F.—6

6

2. In reply, I am directed by the Postmaster-General to inform you that a communication has been addressed to the Hong Kong Post Office, in which the Postmaster-General of that colony is requested, for the future, to forward by the Torres Straits line of steamers any correspondence for this colony that he thinks should be forwarded by that route. I enclose, for your information, copy of the letter in question. 3. I have been requested to point out that the decision of this department conveyed to you in my letter of the 21st August, 1874, was not intended to create the impression that this colony refused to make use of the Torres Straits Service. By the statement that this department was unable to acquiesce in the suggestion of the Hong Kong Post Office, it was not desired to preclude the forwarding of specially addressed correspondence in mails by the Torres Straits steamers; and I am directed to express regret that there should have been any misapprehension as to the real intentions of this department: and I should add that, although the suggestion of the Hong Kong Post Office was not adopted, it was not anticipated that the action of this department would interfere with the due forwarding of specially marked correspondence. I have, &c, W. Gray, The Secretary, General Post Office, Brisbane. Secretary.

By Authority: G-eobge Didsbuby, Government Printer, Wellingtonj N.Z. Price 6d.