F.—4a.

4

No. 7. The Hon. J. F. Burns to the Hon. J. T. Fisher. (Telegram.) Sydney, 22nd October, 1878. Under contract for forked service only five boats required. Modified service 1 could be performed with four. Three steamers can work present service ; fourth can therefore be fairly considered spare boat. Any pressure for fifth boat would lead to difficulty, as would the insisting on vessel of stipulated tonnage and speed being provided Sydney or Frisco in event breakdown. Nothing of this kind mentioned in original contract, nor in negotiations for modification. Are we not amply protected by requiring sufficient number of steamers to be employed ? Invite your reconsideration and early reply. Hon. J. T. Fisher, Wellington. J. F. Burns.

No. 8. The Hon. J. T. Fisher to the Hon. J. F. Burns. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd October, 1878. In telegram of 17th I expressed opinion that there seemed little prospect Company agreeing to fifth steamer, and I was willing, although reluctantly, we should not press the point. Seemed to me desirable we should stipulate tonnage and speed of vessels to be employed in event of complete breakdown, and preclude use of any but first-class steamers in every respect equal to those now employed. It may be that terms existing contract sufficiently stringent: but I think it would be to our joint interests to urge the point. However, I shall be willing to fall in with your views if you still think Government amply protected, without requiring the stipulations named in my former telegram. Hon. J. F. Burns, Sydney. J. T. Fisher.

No. 9. The Hon. J. T. Fisher to the Hon. J. F. Burns. (Telegram.) Wellington, sth August, 1878. London telegrams state Imperial Government and Agents-General dealing with question payment of postages to the colonies. Were you aware matter being dealt with ? Understood from you that Agents-General should not be required to deal with question until you had seen Berry. Hon. J. F. Burns, Sydney. J. T. FisnEß.

No. 10. The Hon. J. F. Burns to the Hon. J. T. Fisher. (Telegram.) Sydney, sth August, 1878. During my absence New Zealand, following telegram received from Agent-General, namely: "Imperial Government propose, after 1878, to retain fourpence out of sixpence collected here for mails by Galle, Singapore, and Frisco. Colonial Office wrote via Brindisi sth. I wrote Frisco 18th. Shall I object now, or will you instruct after receiving papers. Authority desirable before taking action." To this message Colonial Secretary replied on same day, 23rd July, that we would await despatches. Despatch will probably arrive here end next week. J. F. Burns. Hon. J. T. Fisher, Wellington.

No. 11. The Hon. J. T. Fisher to the Hon. J. F. Burns. (Telegram.) Wellington, 6th August, 1878. Telegrams in newspapers allege Agents-General already objected new proposal. If this be correct, seems desirable they should be urged to proceed. What is your opinion ? Hon. J. F. Burns, Sydney. J. T. Fisher.

No. 12. The Hon. J. F. Burns to the Hon. J. T. Fisher. (Telegram.) Sydney, 6th August, 1878. Concur with you that Agents-General should be urged to take such steps as may seem to them desirable for obtaining reversion decision Colonial Office. Hon. J. T. Fisher, Wellington. J. F. Burns.

No. 13. The Hon. the Premier to the Agent-General. (Telegram.) Wellington, 7th August, 1878. Confer with other Agents-General re recent proposal payment Imperial postages. Colony protests. Existing arrangements should be renewed, Sir J. Vogel, London. G. Grey.