F.—4

54

have been possible to make the transfer of the mail likewise. I mention this in the hope that precautions may hereafter be taken to avoid simrlar detention either at Chicago, Council Bluffs, or other point en route. I remain, &c, Robt. J. Creighton, Agent, New Zealand Government. The Superintendent, Foreign Mails, Washington, D.C.

No. 124. The Secretary, General Post Office, to the Managing Director, Union Steamship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 21st February, 1891. Frisco Service.—Postmaster-General now decided that change in days of departure from Sydney and Auckland to be permanent. Commencing with this month's mails, Sydney, Monday, 23rd, and Auckland, 28th instant. Have advised Creighton and Agent-General. Kindly acknowledge.

No. 125. The Secretary, General Post Office, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, 21st February, 1891. Decided make sailing Sydney for Auckland and Frisco on Monday instead of Wednesday, permanent.

No. 126. The Hoi?, the Postmaster-General to Mr. Creighton, San Francisco. (Telegram.) Wellington, 21st February, 1891. Commencing this month sailing Sydney Monday, Auckland Saturday, permanent. Advise Post Office. '

No. 127. The Superintendent of Foreign Mails, Washington, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, New Zealand. Post Office Department, Office of Foreign Mails, Washington, Sir, — 26th January, 1891. Referring to your letter of the 18th ultimo, advising this department that commencing next month (February), the day of the departure of the mail steamers from San Francisco will be changed from Saturday to the preceding Thursday, I have the honour, by direction of the Post-master-General, to inform you that information respecting the change in question was received on the 2nd instant from the Agent of New Zealand in San Francisco, Mr. Creighton, and that the necessary instructions in regard to the matter were promptly issued by this department. T am, &c, N. M. Brooks, Superintendent of Foreign Mails. The Postmaster-General, &c, Wellington, New Zealand.

No. 128. The Secretary, New Zealand Shipping Company to the Secretaby, General Post Office. (Telegram.) Christchtirch, 27th February, 1891. We have received the following cable from our London office : " Consent colony mail-day Saturday. Cannot alter Plymouth departure on account of passengers. Shaw-Savill have cabled their agents to same effect.

No. 129. The Agent-General to the Hon. the Premier, Wellington. (Telegram.) London, 2nd March, 1891. Shipping companies refuse make Monday sailing date Plymouth.

No. 130. Mr. Eose to the Secretary, New Zealand Shipping Company, Christchurch. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 9th March, 1891. I have the honour to inform you that the Postmaster-General has now approved the sailing of the Direct mail-contract steamers from New Zealand being changed from Thursday to the following Saturday, the change to take effect from Saturday, the 4th prox. As you are aware, it was the desire of the Postmaster-General that the day of sailing should be changed to Mpndav from both ends, and the Agent-General was asked to approach the Directors of