F.—6

14

The Postmaster-General has just arranged with the Union Steam Ship Company to place a superior class of vessels in the service, and, as you will, no doubt, regard it as important that the connection between San Francjsco and New Zealand should be maintained, I am directed to ask that you will kindly again examine the case, with the view of reconsidering the payment to the Union Company for the Papeete-Wellington service. 1 have, &c, _\ D&Robertson, Secretary. The Second Assistant Postmaster-General,"Division of ForeignJVlails, Post Office Department,^Washington,\D.C.

No. 35. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager. Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. Sir,— General Post Office, Wellington, 10th March, 1910. I have the honour to refer to your letter of the 3rd instant, on the subject of payment to your company for the conveyance from Papeete to New Zealand of mails despatched from San Francisco to New Zealand and Australia, and to inform you that I have represented the matter to the Post Office Department, Washington, with the request that the matter be again considered. I have, &c, D. Robertson, Secretary. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin.

No. 36. The Secretary, General Post Office. Wellington, to the General Manager. Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 23rd March, 1910. Can you yet give a definite date up to which Spreckels's steamers will make connection at Tahiti ?

No. 37. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 30th March, 1910. Sorry delay replying yours 23rd. We have no definite advice, but are given to understand that in all probability Spreckels's contract will be renewed as from November next. Negotiations now proceeding. Will advise as soon as we hear result.

No. 38. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the General Manager, Union Steam Ship ('ompany, Dunedin. (Telegram.) Wellington, 30th March, 1910. Thanks for telegram. Is Spreckels's contract definitely fixed until November this year? London is asking about despatch of mails after April, hence my inquiry.

No. 39. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Secretary, General Post Office. Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin, 30th March, 1910. Believe Spreckels's contract is definitely fixed.

No. 40. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington, to the Managing Director, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. (Telegram.) .s^,-' ~Wellington,l|lst April, 1910. Wellington Tahiti service. Postmaster-General is extend contract on present terms until meeting of Parliament. Please advise if this acceptable.

No. 41. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to the Secretary, General Post Office. Wellington. (Telegram.) Dunedin. Ist April, 1910. We are agreeable to continue Tahiti contract until meeting Parliament.