F.—6

56

in London. The R.M.S. " Makura," which was timed to leave Auckland for Vancouver on the 11th April last, did not leave until near midnight on the 12th, having been delayed on the voyage from Sydney by heavy weather and by the outbreak of a fire in the mail-room. The result was that the mails were delivered at Vancouver two days late and at London five days , late. If the mails do not arrive in time to catch the American mail-trains, and consequently the fast Atlantic steamers, delay must, unfortunately, always be apprehended in the London delivery. It is much to be regretted that about the same time a delivery in Sydney of the mails via the East was delayed also. The " Warrimoo " did not arrive at Sydney in time on the Bth April, and the mails were six days late in reaching London. The " Warrimoo " is temporarily off the Sydney run in order to be refitted and made speedier. As it has already been pointed out to correspondents more than once, over long sea distances and over fairly prolonged periods of time, it is impossible to look for absolute regularity in mail-delivery. In the present case there can be no question that much inconvenience must have been occasioned to consignees of cargoes through delay in London owing to the non-receipt at a previous date of the necessary advices of shipment from New Zealand. But advices can usually be posted ahead of the despatch of cargoes, and it has already been pointed out to London correspondents that the only way to be sure of avoiding trouble is to post advices as early as possible. I have, &c, R. Hbaton Rhodes, The High Commissioner for New Zealand, London. For the Prime Minister.

No. 159. The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington, to Mr. R. McCallum, M.P., Wellington. Sir, — Postmaster-General's Office, Wellington, lgth July, 1913. I have the honour to refer to your letter of the 4th instant [not printed], forwarding one (returned herewith) from Mr. P. W. Stuart, Napier, relating to the irregular arrival in London of mails from New Zealand. At the particular time drawn attention to a series of mishaps interfered with the regular delivery of mails in London. The R.M.S. " Makura," which was timed to leave Auckland for Vancouver on the 11th April last, did not leave until near midnight on the 12th, having been delayed on the voyage from Sydney by heavy weather and by the outbreak of a fire in the mail-room. The result was that the mails were delivered at Vancouver two days late and at London five days late. If the mails do not arrive in time to catch the American mail-trains, and consequently the fast Atlantic steamers, delay must, unfortunately, always be apprehended in the London delivery. It is much to be regretted that about the same time a delivery in Sydney of the mails via the East was delayed also. The " Warrimoo " did not arrive at Sydney in time on the Bth April, and the mails were six days late in reaching London. The " Warrimoo " is temporarily off the Sydney run, in order to be refitted and made speedier. As it has already been pointed out to correspondents more than once, over long sea distances and over fairly prolonged periods of time, it is impossible to look for absolute regularity in mail-delivery. In the present case there can be no question that much inconvenience must have been occasioned to consignees of cargoes through delay in London owing to the non-receipt at a previous date of the necessary advices of shipment from New Zealand. But advices can usually be posted ahead of the despatch of cargoes, and it has already been pointed out to London correspondents that the only way to be sure of avoiding trouble is to post advice& as early as possible. I have, &c, R. Heaton Rhodes, Postmaster-General R. McCallum, Esq., M.P., Parliament Buildings, Wellington. [Letters in similar terms sent to H. M. Campbell, Esq., M.P.; the Wellington Farmers' Meat Company (Limited), Masterton; Messrs. Curry, Eliott, and Co., Auckland; Messrs. Mellsop, Eliott, and Co., Palmerston North; the secretary, Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce, Palmerston North; the secretary, Wairarapa Branch, New Zealand Farmers' Union, Masterton.]

No. 160. The Hon. John Duthie, M.L.C., Wellington, to the Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Sih,— Wellington, 29th July, 1913. Intending to give notice of questions as per enclosed, I had them typed, but the simpler course is to send to you direct. Would you bring them under the notice of your officers ? They should get the Union Company to attend to the American cabling. I have, &c, The Hon. the Postmaster-General, Wellington. Jno. Duthie. r Suez Conn. 13/103.]