31

F.—6a,

We understand from you, however, that if the present rate is to be paid us the postage on parcels must be increased, and although New Zealand is specially favoured in this respect, we recognise the advantage to the colony of the present low rates. We are therefore willing to bear our share of what this involves and will accede to your request. We understand the arrangement to be, — (1.) We are to be paid postage at the following rates: — 4d. for each parcel not exceeding 3 lb. in weight. Bd. for each parcel exceeding 3 lb. but not exceeding 7 lb. Is. for each parcel exceeding 7 lb. but not exceeding 11 lb. (2.) These rates are to be also applicable to Homeward parcels. (3.) The payment for outward parcels to be made by you, for Homeward parcels in New Zealand. We understand that the New Zealand Shipping Company are intimating their willingness to act similarly, and we understand that they and we are to share the work. We are, &c, Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company (Limited). The Secretary, General Post Office, E.C.

Enclosure 3 in No. 106. The Secretary, General Post Office, London, to the Secretary, New Zealand Shipping Company, London. Sir, — General Post Office, London, 18th December, 1905. The arrangement under which the New Zealand Post Office provided for the sea conveyance of parcels sent from the United Kingdom to the colony terminated on the Ist October last, and it now falls to this Department to arrange the matter directly with the shipping companies concerned. In these circumstances I am directed by the Postmaster-General to inquire whether your company is prepared to continue to convey parcel-mails from this country for New Zealand at the rate of remuneration which he is authorised to pay for similar services performed in other quarters —namely, 4d. for each parcel not exceeding 3 lb. in weight, Bd. for each parcel exceeding 3 lb. but not exceeding 7 lb., and Is. for each parcel exceeding 7 lb. but not exceeding 11 lb. I am to mention that these rates have been readily accepted by other companies to which they have been offered, and the Postmaster-General trusts to learn at an early date that they will likewise be agreeable to 3 f ourselves. I am, &c, Arthur G. Ferard, For the Secretary. The Secretary, New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited).

Enclosure 4in No. 106. The New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited), London, to the Secretary, General Post Office, London. Sir, — 138 Leadenhall Street, London, E.C, 30th December, 1905. Your letter of the 18th instant has had the consideration of my company, and I have now to inform you that it has been decided to accede to your request respecting the revision of the .payments to be received for the sea carriage of parcels post. We understand that payments will be as follows: Not exceeding 31b., 4d.; over 31b., not exceeding 7 lb., Bd.; over 7 lb., not exceeding 11 lb., Is. Payments for outward parcels to be made by you. Payments for Homeward parcels to be at the same rate, but made by the New Zealand Post Office. We are, &c, The New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited). The Secretary, G.P.0., St. Martin's le Grand.

No. 107. The Secretary, Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, to the Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Commonweath of Australia, Sir, — Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, 28th May, 1906. With reference to your communication of the 15th March last [not printed], forwarding Parcel Post Accounts for December Quarter, 1905, I have the honour to inform you that the Deputy Postmaster-General, Melbourne, has pointed out that in the subsidiary statement showing the sea rates on New Zealand parcels for India, conveyed from Melbourne to Colombo by the contract steamers of the P. and O. and Orient Lines, for the half-year ended the 31st December, 1905, the sea-transit rate of 2d. per pound on such parcels has been altered, as from the Ist September, 1905, to the following rates: namely, Bd., 10d., and Is. per pound. I shall be glad if, in view of my letter of the 6th ultimo, you will kindly advise me as to the reasons for such alterations. I have, &c, Robt. T. Scott, Secretary. The Acting-Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.