F.—B.

from the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), through the Marine Department; and will be forwarded from Auckland by the E.M.S. " Sierra " on the 19ch instant. The dimensions are as follows : Weight-carrying capacity, 4to 5 tons ; length, 27 ft.; breadth, 7 ft. The boat is built of pitch-pine, and is a proper surf-boat from Tahiti. The price was £22, but there will be some additional expense for repairs and equipment. I will advise you by next mail of the total cost. The equipment consists of eight 14 ft. oars, two 12 ft. oars, one 20 ft. oar, six rowlocks, one , mast and lug-sail complete. I have, &c, C. H. Mills, For the Acting-Premier. The Hon. W. P. Eeeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

No. 248. The Secketaky, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Mail Agent, E.M.S. " Sierra." (Memorandum.) General Post Office, Wellington, 16th September, 1902. Galling at Fanning Island; Surf-boat. You have already been informed that the " Sierra " is to call at Fanning Island on the upward voyage I think it more than probable that either Mr. Guthbert or a representative of the Cable Board will be at the island. In any case there will be a considerable number of workmen there —the employees of the contractor for the erection of the office buildings and quarters, and you may meet the cable-steamer " Colonia." As intimated verbally to you, I should like you to land at the island and obtain all the information possible about it, which you will please include in an official report to me on your return. Should you see Mr. Cuthbert, explain what will be required of him as Postmaster, and that the post-office will be almost, if not wholly, for the convenience and in the interests of the cable staff. As mentioned to you, the steamer is not supposed to remain longer than one hour at the island, but probably this may have to be exceeded on the initial trip. In any case see that the detention is not prolonged, and that the prompt connection with the fast Saturday boat at New York is in no way jeopardized The "Sierra" takes a surf-boat fully equipped for the service of the Cable Board at the island. You might see Captain Eeid, of the Marine Department, at Auckland, who will look after the shipment of the boat and appliances. You had better obtain from him an inventory of the oars, sails, &c, that are being sent with the boat; and I should like you to see that the boat is duly landed at Fanning Island and handed over to the proper representative of the Cable Board. The Mail Agent, E.M.S. " Sierra." W. Gkay, Secretary.

No. -249. The Seceetaby, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Hendeeson and Macfaelane, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, 17th September, 1902. Is the charge of £20 for freight on boat which Captain Eeid is shipping to Fanning on behalf of this Department in keeping with the terms of Mr. Spreckels's letter ?

No. 250. Messrs. Hendebson and Macfaelane, Auckland, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 18th September, 1902. Suef-boat measures eleven and a half tons ; twenty pounds is therefore reduced rate on two pounds per ton.

No. 251. The Supebintendent, Pacific Cable Station, Fanning Island, to the Secbetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. Sik, — Fanning Island, Ist October, 1902. I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 16th September [for part printed see No. 43, F.-6, 1903], and to thank you for the information with reference to the mail-steamers and " Colonia," and also for the papers, &c, which you so kmdly sent. The surf-boat arrived all right, and is quite suitable for our work. It is very necessary that we should have a post-office here. lam quite willing to act as Postmaster, and have requested Mr. Isbister, by letter, to arrange with the agent on the next steamer calling to have ready for me a supply of stamps, post-cards, and any forms necessary. It would be very convenient for the staff here if you could arrange for a parcel-post service, to enable us to get parcels from Auckland and from England, &c, vid Auckland. I have requested the Postmaster at Auckland to oblige by sending me price-lists from two or three merchants there, as that seems to me the most convenient place from which to get our supplies. Yours, &c, The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. David Cuthbebt.

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