19

F.—6

It is proposed to in future render a claim to your Administration annually [altered to " quarterly" in a letter of 11th June] for the cost of the transmission of Fijian mail-matter by the service. I have, &c, The Colonial Postmaster, Suva, Fiji. W. Gray, Secretary.

No. 68. The Secbetaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macfablane, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd May, 1902. Have you heard, from Mr. Spreckels or Mr. Dunnet about Friday's departure ? Our Agent was unable to meet Mr. Dunnet on his arrival at Frisco, owing to illness.

No. 69. Messrs. Henderson and Macfablane, Auckland, to the Seceetaby, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 23rd May, 1902. Just received cable from Spreckels, reading, "If Ward desires, we shall arrange sailings Sydney Monday, Auckland Friday, commencing ' Ventura.' Immediate reply required."

No. 70. The Seceetaey, General Pose Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Hendebson and Macfaelane, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 24th May, 1902. Glad to hear that Spreckels now agrees Friday departure. Commencing with " Ventura's " departure will suit. Would be obliged if you reply to Spreckels Postmaster-General desires the Friday sailing.

No. 71. Messrs. Hendeeson and Macfaelane, Auckland, to the Sbceetaey, General Post Office Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 26th May, 1902. Be sailing of "Ventura" and following steamers: What hour would best suit southern mail arrival? No instructions from San Francisco on this point.

No. 72. The Secbetaby, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Hendeeson and Macfaelane, Auckland, (Telegram.) Wellington, 26th May, 1902. I do not think sailing can be made earlier than at present, but I should be glad if you would consult the Chief Postmaster. Am I to assume that Friday departure will begin with " Ventura's " sailing next month ?

No. 73. The Secbetaby, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Hendeeson and Macfablane, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 27th May, 1902. You will observe from Press telegram from Sydney this morning that altered sailing-days outward Frisco steamers announced as a fact. May I accept this as authentic, so that I may advise our officers and public forthwith ?

No. 74. Messrs. Hendeeson and Macfaelane, Auckland, to the Secbetaby, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram ) Auckland, 27th May, 1902. Youb telegrams of yesterday and this morning received. Delayed reply to former waiting to hear hour of departure from Sydney to enable us to fix sailing-hour from Auckland. Commencing with " Ventura," sailing-day from Auckland to Frisco Fridays in lieu of Saturdays. Please accept this as definite. Auckland Postmaster advises two o'clock as sailing-hour would suit, but like to hear from our Sydney office before fixing actual hour of departure.