D.--No. 1b

It is consequently assumed, that if the details could be satisfactorily arranged, no doubt need be apprehended of your concurrence in this proposal, and as such details are of greater importance to New Zealand than to this Colony, it is suggested that your Government should open negotiations with the Imperial Authorities with the view of ascertaining if such a change could be effected. I have Ac. James McCullough. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. New Zealand. No. 29. Dunedin, 14th November, 1864. Sir, — I have the honor to ackowledge the receipt of your letter of 26th September to the Colonial Secretary, which has been forwarded to me for reply. The Government of New Zealand are fully alive to the advantages which would attend the having direct steam communication between Melbourne and Auckland, and have had under consideration the possibility of effecting that object by a elange in the Inter-colonial Company's route. In present circumstances however the Government would not feel justified in taking any active steps in the matter, as notice of the termination of the Inter-colonial Company's Contract has been given, and the whole question of Steam Postal Service will require to be dealt with in a comprehensive manner at the ensuing meeting of tho General Assembly. Your communication will be laid before the Assembly and any steps in the direction desired by you which may be taken will be intimated to you in due course. 1 have, Ac, Thomas B. Gillies, The Hon. the Chief Secretary, Postmaster-General. A'ictoria. CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING ESTABLISHING A STEAM SERVICE BETWEEN VICTORIA AND SOUTHERN PORTS, VIA COOK'S STRAITS. No. 30. Superintendent's Office, Sir,— Nelson, June 22nd, 1864. You are doubtless aware that a line of Steamers of a large class has been established between Melbourne and the Southern Ports by way of Cook's Straits, which steamers leave Melbourne shortly after the arrival of the European mails. The recent improvements in the Inter-provincial service of tho Colony have had the unfortunate result of keeping back the Nelson mails a week longer than before the change —whilst if the Government were to avail themselves of the new line, the mails might be delivered three days earlier than they have been lately. The " Albion," one of tho steamers in question, arrived here on the'2oth having left the mail in Melbourne to reach this place by the circuitous route of Sydney and Auckland on the 30th. I have the honor to request that you will take such steps as may be possible to remove the present inconvenience which places Nelson in the worst position of any port of New Zealand. I have, Ac, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, J. P. Robinson, Auckland. Superintendent. No. 31. Colonial Secretary's Office, Sir,— Auckland, 2nd July. 1864. I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Honor's letter of the 22nd ultimo, referring to the establishment of a line of steamers between Melbourne and the Southern Ports of New Zealand, by way of Cook's Straits, and requesting that steps may be taken to remedy the inconvenience from which Nelson suffers at present in the receipt of mails. I shall feel obliged if your Honor would inform the General Government upon what terms the steamers referred to are running between Melbourne and Cook's Straits, and whether they are subsidized by the Provincial Government, and therefore willing to carry the mails, and further if your Honor is aware on what terms they would perform such service.

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NEW ZEALAND MAIL SERVICE.