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No. 66a. The Hon. the Postmastee-General, Wellington, to the Dieectoe, Imperial German Posts, Berlin. General Post Office, Wellington, 23rd November, 1900. Sib, — Penny Postage. I have the honour to inform you that New Zealand is desirous of establishing penny postage (10 centimes for each 15 grammes) to all countries throughout the world as from the 1st January next, as a fitting commemoration of the commencement of the new century. The Post Offices of Great Britain, India, Canada, and many other British possessions have already signified their intention of reciprocating ; but through a misapprehension it is possible that your Administration has not yet been apprised of the desire of this colony to extend the penny rate to your country. The advantages of cheap postage are so well known to you that I have only at the present time to suggest for the favourable consideration of your Administration the formation of a restricted union between Germany and New Zealand under Article XXI. of the Washington Convention. Should it not be within your power to reduce the postage on letters posted in your country for New Zealand, I trust that it may be possible to deliver without surcharge any letters received from New Zealand prepaid at Id. The progressive policy of the Imperial German Post Office, to which so many of the worldwide postal reforms are due, gives me every confidence that your Administration will be able to fall in with the views of New Zealand. I have, &c, J. G. Ward, Postmaster-General. [Letter in similar terms sent to the Director-General of Posts and Telegraphs, Tokio, Japan.]

No. 67. The Hon. the Peemiee to the Agent-Genebal. Sic, — Premier's Office, Wellington, 4th December, 1900. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th October last, transmitting copy of correspondence with respect to the introduction of universal penny postage. ****** The Postmaster-General has communicated with foreign offices concerning a reciprocal agreement for the exchange of letters at the penny rate, but so far a reply has been received from the United States of America only, which did not see its way to fall in with the request. Australia has not yet decided the question, but a favourable decision is hoped for. I have, &c, J. G. Wakd, for the Premier.

No. 68. The Hon. the Postmastee-Genebal, Wellington, to the Seoeetaey, General Post Office, London. Sib, — General Post Office, Wellington, sth December, 1900. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th October last, advising that Her Majesty's Government had agreed to the institution of penny letter postage between the United Kingdom and New Zealand as from the Ist proximo. I was pleased to learn that the decision of New Zealand to adopt the penny-postage scheme automatically establishes penny postage between this colony and all other British possessions which are parties to the system, and this Department will proceed on the understanding that it is settled that the reciprocity is complete as far as the possessions in question are concerned. Up to the present I have not been advised of the intentions of the Australian Colonies, but it is hoped they will be favourable to the reduced postage. I have already communicated with the foreign Post Offices, as suggested in your letter, and the only reply received so far is from the Washington Office, which does not see its way to agree to the proposal. * -I' S ; % * # I have, &c, W. Geay, for the Postmaster-General. The Secretary, General Post Office, London.

No. 69. The Seceetaby, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Deputy Postmasteb-Geneeal, Sydney. (Telegram.) Wellington, sth December, 1900. Has Conference yet settled question of penny post ? If so, would be glad to hear from you.