P.—B.

No. 241. The Secketaey, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Superintendent, Pacific Cable Station, Doubtless Bay. (Telegram.) Wellington, 26th August, 1902. You will no doubt be interested to learn that arrangements have been made for the San Francisco steamers on the upward trip from Auckland to call at Fanning Island every voyage or every second voyage. It was intended that the "Ventura," leaving Auckland on Friday, should call at the island, but it has since been decided that the first call is to be made by the " Sierra," leaving Auckland 19th September.

No. 242. The Superintendent, Pacific Cable Station, Doubtless Bay, to the Secbetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Doubtless Bay, 26th August, 1902. Thank you. I have imparted good news to Southport, Norfolk, and Fiji. Will information be sent to London Press or Agent-General?

No. 243. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Superintendent, Pacific Cable Station, Doubtless Bay. (Telegram.) Wellington, 26th August, 1902. Cable Board fully acquainted with arrangement, as is Agent-General. No doubt Press has been advised.

No. 244. W. A. Eyan and Co., Auckland, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Sir,— Auckland, 27th August, 1902. As we note that there is a probability of the San Francisco mail-steamers calling at Fanning Island, in which case apparently it will be necessary to land passengers in surf-boats, we might mention that if a surf-boat was fitted with a " Union" oil-engine, similar to that supplied to the " Tutanekai " and " Hinemoa," much time would be saved. Captain Post of the " Tutanekai " could, we think, give you all particulars re his own launch, and may possibly be of assistance in making suggestions. Forwarding, under separate cover, a parcel of printed matter, included in which will be found the manufacturer's catalogue. We have, &c, W. A. Eyan and Co. W. Gray, Esq., Secretary, Post and Telegraph Department, Wellington.

No. 245. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. W. A. Eyan and Co., Auckland. Gentlemen, — General Post Office, Wellington, 6th September, 1902. I have to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of your letter of 27th ultimo, with catalogues, suggesting that the surf-boat to be used at Fanning Island be fitted with a "Union" oil-engine, and beg to inform you that it is not intended to convert the boat into an oil-launch. Yours, &c, Messrs. W. A. Eyan and Co., Engineers, Auckland. W. Gray, Secretary.

No. 246. The Superintendent of Mercantile Marine, Auckland, to the Secretary, Marine Department, Wellington. Surf-boat for Fanning Island. Sir,— Auckland, Bth September, 1902. I beg to inform you that the boat for Fanning Island is now ready for shipment, and has been equipped as follows : Two 12 ft. oars, two 14 ft. oars, one 20 ft. oar, six rowlocks, one mast and lug-sail complete. I understand the boat is to be shipped by outgoing mail-steamer on the 19th instant. Please advise me to whom I am to ship. I have, &c, W. D. Eeid.

No. 247. The Hon. the Acting-Peemiek to the Agent-General. Premier's Office, Wellington, 16th September, 1902. g JR) Purchase of Surf-boat for Pacific Gable Station, Fanning Island. Eeferring to your cablegram of the 7th ultimo, and my reply of the 16th idem, on the above subject, I have now the honour to inform you that the boat was purchased

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