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and others, having reference to the temporary arrangements for the carrying on of the mail service to and from San Francisco. You will, perhaps, at your convenience, be so good as to transmit the correspondence in question for the purpose of record by the Postmaster-General of New Zealand, as this department is only furnishing yourself with a copy at present. I am also to forward herewith copies of telegrams respectively addressed to yourself and the Postmaster at Auckland on the 11th instant. I have, Ac, James Dalgaeno, Thomas Russell, Esq., Auckland. Pro Secretary

Enclosure 1 in No. 81. Mr. Lambton to the Managee, Australasian Steam Navigation Company. Sib, — General Post Office, Sydney, 27th October, 1874. With reference to your letter dated the 24th instant, respecting the draft agreement with your company for the conveyance of the mails to and from San Francisco and Sydney until December next, I am directed to state that the Postmaster-General will be glad if you will inform him what are the provisions in the draft contract, transmitted to you on the 23rd idem, to which your directors object. I have, &c, S. H. Lambton, The Manager, A.S.N. Co., Sydney. Secretary.

Enclosure 2 in No. 81. The Hon. Saul Samuel to the Chairman and Dieectoes, A.S.N. Co. Gentlemen, — General Post Office, Sydney, 27th October, 1874. Referring to the letter addressed to you by myself and Mr. Russell on the 12th instant, respectively on behalf of the Governments of this colony and New Zealand, I have the honor to request that you will be so good as to state whether you accede to the terms therein offered for the continuance of the mail service to and from San Francisco beyond the month of December next. If not, I shall be glad to know on what terms you will continue the service, say, for a further period of six months. I have, <fee, The Chairman and Directors, A.S.N. Co., Sydney. Saux Samuel.

Enclosure 3 in No. 81. The Manages, A.S.N. Co., to the Postmastee-Geneeal, Sydney. Australasian (Steam Navigation Company, Sydney, Sib,— 28th October, 1874. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 27th instant, and, in reply, beg to say that the communication from yourself and Mr. Russell, under date of 12th idem, is engaging the attention of my Board, who trust shortly to be able to give you a definite answer thereto. I have, &c, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Sydney. Feed. H. Teouton, Manager.

Enclosure 4 in No. 81. The Hon. Saul Samuel to the Chaieman and Dieecxoes, A.S.N. Co. Gentlemen, — General Post Office, Sydney, 30th October, 1874. With reference to your letter, dated the 28th instant, I have the honor to state that it is desirable that some definite reply, regarding the extension of the temporary service beyond December next, should be sent to me before the sth proximo, in order that time may be afforded to permit of other arrangements being made, if your terms are such as cannot be accepted. I have, &c, The Chairman and Directors A.S.N. Co., Sydney. Saul Samuel.

Enclosure 5 in No. 81. The Assistant Managee, A.S.N. Co. to the Postmastee-Geneeal, Sydney. Australasian Steam Navigation Company, Sydney, Sic,— 31st October, 1874. In further reference to your letter of the 27th instant, I do myself the honor, under direction of the Board, to inform you that they are prepared to offer to perform the service for six months, from Ist January next, if they can procure the boats named, for which I beg to say they are now in negotiation. I have, &c, Wm, Williams, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Syduev. Assistant Manager, 6—V. 3.