9

¥.— 6a

No. 39. Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 26th April, 1906. Received the following cable from San Francisco: " Mail connections sure ' Sierra.' Agents safe."

No. 40. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to Chief Postmasters throughout New Zealand. (Telegram.) Wellington, 26th April, 1906 Mails will be sent as usual via San Francisco next week. Advertise, and inform public and suboffices.

No. 41. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 26th April, 1906. Have received following telegram from our Vancouver agents: "We have permission call Auckland instead Brisbane this trip only. 'Moana' sails advertised date. Wire what is finally arranged." Message ends. Think it probable Commonwealth may consent deviation; if so, " Moana " could deliver mails Auckland earlier than " Tutanekai." If this eventually arranged we could advise " Moana " Honolulu. What amount for poundage do you expect to pay us to Suva? On receipt this information we will be able to quote you for the deviation, if agreed to.

No. 42. The High Commissioner to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. Sir, — Westminster Chambers, 13 Victoria Street, London, S.W., 27th April, 1906. Referring to your cablegrams (two) of the 23rd instant, I beg to state that I at once communicated with the Imperial Post Office in accordance with your instructions, with the result that an official notice has been issued to the effect that no mail for New Zealand, &c, will be despatched to-morrow (28th) for conveyance via San Francisco, and that all correspondence for New Zealand which is posted in time for despatch with the Australian mails to be forwarded by way of Italy this evening will be sent on by that route. I have, &c, Walter Kennaway, For the High Commissioner, The Right Hon. the Premier, Wellington, New Zealand.

No. 43. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 27th April, 1906. We do not at present know contents of mail which is to be put on board "Moana" at Vancouver, but, assuming it will be of equal volume to other recent mails, the amount of gratuity payable on New Zealand mails from England and America would be about £500. You are aware, of course, that the gratuity will be payable to you by United States America, which collects from London the amount payable for sea transit. If you can let me know without delay to-day amount you require for " Moana " to touch at Auckland, assuming Commonwealth agrees, the question of sending " Tutanekai " may be reconsidered.

No. 44. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 27th April, 1906. We can obtain consent Canada, Commonwealth, call Auckland, and by pressing " Moana " estimate could deliver mails Auckland Thursday, 17th May. This would be nearly two days quicker than if transhipped to "Tutanekai." We estimate cost deviation, including cost transhipping Brisbane passengers and cargo at Sydney, about £750, and will accept this in addition to poundage. Glad if you will reply promptly, as may be able advise " Moana " Vancouver, 2—F. 6a.