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Sydney agents of the Canadian-Australian Royal Mail Steamship line, who state that they have telegraphed to the commander of the " Warrimoo " at Brisbane, instructing him to wait at Suva for the ",Upolu " as long as possible, consistent with their obligations under the New South Wales and Queensland contracts. I have, &c, S. H. Lambton, Deputy Postmaster-General. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.

No. 78. The Chief Manages and Inspector, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 17th August, 1899. " Upolu's " average time Auckland-Suva is slightly under five days, so that if *gets away noon to-morrow should, under ordinary circumstances, catch " Warrimoo." Latest weather reports indicate south-east gale north of Auckland, which lam afraid will still further detain " Upolu." Have asked Henderson in event arrival to-night endeavour despatch before noon to-morrow.

No. 79. The Chief Manages and Inspector, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 17th August, 1899. Very sorry to advise you " Upolu" not yet arrived Auckland. Very bad weather has been experienced round Auckland. " Hawea" which arrived last night was hove-to forty-eight hours, and " Waihora" took thirty-six hours Auckland-Gisborne. Fear under circumstances no chance despatching " Upolu" till noon to-morrow.

No. 80. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Chief Manager and Inspector, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 17th August, 1899. Very unfortunate " Upolu " not yet arrived, but hope she will get away not later than noon tomorrow. " Warrimoo" timed to leave Suva Wednesday morning, but captain has been instructed to wait a few hours for "Upolu." Leaving noon to-morrow. "Upolu" will, I presume, reach Suva about midday Wednesday. Please reply.

No. 81. The Chief Manager and Inspector, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 18th August, 1899. " Dpolu " not yet arrived Auckland, but Henderson advises wind and sea going down. Regret now no chance catching " Warrimoo " Fiji.

No. 82. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Chief Manager and Inspector, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 18th August, 1899. " Upolu's " failure very unfortunate and vexatious. " Warrimoo " will probably wait Suva until Wednesday evening. Trust no accident has befallen your steamer.

No. 83. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Chief Manager and Inspector, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 24th August, 1899. Referring to your telegrams of the 10th, is there likely to be a steamer from here for Sydney on the 14th proximo? If not, is " Mokoia," which is time-tabled to leave here Friday, Bth proximo, to be relied upon ? She would connect with Vancouver mail leaving Sydney Wednesday 13th. If " Mokoia " despatched on Thursday, she would also connect with the Federal mail leaving Sydney on Tuesday, which is due in London four days before Vancouver mail.

No. 84. The Chief Manager and Inspector, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 24th August, 1899. Regret see no chance of steamer Wellington-Sydney 14th proximo. No reason to expect " Mokoia " to be later than time-table date—viz., Friday Bth. To put her a day ahead we should have to