of contract, it would have arrived south as soon as by shipping per " Ngapuhi." Yours, &c, A. B. J. Irvine, Branch Manager. C. Ranson, Esq., Northern Steamship Company (Limited), Auckland.
No. 105. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Chief Postmaster, Auckland. (Memorandum.) General Post Office, Wellington, 15th August, 1906. In re yours of 3/8/06: Union Steam Ship Company, as to claim of Northern Steamship Company for payment for carrying the San Francisco mail from Manukau to New Plymouth on the 12th ultimo: — The Department cannot recognise any claim from the Northern Steamship Company in regard to the service in question. The mail was properly shipped by the first available steamer, and the Department would not have been warranted in holding it until the next day. The arrangement is that if the mails arrive on Tuesday or Thursday they are to be carried by the Northern Steamship Company at the Union Steam Ship Company's expense. Thomas Rose, The Chief Postmaster, Auckland. For Secretary.
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PARCEL MAILS.
No. 106. The Secretary, General Post Office, London, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Sir, — General Post Office, London, 25th May, 1906. With reference to you letter of the 29th March last [No. 76, F.-6, 1906], I am directed by the Postmaster-General to inform you that, on receipt of your letter of the 19th October last [No. 65, idem] arrangements were made by this office with the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company and the New Zealand Shipping Company for the conveyance of parcel-mails from this country to New Zealand. No action was taken with regard to parcel-mails from New Zealand, as it was understood that your office desired to make its own arrangements for the conveyance of these mails. No formal agreement with regard to the outward mails was entered into by this office with the companies, and the arrangement rests on the correspondence, of which copies are enclosed. It appears that both companies are prepared to accept payment as from the Ist October last, for the conveyance of parcel-mails from New Zealand to this country at the same rates as those now paid in respect of parcel-mails sent in the reverse direction, and you will, no doubt, wish to arrange the matter with the companies. I am, &c, Percy Z. Round, The Postmaster-General, Wellington. For the Secretary. *
Enclosure 1 in No. 106. The Secretary, General Post Office, London, to the Secretary, Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company, London. Sir, — General Post Office, London, 18th December, 1905. The arrangement under which the New Zealand Post Office provided for the sea conveyance of parcels sent from the United Kingdom to the colony terminated on the Ist October last, and it 'now falls to this Department to arrange the matter directly with the shipping companies concerned. In these circumstances lam directed by the Postmaster-General to inquire whether your company is prepared to continue to convey parcel-mails from this country for New Zealand at the rate of remuneration which he is authorised to pay for similar services performed in other quarters —namely, 4d. for each parcel not exceeding 3 lb. in weight, Bd. for each parcel exceeding 3 lb. but not exceeding 7 lb., and Is. for each parcel exceeding 7 lb. but not exceeding 11 lb. I am to mention that these rates have been readily accepted by other companies to which they have been offered, and the Postmaster-General trusts to learn at an early date that they will likewise be agreeable to yourselves. I am, &c, Arthur C. Ferard, For the Secretary. The Secretary, Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company (Limited).
Enclosure 2 in No. 106. The Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company, London, to the Secretary, General Post Office, London. Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company (Limited), 34 Leadenhall Street, London, E.C., 30th December, 1905. Sir, — Parcels Post to and from New Zealand. Referring to your letter of the 18th instant and to our representative's interview with your Mr. Arthur G. Ferard on the 28th instant, we have, as desired, given full consideration to your request for the continuance of the existing service, but at reduced rates of payment to the carrying vessel. We beg to point out that in many cases the vessels receiving similar remuneration are also in receipt of mail subsidies; that the packages are very bulky in relation to their weight, and that a corresponding bulk of empty packages has to be brought back, freight-free, and often at times when space Homewards is very valuable. Considerations of this nature and others to which we need not allude lead us to the conclusion that the rate hitherto paid us is by no means in excess of fair remuneration for services rendered, and that we should hardly have been asked to reduce it.
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We understand from you, however, that if the present rate is to be paid us the postage on parcels must be increased, and although New Zealand is specially favoured in this respect, we recognise the advantage to the colony of the present low rates. We are therefore willing to bear our share of what this involves and will accede to your request. We understand the arrangement to be, — (1.) We are to be paid postage at the following rates: — 4d. for each parcel not exceeding 3 lb. in weight. Bd. for each parcel exceeding 3 lb. but not exceeding 7 lb. Is. for each parcel exceeding 7 lb. but not exceeding 11 lb. (2.) These rates are to be also applicable to Homeward parcels. (3.) The payment for outward parcels to be made by you, for Homeward parcels in New Zealand. We understand that the New Zealand Shipping Company are intimating their willingness to act similarly, and we understand that they and we are to share the work. We are, &c, Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company (Limited). The Secretary, General Post Office, E.C.
Enclosure 3 in No. 106. The Secretary, General Post Office, London, to the Secretary, New Zealand Shipping Company, London. Sir, — General Post Office, London, 18th December, 1905. The arrangement under which the New Zealand Post Office provided for the sea conveyance of parcels sent from the United Kingdom to the colony terminated on the Ist October last, and it now falls to this Department to arrange the matter directly with the shipping companies concerned. In these circumstances I am directed by the Postmaster-General to inquire whether your company is prepared to continue to convey parcel-mails from this country for New Zealand at the rate of remuneration which he is authorised to pay for similar services performed in other quarters —namely, 4d. for each parcel not exceeding 3 lb. in weight, Bd. for each parcel exceeding 3 lb. but not exceeding 7 lb., and Is. for each parcel exceeding 7 lb. but not exceeding 11 lb. I am to mention that these rates have been readily accepted by other companies to which they have been offered, and the Postmaster-General trusts to learn at an early date that they will likewise be agreeable to 3 f ourselves. I am, &c, Arthur G. Ferard, For the Secretary. The Secretary, New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited).
Enclosure 4in No. 106. The New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited), London, to the Secretary, General Post Office, London. Sir, — 138 Leadenhall Street, London, E.C, 30th December, 1905. Your letter of the 18th instant has had the consideration of my company, and I have now to inform you that it has been decided to accede to your request respecting the revision of the .payments to be received for the sea carriage of parcels post. We understand that payments will be as follows: Not exceeding 31b., 4d.; over 31b., not exceeding 7 lb., Bd.; over 7 lb., not exceeding 11 lb., Is. Payments for outward parcels to be made by you. Payments for Homeward parcels to be at the same rate, but made by the New Zealand Post Office. We are, &c, The New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited). The Secretary, G.P.0., St. Martin's le Grand.
No. 107. The Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Commonweath of Australia, Sir, — Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, 28th May, 1906. With reference to your communication of the 15th March last [not printed], forwarding Parcel Post Accounts for December Quarter, 1905, I have the honour to inform you that the Deputy Postmaster-General, Melbourne, has pointed out that in the subsidiary statement showing the sea rates on New Zealand parcels for India, conveyed from Melbourne to Colombo by the contract steamers of the P. and O. and Orient Lines, for the half-year ended the 31st December, 1905, the sea-transit rate of 2d. per pound on such parcels has been altered, as from the Ist September, 1905, to the following rates: namely, Bd., 10d., and Is. per pound. I shall be glad if, in view of my letter of the 6th ultimo, you will kindly advise me as to the reasons for such alterations. I have, &c, Robt. T. Scott, Secretary. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.
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No. 108. The Secretary, General Post Office, London, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Sir, — General Post Office, London, 13th June, 1906. With reference to your letter of the 19th October last [No. 65, F.-6, 1906], and to the letter from this office of the 29th January [No. 73, idem], concerning the payments made by your office to the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company and the New Zealand Shipping Company beyond the share of the postage allotted for the sea conveyance of parcels from this country, I am directed to state that the Postmaster-General has been authorised to reimburse to your office its loss, estimated here at £320, in respect of the sea conveyance of mails for the period from the Ist July, 1904, to the 30th September, 1905. The amount overpaid to the shipping companies for the period in question may accordingly be claimed in the next General Account prepared for this Department; and lam to request that a statement in support of the entry may be furnished at the same time. I am, &c, Arthur G. Ferard, The Postmaster-General, Wellington. For the Secretary.
No. 109. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 29th June, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ultimo, with reference to the sea rate on New Zealand parcels for India conveyed from Melbourne to Colombo by the contract steamers of the P. and 0. and Orient Lines for the half-year ended the 31st December, 1905. In reply, I have to inform you that the rates which were claimed from the Ist September, 1905, in the subsidiary statement, were the same as the sea rates received by this Department from India under the three-step arrangement with that office which came into force on the Ist September last— namely, Bd., 10d., and Is. per 31b., 71b., and 111b. respectively. The rates were not Bd., 10d., and Is. per pound as stated in your letter under acknowledgment. This Department cannot now credit Victoria at the 2d. per pound rate, as the parcels to India are only classified under 31b., 7 lb., and 11 lb. rates; but amended statements to date are now submitted herewith at 2d. per pound weight. The account for the last half-year of 1905 was prepared prior to the receipt of the letter of the 6th April from your office. The sum of £4 95., sea transit on parcels for India, was credited Victoria in the Parcel Post Account for the half-j'ear ended the 31st December, 1905. This sum included payment for parcelmails despatched by the P. and O. and Orient Lines. The amended statement shows the parcelmails despatched by the Orient Line only, which reduces the amount to £1 6s. 9d., making the balance in favour of New Zealand £99 9s. lid. In the statement for the quarter ended the 31st March last, the amount of £1 Is. 6d. for sea transit at the rate of Bd., 10d., and Is. per 31b., 71b., and 11 lb, respectively, was not embodied in the Parcel Post Account in accordance with a request from the Deputy Postmaster-General, Melbourne. The amended statement at the rate of 2d. per pound shows the sum of 15s. 9d. due to Victoria. I have, <fee, Thomas Rose, Acting-Secretary. The Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne.
No. 110. The Hon. the Acting Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Secretary, General Post Office, London. Sir, — General Post Office, Wellington, 4th August, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 13th June last, concerning payments made by this office to the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company and the New Zealand Shipping Company beyond the share of the postage allotted for the sea conveyance of parcels from London. I note, with thanks, that the Postmaster-General will reimburse this office its loss, which you estimate at £320, in respect of the sea conveyance of mails for the period from the Ist July, 1904, to the 30th September, 1905. I would point out that there appears to have been some miscalculation in estimating the amount at £320. From the detailed statement attached, it will be found that the loss to New Zealand for the period under notice was £443 16s. I should be obliged if you would check the statement, and if you find that it is correct, you will no doubt give this office permission to claim in the next General Account for the difference between £320 and £443 16s. In the meantime, credit will be taken for the £320 as estimated by you, subject to a further settlement if the statement of this office be found to be correct. I have, &c, Thomas Rose,, For the Acting Postmaster-General. The Secretary, General Post Office, London. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given ; printing (1,550 copies), ;El5 19s.
By Authority: John Maokay, Government Printer, Wellington—l9o6. Price 9d.~\
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/AJHR1906-II.2.2.4.5/1
Bibliographic details
OCEAN MAIL-SERVICES (FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO). [In continuation of Paper F.-6, presented on the 22nd August, 1906.], Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1906 Session II, F-06a
Word Count
18,292OCEAN MAIL-SERVICES (FURTHER PAPERS RELATING TO). [In continuation of Paper F.-6, presented on the 22nd August, 1906.] Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1906 Session II, F-06a
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