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Cunard steamers leaving New York on Wednesdays. The " Aorangi " reached San Francisco on tbr I lth ultimo ;it 7 a.m., hut owing to quarantine delays the mails missed the 10.40 a.m. train. I have, &c, W. R. Morris, Assistant Secretary. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Dunedin. [For enclosure see No. '!7, from "It is much to I" regretted " down to " with the fast Cunard steamers from New York on Wednesday." [Wn.-S.F. 10/2i)7.] ___________________

No. 47. The Resident Agent foe New Zealand, San Francisco. io the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) San Francisco, 16th December, 1910. Missed Cunard. Left to-day. "Philadelphia [Wn.-S.P. 10/283.] __________»___

No. 48. 'I he Secretary. General Post Office, Wellington, to the Resident Agent for New Zealand, San Francisco. (Telegram.) Wellington, 19th December, 1910 Where did failure " Maitai's " mail occur? [Wn.-S.F. 10/284.] _________________

No. 49. The Resident Agent fob New Zealand, San Francisco, to the Secretary, General Post Office. Wellington. (Telegram.) San Francisco, 19th December, 1910. Rail obstruction Chicago to New York. [Wn.-S.F. 10/285.]

No. 50. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Washington. (Telegram.) Wellington, 22nd December, 1910. Reported mail for London ex " Maitai " which arrived San Francisco eighth missed Cunard owing failure between Chicago New York. Very unfortunate so serious hitch should occur at commencement Service. Much obliged if you would take matter up with railroad companies so thai unbroken transit our mails secured San Francisco New York. [Wn.-S.F. 10/293.] ________________

No. 51. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin, to rhe Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited), Sir. Dunedin, 22nd December, 1910. I have to thank you for your favour of 14th hislaiit. The unfortunate delay in connection with the " Aorangi's " mails east, was discussed by the writer with the Resident Agent, and with Messrs. Spreckels, who are our agents for the new service, and we trust that the result in future working will prove quite satisfactory We shall feel much obliged for information from you in due course as to what despatch the ■ Maitai's" mails met with and when they arrived in London. Wβ understand that, as was the case with the " Aorangi," the " Maitai " arrived in San Francisco on contract time. T have, &c, R. McK. McLennan, The Secretary. General Post Office, Wellington. For General Manager. [WH.-S.F. 10/295.] ' ________________

No. 52. The General Manager, Union Steam Ship Company, Dunedin. to the Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington. Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand (Limited). Sir, _ Dunedin, 22nd December, 1910. The question has been referred to us by the masters of the steamers conducting the San Francisco service as to how long they shall be at liberty to remain at Rarotonga coming south in the event of unfavourable weather conditions rendering it impracticable to get the fruit cargo shipped from there on the time-table date. I therefore have the honour to refer the matter to you for decision, so that we can give the necessary instructions to all concerned.

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