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your, letter, and he acknowledges Mr. Spreckels's courtesy and liberal spirit in so readily falling in with the request made on behalf of the Pacific Cable Board. It is hoped that the detention at Panning Island will be minimised as indicated in Mr. Spreckels's reply to Mr. Cuthbert. I have, &c, Messrs. Henderson and Macfarlane, Auckland. W. Geay, Secretary.

No. 12. The Hon. the Acting-Pbemieb to the Agent-Genebal. Sib, — Premier's Office, Wellington, Ist August, 1902. I have the honour to forward herewith copy of a letter, dated the 23rd ultimo, from the agents of the Oceanic Steamship Company, Auckland, to the Secretary of the General Post Office here, preferring a request from Messrs. the J. D. Spreckels and Bros. Company that consent be given to the San Francisco steamers calling at Fanning Island on their way from Auckland. I had much pleasure in consenting to the request to call at Fanning Island, and have thanked the contractors for so readily falling in with what I assumed to be the wish of the Pacific Cable Board. I enclose copy of my cablegram to you to-day. I have, &c, J. G. Wabd, Acting-Premier. The Hon. W. P. Beeves, Agent-General for New Zealand, London.

No. 13. Messrs. Hendeeson and Macfarlane, Auckland, to the Secbetary, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, Ist August, 1902. Glad Minister consents call Fanning Island. Can we now cable amendment clause nine of contract accepted ?

No. 14. The Sbceetaby, General Post Office, Wellington, to Messrs. Hendebson and Macfaelane, Auckland. (Telegram.) Wellington, Ist August, 1902. Not yet.

No. 15. Messrs. Hendeeson and Macfaelane, Auckland, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sic, — Auckland, 2nd August, 1902. We have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your favour of the 30th ultimo and telegrams of the Ist instant. We note that the Postmaster-General has not yet decided whether he will accept the amendment in clause 9 of the mail contract with the Oceanic Company, and trust that after reading Mr. Spreckels's reasons [No. 4] for the amendment he will see his way to do so. We are pleased to note that the Postmaster-General consents to our steamers calling at Fanning Island on the upward trip, and have also to thank you for advising in respect to the payment of light dues by our company. We have, &c, Hendebson and Macfaelane. The Secretary, General Post Office, Wellington.

No. 16. Messrs. Hendeeson and Macfaelane, Auckland, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. (Telegram.) Auckland, 6th August, 1902. Be amendment clause nine: Kindly advise if I can pass on Minister's assent this mail. Be call Fanning Island: Pacific Cable Board now think sufficient if steamer calls once six weeks instead three.

No. 17. Messrs. Hendebson and Macfablane, Auckland, to the Seceetaey, General Post Office, Wellington. Oceanic Steamship Company (American and Australian Line), Sic,— Auckland, Bth August, 1902. On the 6th instant we despatched a telegram to you which read [No. 16]. We are sorry you were not able to answer this before the mail left to-day, and take it that the Minister is somewhat reluctant to give his consent.

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