F.—6a

3

No. 5. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 3rd July, 1906. Our Sydney agents cable us that the "Sonoma" cannot leave Sydney until Saturday next; will therefore leave Auckland Wednesday, list instant. Much regret unavoidable delay.

No. 6. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company, American and Australian Line, Sik,— Auckland, 4th July, 1906. We have the honour to confirm our telegram of yesterday, reading [No. s], which speaks for itself. As stated, we very much regret the unavoidable delay, and trust your Department will not be put to much inconvenience through the postponement. The " Sonoma " mails should reach San Francisco on Saturday, the 28th instant, and New York in time to be placed on board the " Baltic," sailing from that port on Wednesday, Ist August. We have, &c, Henderson and Macfarlane, General Agents for New Zealand. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.

No. 7. The Acting-Secbetary, General Post Offioe, Wellington, to Messrs. Henderson and Macfablanb, Auckland. Gentlemen, — General Post Office, Wellington, 9th July, 1906. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant, confirming your telegram of the previous day, notifying that the " Sonoma " could not leave Sydney until the 7th idem, and would leave Auckland on the 11th. I have, &c, Thomas Eosb, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. Acting-Secretary.