F.—6

60

The London office adds that although it receives telegraphic advice from abroad regarding the whereabouts of mails from other countries than New Zealand, it lias not hitherto been the practice to communicate any such information to Lloyd's, which, so far as is known, is concerned only with the movements of ships. However, as the Union Steam Ship Company has given instructions for the despatch and publication of advices as desired, there is no need to make, any further representations to the London Post Office. I have etc., R. Heaton Khodes, Postmaster-General. Tin- , Hon. John Duthie, M.L.C., Parliament Buildings, Wellington,

No. 171. The High Commissioneu to the Hon. the Pbime .Ministee. Sik, — AVestminster Chambers, 13 Victoria Street, London S.W., 10th December, 1913. I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 15th July and the Ist August last, giving information as to the cause of the late arrival in London of certain mails. This information was duly communicated to Messrs. Gilbert Anderson and Co. and to the New Zealand Agents' Association, and herewith 1 enclose, for your information, copy of further correspondence thereon with them. I have, &c, The Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington, New Zealand, Thos. Mackenzie [P. & T. 37/43.]

Enclosure 1 in No. 171. Messrs. Gilbert Anderson and Co., London, to the High Commissioner, London. Sir, — Terminus Chambers, 6 Holborn Viaduct, London E.C., 22nd September, 1913. We have to acknowledge receipt of your favour under date 19th September [not printed], and to thank you for the report of the Postmaster-General of the Dominion in reference to the arrival in London of the New Zealand mails. We note that at the particular time referred to there were certain specific delays in the mails, and, although wo readily admit that at the particular time the delay in the arrival of the mail in London was of more than usual durance, yet we believe there are certain points which have yet to be satisfactorily cleared up in order to put the business of the Dominion on a secure footing. We are fully aware that delays are possible, but we believe that these can be overcome if the Australian mail-service was recognized as of considerable importance, and that it requires steamers of a class entirely different from the s.s. " Warrimoo " if the delivery of the mails is to be assured in time for Sydney. We would, however, further point out that the circumstance of the mail having missed connection in Sydney would be known to the Postmaster-General, and wo suggest that immediate cable advices should be sent to you so that agents in this country should be early advised and enabled to take such steps as they consider necessary to protect the shippers' interest. We need scarcely point out to you that it is frequently impossible to post and despatch advice ahead, as the steamers load up a large bulk of their cargo and immediately leave direct for London. Should, therefore, the following mail miss the connection, considerable loss and inconvenience is experienced. We would therefore be pleased to learn that arrangements have been made for advice of any mails having missed the connection. Thanking you for your report, We have, &c., The High Commissioner, London. Gilbert Anderson and Co.

Enclosure 2 in No. 171. The Secretary, High Commissioner's Office, to Messrs. Gilbert Anderson and Co., London. Gentlemen, — 13 Victoria Street, London S.W., 23rd September, 1913. I am directed by the High Commissioner to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22nd instant, in reply to mine of the 19th, relating to late arrival of certain' New Zealand mails in London. With regard to your suggestion as to cabling when a mail misses the Australian connection, I am to at once inform you that the New Zealand Post Office always.cables to this office when a mail fails to catch the Australian steamer, and the High Commissioner immediately notifies the General Post Office in London, requesting that the information may be given due publicity. The last advice of a mail so missed was cabled to this office on the 11th April last, and the Post Office here was informed the same day. C. Wrat Palliser, Secretary to the Department. Messrs, Gilbert Anderson and Co., Terminus Chambers, 6 Holborn Viaduct E.G.