A.—3

104

Enclosure. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, New Zealand, to the Hon. the Chief Secretary Victoria. New Zealand. Sib,— Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 23rd November, 1872. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 30th ultimo, enclosing copy of one addressed by you to the Government of New South Wales, recommending joint action by the Australasian Colonies, in entering into any new arrangement for the mail service via Suez. In reply, I beg to state that the Government of New Zealand entirely concurs in the desirability of joint action by the several Colonies in the matter referred to, and with this view has determined upon sending two delegates to the Intercolonial Conference about to assemble at Sydney, to consider this and other subjects. I have to assure you of the earnest desire of this Government to co-operate with the Government of Victoria and the other Australasian Colonies, in the arrangement of an efficient ocean mail service, upon terms which may be generally satisfactory. I have, &c, John Hall. By Authority: Geobgb Dtdsbcby, Government Printer, Wellington.—l&73. [Price 3s. 6d.~\