15

F.—6

ments, as previously stated, are merely " by the way," and we have simply forwarded the contract and asked for instructions. In regard to the passage and freight rates we are now charging, I have asked Messrs. Bannatyne and Co. to send you up the official schedule of fares and freights, in order that you can study at leisure the various rates. Thanking you again for your personal assistance to us in regard to various matters, We are, &c, Hendebson and Macfablane. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.

No. 55. The Secbetaby, Chamber of Commerce, Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmasteb-Genebal, Wellington. Sib, — Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Wellington, 25th February, 1902. I have the honour, by direction, to submit to you the following resolutions which were adopted at a Conference of New Zealand Chambers of Commerce recently held in Wellington, and to bespeak for the same your careful and favourable consideration. Resolved, "That in the opinion of this Conference it is desirable—(«) That all postal contracts be restricted to services carried on under the British flag." [See other resolutions and the reply at Nos. 145 and 146.] I have, &c, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. S. Cabboll, Secretary.

No. 56. Messrs. Hendebson and Macfablane, Auckland, to the Hon. the Postmasteb-Genebal, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sib,— Auckland, 26th February, 1902. We have the honour to submit for your consideration the following suggestion to enable us to get the San Francisco mail-steamers away at 10 o'clock in the morning, instead of at 2 o'clock as at present, so that they could reach Pago Pago during daylight, not being able to enter that port after dark, and thereby losing considerable time. With the mails reaching Onehunga on Saturday morning we do not think it possible, especially in winter time, to get the steamers away earlier than at present. We believe the mail closes in Wellington on Thursday evening, and the mails leave by train for New Plymouth on Friday morning, reaching there the same evening, and on to Onehunga, arriving Saturday morning. 'Would it be possible to run a night train leaving Wellington on Thursday night, reaching New Plymouth on Friday morning; thence on to Onehunga, arriving same evening ? If this is practicable, it would enable us to get the steamers away early, and make sure of catching the fast train to New York to meet the Atlantic steamer. If our surmise in re closing-time is correct, it would not mean closing the Wellington mail earlier. It would be no use making any alterations as long as quarantine regulations are in force, as we would require the mail-steamers to be here at least six hours before sailing-time, and this means their getting here on Friday night from Sydney. However, we most sincerely hope the quarantine will soon be over. Intrusting these matters to your favourable consideration, We have, &c, Hendebson and Macfaelane, General Agents for New Zealand. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington.

No. 57. Messrs. W. M. Bannatyne and Co. (Limited), Wellington, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sib,— Wellington, 28th February, 1902. As requested by our Auckland office, herewith we beg to hand you copy of the schedule of fares from Auckland to way-ports and San Francisco, single and return; also, copy of freight rates charged from Auckland. We are, &c, W. M. Bannatyne and Co. (Limited). The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington,