THE PANAMA MAIL SERVICE.

E.—No. %

21

Payments to the P.N.Z. and A.R.M. Company.

* Less the penalties deducted, including £2,625 for non-despatch of steamers in January and February.

Enclosure 3 in No. 42. Answers to Questions of the Treasury Accountant of New South Wales. (Queries dated 15th February, 1869.)

Queries. Answers. 1. When did the Panama Mail Service begin ? 1. On the 15th June, 1866. 2. At what date is it considered to have terminated? 2. On the 3rd March, 1869. 3. Has it been continuous, and carried out to the 3. It has been continuous. It has been carried satisfaction of both Governments ? out to the satisfaction of the Government of New Zealand, and it is believed also to that of New South Wales. 4. What is the amount of subsidies for the whole 4. The answer to this is given in Enclosures 1 period of service, and how much is payable by and 2. New South Wales ? 5. Is this Colony entitled to participate in the"" penalties inflicted or to be inflicted upon.,the Company ? 5, 6. By the agreement between the two Colonies, 6. In the event of its being agreed upon that New \- all penalties are paid to, and all premiums are South Wales is entitled to a moiety of the paid by, New Zealand, penalties, will the Government insist upon their recovery ? J 7. Has any reduction in the annual subsidies such 7. The sea postage, collected by the Imperial Post as that referred to in Dr. Featherston's Memo- Office and credited to New Zealand, is made randum of 10th March, 1865, taken place; if ► a matter of separate account between the two so, what is the amount ? Colonies. 8. Are any portion of the monthly subsidies 8. Answered in Statements Nos. 1 and 2. payable to the Company for the mail which arrived from Panama on the 3rd instant, and for the one expected in March next, on account of which an advance of £2,291 13s. 4d. has been made to the Government of New Zealand, pending a reference thereto on the subject.

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34 payments by New Zealand (as per annexed list) £ s. of £4,583 6s. 8d. each* ... ... 155,833 6 Less, refund by New South Wales ... 16,04113 d. 8 4 £ s. 139,791 13 d. 4 25 monthly payments by New South "Wales, at £4,583 6s. 8d. each ... ... 114,583 6 Payment on account, in February, 1869 ... 2,291 13 Refund to New Zealand ... ... 16,04113 8 4 4 132,916 13 Balance due from New South "Wales . r . 6,875 0 4 0 139,791 13 4 £279,583 6 8