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which are now—Letters, 10s. 5d.; books, Is.; newspapers, 6d., per pound. Up to the Ist April, 1898, the rate was 11s. per pound for letters, while books and newspapers were carried free. May I suggest that you make provision for an early settlement with the Union Steam Ship Company, and inform me that this will be done? I have, &c, Dr. W. H. Solf, President of the Municipality, Apia, Samoa. W. Geay, Secretary.

No. 18. The Hon. the Pebmieb, Wellington, to the Hon. the Pkbmieb and Colonial Teeasuebb, Sydney. (Telegram.) Premier's Office, Wellington, 25th October, 1899. San Francisco service, and my telegram of fifth instant: House Representatives agreed renew present service for twelve months, and authorised Government to negotiate for four-weekly, three-weekly, or fortnightly sixteen-knot service for five to seven years, by vessels of not less than four thousand tons, one of which to be British-owned. I think time has now arrived for improved service by larger and faster boats, with commodious passenger accommodation attractive to tourists. Shall be glad therefore to hear that you favour such a service. Meanwhile I assume you will renew existing service for a year. Am informed that for a three-weekly sixteeen-knot service a subsidy of thirty thousand pounds would be expected from New South Wales and this colony.

No. 19. The Hon. the Pbemieb to the Agent-General. Sib,— Premier's Office, Wellington, 26th October, 1899. I have the honour to forward herewith three copies of a resolution passed by the House of Sepresentatives on the 23rd instant, relative to the San Francisco mail-service. I have, &c, W. C. Walkee, for the Premier. The Hon. W. P. Reeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

No. 20. The Seceetaby, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Superintendent of Foreign Mails, Washington ; the J. D. Spreckels and Brothers Company (Limited), San Francisco; and the Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 26th October, 1899. I have the honour to forward herewith two copies of a resolution passed by the House of Representatives on the 23rd instant relative to the San Francisco mail-service. I have, &c, W. Gray, Secretary. [The Superintendent, Office jpf Foreign Mails, Post Office Department, Washington, D.C.] [Messrs. the J. D. Spreckels and Brothers Company (Limited), San Francisco.] [H. Stephenson Smith, Esq., Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco.]

No. 21. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Deputy Postmastee-Geneeal, Sydney. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 26th October, 1899. I have the honour to forward herewith two copies of a resolution passed by the House of Representatives on the 23rd instant relative to the San Francisco mail-service. The Postmaster-General will be glad to hear as early as possible that your colony will continue its present contribution to the service. I have, &c, The Deputy Postmaster-General, Sydney. W. Gray, Secretary.

No. 22. The Hon. the Postmaster - Geneeal, Wellington, to the Manages, Union Steam Ship Company, Wellington. Sib,— General Post Office, Wellington, 26th October, 1899. I have the honour to forward herewith copy of a resolution passed by the House of Representatives on the 23rd instant relative to the San Francisco mail-service. I have, &c, W. Gbay, for the Postmaster-General. The Manager, Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Wellington.