F.-4.

Although the Agent-General advised that the " Umbria " is only certain for the conveyance of the colonial mails until April next, the Postmaster-General nevertheless determined to make the change, in the belief that an equally fast steamer would be available after April, should the "Umbria" be withdrawn. This was done after consulting the Union Steamship Company, and it is hoped that the shortening of the through journey three days, which will be of great importance to the colony, may be maintained. I have, &c, W. Gray, Secretary. R. J. Creighton, Esq., Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco.

No. 110. The Hon. E. Mitchelson to the Agent-Genebal, London. Sib,— General Post Office, Wellington, 27th December, 1890. I have the honour to enclose copies of cablegrams in connection with the proposed change in the sailing of the mail-steamers from San Francisco. Although you advised me that the s.s. " Umbria " could only be relied upon for the conveyance of the colonial mails until April, and that the London Post Office considered that Friday would be the more suitable day for despatching the steamer from San Francisco, I, nevertheless, decided to fix Thursday as the sailing-day, in the belief that an equally fast steamer would be employed should the "Umbria" be withdrawn. I shall therefore be obliged if you will urge this matter on the London Post Office. You can readily understand how important a permanent saving of even two days in the mail delivery would be to the colonies. I have, &c, E. Mitchelson, Postmaster-General. The Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

No. ill. The Managing Director, Union Steamship Company, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunediu, 2nd January, 1891. No communication from Spreckels re " Monowai" nor re earlier despatch of steamers from Sydney. lam in doubt whether we should take Creighton's cable to you as sufficient instructions to us. It is possible they may intend the cable to be an instruction to us both. Do you intend to ask us officially to make the change? There will be some difficulty in arranging coastal communication, as mail would leave Lytteltou Wednesday night. Presume you would not require steamer to wait New Plymouth till Friday night.

No. 112. The Managing Dieectoe, Union Steamship Company, to the Secretary, General Post Office. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 12th January, 1891. Spreckels has cabled Jackson as follows:—" New schedule: Despatch 'Alameda' twenty-sixth January, and each twenty-eight days thereafter." Do you agree to this change coming into force this month ?

No. 113. The Hon. the Postmaster-General to Mr. Creighton, San Francisco. (Telegram.) Wellington, 13th January, 1891. Unable change Sydney sailing this month. How secure saving three days, and whether permanent ?

No. 114. The Hon. the Peemiee to the Agent-General, London. (Telegram.) Wellington, 13th January, 1891. Fk'isco Seevice.—Creighton recommends Sydney sailing five days later, saving three days' delivery London. Can this be secured ?

No. 115. The Agent-Genebal to the Hon. the Peemiee, Wellington. (Telegram.) London, 14th January, 1891. Message received. Imperial Post Office approves proposal, because, by leaving Sydney five days later, mails should reach New York Tuesday, catching Wednesday express steamer and saving three days. This, however, depends upon punctual arrival San Francisco.

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