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No. 193. The General Manager for the Colonies, New Zealand Shipping Company, Christchurch, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. The New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited), Sir,— Christchurch, 16th April, 1901. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 11th instant, in reply to a letter addressed to the Hon. the Premier on the 22nd August last, which was submitted to the board of directors of this company at its meeting to-day. I am instructed to direct attention to the length of time which has elapsed since we addressed the Hon. the Premier on the subject of the subsidy for the Vancouver service, and to inform' you that in the meantime this company has sold to the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand an interest in the Vancouver line. It will now be necessary for us to refer-the question of the amount of subsidy required to our London board, who will consult with the managing director of the Union Steam Ship Company, who recently proceeded to London with the object of endeavouring to reorganize an improved steam-service vid Vancouver. On receipt of a reply from London we will again communicate with you on the subject. I have, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Isaac Gibbs, General Manager. Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (1,450 copies), £28 10s.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington—l9ol.

Price Is. 3dA