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and Australia ; but considering the very low sum at which Mr. Ward succeeded in getting the Contract taken by the Intercolonial Company, and the almost certainty there was of Sydney and other parts of Australia paying a fair contribution, I think the Government would have been justified, and would have exercised a wise and proper discretion, in ratifying the agreement, even though it so much exceeds the £30,000 set aside for the purpose by the Assembly, and I trust it is not too late for the Government to do that still. I have, &c, Francis Jollie. To the Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Auckland. No. 80. Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland, May 9th, 1864. Sir — I have the honor to acknowledge your letter on the subject of the Panama Steam Contract. I regret that the community of* Canterbury and its Representatives should (as they appear to have done) have arrived at positive conclusions on this subject, before hearing both sides of the question, or even perusing the correspondence between Mr. Ward and the Directors of the English Company, which will be published very shortly. The Government has, since the date of your letter, had an opportunity of discussing the matter with a member of the Executive Government of the Province of Canterbury, and hopes that the information given to him, and that which may be derived from a perusal of the public documents to which he has been referred, will be of use to the constituencies of Canterbury, should they be inclined to reconsider their decision. I have, &c, William Fox. F. Jollie, Esquire, M.H.R., Canterbury. No. 81. Superintendent's Office, Christchurch, Canterbury, 26th April, 1864. Sir, — I have the honor to inform you that Mr. Stevens, a member of my Executive Council, has been authorized by me to represent the Government of Canterbury, with a view of making arrangements for taking up the Contract entered into by Mr. Crosbie Ward, on behalf of the Colony, with the Intercolonial Royal Mail Company. Mr. Stevens will explain the particular circumstances of his mission, and I feel sure that in a matter of such great importance to the interests of the Colony, I may rely upon your furnishing to him every assistance in your power. I have, &c, S. Bealet, Superintendent. The Hon. the Attorney-General. No. 82. Superintendent's Office, Christchurch, Canterbury, 26th April, 1864. Sir, — I have the honor to introduce to you Mr. Stevens, a member of my Executive Council. Mr. Stevens has been authorized by me to communicate with the General Government, and to represent the wishes of the Canterbury Government with respect to the Contract lately entered into by Air. Crosbie Ward with the Intercolonial Royal Alail Company. I feel sure that you will furnish him with such information as may be in your power, and accord him the attention which the importance of his mission will appear to you to require. I have, &c, S. Bealet, Superintendent. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Auckland. No. 83. Colonial Secretary's Office, Auckland, May 6th, 1864. Sir, — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, No. 177, 26th April, 1864, introducing to this Government Mr. Stevens, a member of your Executive Council, who will

51

ESTABLISHMENT OE A PANAMA MAIL SERVICE.