F.—6

10

Christehurch, in connection with the rates of freight charged by the Oceanic Steamship Company on cargo for the several ports of the colony, and, in reply, to inform you that the matter has not been lost sight of. I have, &c, W. Gray, Secretary. The Secretary, Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Wellington.

No. 31. Mr. Dunnbt, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 13th December, 1901. Spbbckbls wires proposals accepted, provided in event of dispute over clauses they will be construed consistent with his American contract; and hopes mails will be sent to reach maximum amount. Advise Postmaster-General.

No. 32. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Mr. Dunnet, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 13th December, 1901. I am exceedingly glad to receive your telegram announcing Mr. Spreckels had accepted proposals. I have wired your telegram to Sir Joseph Ward. Meantime, would you advise me at once whether Friday as the day of departure from Auckland is to be substituted for Saturday, and whether Mr. Spreckels prefers to have a day longer for completing the voyage from Frisco to Auckland. These two points are the only ones which require immediate settlement, and I hope you are in a position to reply definitely.

No. 33. Mr. Dunnet, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 13th December, 1901. " Ventura " will sail 21st, Saturday. Am awaiting instructions re alteration to Friday for sailing and Tuesday for arrival. Have advised both.

No. 34. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington (at Oamaru), to Mr. Dunnet, Auckland. (Telegram.) Oamaru, 20th December, 1901. ' . . . . Sir Joseph Ward would like to know from you where resolutions of House are at variance with Spreckels , s contract. Have you heard from him re Friday's sailings? Keply Christchurch.

No. 35. Mr. Dunnet, Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington (at Christchurch). (Telegram.) Auckland, 20th December, 1901. Do not know where resolutions are at variance with contract. Have not heard anything re Friday sailing. It means altering published time-tables.

No. 36. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington (at Christchurch), to Mr. Dunnet, Auckland. (Telegram.) Christchurch, 21st December, 1901. Frisco service and Mr. Spreckels's acceptance : I am desired to say that where resolutions may be at variance with Mr. Spreckels's contract the Postmaster-General will give every consideration to the points of difference, but these should be submitted forthwith. Full use will be made of the service from this end. Am Ito assume that there is to be no change in sailing-days either end? The eighteen days proposed as much in Mr. Spreckels's interest as our own. It is all-important