I

1904. NEW ZEALAND.

POST AND TELEGRAPH DEPARTMENT (REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR 1903.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

My Lord, — General Post Office, Wellington, 25th June, 1904. I have the honour to submit to Your Excellency the Beport of the Post and Telegraph Department for the year 1903, with the usual statement of revenue and expenditure to the 31st March last. I have the honour to be Your Lordship's most obedient servant, J. G. Waed, Postmaster-General and Electric Telegraph Commissioner. His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand.

EEPOKT. The revenue and expenditure of the Department for the year are shown in the following table:—

The business of the Department continues to expand beyond expectations. For the year just closed it had been estimated that the revenue would exceed that of the previous year by £17,000, but, as the result of the general prosperity of the colony, the increase amounted to over

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Item. Postal. Telegraph. Total. Receipts. £ s. d. 290,016 10 54 20,990 7 0| 787 5 1 7,515 3 4 23,897 13 7 £ s. d. £ s. d. 290,016 10 54 20,990 7 0J 787 5 1 7,515 3 4 27,935 18 8 162,497 13 74 71,028 6 3 Stamps for postage Money-order and postal-note commission Money-order commission received from foreign offices Private box and bag fees Miscellaneous receipts Paid telegrams Telephone exchanges 4,038 5 1 162,497 13 7j| 71,028 6 3 Balance of expenditure over revenue (Telegraph) 343,206 19 6 237,564 4 114 18,298 16 24 580,771 4 54 Totals £343,206 19 6 £255,863 1 2 [£580,771 4 54 Expenditure. Salaries (classified officers) Salaries (country Postmasters and telephonists and contributions to railway officers) Conveyance of mails by sea Conveyance of inland mails Conveyance of mails by railway Money-order commission credited to foreign offices Maintenance of telegraph-lines Miscellaneous Telegraph-cable subsidy £ s. d. 95,624 2 7 18,567 1 2 54,765 0 11 50,408 15 2 20,104 5 7 2,246 16 9 £ s. d. 168,012 4 0 23,868 0 10 £ s. d. 263,636 6 7 42,435 2 0 54,765 0 11 50,408 15 2 20,104 5 7 2,246 16 9 27,890 1 11 55,202 13 11 10,057 11 7 29,167 11 1 27,890 1 11 26,035 2 10 10,057 11 7 Balance of revenue over expenditure (Postal) .. „ „ (combined Department) 270,883 13 3 72,323 6 3 255,863 1 2 526,746 14 5 54,02410 04 Totals £343,206 19 6 £255,863 1 2 ,£580,771 4 54

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£55 000, or £38,000 more than the estimate. The most marked difference is in the receipts from postage stamps, the total of which rose from £246,660 to £290,016. The increase of over £43,000 in one year denotes a great augmentation of the volume of correspondence dealt with. This involved additional working-expenses, which have, however, been much less than the increase of revenue Another marked feature is the great increase in postal-note business. This, although not materially adding to the revenue, brings about a considerable addition to the work. Ninety thousand more notes were sold in the past year than in 1902. The amount payable to the Eailway Department for the conveyance of mails was £43,999, against which the sum of £30,427 was recovered for postage on railway correspondence, privatebox rents, transmission of railway telegrams, telephone-exchange subscriptions, and maintenance of railway telegraph-lines. £10,059 was also paid to the Eailway Department towards the salaries of officers of that service who act as Postmasters and telegraphists or telephonists. The balance in favour of the Eailway Department was therefore £23,631. The revision of the agreement under which these payments are made is under consideration. The salaries paid to officers, permanent and non-permanent, absorbed 53 per cent, of the revenue. The expenditure on all services, including salaries, amounted to 91 per cent, of the receipts. The net result, a surplus on the combined departmental account of £54,024, is very satisfactory. The postal surplus of £72,323 is largely owing to the unexpected increase in stamps used for postage already referred to. The telegraph deficiency is mainly due to the Pacific-cable subsidy, paid for the first time, which increased last year's expenditure by over £10,000. The money-order business shows a fair percentage of increase. 396,312 orders, for £1,416,224, were issued, and 304,106, for £1,224,842, were paid. The telegraph and telephone-exchange branches of the service show a growth which would, were it not overshadowed by the postal business, stand out more clearly. An increase of 405,893 in the number of telegrams forwarded produced over £9,000 more revenue, and about an equal sum was derived from 1,472 additional exchange subscriptions. The total telegrams handled reached the record number of 4,965,197, for the transmission of which £162,497 was the net amount received. Telephone-exchange connections numbered on the 31st March 12,105, and the subscriptions totalled £71,028. The number of miles of telegraph-line at the close of the year was 7,779, carrying 22,920 miles of wire. The expenditure on telegraph-extension amounted to £47,227. Savings-Bank figures, which are elsewhere referred to in detail, show progress in keeping with the general prosperity. Over half a million pounds (including interest) have been added to the credit of depositors' accounts, which now stands at £7,388,681, an amount equal to £9 os. 2d. per head of the population. During the year the sum of £5,661,592 was deposited and £5,343,828 withdrawn. The "insured parcel" system, inaugurated some four years ago, has not been largely availed of. It, however, provides a cover for parcels of exceptional monetary or other value, and for such seems to be appreciated. In all, 5,477 parcels have been insured, the declared value of which was £81,694. The premiums received amounted to £183. A comparison of the revenue and expenditure year by year for the past ten years is shown in the table below. The figures for 1881-82 —the first year after the amalgamation of the Post Office and Telegraph services—and 1891-92 are also given. Statement showing Eevenue and Expenditure of the Post and Telegraph Department for the Ten Years ended 31st March, 1904, and for the Years 1881-82 and 1891-92.

Adding to the balance the value of free official correspondence (£88,742 14s. lid.) and Government telegrams (£24,377 Is. 7d.), the credit balance on the year's transactions amounts to £167,144 6s. 6£d.

II

Year. Revenue. Expenditure. Balance of Revenue over Expenditure. 1881-82 £ 234,529 s. d. 8 0 £ s. 233,291 10 d. 4 £ s. 1,237 17 d. 8 1891-92 320,058 1 3 268,343 1 1 51,715 0 2 1894-95 1895-96 1896-97 1897-98 1898-99 1899-1900 1900-1901 1901-1902 1902-1903 1903-1904 357,449 14 9 365,727 6 5 392,117 1 0 408,383 15 3 445.770 7 1 488,245 16 4 503,835 19 5| 488,573 1 11| 525,098 17 3i 580.771 4 5* 299,971 1 4 3,32,325 4 8 353,699 14 5 364,403 3 1 390,197 8 6 390,448 1 7 418,271 16 11 465,756 9 5 487,814 10 0 526,746 14 5 57,478 13 33,402 1 38,417 6 43,980 12 55,572 18 97,797 14 85,564 2 22,816 12 37,284 7 54,024 10 5 9 7 2 7 9 6i 6i 3| 0* Total for ten years £526,338 19 8

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III

Staff. The total number of officers on the staff on the 31st March was as under :— 31sfc March, 1904. Postmaster-General ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 Classified staff:— First Division ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 Clerical Division ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,285 Non-clerical Division ... ... ... ... ... ... 761 Distributors and messengers ... ... ... ... ... 524 Total, classified staff ... ... ... ... ... 2,574 Employees not on permanent staff:— . Country Postmasters and Postmistresses ... ... ... ... 1,713 Nightwatchmen ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 Mail-cart drivers .. ... ... ... ... ... 4 Postmasters and telegraphists or telephonists who are Eailway officers 160 Total... .. :.. ... ... ... ... 4,454 Comparative Eeturn of Officers of the Post and Telegraph Department for the Years ended 31st March, 1903, and 31st March, 1904. Mar. 31, Mar. 31, Mar. 31, Mar. 31, 1803. 1904. 1903. 1904. Postmaster-General .. .. .. 1 1 Brought forward .. ..124 125 Secretary .. .. .. .. 1 1 Assistant Inspectors of Post-offices .. 4 4 Superintendent of Electric Lines .. 1 1 ! Chief Postmasters .. .. 17 17 Assistant Secretary and Inspector .. 1 1 I Postmasters and Officers in Charge on Controller of Money-orders and Savings- permanent staff .. .. .. 112 116 banks and Accountant .. .. 1 1 Clerks (including Telephone Exchange, Chief Clerk .. .. .. .. 1 1 cadettes and cadets in post-offices) I-. „„. 1 „„„ Assistant Controller of Money-orders and I Operators (including cadets in telegraph-r ' i.oou Savings-banks and Accountant .. 1 1 offices) J Clerks in General Post Office— I Post Office Sorters .. .. 10 13 Secretary's Office .. .. 18 18 j Letter-carriers .. .. .. 230 273 Inspector's and Dead-letter Branch .. 7 7 j Messengers (Post Office) .. .. 58 66 Controller of Money-orders and Savings- j Linemen .. .. .. 69 76 banks and Accountant's Branch ..69 69 Telegraph distributors and message-boys.. 503 524 Storekeeper and assistants .. 10 10 \ Nightwatchmen .. .. .. 3 3 Master cable steamer " Tutanekai" .. .. 1 Mail-cart drivers .. .. .. 4 4 Electrician .. .. .. .. 1 1 Postmasters and telegraphists or teleAssistant Electrician .. .. .. 1 1 phonists who are Railway officers .. 151 160 Mechanicians and cadets .. .. 6 6 Country Postmasters, Postmistresses, and Telegraph Inspectors .. .. .. 5 5 telephonists.. .. .. .. 1,656 1,713 Carried forward .. .. 124 125 Totals .. .. .. 4,215 4,454 The conduct of the staff has been satisfactory, while efficiency has been well maintained. Considering the magnitude of the business, complaints from the public have been singularly few, which in a measure is due to the firm way in which errors discovered by the Department, without complaint from outside, are handled. The systematic comparison in the clearing-room of the forwarded and received (office) copies of telegrams has not been relaxed, and all errors are noticed. Errors and irregularities on the postal side are similarly taken up. Postal cadets seeking promotion to the Sixth Class are now required to pass an examination in general postal knowledge, and it is intended in future to require telegraph cadets to pass the postal examination as well as obtain a certificate of proficiency in telegraph-operating. There is a tendency on the part of young officers to assume that an acquaintance with the daily routine allotted them is all that is expected, with the result that their knowledge is too local for their services to be of real value outside their own particular duties. As far as can be done, without disorganizing business, cadets throughout the service are transferred from one branch to another from time to time, so that they may acquire a general insight of the varied duties. Notwithstanding the exceptional advantages offered to cadets who pass the Civil Service Examinations, it is a matter for regret that comparatively few lads trouble themselves to work up for the examinations. Seeing that cadets who pass the Junior Examination gain one year's seniority, and that two years' seniority is secured by cadets who pass the Senior Examination, the number of candidates is somewhat disappointing. The advantage gained by cadets who pass the examinations is. necessarily secured to them throughout the whole of their service. As all officers who joined the Department since the 13th September, 1880, have to pass the Senior Examination before they may be promoted to a class higher than the Fifth, the effect of the failure to pass the examination will ere long become very apparent to them. A technical examination for telegraph officers will take place in July next. These examinations will be held at shorter intervals than heretofore. From the Ist April last the payment for overtime performed by the postal staff at chief postoffices in respect of week-day attendance was brought into line with the payment to telegraph officers — i.e., for attendance in excess of ninety-six hours in two consecutive weeks, instead of only for attendance between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. The payment for Sunday and holiday overtime is not changed. Distributors and others in the non-clerical division drawing salaries not exceeding £100 are now paid Is. an hour instead of Bd., and the rate for officers drawing a salary of £100 has been made uniform.

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IV

Overtime is also payable for telegraph duties at certain of the larger sub-offices which regularly receive Press telegrams on Sunday. Health op Staff. The following table gives the average absence of officers on sick-leave : —

There were five deaths. An arrangement has been entered into with the Health Department under which medical officers of that Department examine Po3t and Telegraph officers when desired. This has already proved of advantage to the Department. Appeal Board. Six appeals were dealt with by the Board in May last year, of which one'was reported against and five were reported upon in favour of the appellants. One dealt with an adjustment of salary, the second involved a question of precedence, the third a question of departmental arrangements, in which the Postmaster-General was unable to agree with the Board's views, and the fourth and fifth involved the promotion of two officers. Penny Postage. The near approach of the International Postal Union Congress (which should have met at Borne in April last, but has been postponed until April next year at the instance of the Italian Government), and the intention of one or more countries to support the proposed universal penny post, terminated for the time New Zealand's negotiations with individual Administrations. It is impossible to forecast the result of the proposal. Besides New Zealand's proposal to reduce the letter-rate throughout the union from 2£d. to Id., Japan proposes a reduction from 2-Jd. to 2d., and Germany, Austria, Denmark, Hungary, Luxemburg, and Switzerland recommend that the weight allowed to pass for 2-|d. should be increased from 15 grammes (-J-oz.) to 20 grammes (foz.). The ultimate success of the penny post will probably depend on the decision arrived at in connection with the land-transit rates. The following extract from the report of the Postmaster-General of the "United States of America for the year 1903 indicates how the question is now viewed in that country : — " Beduction in Foreign Bates of Postage. " The International Postal Congress will convene at Borne, Italy, in March, 1904. Believing that the time has arrived for a reduction in the rate of foreign postage, our representative at the Congress will be instructed to urge upon the members of the Postal Union the propriety of a reduction in the foreign rate of postage, especially so far as it may affect the rate now obtaining between the United States and the great commercial nations of Europe. It is confidently expected that if the rate should be reduced from 5 to 3 cents, or even to 2 cents, it would result "in a very short time in such an enormous increase in the interchange of communications as would bring greater financial returns than obtain from the present rate." There will no doubt be difficulty in the way of making the penny rate a universal one, as the inland postage of many foreign countries exceeds Id. A reasonable solution, it is thought, would be for the Congress to fix the normal rate at Id., reserving to countries not prepared to apoly the minimum rate the right to levy a long-distance surcharge of or less. If this were done there is little doubt that the more important countries would be disposed to declare for the penny rate, while others might be expected to gradually r-educe or abolish the long-distance surcharge. The increase of postage on all classes of correspondence posted in the colony since 1900 exceeds the estimated loss following the introduction of penny postage. 50,999,936 paid letters are estimated to have been posted in 1903, as against 31,758,792 in 1900—an increase of 19,241,144 in the three years. Penny postage was adopted on the Ist January, 1901. Newspapbk-postagb. A satisfactory reply was received from the London Post Office to the representations referred to in the last report. The Postmaster-General, London, agreed to deliver in the United Kingdom without surcharge newspapers posted in New Zealand prepaid Id. each, irrespective of weight, in the place of the rate of Id. for the first 4 oz. and Jd. for each succeeding 2 oz. The reduced rate was brought into operation on the Ist March, 1904, subject to the following conditions : — If under Boz., prepaid Id. ... Sent by first available route. If over 8 oz,, prepaid Id. ... Sent by direct steamer only. If short-paid ... ... ... Surcharged at printed-paper rates, and sent by direct steamer only. If wholly unpaid ... ... Detained and sent to Dead Letter Office. Newspapers over Boz. which it is desired may be sent by San Francisco or Federal routes must be specially superscribed, and prepaid at the rate of one penny for the first 40z., and id. for each succeeding 2 oz. or fraction thereof.

Numbers comprised (Principal Offices). Average Absence per Sick Officer. Average Sick-absence per each Officer employed. Men ... Women 1,378 186 | Days. 13-94 19-41 Days. 5-94 16-17

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V

The restriction against sending newspapers weighing over Boz. by the San Francisco and Federal routes was necessary owing to the high poundage and overland-transit rates charged for newspaper matter transmitted by these services ; but it is hoped that a reduction in the transit-rates will shortly be possible. This reduction of postage is a great work achieved. It confers an almost incalculable advantage on the newspaper press of the colony, and must inevitably lead to our country's attractiveness becoming more widely known, as the result of the largely increased foreign circulation of our excellent illustrated papers, the postage on which formerly amounted to 3d. or 4d. a copy, and in some cases even more. The Australian Commonwealth Post Office has been asked to agree to a penny rate, irrespective of weight, in place of the present charge of Id. for the first 20 oz. and Jd. for each additional 10 oz. Another concession which has been made, and is much appreciated by newspaper proprietors and news agents, is the acceptance of newspapers unstamped in lots of 100 or more. Special application is necessary, and the authority is granted in the case of newspapers addressed to places within New Zealand only. Settlement of the postage due is effected periodically. Post-office Inspection. During the year the four Assistant Inspectors visited and inspected 1,544 offices, and travelled 30,652 miles. Numbek of Post-offices in peopoetion to Population. As an indication of the postal facilities enjoyed in this colony, it may be mentioned that New Zealand has a greater number of post-offices in proportion to the population than any other country in the Postal Union, there being one office to every 465 inhabitants, The countries next appearing to advantage in this respect are the following: New South Wales with one postoffice to every 635 persons, and Victoria with one to 734; Norway, 886 ; Switzerland, 916 ; United States of America, 1,017; Germany, 1,482; Sweden, 1,844; and Great Britain, 1,858. It must, however, be remembered that the rural deliveries in some of the older countries tend to reduce the number of post-offices. Postal Union Congeess. With the prospect of the Universal Postal Union Congress assembling in Eome in April last, consideration of several important matters was deferred. Unfortunately, it has been found necessary to postpone the Congress for a year ; but it is to be hoped that nothing will intervene to prevent its being held at the appointed time—in April next. Among matters of importance to this colony to be discussed is the proposed reduction of land-transit rates, which, if given effect to, will result in a material saving in the cost of the transportation of New Zealand mails across America. Proposals are also to be made for reducing the present high charges on newspapers to foreign countries. In another paragraph it is announced that the long-desired reduction of newspaperpostage to the United Kingdom has become an accomplished fact; but there are still many countries both within and outside the Empire to which our newspapers would be sent more freely if the postage were reduced to the popular penny rate. A strong effort will be made to bring about a reduction of the letter-postage to countries not at present participating in the penny-post scheme ; and the New Zealand delegates to the Congress will also inquire closely into the postal and economic aspect of the value-payable or cash-on-delivery-parcel system, a question which, is becoming of increasing interest to the mercantile community of New Zealand. The arguments for and against the introduction of the system are given in another paragraph, and will, no doubt, be of interest. Another matter of some importance will be a proposal on behalf of New Zealand to reduce the postage on printed matter from Jd. for each 2oz. to -J-d. for each 4oz. An attempt will be made to induce the Congress to affirm the desirability of altogether excluding gambling and lottery circulars from the mails. At present New Zealand is occasionally flooded with lottery circulars from a Continental country, and, unfortunately, under the present state of the postal laws such matter cannot be interfered with. A proposal by Switzerland, of general interest, has for its object the reduction of the minimum postage on commercial papers from 2-Jd. to Id. Although the New Zealand minimum inland rates have long been -J-d. for town, and Id. for inland delivery, a reduction of rates to places outside the colony would be of considerable advantage to merchants and others. Value-payable or Cash-on-deliveey System. The question whether the value-payable or cash-on-delivery system should be introduced in New Zealand has again been revived. The matter was brought up in the House of Eepresentatives in 1898, but it was considered that the time was not ripe for the introduction of the scheme. In the meantime it may be of interest to give a brief outline of the system. The arrangement is intended to meet the convenience of persons who wish to pay for goods on delivery, or on the receipt of the bills, or railway or other receipts, relating to them; and also to enable traders and others to recover, through the agency of the Post Office, the value of articles supplied by them. The Post Office on its part charges a small sum for commission in addition to the ordinary postage, and the value of the money-order if the amount is collected. In Australia, for example, the commission on the value of the articles forwarded is 2d. for the first 10s., and Id. for each additional ss. The system may be applied to the collection of trade charges on letters and parcels; the collection of subscriptions to newspapers and societies as they become due, and of periodical payments on the instalment system ; collection of amounts for goods sent by rail or steamer, and of goods previously sent on approval; collection of insurance premiums and sums due on promissory notes, &c.

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The main arguments against the system are that large advertising firms might resort to unfair methods of competition; that retail shopkeepers, especially in the inland towns, are heavily rated, and that the Post Office should not give preference to the few large traders to the disadvantage of the small trader. The following extract from a recently published letter from the Postmaster-General, London, in reply to representations by a trading association, expresses the views of the British Post Office on the subject. After stating that the association's arguments are irrelevant to the subject in hand—namely, the question whether the existing parcel-post system is to be completed by the introduction of " cash on delivery" —the Postmaster-General goes on to say, — " The inducements to purchase put forward by the advertising firms, whether genuine or not, would seem to depend for their effect not on the existence of a postal cash-on-delivery system, but rather on the existence of the parcel-post itself. The alteration brought about by the introduction of facilities for paying cash on delivery would be merely that the purchaser would pay for his purchase at the door instead of having to remit his money, in some instances, before the goods were sent. The cash-on-delivery system would not give any special facilities to a fraudulent trader for obtaining payment for goods which had not been ordered, since it would be laid down that the sender must sign a statement to the effect that the goods are sent to a bond fide order, and the addressee, moreover, is at liberty to refuse any parcel. In any case, the PostmasterGeneral cannot admit that it is for the Post Office, which is concerned merely with the maintenance and development of postal facilities, to hinder the public in their dealings with advertising firms, or refuse to afford any facilities for which there may be a legitimate demand, and which it may prove practicable to give. " It is not the fact, as stated in the circular which you enclose, that the consideration now given to the subject is due to a factitious demand manufactured by an advertising association. Lord Stanley, in his interview with a federation of grocers' associations, showed that a strong demand in the interests of British trade for the institution of a postal cash-on-delivery arrangement with this country existed in Egypt and other places abroad. On the other hand, although he has received from various trade associations and other bodies protests similar to yours, he is not in possession of evidence that the middle class as a whole—or even the retail traders as a whole— object to its introduction. " The question of the equity of the burdens imposed on provincial shopkeepers by the rates is, of course, one for the rating authorities, and has no relation co the subject under discussion. The commission to be charged on collection of the charges payable on a parcel would fully cover the cost of the service, and there would be no question of a charge on the taxpayer in respect of it. " The decision on the question of instituting the system will be based on one consideration — whether sufficient grounds can be shown for believing it to be for the benefit of the community at large ; but no decision will be taken until the result of the extended inquiries now being made is apparent." It had been understood that until very recently the Imperial Post Office authorities were not favourable to the introduction of the value-payable system into the United Kingdom. The system is already in force in Germany, Denmark, India, Australia, and other countries, and has been found to work well. It has been suggested that the system might open the door to fraud, but in such a case the ordinary penal laws would apply. In Germany frauds are said to be of rare occurrence, as the sender is obliged to give his full name and address, as otherwise the trade charge to be sent by monev-order cannot be paid to him. In 1902, 21,000,000 letters and 16,000,000 parcels, with trade charges amounting to about £32,000,000, were dealt with by the German post-offices. In Denmark, also, the system has developed to a considerable extent. In 1859-60, 48,000 packets, of the value of £30,000, were dealt with. In 1902-3 the number had risen to 1,291,000, and the value to £850,000. In India, in the year 1901-2, the total number of value-payable articles increased from 2,608,888 in the previous year to 2,847,173. In Calcutta alone, the number of value-payable articles posted was 938,176, and the Post Office realised on the delivery of these articles and paid over to the tradesmen of Calcutta a total sum of £702,106. Patteens and Samples. The minimum inland rate of Id. for small patterns and samples was unduly high, and a reduction was made to for each packet not exceeding 2 oz. in weight. Delivery of Cieculaes. A concession in the matter of delivering circulars has been made, which has been largely availed of. Under the new arrangement the Department delivers circulars or other printed matter, prepaid in cash, and addressed merely " The Householder," with or without place of delivery. If no place is mentioned, the town of posting is understood as the place of delivery. Delivery of the circulars is made by letter-carrier to every householder within the letter-carriers' deliveries so far as the supply goes. Circulars, &c, to the number of not less than 1,000, may be prepaid in cash at the ordinary rates of postage for such distribution. Any circulars undelivered are returned to the persons posting them. Unclaimed and Eetuened Lettees, etc. A change has been made in the time for which undelivered letters, letter-cards, and packets are kept before being sent to the Dead Letter Office for disposal. Letters originating in Australia, which were formerly kept at the office to which addressed for three clear months, are now only kept six weeks, unless addressed to a specified house or street, or to a person who has gone away, in which case the letters are kept one month.

VII

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Letters originating in other places beyond New Zealand, which were formerly kept at the office to which addressed for three clear months, are now only kept for two months, unless addressed to a specified house or street, or to a person who has gone away, in case the letters are kept for six weeks. Letters posted within New Zealand and addressed to a post-office, or " to be called for," or to a person residing outside the letter-carriers' delivery, are kept one month. Letters|addressed to sub-offices, where there is no letter-carriers' delivery, were formerly kept at the office to which addressed for one clear month—that is to say, for the month in which received and the following month. They are now kept one calendar month only. Letters posted within New Zealand and addressed to a specified house or street, or to a person who has gone away without leaving an address, are now kept at the office to which directed for one week, instead of one month, as was the case formerly. Circulars and catalogues from beyond the colony, delivery of which cannot possibly be'effected, are sent to the Dead Letter Office at the expiration of one clear month from date of receipt. Undelivered post-cards, circulars, and commercial papers are returned direct to the senders by Chief Postmasters. Post-cards. Owing to the growing popularity of pictorial post-cards, senders of post-cards addressed to places within the colony are now permitted to write a communication on the front of the card provided the left-hand half of the address side only is used for this purpose. New Postage-stamps, etc. All denominations of New Zealand postage-stamps are now printed on water-marked paper. The former plates from which the universal penny-post stamp was printed having become worn, new plates were brought into use in January last. The medium-sized registered-letter envelope now bears His Majesty's portrait. Postage and revenue stamps at £d., Id., 2Jd., 3d., 6d., and Is. have been overprinted for the Island of Aitutaki. POSTMAKKING-MACHINES. Postmarking-machines of an improved design, invented and manufactured in New Zealand have been installed in the offices at Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. The Dunedin office will be supplied as soon as electric motors now under order come to hand. The latest model of this machine is both fast and accurate, and is reported by the Wellington office, where it has been longest in use, to be capable of stamping letters at the rate of 700 a minute, without any apparent diminution of efficiency. In tests made for accuracy on ordinary mixed .matter the faults have in capable hands been very few. The postmarking is very clear. Penny-in-the-slot Stamping-machines. Within the last few years several kinds of " penny-in-the-slot " stamping and stamp-vending machines have been offered to the Department. A stamp-vending machine, which appeared to have every prospect of success, was submitted a year or two ago by the inventor, who for some reason did not proceed further with his device. Quite recently no iess than three "penny-in-the-slot" stamping-machines have been offered the Department for trial. Only one of these has so far been sufficiently perfected to stand an actual working-test. This machine, the work of a Christchurch inventor, was tried for two weeks in the portico of the Christchurch office, and for three weeks in Wellington. As was to be anticipated, the earlier period of the trial revealed defects, which were one by one overcome. The recent trial in Wellington has, so far as the machine is concerned proved its practicability for the purpose intended. The principle is that on a penny being placed in a slot, a catch is released which enables one impression of a special die to be placed on a letter on pulling a handle. The idea of the inventors of these machines is that they will prove of considerable convenience to the public after office hours and on Sundays and holidays when stamps may not be procurable. The Department is, however, not at present prepared to say to what extent the want of such a device exists. It would be impossible to determine this without a trial of several months, which is about to take place. Departmental Eules and'Eegulations. The last issue of the Eules and Eegulations was made in 1896. The recurring additions to the duties of the Department have rendered necessary the issue of supplementary instructions from time to time. As these are now more or less scattered, it has been decided to revise and reissue the Eules and Eegulations, and bring them up to date. The work is well forward. The Telegraph section should be ready about August, and the General and Postal sections about a month later. Since 1890 it has been necessary to issue many new regulations to officers dealing with Savings-Bank business. The amendments of the past twelve years have been consolidated and incorporated with the main body of rules in a new issue of the Savings-Bank Eegulations published during the year. Post and Telegkaph Map. The map has already been revised, and is now almost ready for press. This map is not only of great use to the staff, but there is an increasing demand for it from business firms and others The last edition was printed on a scale of ten miles to the inch, but the exigencies of the Government Printing Office render it necessary that the revised map be printed on a scale of eleven miles to the inch. As the number of new offices in some districts has been so great since the map was first drawn, this is the last occasion on which the present drawing can be used with advantage and it will be necessary to entirely redraw the map for issue in 1907.

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VIII

Motor Cars.

Much consideration has been given to the introduction of motor-cars for the purpose of overtaking the clearing of receivers and suchlike work in the principal cities, but it has been decided to await the result of experiments, now being undertaken by the British Post Office, before coming to a decision as to the class of ear to be adopted. At the recent letting of inland mail-service contracts several contractors on main tourist routes expressed their intention of running motor cars, and were given permission to do so; but, so far, no advantage appears to have been taken of this, except in the case of J. H. Jackson, with whom a contract was entered into for the conveyance of mails between Eotorua and Taupo by motor car during the summer season and by coach during the remainder of the year. This is one of the most important tourist routes in the colony, and, notwithstanding that the roads were scarcely expected to be suited for motor-car traffic, the service was carried on successfully and with little serious interruption. Tourists and others showed a decided preference for the ears, and spoke highly of the innovation. During the tourist season the cars leave Eotorua at 8.30 a.m., and are scheduled to arrive at Taupo at 4 p.m., but as a matter of fact the run was often completed well before time, and occasionally in five or five and a half hours, including stoppages. The Department is without exact information as to the result from the contractors' point of view, but it is understood that they are so well satisfied that an improved pattern of car is to be obtained for use next summer. A motor car was run for a short time for trade and mail purposes between Tauranga and Botorua. The contractor, however, asked to be relieved of his contract after a few trips. The venture was one which could scarcely have been expected to be successful from a financial point of view, as the nature of the road and comparative lightness of passenger traffic left much to be desired. Exchange op Postal Orders with the United Kingdom. For several years past the need for an exchange .of postal notes or postal orders for small sums, on payment of a minimum commission, between New Zealand and the United Kingdom has been felt in this colony. Overtures to the British Post Office from 1893 onward were, however, unsuccessful until, in reply to a letter dated the sth December, 1900, the Department was informed that the Postmaster-General was considering the feasibility of a general scheme for the exchange of»British postal orders between all parts of the Empire. In August, 1903, an outline of the proposed exchange was forwarded by the London office. Before the close of the following month the scheme had been agreed to, and a requisition forwarded for an initial supply of the postal orders. The arrangement provides for the issue of British postal orders in New Zealand for payment in the United Kingdom, and the payment by New Zealand of postal orders issued in the United Kingdom. Poundage is allowed New Zealand at a fixed rate per thousand on all orders issued and paid. The orders have a currency of three months from the last day of the month of issue, after which extra poundage is payable by the holder equal to the original poundage for every three months or fraction thereof beyond the first three months. The poundage payable by the public on orders issued in New Zealand will be double the English rates. Thus, postal orders from 6d. to Is. 6d. will cost Id. ; from 2s. to 10s. 6d., 2d. ; and from 11s. to £1, 3d. There are forty denominations of orders, ranging from 6d. to £1 by a regular progression of 6d. There is also an order for £1 Is., which it is not at present proposed to have on sale in New Zealand. The postal orders were issued in the United Kingdom on the Bth March last, and in New Zealand on the Ist instant. As a means of remitting small sums of money the system should prove popular. Although it is anticipated that the use of postal orders will result in a diminution of the revenue from moneyorder commission, it is recognised that, as the Department exists to serve the public, the convenience outweighs any small loss of revenue. Increase in Maximum Amount of Post-office Money-orders. Early in the year the Under-Secretary for State for the Colonies submitted proposals from the General Post Office, London, for extending to the money-order system with the colonies the maximum limit of the Postal Union Money-order Service—viz., £40, instead of £10 as at present. As this practically gave effect to the views of this Department, the proposals were at once agreed to. It is hoped that the £40 maximum will be adopted by other countries with which New Zealand has a direct exchange of money-orders. The present maximum for inland orders, and for exchanges with Australia, Germany, the United States, and Canada, is £20. Identification of Savings-Bank Depositors. The question of the best method of identifying Post-Office Savings-Bauk depositors is one which, as a result of the extensive use of the bank, has been of late a subject of discussion. Since the inauguration of the Post-Office Savings-Bank system in 1867 the practice has been to have the signature of the depositor written by him in the front of his pass-book, and in this the custom of the British office was followed. Owing to recent comments, the Controller of the Savings-Bank Department, General Post Office, London, was asked to give his experience in carrying out the practice in connection with the nine million depositors with whose accounts he deals. His reply is to the effect that the subject had from time to time received the most careful consideration ; and that, " although many proposals with the object of dispensing with the signature in the book and substituting some other method of identification have been put forward, no method at once so simple and convenient as that at present in operation has yet been suggested. The additional expense involved by any other plan would be quite out of proportion to the cases in which fraud has been perpetrated through the presence of the signature in the book. . . . . Under the present system the losses through fraud, in comparison with the immense amount of business transacted since the establishment of the Post-Office Savings-Bank some forty-two years ago, have been infinitesimal."

e:—i

This has been the experience in New Zealand. While the present system has on rare occasions been fraudulently abused, those who adversely criticize the practice now in operation have not as yet proposed anything in its place which would not only provide an immunity from fraud, but which would not involve an expenditure on clerical labour exceeding the present infinitesimal losses by fraud It is also to be borne in mind that a perfect system of banking has yet to be discovered, and that in all such operations a small percentage of fraud is to be anticipated. The Department has not been slow to adopt any successful or practical innovation, or to initiate improvements or changes. In the matter of depositors' signatures it has not yet discovered a better method than that in use, but the question is receiving earnest consideration. WIKELESS TBLEGEAPHY During last session of Parliament an Act was passed giving the Governor the right to establish stations for the purpose of receiving and transmitting telegraph messages within New Zealand, or between New Zealand and parts beyond New Zealand, by wireless telegraphy, and preventing any person erecting, constructing, or establishing any station or plant for the purpose of receiving or transmitting communications by wireless telegraphy without having first obtained the consent of the Governor in Council. No progress has been made in the direction of introducing wireless telegraphy into this colony, negotiations which were commenced with the Marconi Company having fallen through. Inquiries are now being made as to the desirability of testing another system, but advancement in the direction of making wireless telegraphy a commercial success appears to be slow. An international conference on wireless telegraphy was held at Berlin last year, at which Great Britain and other countries were represented. The results were somewhat inconclusive, as the British and Italian delegations were unable to support the proposals in their entirety. Good progress, however, appears to have been made towards fixing a basis on which a future congress would deliberate. Buildings. The alterations to the Chief Post-oflfice, Dunedin, have been completed with very satisfactory results, the accommodation being now all that could be desired. The proposed alterations at Christchurch, which provide much needed additional accommodation for postal and telegraph business, are on a similar scale to those at Dunedin, and are about to be put in hand. At Timaru considerable alterations have been completed to provide better conveniences both for the public and the Post and Telegraph business. The clock-tower at Oainaru has been erected, and the clock placed in position. The office is now undergoing general renovation. At Wellington it has been necessary to occupy a large portion of the old buildings recently purchased for future additions to the General Post Office, as it has been found impossible to satisfactorily carry on the work of the several branches in the main building. A site for a new office at Nelson has been presented to the Department. During the year new brick buildings were completed and occupied at Carterton, Hunterville, Levin, Port Ahuriri, and Woodville, and at Eltham and Kaiapoi similar buildings are approaching completion. The policy of erecting substantial and commodious brick buildings in the more important towns which have assumed a permanent character is being steadily pursued, but the residents elsewhere clamour for new buildings before the time has arrived for condemning those of lesser pretensions which happen to be in existence and are still equal to requirements. New wooden buildings have been completed and occupied at Kaponga, Drenui, Norsewood, Paparoa, Eaetihi, Dargaville, and Te Puke, and others are about to be proceeded with. Plans have been prepared for new brick post and telegraph offices at Greymouth, Tauranga,. Winton, Nelson, and Paimerston North, and new offices or enlargements are being considered for several other places. The following general repairs, additions, &c, were carried out during the year : Supply and erection of public clock, Ashburton ; completion of extensive alterations, &c, also erection of fumigating-shed, Auckland; purchase of properties adjoining Post-office, Christchurch; residence for Postmaster, Clyde ; erection of cottage, Pacific Cable Station, Doubtless Bay (for Pacific Cable Board); additions, &c, Fortrose ; subsidy paid, and public clock erected, Gisborne ; telephoneoffice, Glenorchy ; renovations and drainage, Hawera ; repairs and renovations, Hokitika; additions, &c, Lawrence; alterations, Martinborough; land acquired for site, Otaki; removal and re-erection, Pahi ; land acquired for site, Parnell; additions and renovations, Baglan ; additions and renovations, Eawene ; repairs, &c, to lineman's quarters, Eolleston ; additions, &c, Eoss ; additions, drainage, &c, Stratford; renovations, &c, Waimate ; repairs, &c, put in hand, Wakapuaka ; fencing, &c, Weber; alterations to Telephone Exchange, and additions to Departmental Store completed, Wellington.

ii—F. 1.

IX

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X

Old-age Pensions. The following is a comparative return showing the number and amount of old-age pension payments made each month for the two years ended 31st March, 1904 : —

Return for same Period of Number of Payments and Amounts in each Postal District.

POST OFFICE. Aetici.es posted and deliveeed. The number of articles posted in the colony and received from places outside the colony during the year 1903, as comparedjwith the number in 1902, was as under: — Letters 1903 - 1902 - Increase. Posted in the colony Wl! , ? 3 * 53,278,875 Received from places outside the colony .. 3, 963, 115 3, 410, 381 60,512,647 56,689,256 3,823,31)1 LeU p r ostedhTthe colony 1,174,810 1,025,375 149,435 Post-cards — Posted in the colony 1,377,987 1,239,004 Received from places outside the colony .. 75,476 63,163 1,453,463 1,302,167 151,296

1902-3. .903-4. Month. Number of Payments. Amount. Number of Payments. Amount. April May June July August September October ... November December 12,295 12,471 12,321 12,481 12,401 12,392 12,453 12,348 12,418 12,325 12,386 12,385 £ s. d. 17,389 3 6 17,647 16 .9 17,428 17 10 17,629 8 10 17,523 12 9 17,505 3 8 17,596 19 4 17,441 3 11 17,562 1 0 17,416 4 10 17,507 6 3 17,496 5 2 12,272 12,201 12,060 12,124 12,040 11,989 12,064 11,925 11,938 11,829 11,883 11,601 £ s. 17,343 0 17,237 12 17,051 17 17,148 13 17,010 8 16,934 11 17,001 1 16,827 8 16,824 16 16,651 7 16,760 14 16,351 3 d. 8 1 3 1 8 0 7 2 8 6 4 8 January ... February ... March Totals 148,676 £210,144 3 10 143,926 £203,142 14 8

Postal District. 1902-3. Number of Payments. 1903-4. Amount. Number of Payments. Amount. Auckland... Blenheim... Christchurch Dunedin ... Gisborne ... Greymouth Hokitika ... Invercargill Napier Nelson New Plymouth Oamaru ... Thames ... Timaru ... Wanganui Wellington Westport... 31,903 2,007 21,182 22,706 1,380 6,524 6,278 9,429 5,710 4,233 2,950 2,960 5,885 4,611 4,628 12,796 3,494 £ s. d. 44,623 11 5 2', 811 7 6 29,671 9 10 32,008 18 4 1,966 6 3 9,612 6 0 9,227 6 8 13,343 9 2 7,861 15 10 5,684 11 6 4,097 4 6 4,275 2 2 8,511 12 9 6,479 19 10 6,634 1 0 18,246 1 11 5,088 19 2 29,529 1,931 21,108 22,168 1,324 6,467 6,115 9,598 5,524 4,032 2,646 2,752 5,702 4,418 4,175 13,054 3,383 £ s. d. 41,396 14 10 2,688 18 4 29,395 0 9 31,221 19 7 1,872 4 4 9,513 18 5 8,954 15 11 13,500 13 10 7.680 0 2 5,419 0 11 3.681 12 1 3.939 11 4 8,182 6 2 6,136 17 3 6,007 5 8 18,611 4 7 4.940 10 6 Totals 148,676 £210,144 3 10 143,926 £203,142 14 8 —

p.—l.

Books and pattern-packets— Posted in the colony .. .. ..17,613,689 16,870,951 Received from places.outside the colony .. 1,954,045 1,755,373 19,567,734 18,626,324 941,410 Newspapers— Posted in the colony .. .. .. 14,107,523 13,392, 847 Received from places outside the colony .. 5,588,911 5,124,429 19,696,434 18,517,276 1,179,158 Parcels— Posted in the oolony .. .. .. 267,974 244,016 Received from places outside the colony .. 59,655 47,654 327,629 291,670 35,959 The letters increased 6-74, letter-cards 14-57, post-cards 11-62, books and pattern-packets 5-05, newspapers 6-37, and parcels 12-33 per cent. In 1902 letters increased 9-98, letter-cards increased 0-2, post-cards decreased 14-46, books and pattern-packets increased 4-64, newspapers decreased 2-41, and parcels increased 6'67 per cent. The average number of letters posted per head of population was estimated to be 68-94, or 70-38 including letter-cards. The averages in 1902 were 66-78, or 68-07 including letter-cards. The Post Office receipts for the year amounted to £343,206 19s. 6d., an increase of 13-42 per cent. The expenditure was £270,883 13s. 3d., an increase of 4-41 per cent. The balance of postal revenue over expenditure was £72,323 6s. 3d. The estimated value of the free official correspondence of other Government Departments was £88,742 14s. lid. The gross earnings of the Post Office for the year were therefore £431,949 14s. 5d., and the credit balance £161,066 Is. 2d. Work performed for other Departments. Such work forms a steadily increasing factor of the Department's business, ever widening in its scope and usefulness to the public. A glance at the Post Office Account balance-sheet (Table 6) will give some idea of the very many matters, both great and small, with which the Department deals, matters which not only involve the bare transaction of the business in question, but also require no inconsiderable knowledge of the law, regulation, order, or system under which the money is either collected or paid out. To quote a few principal items : — Customs duties were collected on parcels and other articles coming through the post from places beyond the colony amounting to £32,739 Bs. 5d., and on account of ordinary Customs work £2,783 17s. lid. The Advances to Settlers receipts amounted to £666,337 18s. 2d., and payments to £663,640 17s. 10d. Pishing licenses were issued by Postmasters to the value of £981 175., and game licenses to the value of £2,108 14s. For the Government Insurance Department premiums were collected from the public amounting to £26,655 4s. Bd, Publications sent out by the Government Printer and paid for through the Post Office brought in £464 6s. Income-tax amounting to £122,963 10s. Id., and land-tax, £243,031 7s. Bd. were collected by Postmasters. The sum of £5,711 2s. 6d., fees due to the Machinery Department, was received. Under the Mining Act the receipts were £311 10s. New Zealand Consols for £2,605 were sold on behalf of the Treasury. £2,916 15s. Id., was the amount paid for Official Assignees as dividends in bankrupt estates. The amount paid to old-age pensioners through the Post Office was £223,319 ss. sd. On behalf of the Public Trustee £392,107 10s. was received, and £383,752 19s. 10d. paid. Railway revenue amounting to £9,653 2s. Id. was collected by Postmasters. Fees for the registration of births, deaths, and marriages received by Postmaster-Registrars were £2,145 12s. 9d. Receipts from the Hanmer Plains Sanatorium amounted to £2,141 19s. 2d. Sheep rates amounting to £20,033 16s. 7d., and £41 4s. sd. sundry amounts, were collected for the Stock Department. On behalf of the Tourist Department £780 17s. lOd. was received. Valuation Department fees paid to Postmasters reached £2,456 3s. lid. Claims on the General Government for £636,913 Is. were paid on behalf of the Treasury. Discount - stamps numbering 2,737,680, for £2,851 155., were sold, and 2,501,712, for £2,605 195., redeemed, during the year. Early in the year the Government decided to make use of the Post Office as a medium for the sale of Treasury 4-per-cent. debentures. The debentures are issued to the public in denominations of £25, £50, £100, £500, and £1,000. Interest is payable half-yearly. The increased facilities offered for investment of comparatively small sums of money have already resulted in the receipt of £54,275 within a period of about three months.

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XII

Geoss Ebcbipts and Payments. The gross amount received by the Department during 1903 amounted to £16,934,377 18s. lid., of which £14,541,510 Is. 2d. was departmental, and £2,392,867 17s. 9d. on account of other Departments. The gross amount paid out was £16,913,018 15s. 7d., made up of £14,517,417 os. 6d. departmental, and on behalf of other Departments—co individuals £1.913,159 18s. 2d., and to accounts £482,441 16s. lid. The total gross receipts and payments were therefore £33,847,396 14s. 6d. Letteb-caeeiebs' Delivbeibs. Deliveries by letter-carrier were established at: Auckland—Helensville. Christchurch— Papanui. Dunedin—Hyde. Invercargill—Winton, Wyndham. Oamaru—Hampden. Wanganui —Mangaweka. Letter-carriers' deliveries were extended as follows :—Auckland : At Hamilton, on east side of Waikato Eiver to Claudelands as far as railway-line, and on west side to No. 1 Creek; at Whangarei, twice Co thrice daily over Cameron, Walton, Clyde, and Vine, and part of Bank Streets. Christchurch (C.P.0.) : To be twice daily in parts of Aldington, Fendalton, Gresford, Heathcote, Linwood, St. Albans, Sydenham, Waltham, and Woolston, and in the Avonglade portion of the Eichmond delivery ; in Heathcote, along Wilderness Road, and in Merivale, Shirley, and Sydenham South. Dunedin (C.P.0.) : Along Lower Kaikorai Valley Eoad between Eoss and Glendining's mill and the bridge at the Eoslyn boundary. Gisborne (C.P.0.) :On the north-east and west. Invercargill (C.P.0.) : To the end of Scott Street, Seaward Bush ; at Mataura, to take in Mataura Dairy Factory. Napier : At Dannevirke, along main road as far as Mr. D. Mackenzie's residence. New Plymouth : At Stratford, along Pembroke Eoad West to its junction with Beacon Eoad, and along Mountain Eoad North as far as and including Flint Eoad East and West. Wellington (C.P.0.): At Brooklyn, to include Todman Street extension and Sugar-loaf Eoad ; at Kelburne, to include Upland Farm Eoad to viaduct on Karori Eoad, Upper Taitville, and Mount Pleasant; at Kilbirnie to include Coutts Street, Onepu Eoad, and portion of Hataitai, in North Kilbirnie ; at Masterton, morning delivery in Lansdowne to include some dozen new houses. Letter-carriers' deliveries were increased in frequency at: Hokitika—Kumara, from once to twice daily. Invercargill—To be daily over Hawthorn, South Invercargill. Wellington—At Greytown North, to be twice daily in principal street. Newspapbbs ebgistekbd. Thirteen newspapers were registered for transmission by post, and sixteen ceased publication. Ebceiving-boxbs. Forty-eight receiving-boxes were established at: Auckland—City and suburbs, 7; Cambridge, 1; Hamilton, 2; Howick, 1; Kirikiriroa, 1. Christchurch—City and suburbs, 5. Dunedin—City and suburbs, 3; Hyde, 1. Greymouth—Blaketown, 1; Eeefton, 1, Invercargill— Gladstone, 1. Napier—Dannevirke, 1; Hastings, 3 ; Mangatera, 1. New Plymouth—Town, 1; Stratford, 5. Oamaru —Town, 2. Wellington—City and suburbs, 8 ; Feilding, 1 ; Masterton, 1; Woodville, 1. Five receiving-boxes were closed at : Christchurch—City and suburbs, 1. Invercargill— Gladstone, 1. Napier—Dannevirke, 1. Wanganui — Hunterville, 1. Wellington—City and suburbs, 1. Designations op Offices. The designations of offices were changed as follows : Auckland—Paradise to Mapuna; St. John's College to Tamaki West. Blenheim —Kenepuru to Portage. Dunedin —Hyde Railway to Hyde. Napier —Spit to Port Ahuriri. Thames —Cryer's Landing to Wharepoa. Wanganui— Parapara to Kotikotia. Westport—Coal Creek to St. Helen's. Designations were corrected as follows : Auckland—Hohoura to Houhora. Thames—Neavesville to Nevesville. Post-offices established, etc. Fifty-three post-offices were established (of these five were reopened offices) and sixteen closed :— Opened. Admiralty Bay, Nelson ! McDonald Downs, Christchurch Bapanui, Wanganui Aitutaki, Auckland Mairoa, Auckland Ridgelands, Wellington Arno (reopened), Timaru '. Makowhai, Wellington Rotokari, Wanganui Ashburton Gorge (reopened), Christ- i Mangaia, Auckland Ruapuke Island, Invercargill church Mangatera, Napier St. Leonards, Dunedin Bexley, Christchurch Mangateretere, Napier Scargill, Christchurch Brixton, New Plymouth Mokihinui Mine, Westport Tangoio, Napier Carew, Christchurch New Lynn, Auckland i Taratahi, Wellington Crail Bay, Blenheim Ohura, Auckland Te Maika, Auckland Dallington, Christchurch Otuhi, Auckland Turangarere (reopened), Wanganui Greenburn, Christchurch ! Owaka Valley, Dunedin Upper Shotover, Invercargill Hayward's, Wellington Pakaraka, Auckland Waihoki Valley, Wellington Henley West (reopened), Dunedin \ Parahau, Blenheim Waima (reopened), Auckland Hindon Railway, Dunedin Pariroa, Wanganui Wainihinihi, Hokitika Iwiroa, Gisborne Piriaka, Auckland Waitangi, Auckland Kaka Point, Dunedin Ponana, Gisborne Waitomo, Auckland Kauaeranga, Thames Punaruawhiti, Blenheim Whatanihi, Blenheim Kelvin Grove, Wellington Puponga, Nelson Whitstone, Oamaru.

F.—l.

Closed. Ahiaruhe, Wellington Mangamako, Wanganui Bed Jacks, Greymouth Arno, Timaru ■ Mangatu, Auckland Eukumoana, Wanganui Egmont Village, New Plymouth Mawhitiwhiti, Wanganui Te Moehau, Wanganui Hampden Square, Oamaru Ohinewairua, Wanganui Waikonini, Napier Henley West, Dunedin Pakiaka, Napier Waima, Auckland. Kohi, Wanganui The number of post-offices open at the end of the year was 1,844.

Parcel-post. The following table shows the number and weight of parcels posted during the years 1890 1900, 1902, and 1903 :—

The following table shows the number and weight of parcels exchanged with the United Kingdom and the undermentioned places during the years 1902 and 1903 :

The declared value of parcels received from places outside the colony in 1903 was £151 2% The Customs duty collected amounted to £32,739 Bs. sd. ... J 1 1 i e . de l c^ r o ed value of P arcels despatched to places beyond the colony was £20,844, as against »lb, oxo in ivOA.

XIII

Postal Districts. 1890. Number. Weight. 1900. Number. Weight. 1902. 1903. Number. Weight. Number. Weight. Auckland Chames Jew Plymouth Jisborne.. Napier .. Wanganui Wellington kelson .. Westport Jreymouth Hokitika 31enheim Christchurch Fimaru .. )amaru .. 3unedin invercargill .. 21,882 .. 1,491 .. 1,007 938 .. 6,265 .. 4,035 .. 25,893 .. 4,723 .. 1,077 .. 2,509 .. 1,413 .. 1,846 .. 19,383 .. 2,013 .. I 859 .. i 22,500 .. 3,458 lb. oz. 57,912 10 3,661 8 2,674 3 2,570 6 17,075 14 9,563 8 74,544 2 13,370 7 2,332 4 6,243 13 3,924 5 4,357 11 58,708 4 4,774 8 2,123 3 65,329 13 7,477 5 40,287 . 2,989 3,038 2,022 8,848 8,846 44,322 5,261 1,868 2,583 2,527 1,961 30,897 1,743 1,149 34,411 6,661 lb. oz. 122,449 9 9,094 4 9,615 9 5,771 15' 28,142 15 28,206 10 160,737 4 16,916 4 4,645 15 7,711 4 9,173 5 5,976 4 118,206 3 5,294 1 4,162 7 125,419 10 20,617 0 48,878 3,426 4,501 2,570 10,363 11,487 60,954 5,846 2,384 2,737 2,961 2,090 35,292 2,507 1,805 39,600 6,692 lb. oz. 467,123 3 10,376 9 13,202 0 7,650 11 31,606 2 35,232 10 1219,805 11 18,761 4 6,119 6 9,011 15 10,197 13 ! 6,469 8 127,831 6 6,856 10 6,002 7 166,967 1 17,855 3 55,623 3,727 4,920 3,363 10,744 12,508 66,238 5,803 2,885 2,991 2,964 2,309 37,573 3,025 1,707 44,619 6,975 lb. oz. 192,866 10 • 11,196 1 14,845 4 '; 9,820 10 32,946 5 38,127 14 240,286 13 19,771 9 7,758 10J 10,285 5 10,579 7 7,804 8 140,619 3 8,441 94 5,883 15 164,277 12 19,113 4 Totals .. 121,292 336,643 12 199,413 682,140 7 244,093 861,069 7 |267,974 934,624 12

Received. Despatched. Country. 1902. 1903. 1902. 1903. Number. Weight. Number. Weight. Number. Weight. Number. Weight. United Kingdom and foreign countries (via London) United States of Amerioa .. Canada Victoria New South Wales South Australia Queensland Tasmania Western Australia Samoa Cook Islands Fiji Ceylon Uruguay Cape Colony .. ., Transvaal Natal India 28,881 lb. oz. 119,612 0 37,652 lb. oz. 163,875 0 6,225 lb. oz. 15,411 0 lb. oz. 19,567 0 7,575 4,123 303 4,071 7,705 380 507 237 235 *12 121 48 209 11,725 5 512 8 13,393 0 21,461 0 1,147 9 1,102 12 753 14 645 8 53 0 74 8 121 9 646 6 5,024 353 5,058 8,865 347 449 349 291 12 14,366 6 762 0 15,527 10 25,241 0 913 9 1,065 0 992 8 941 6 54 2 1,085 168 1,961 2,704 246 359 464 310 143 f27 251 54 24 407 {151 64 136 2,963 6 501 12 4,509 4 5,948 10 622 0 742 15 1,039 7 778 4 508 10 119 2 781 9 114 11 85 9 975 12 261 10 149 4 339 13 1,286 167 2,365 3,322 325 453 496 394 170 3,442 1 409 14 4,932 12 6,461 14 772 13 1,132 1 1,029 14 905 1 498 5 "73 260 184 7 849 13 286 78 21 396 751 5 190 8 75 15 933 1 396 740 8 352 730 14 174 352 300 13 939 9 "84 486 141 15 1,313 8 "89 154 204 11 399 13 Totals 47,654 173,229 13 59,655 1226,959 2 14,779 35,852 10 17,577 41,707 0 I * Pour months only. t Five months only; now treated as inland. } Seven months only; now sent viil Cape Colony.

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XIV

Begistered Letters. The number of registered articles dealt with in 1903, compared with the numbers in 1890, 1900, and 1902, is shown below :—

Official Correspondence. The estimated volume and value of official and other free correspondence posted during 1903 is given in the statement below : — ____ ___

Dead Letters. The following comparative table shows the number of unclaimed letters, letter-cards, and post-cards dealt with in the Dead Letter Office and by Chief Postmasters during the undermentioned years :—

1890. 1900. 1902. 1903. Postal Districts. Prom Places beyond the Colony. Eegis- ; tered in m, the u Colony. Totals. From Reeis . fejna taredm Colony. ™™yTotals. Places Colony. Col °*yTotals. Places Ee S is " i™ff, tered in beyond the Colony. Colon yTotals. Auckland Thames New Plymouth .. Gisborne Napier Wanganui Wellington Blenheim Nelson Westport Greymouth Hokitika Christchurch Timaru Oamaru Dunedin Invercargill 7,119 130 341 118 999 211 6,129 92 322 112 102 95 3,659 312 278 4,615 1,740 34,398 4,781 3,372 2,120 10,911 6,060 30,369 3,193 3,430 3,254 8,879 2,579 20,404 3,551 2,505 19,696 9,819 169,321 41,517! 4,911! 3,713 2,238 11,910 6,271 36,498 3.285 1 3,752 : 3,366 8,981 2,674 24,063 3,863 2,783 24,311 11,559 18,108 267 1,310 421 1,659 2,151 9,513 116 644 354 680 94 5,404 1,196 120 6,954 3,352 101,533j 19,912 16,903 7,193 26,685 24,9801 85,915! 6,37lj 14,726: 6,974 11,606 4,344 49,049 9,973 8,880; 44,003' 24,989 1119,641 20,179 18,213 7,614 28,344 I 27,131 i 95,428 i 6,487 ' 15,370 7,328 12,286 4,438 54,453 11,169 j 9,000 ■ 50,957 28,341 18,779 297 1,890 426 1,904 2,390 15,953 372 1,220 882 527 562 6,430 1,100 136 7,986 5,580 120,739 20,057 19,736 6,651 26,282 33,212 96,336 7,736 16,919 8,431 7,955 6,643 51,215 13,174 6,094 53,411 31,233 139,518 20,354 21,626 7,077 28,186 35,602 112,289 8,108 18,139 9,313 8,482 7,205 57,645 14,274 6,230 61,397 36,813 20,068 345 2,150 337 1,-836 2,442 17,934 147 1,314 926 957 536 7,480 705 114 8,797 6,700 121,952 19,034 22,199 6,791 26,079 30,453 121,729 9,182 18,043 8,425 13,901 10,324 51,623 10,496 6,171 53,895 29,214 142,020 19,379 24,349 7,128 27,915 32,895 139,663 9,329 19,357 9,351 14,858 10,860 59,103 11,201 6,285 62,692 35,914 Totals 26,374 195,695 52,343 464,036 516,379 66,434 525,824 592,258| 72,788 559,511 632,299

District. Letters. Packets. Registered Articles. Newspapers. Auckland Thames New Plymouth .. Gisborne Napier Wanganui Wellington Nelson Westport Greymouth Hokitika Blenheim Christchurch Timaru Oamaru Dunedin Invercargill 1,016,860 121,407 143,650 43,628 247,364 239,681 1,488,097 165,750 43,810 75,244 42,809 53,131 653,341 111,514 55,588 743,678 304,044 10,560 2,896 15,100 3,643 13,688 4,370 587,369 7,580 697 4,502 3,780 2,190 18,993 3,744 1,968 62,511 19,276 14,528 2,240 4,577 1,168 1,224 7,200 34,832 6,160 2,028 3,308 4,018 1,092 16,159 1,240 880 14,132 6,278 69,385 36,712 62,835 18,450 57,730 105,732 479,458 47,594 32,700 57,112 32,229 25,114 129,878 23,900 32,126 222,590 81,946 Totals 5,549,596 762,867 121,064 1,515,491 The estimated value of official correspondi mce was £88,742 14s. lid.

Manner of Disposal. 1884. 1885. 1887. 1889. 1890. 1895. 1896. 1898. 1899. 1900. ___ 1901. 1902. 1903. Opened and returned |68,942 66,592 to the writers Returned unopened to 9,134 8,115 other countries Reissued .. .. I 107! 185 Destroyed .. .. 3,986: 2,872 Returned unopened by |17,593119, 187 Chief Postmasters Totals .. 99,762 96,951 62,847 7,287 96 5,974 20,185 62,654 6,220 92 4,340 21,164 60,540 7,779, 141 2,660 21,931 61,065! 63,112| 68,872 12,929i 7.546J 8,899 199 j 148| 219 i 3,6171 4,069 s 3,368 25,980: 26,414 33,273 !l03,790101,289[114,631 I 74,132 76,6921.100,036 9,706 9,707J 12,251 178: 265 *5,112 4,536! 4,900' 5,705 22,915 40,2S2 44,523 111,467131,846167,6271 107,476 14,401 fl3,373 6,249 54,285 107,271 18,176 203 9,579 93,920 96,389 94,470 93,05l| Il95,784 229,149 * Includini 4,911 troo] iers' letters. + Including 13,180 troopers' letters.

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XV

The proportion of dead or unclaimed letters, letter-cards, and post-cards to the total number dealt with in the colony was 0-36 per cent., as against 0-31 per cent, in 1902. 34,286 book-packets and circulars were returned to foreign countries; 19,179 were returned to senders through the Dead-letter Office; 86,277 were returned by Chief Postmasters : a total of 139,742 book-packets and circulars, as compared with 128,327 in 1902. 1,066 letters were wrongly addressed; 13 letters were discovered to have been posted with previously used stamps ; 2,318 unclaimed registered letters were dealt with. 2,578 newspapers and 1,639 books and other articles without addresses were received, many of which were subsequently applied for and delivered. 1,650 newspapers were returned to the publishers. 601 letters and 163 letter-cards were posted without addresses. 16 letters with libellous addresses were intercepted. The undermentioned articles of value were found in letters opened in the Dead-letter Office, and returned to senders where practicable : — £ s. d. 538 post-office orders ... ... ... ... ...1,002 5 3J 54 bank drafts ... ... ... ... ... ...4,233 5 7 313 cheques ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,993 11 10J 38 dividend warrants ... ... ... ... ... 113 0 4 13 promissory notes ... ... ... ... ... 257 13 2 Credit notes ' ... ... ... ... ■ ... ... 130 0 0 Postal notes ... ... ... ... ... ... 143 3 0 Stamps ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 23 6 11 Bank-notes ... ... ... ... ... ... 299 0 0 Gold* ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 46 13 4 Silver and copper ... ... ... ... ... ... 125 10J Representing a total of ... ... £8,254 5 4J * Including a United States $20 gold piece, value £i 3s. 4d. In addition, 1 gold watch and chain, 4 ladies' silver keyless watches, 2 ladies' silver watches, 1 ladies' watch and chain, 4 silver watches, 6 silver keyless watches, 1 Elgin watch, 1 silver keyless wrist watch, 1 Waterbury watch and silver chain, 1 keyless metal watch and chain, 13 gold rings, 2 gold band rings, 1 gold ring with diamond, 1 metal ring, 1 gold brooch with diamonds, 4 gold brooches, 9 gold-mounted greenstone brooches, 5 gold-mounted brooches, 1 brooch of gold greenstone and quartz, 3 brooches, 1 gold brooch medal, 4 greenstone hearts, 5 greenstone and gold tie-pins, 3 gold-mounted greenstone hearts, 2 gold-mounted greenstone pendants, 1 gold-mounted greenstone bean, 1 gold-mounted greenstone paper-knife, 3 pieces of polished greenstone, 1 gold tie-pin, 1 gold medal of tl e New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association, 1 gold chain bangle, 1 gold-mounted greenstone Maltese cross, 1 pair of gold and greenstone sleeve-links, 1 pair of gold sleeve-links, 1 gold-mounted pencil, 1 gold tooth-pick, 1 silver fork with greenstone handle, 1 silver spoon with greenstone handle, 1 pair of silver-mounted greenstone ear-rings, 1 silver fork, 2 silver serviette-rings, 1 silver sovereign-case, 1 silver scollop, 1 silver serviette-clip, 1 silver spoon, 2 silver pocket-knives, 1 silver medal, 1 aneroid compass and thermometer, 2 purses, 1 leather purse, 1 locket, 1 piece of quartz, 1 leather case (containing scissors, needles, and silks), 2 small trinkets, 1 ladies' blouse, 1 ladies' cape, 1 match-box, 1 discount coupon, 2 kauri-gum licenses, 11 sheets of foreign stamps, 4 books of foreign stamps, 7 packets of foreign stamps, 11 tickets on Tattersall's sweeps, 3 pawn tickets, 1 shell necklace, 12 share certificates, 2 bank pass-books, 1 white-silk scarf, 1 photo, lens, 3 orders for trophies, 5 debenture certificates, 1 order for a second-class ticket San Francisco to Auckland, 1 order for a third-class ticket London to Lyttelton, 1 second-saloon ticket San Francisco to Auckland, 1 saloon ticket Auckland to Napier, 1 thirdclass ticket Naples to Wellington, 1 steerage ticket Onehunga to Picton, 1 railway ticket New Plymouth Breakwater to Wanganui, 1 excursion ticket Invercargill to Kingston were dealt with. The number of inland, intercolonial, and international articles received and disposed of during the years 1902 and 1903 was as under : —

1902. 1903. Letters. Letter- Post- p„„ kfit _ News- Letters Lettercards, cards. raclietB - papers. setters, cards. Postcards. Packets. Newspapers. Inland. Returned, delivered. &c, through Deadletter Office Returned by Chief Postmasters direct .. Destroyed in accordance with law 100,699 49,986 5,061 2,225 114 1,035 4,299 160 35,245 54,664 1,348j : 1,613 88,463 88,132 8,333 2,000 452 .. i 5,788] 166! 183! 17,698! 86,277 1,229 1,650 501787 I31J596 Australian. Originally addressed to other States :— Returned to writers Destroyed in accordance with law .. Returned to other States as unclaimed 7,143 386 5,948 259j 14l 249; 662] 671 4,851; 5,366 218 8,387 144 25l 56 400 515 33 4,831 International. Originally addressed to othercountries :— Returned to writers Destroyed in accordance with law .. Returned to other countries as unclaimed 9,156 496 7,874 332 18 330 684! 85 32,221; 278 536 10,679 386 8,890 370 63; 149 .. I 499 966 60 29,455 350 Totals 186,749 2,339 6,696 129,3271 34,023 218,854; 2,254 8,041; 141,064 52,787

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XVI

Missing Letters. 1,662 inquiries for letters and 1,545 for other articles alleged to have been posted and not delivered were made during 1903. In 924 of the inquiries for letters and 811 for other articles—over onehalf the total number—the investigations by the Department resulted in the missing articles being traced or accounted for. These may be summarised as follows: — Number of Traced Cases. Letters. Other Articles. Pound to have been 93 82 ... Missent, misdelivered, or otherwise delayed through fault of Post Office. 57 50 ... Delayed in delivery through fault of addressees. 45 40 ... Not posted. 77 68 ... Posted later than advised ; forwarded by slower routes than letters of advice, &c. 156 136 ... Defectively or wrongly addressed. 51 45 ... Mislaid or lost after delivery. 63 55 ... Returned through Dead-letter Office as unclaimed, &c. 382 335 ... Delivered. Eeason for inquiry not given, but probably in most cases omission by addressees to acknowledge receipt. 924 811 MoNEY-OBDBES. Twenty money-order offices were opened during the year—namely, Aitutaki, Awatuna East, Clifden, Fanning Island, Pern Plat, Hatuma, Inangahua Junction, Matakanui, Mayfield, Piriaka, Putaruru, Eiverhead, Eough Eidge, Scargill, Seddon, Taumarunui, Te Horo, Te Uku, Urenui, Waipara. Pour offices were closed—namely, Cheltenham, Kaimanuka, Ongarue, Tokaanu. The number of offices open at the end of the year was 510, as against 494 twelve months previously. 396,312 money-orders were issued for £1,416,224 12s. 4d., as compared with 367,207 for £1,277,059 2s. 3d. in 1902—an increase of 29,105 in number and £139,165 10s. Id. in amount. 304,106 money-orders amounting to £1,224,842 12s. 4d. were paid, as against 286,642 for £1,117,137 12s. Bd. during 1902—an increase of 17,464 orders and £107,704 19s. Bd. There were 54,933 telegraph money-orders issued for £187,472 145., as compared with 49,230 orders for £152,407 14s. in 1902 —an increase of 5,703 in number and £35,065 in amount. 122,777 orders for £308,157 6s. Bd. were issued on places beyond New Zealand, as against 109,097 orders for £262,335 6s. 3d. during 1902. 30,812 orders for £117,521 9s. lid. were issued in places beyond New Zealand for payment in the colony, as compared with 28,259 orders for £103,530 3s. lid. during the previous year. The commission received for money-orders amounted to £15,881 18s. 5d., as against £14,915 18s. 2d. received during 1902. Savings-Bank. There were sixteen offices opened during the year for the transaction of Savings-Bank business —namely, Cross's Creek, Pern Flat, Hatuma, Inangahua Junction, Mayfield, Piriaka, Eiverhead, Eough Eidge, Seddon, Scargill, Springfield Eailway Works, Taumarunui, Te Horo, Te Uku, Urenui, Waipara. Four offices were closed—namely, Cheltenham, Kaimanuka, Ongarue, Tokaanu. There were 493 officea open at the end of 1903, as against 481 at the end of the previous year. 57,047 accounts were opened and 40,837 closed, the net gain on the year's working being 16,210 accounts. The number of depositors on the 31st December was 243,675, and the proportion of accounts per head of population was 1 in 3-42, as compared with 1 in 3'51 at the end of the previous year. The deposits numbered 444,510, representing £5,661,592 15s. 2d., an average of £12 14s. 9d. per transaction. The withdrawals numbered 301,076 for £5,343,828 55., an average of £17 15s. for each withdrawal. The net amount added by the depositors Co their savings during the year was therefore £317,764 10s. 2d., plus £187,130 2s. Bd. interest earned and credited, making a total of £504,894 12s. 10d. The total amount at credit of depositors increased from £6,883,787 ss. 9d. at the close of the previous year to £7,388,681 18s. 7d. on the 31st December last, representing a sum equal to £9 os. 2d. per head of the entire population, and £30 6s. sd. to each depositor. Last year the figures were £8 10s. sd. and £30 ss. 3d. respectively. The interest credited to depositors since the Post-Office Savings-Banks were established in 1867 now amounts to £2,706,217 6s. lid. The cost of working the Savings-Banks amounted to 4'B3d. per transaction, or about £15,000 for the year. The cost of management per cent, on the total amount at credit of depositors was 0'203 per cent., or 4s. Id. per £100. Cheques may now be accepted as deposits to Savings-Bank accounts, provided they do not exceed the total amount of the deposit. Cheques drawn by local bodies may also be cashed on the local body indemnifying the Post Office against loss arising from forgery, fraudulent alteration, or any other cause. At isolated places, where no bank agency exists, arrangements may be made whereby cheques aggregating to a fixed amount, if drawn by well-known firms and settlers, may be accepted by Postmasters, provided the bank on which the cheques are drawn guarantees to honour them up to an amount to be determined between the drawer, the bank, and the Post Office.

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XVII

Non-mercantile societies exempt from the interest-bearing limit of £500 have been defined to mean volunteer fire brigades, public libraries or mechanics' institutes, agricultural and pastoral associations, church mission societies, Domain Boards, Cemetery Boards, religious societies and every branch thereof. Copies of rules and names of trustees or officers must be submitted by every society taking advantage of this provision. Postal Notes. The following offices were created postal-note offices during the year 1904: — Aitutaki Kiwitea, Mornington, I Riverhead AwatunaEast, Koeke, Muritai, SoaigUl, Burnham Inangahua Junction, : Nuhaka, Taneatua, OarißedS' Makirikiri, Orawia, Taumarunui, Fanning Island, Matakanui, Pmaka, Te Awaite, GrevLvnn Mataroa, Poolburn, Te Horo, Hatuma Matata, Putaruru, Te Uku Kailw*' Maungatawhiro, Bawhitiroa, Waikiekie. A total of 32; 4 offices were closed—namely, Kaimanuka, Ongarue, Ruanui, Tokaanu. The number of offices at which postal notes were sold at the end of the year was 603, as compared with 575 on the 31st March, 1903. 707,044 notes of the value of £220,069 11s. were sold, as against 616,264 for £191,904 13s. sold during the previous year. The postal notes paid numbered 704,031, of the value of £219,312 2s. 6d., as compared with 610,464, of the value of £190,374 14s 6d. paid during 1902-3. The postal-note commission amounted to £4,795 3s. 4£d., as against £4,195 17s. 10d. Inland Mails. The general reletting of contracts for 1904-6 took place at the end of The accepted tenders for the services under the new contracts totalled £50,525, as against £46,930 for the last year of the preceding triennium. Of the increase of £3,595, about one-half is on account of improved services and new services, the amount of accepted tenders for unaltered services being, except in the case of some of the more important routes, substantially the same as the subsidy for the previous contract-period. ■ This being the first occasion on which the services have been relet to tender since the passing of " The Workers' Compensation for Accidents Act, 1900," all contracts have been made subject to the provisions of that Act. Mail-contractors are now required during the currency of their contracts to effect and keep alive at their own cost, in some reputable acc.dent insurance company, a poicv indemnifying themselves, and also His Majesty the King, against all liability to pay compensXn or damages to workers employed, or their dependants, in respect of accidents to such Workers in carrying out the contract. Such insurance shall also, in he case of the contractor, extend to all his liability arising under the Act named or the Employers' Liability Acts and, as far as practicable, the common law. . . -, P In the case of coach services on the principal tourist routes, several additions have been made to the conditions of contract. It is now required that thoroughbrace coaches shall be used ; that cushions covered with suitable waterproof material for each seat and waterproof rugs for outs.de shall be provided; and that luggage up to at least 281b. m weight for each passenger shall bi carried free Maximum rates are also fixed for excess luggage, and for passenger-fares and box-seats. Among improvements effected in connection with the reletting of services are the following :— In the City of Auckland the clearance of letter-receivers has been arranged fer -thrice daily instead of twice daily, as heretofore, and the landing-service has been made to include all landing and shipping mails in the harbour. A new service has been arranged between Mangonm and Kaeo which , gives the former place a second weekly mail. The new contract for the tourist mailservtce between Eotorua, Waiotapu, and Taupo provides for the service being performed by motor car Turin" the tourist season, instead of by coach. Waipiro Bay is now served by a twice-weekly, as against a once-weekly, mail in 1903. The service to Waikaremoana, which formerly ran trom Frasertown once weekly, now starts from Wairoa, the. journey being performed in one day, and fhe frequency during the summer has been increased to twice weekly. The Napier-Wairoa service has been improved, the journey now being made in a day and a half as against two days under the old contract On the opening of the northern end of the North Island Main Trunk Railway to Taumarunui permission was given the contractors for the Wanganui River service to divert a portion of the service. The steamer, instead of running up the Tangarakau River, now continues along the upper reaches of the Wanganui River to Taumarunui.

iii—F. 1.

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XVIII

The frequency of the mail-coach service between Seddon and Kaikoura has been increased from once weekly to twice weekly; and that between Gulverden and Hanrner Springs to once daily throughout the year. A coaoh mail-service was arranged during the summer months between Omarama and Pembroke, which enabled tourists visiting Mount Cook to travel direct between Lake Pukaki and the southern lakes without making the deviation which was formerly necessary by way of Timaru or Oamaru and Dunedin. The Cromwell-Pembroke service, which was twice weekly last year, is now performed thrice weekly. The service between Halfmoon Bay and Paterson's Inlet (Stewart Island) has been improved. It is now performed by oillaunch, instead of cutter, and includes the collecting and delivering of correspondence at The Neck and settlements in Paterson's Inlet. Inland mail-services throughout the colony were performed during the year without serious interruption, with the exception of the service between Ida Valley and Alexandra South, which was suspended from the 11th July to the 3rd August, as the result of a very heavy fall of snow, followed by severe frosts. Other small services in the Otago District were interfered with for a few days. It is satisfactory to note that not a single complaint was received about delay to correspondence as the result of the interruption. Special mention should be made of the energy and resource displayed by Messrs. Craig and Co., the contractors, and their employees, under very trying circumstances. Occasional short interruptions owing to floods were reported from other parts of the colony. An accident occurred on the 14th August, by which the contractor for the Opunake-Eltham mail-coach service lost his life. While driving his coach and team across a dangerous ford of the Mangawhero River during the high flood the horses became unmanageable, with fatal results to the driver and loss of the horses and coaching plant. Another accident resulting in loss of life occurred in connection with the MangawekaXaihape service. While the coach-driver was delivering the mail at the Utiku Post-office the horses bolted, and a young lady who was on the box-seat jumped off and was killed. The number of contracts for inland mails in operation in 1903 was 692. There were in addition 459 services not under bond. The length of inland postal routes by road (counted one way only) was 10,569 miles, and the total number of miles travelled 2,725,716, at an average cost of 3'57d. per mile. In 1902 the respective mileages were 10,562 miles and 2,645,407, at an average cost of 3'3Bd. per mile. Ordinary railway-trains with mails travelled 3,398,533 miles. The estimated sum payable to the Railway Department for the conveyance of mails by ordinary trains was £43,998 11s. Ocean Mail-sebvicbs. San Francisco Mail-service. The temporary six months' agreement mentioned in the previous year's report expired in November last, and the service has been renewed for three years from the 10th November, 1903, in accordance with the resolutions passed by the House of Representatives on the 13th idem. The service has been performed during the year without notable incident. There were several late departures and arrivals, but the contractors were not entirely responsible for these. The late arrivals particularly apply to the outward voyages and the late delivery of mails in London. The inward mails have been delivered with fair regularity, and on two occasions the steamers reached Auckland ahead of time. In February last the departure of the " Ventura" was delayed twenty-two hours at San Francisco, in consequence of the late arrival of the mails from Great Britain. In January last year the outward steamer was over forty-eight hours late in arriving at San Francisco—exceeding the hours of grace allowed by the contract. The steamers' departure from Auckland has been altered from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., so as to afford more time for the handling and disposal of the southern mails, &c, which reach Auckland in the forenoon. The temporary arrangement under which the outward steamers, in the interests of the Pacific Cable Board, have been calling at Fanning Island since October, 1902, came to an end with the " Ventura's " voyage on the 28th ultimo, the contractors having found that the detour at times interfered with the steamers' due arrival at San Francisco. Arrangements have been made by the Pacific Cable Board with the Vancouver-service contractors for their steamers to call at the island every two months from about September next. It is likely that the cable steamer " Iris " will make one trip in the interim. The coastal service for the collection and distribution of the San Francisco mails has also been renewed for three years, at a subsidy of £4,076 a year, a reduction of about £500 per annum. Vancouver Service. Negotiations are still pending. There is now a reasonable prospect of the Government being able to arrange for the service to embrace New Zealand. Intercolonial Service. Further correspondence has taken place with the Union Steam Ship Company. The company has made more reasonable proposals, but it has been deemed advisable not to enter into any arrangement for a regular connection with the Federal service in view of the prospect of the colony obtaining an alternative mail-line via Vancouver.

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XIX

Eecbipts and Payments on Account of the San Fkancisco, Pbninsulae and Oeiental, and Oeient Mail-services for the Year 1903. San Francisco Service. De. £ s. a. £ s. a. s s. a. Payments by weight— On mails from New Zealand ... ... ... 19,366 8 9 On mails from Fiji ... ... ... ... 45 1 8 19,411 10 5 Interprovincial service, mail agents, &c. ... ... ... 5,352 0 10 m •, , (San Francisco to New York ... ... 4,300 7 5 Trans lt charges { New York tQ Queenstowa 1,822 10 9 30,886 9 5 Ce. Postages collected in the colony ... ... ... ... 16,044 18 10 Contributions from Fiji... ... ... ... ... 45 1 8 16,090 0 6 Net cost to the colony .. ... ... ... £14,796 811 1,190,865 letters and post-cards, 658,840 books, and 1,298,836 newspapers were received from, and 1,254,725 letters and post-cards, 219,919 books, and 860,708 newspapers were despatched to, the United Kingdom via San Francisco. The average time within which mails were delivered by the San Francisco service was— From Auckland to London, 30-22 days, as against 30-61 days in 1902 ; and from London to Auckland, 30'47 days, as compared with 30-94 days in the previous year. The shortest delivery was made in 28 days. Peninsular and Oriental and Orient Lines (Federal Mail-service). De. £ s. a. £ s. a. Payments to P. and O. and Orient lines ... ... 4,030 12 9 Transit charges across Australia ... ... ... 169 19 0 Transit charges across Europe ... ... ... 411 210 Gratuities (to and from Australia) ... ... ... 1,912 5 11 6,524 0 6 Ce. Postages collected in the colony ... ... ... 2,155 15 8 Postages, &c, from London and foreign offices ... 1,402 16 0 3,558 11 8 Net cost to the colony .. ... ... £2,965 810 The number of letters and post-cards, books, and newspapers conveyed from and to the United Kingdom by the Peninsular and Oriental and Orient packets were : Eeceived—962,24l letters and post-cards, 429,765 books, and 1,764,478 newspapers ; despatched —168,489 letters and post-cards, 23,271 books, and 106,226 newspapers. The maximum, minimum, and average number of days within which the mails were delivered at and from London and Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, and Bluff during 1903 by the San Francisco service and by the Peninsular and Oriental and Orient lines was : — San Francisco Service. P. and O. Line. Orient Line. Max. Min. Average. Max. Min. Average. Max. Min. Average. Lonaon to Aucklana .. 32 30 30-47 .. 42 37 37-62 .. 42 37 38-81 Auckland to Lonaon .. 33 28 30-22 .. 42 37 40-04 .. 43 40 41-38 London to Wellington .. 34 31 31-65 .. 40 38 38-92 .. 41 39 39-46 Wellington to Lonaon .. 34 29 31-22 .. 44 36 41-04 .. '45 37 42-04 London to Duneain.. .. 35 32 32-76 .. 40 38 38-94 .. 40 39 39-25 Dunedin to London.. .. 36 31 33-22 .. 43 40 40-79 .. 44 40 42-02 London to Blufi .. .. 36 33 33-51 .. 39 37 38-19 .. 39 38 38-50 Bluff to London .. .. 37 32 33-97 .. 42 39 40-04 .. 43 39 41-27

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XX

ine several subsidised sea mail-services, the subsidy-payments for the year 1903-4, the dates when established, and the date on which each terminates are shown as follows :—

(a) On basis of payment for outward voyage, which alone is controlled by New Zealand. (t>) Subsidy increased by £50 from Ist January, 1904. («) Subsidy reduced by £86 from Ist January, 1904. (1) Subsidy reduced to £700 for both services from Ist January, 1904. (e) Subsidy reduced by £25 from let January, 1904; frequency increased to twice weekly, and Motueka not included. (1) Subsidy increased by £100 from let January, 1901. (s) Service renewed from March, 1904. (h) Subsidy to be paid in moieties by the Marine and the Post and Telegraph Departments. Benewed from April, 1904. (') From Ist April to 9th November, 1903. (M Prom 10th November, 1903, to 31st March, 190 TBLEGEAPHS. The total value of the telegraph and telephone business for the year ended the 31st March last, including miscellaneous telegraph receipts and Government telegrams, was £261,941 6s. 6Jd., as compared with £248,934 19s. 4d. for the previous year—an increase of £13,006 7s. 2-J-d., or 5-22 per cent. The received cable Press increased; but the cable Press forwarded shows a falling-off compared with the previous year, which was an eventful one. The following is a comparison of the traffic in paid telegrams during the last nine years :— Number. Value. 1895-96 ... 1,899,632 . ... ... ... £92,289 1896-97 ... 2,285,001 Increase, 20-29 per cent. ... 97,453 Increase, 5-60 per cent. 1897-98 ... 2,469,415 „ 8-07 „ ... 96,537 Decrease, 0-94 1898-99 ... 2,717,548 „ 10-05 „ ... 101,104 Increase, 4-73 1899-00 ... 3,159,093 „ 16-25 114,383 „ 13-13 1900-1 ... 3,534,444 „ 11-88 „ ... 126,382 „ 10-49 1901-2 ... 3,850,391 „ 8-94 141,581 „ 12-03 1902-3 ... 4,271,218 „ 10-93 „ ... 153,338 „ 8-30 1903-4 ... 4,671,904 „ 9-38 „ ... 162,498 „ 5-97

Duration of Service. Number of Voyages per Annum. Mileage for Complete Voyage. Service. Annual Subsidy or Payment. When established. When terminated or terminable. Cost per Mile. Auckland and San Francisco Auckland and Fiji Auckland and South Pacific islands Auckland and Devonport Auckland and Great Barrier . Dargaville and Tangiteroria Helensville and Matakohe £ s. d. 1,690 0 0 1,200 0 0 60 0 0 250 0 0 100 0 0 150 0 0 (450 0 0 I 500 0 0(t>) j 233 0 0 I 147 0 0(°) 102 0 0 25 0 0 44 0 0 (365 0 0 J 475 0 0 ( 700 0 0( d ) 125 0 0 (125 0 0 \ 100 0 0( e ) 50 0 0 (400 0 0 \ 500 0 0(') 600 0 0 April, 1871 June, 1880 June, 1885 Aug., 1863 Oct., 1891 Nov., 1893 Jan., 1881 Nov., 1906 17 13 12 939 52 52 52 5,925 2,334 6,992 6 120 46 118 s. d. 3 2-22(») 1 1-37 0 3-43 0 2-56 0 9-62 0 10-03 0 5-87 Dec, 1906 Dec, 1906 Dec, 1906 Dec, 1906 Helensville and Dargaville Horeke, Kohukohu. Rawene, Koutu, Rangi Point, and Opononi Russell and Opua Whangaroa and Totara North Whangaroa (all boating in harbour) Wellington, Ketu Bay, Homewood, Maori Bay (and other offices), and Havelock Wellington and Motueka Havelock and Bulwer Nelson, Motueka, Totaranui, Takaka, and Collingwood Nelson and Croixelles Westport and Karamea Westport and Little Wanganui .. Hokitika, Okarito, Bruce Bay, Paringa, Haast, Okura, and Jackson's Bay Lyttelton and Chatham Islands (including Pitt Island) (e) Bluff and Half-moon Bay Bluff and Ruapuke Island Bluff and Te Oneroa Interprovincial service in connection with San Francisco line | Jan., 1881 I Jan., 1889 Dec, 906 Dec, 1906 104 52 170 48 0 6-11 1 10-40 Jan., 1889 Jan., 1891 Dec, 1906 Dec, 1903 Dec, 1906 Dec, 1906 156 52 (as required) 26 16 2 0 9-81 \ Dec, 1891 j Nov., 1902 Jan., 1904 'l83 1 6-41 Dec, 1906 Dec, 1906 43 26 ( 52 } 1 104 ) 52 36 12 6 210 64 1 0-62 1 6-03 1 i ' Dec, 1906 130 0 4-44 Jan., 1904 ( June, 1886 1 Jan., 1895 Jan., 1886 Dec, 1906 Dec, 1904 Dec, 1904 ] Dec, 1906 ! 44 102 ) 82 j 384 0 5-24 1. 8-62 5 2-50 300 0 0 Mar., 1904 6 1,050 0 11-43 245 0 0 36 0 0 300 0 0( h ) (4,576 0 O(') 14,076 0 0( k ) July, 1886 Sept., 1903 April, 1893 Dec, 1906 ] Sept., 1904 April, 1904 ! 52 52 12 48 26 208 1 11-56 0 6-39 2 4-85 | Nov., 1886 Nov., 1906 | 17

XXI

F.--L

Telegraph Business. » Table showing the number of telegrams forwarded, and the revenue derived therefrom, during the four quarters of the financial years 1902-3 and 1903-4 respectively :—

The telegraph receipts for the financial year, including telephone-exchange subscriptions' private-wire rents, &c, amounted to £237,564 4s. compared with £222 494 16s 6d in 1902-3—an increase of £15,069 Bs. sfd., or 6-77 per cent. The expenditure was £255,863 Is. 2d., as against £228,367 os. 7d. for the previous year—an increase of £27,496 os. 7d., or 12-04 per cent. The increase is largely due to the Pacific-cable subsidy. There were 7,779 miles of line and 22,920 miles of wire at the close of the year an increase of 30 and 248 miles respectively. The net expenditure out of Public Works Fund for telegraph extension was £47 226 19s 7d as compared with £68,578 7s. Bd. in 1902-3. The number of private wires and subsidised lines was 364, compared with 360 in 1902-3. The amount received for rent, maintenance, &c, was £2,018 75., as against £1,967 3s. Bd. in 1902-3. The total number of telegraph and telephone offices open at the close of the year was 1,153. Of these, 261 were telegraph-offices, and 892 telephone-offices. The number of telegrams of all codes forwarded during last financial vear was 4 965 197 an increase of 405,893, or 8-90 per cent., over 1902-3. The proportion of paid telegrams per head of population was 5-65, and 5-32 the previous year. The number of ordinary telegrams forwarded was 3,603,674, of the value of £123 782 6s 8M ' compared with 3,341,813, for £115,896 Bs. 7d., in 1902-3—an increase of 261,861 and £7 885 18s. ljd. The urgent telegrams numbered 176,776, of the value of £11,450 10s. 6d.—a decrease of 6 636 in .number, and £468 18s. sd. in amount. The average value of each ordinary telegram was 8-24d., and of each urgent telegram Is 3-55d 364,860 Press telegrams, of the value of £15,115 19s. Bd., were forwarded in 1903-4 as compared with 374,045, valued at £14,750 3s. lid., forwarded in 1902-3—a decrease of 9,185, or 2-46 per cent., in number, and an increase of 2-48 per cent, in value. The value of each Press telegram averaged 9'94d., as against 9-46d. in 1902-3. The bureau messages numbered 526,594, of the value of £12,148 16s. 9d., as compared with 371,948, of. the value of £10,772 Is. 9d.—an increase of 154,646 in number and £1,376 15s. in amount. The average value of each bureau message was 5-54d., as against 6-95d. in 1902-3. The following figures show the extraordinary growth of the traffic in bureau messages : Average Value. The total number of ordinary tele-1261,861, 0r\ / £7,886, or) _ 1902-3. grams increased by ) 7-84% 6-80% |B'24d. 8-32d. l> and relative receipts by-j The total number of bureau com-) 154,646, or £1,377,* ) munications increased by | 41-58% , (or 12-78'% J^ - 54d. 6-95d. * Deposits for special carriage, reopening fees, and "delivery" fees are included in the amount although not retained as revenue by the Department. The number of Government telegrams forwarded was 293,293, valued at £24,377 Is 7d as compared with 288,086, of the value of £26,440 2s. 10d.—an increase of 5,207 in number, and a decrease of £2,063 Is. 3d. in amount. 54,933 money-orders, for £187,472 145., were transmitted by telegraph, as against 49 230 for £152,407 145., in 1902-3—an increase of 5,703 telegrams. ' ' The number of paid forwarded telegrams to every hundred letters .posted in New Zealand for delivery within the colony was 8-26, as against 8-02 in 1902-3. Tblbgeaph Messengers' Deliveries. Telegraph messengers' deliveries (by Departmental messenger) were established as follows: Auckland—Hikurangi. Gisborne—Tokomaru Bay. Napier—Te Aute. New Plymouth—Eahotu Oamaru—Hampden. Timaru— M akikihi. Wanganui—Bull's ; Taihape. Wellington—Longburn • Shannon.

Number of Telegrams forwarded. Revi >nue, Quarter. Year ended Year ended 31st March, 31st March, 1903. 1904. Increase per Cent. CD -w » a CO m go fl K 1902-3. 1903-4. i June quarter September quarter December quarter March quarter ... 1,007,506 1,086,890 979,372 1,069,311 1,131,682 1,215,959 1,152,658 1,299,744 7-88 9-18 7-45 12-76 £ s. d. 36,643 5 9 35,387 4 5 40,436 4 11J 40,871 8 m £ s. 38,072 6 37,350 18 42,233 3 44,841 5 d. 0 7 6 6* 3-90 5-55 4-44 9-71 4,271,218 4,671,904 9-38 153,338 3 3 162,497 13 7 * 5-97

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XXII

Offices opened and closed during Financial Year ended 31st March, 1904. Opened. Albany, Island Bay, Maungatua, St. Omer, Beckenham, Kaiteratahi, Mokihinui Mine, Taumamnui, Chatton, Kaka Point, Ohutu, The Spa, Crail Bay, Karamea, One Tree Hill, Tuahiwi, Domett, Kauaeranga, Otaio, Tuatapere, East Tamaki, Knapdale, Outram Bureau, Waerenga Farm Eli Bay, Kongahu, Paengaroa, Waimangu, Glasgow Wharf, Koutu, Piriaka, Waiotemarama, Globe Mine, Kuripuni, Poerua, Wakarara, Grassmere, Little Wanganui, Poolburn, Wangaehu, Grey Lynn, Long Gully, Puponga, Wayby, Hampden Square, Lower Riccarton, Bona Bay, Wharanui, Harewood Eoad, Lower Shotover, Roseneatb, Woodside. Hobsonville, Mapuna, Ruanui, Homewood, Mataroa, Ruapekapeka, Closed. Great North Road, Newmarket Railway, j Omanaia, Poerua, Hyde, Ogilvie's, Otamatea, Whenuakura. Summary. Open 31st March, 1903, 1,103. Opened during year, 58 ; closed, 8 : increase 50. Number 31st March, 1904, 1,153. Telegbaph Cable Seevices. The great improvement in the cable services, coupled with the reduction in the cost of cabling, due to the inauguration of the Pacific cable, has materially popularised the cable system, as mav be gathered from the fact that the colony's cable business increased 25 per cent, during the year. The average time of transmission of cable messages generally has further improved. Messages from the United Kingdom vid Pacific frequently reach the colony within thirty minutes of the time of presentation, and from America and some of the Australian States well under fifteen and the minutes respectively. The working of the Pacific cable, as well as the Canadian land-lines and the Atlantic service, has been satisfactory. The land-line between Bamfield and Alberni, which had given so much trouble, has been replaced by a sea-cable, the laying of which was completed on the 28th July last year. New Zealand's proportion of the deficit of £90,518 4s. 3d. on the first year's working of the Pacific cable amounted to £10,057 11s. 7d. Against this the colony secured an improved oversea cable service, and the users of the cables saved over £50,000 a year. The relatively large deficiency gave rise to comment; but the position is not serious when it is remembered that, besides the ordinary items of expenditure usually charged against cable working-expenses, a terminable annuity-payment of £77,545 a year is made, which not only provides for interest but also for a sinking fund as well, which will in fifty years repay the whole of the £2,000,000 sunk in the cable. In addition, there is a cable reserve fund of £25,000 a year for the purpose of replacing the original cable, if necessary, in forty years. The position was clearly explained by the General Manager in an address delivered to the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce in September last, from a report of which the following is extracted :— " The question of the cable being looked upon as a great financial disappointment, and that the results were not what were anticipated, and so on, caused some surprise among the members of the Board. Mr. Reynolds wished "to explain that the deficiency of something over £90,000 a year did not refer merely to working-expenses. He was surprised that the outside public believed that the cable had such a deficiency on its annual working - expenses. The following extract from a report of Lord Selborne's Committee, dated sth January, 1897, would throw light on this "point : ' The financial position of the cables would be a very strong one. The custom of owners of cables is to put by such a sum of money every year as will enable their cables to be kept in continual repair, and the old cable to be entirely replaced, by a new cable within a certain number of years. This they consider to be a sufficient provision for the replacement of their capital. The committee have, however, suggested that in the case of a Pacific cable there should be what practically amounts to a double replacement of capital. They have recommended that a sufficient sum should be set aside for annual maintenance to insure the complete renewal of the cable within forty years, so that at the end of that time the associated Governments should either be in possession of a new cable or, if the old cable had not been wholly renewed, of a reserve fund sufficient to replace such part of the original cable as still existed. And, further, they have provided for the complete extinction of the original loan at the end of fifty years. These facts must be borne in mind in considering the financial prospects of the cable. , " The following figures, extracted from the British Australasian just to hand, set forth the financial position of the cable in a convenient form. For the period from the Ist January, 1901, to the 31st March, 1903, the disbursements are set out-thus :— eb Interest on money borrowed to lay the cable (£2,000,000) . ... 65,000 Head office salaries and expenses ... ... ... ... 5,500 Expenses of stations ... ... ••■ ••• ••• ••• 26,000 Eepairing cable-ship ... ... ■. ■ ■ ■ • • • • ... 11,000 Benewals 12,500 120,000

XXIII

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" During the period the cable-repair ship, buildings, &c, were under construction The cable was only opened for traffic in December last, consequently three months' revenue was all that could be set off against this heavy annual charge. No exact statement of receiots for this period had been supplied by the British Treasury, but in one despatch it was estimated that the revenue would average about £1,150 per week for one class of business and £13,600 per annum for another taZ fis Sin ?v, hT mdlCa i e * hat u th , e reCei P ts for the <l uarter mentioned probably aggregated ±,18,310, so that the accounts for the last financial year possibly read,— Expenditure 12() £ 000 Eevenue - . - lelaio Deficiency 101^690 * •v. . * * * * * * * n " I'" 6 i B lno ing I U u d fOT the re P a y ment of the cost of the cable came into operation in December, 1902, and the estimates for the next financial year, to the 31st March, 1904, are :— " Expenditure. g Interest and first instalment of annuity* 77 ha k Head office *\" [[ \" "' i IoQ Cable stations ...... or ' onn Kepairmg-ships, salaries, &c. ... ... ... 19 500 Eenewals and depreciation ... ... 35*500 Miscellaneous ... ... ... [[ 2'255 Total ' ~ 165,500 "It is anticipated that the receipts for the year will amount to £73,400. The result of the year s operations will therefore probably be :— e Expenditure 165^500 Eevenue 731400 Deficiency "92,100 ********* oh, Jp Th /77 0 Sn IOSS n or the - tW °, I 6 " 8 Wll i the / efore not fall f « short of £193,790. The interestcharge, £77,500 will remain stationary for fifty years ; but at the expiration of that period the money borrowed to construct the cable will have been repaid, and this annual charge will " Australia pays one-third of the annual charge ; but it cannot be regarded as a deficit when it is remembered that they were paying off the cost of a cable that had so far cost them nothin ° and were also laying up money for a new cable when the present one was worn out beeides writing off depreciation on their buildings and ship. The traffic was up to the estimate made by the parliamentary Committee, and he hoped that with increased prosperity in Australia theTraffic would begin to improve, and justify the optimistic estimates made a few years ago which caleu lated on a 10-per-cent. increase each year over its predecessor." the year 6nded the 81St MarCh ' 19 ° 4 ' are eStim^ £ Traffic revenue 76 ,300 Annuity and renewals ... 113 045 Deficlt •■ 90,258 Working-expenses ... Z 53] g}§ T ° tal - - Total ... I^ The General Manager of the Pacific Cable Board paid a business visit to Australia and New Zealand in August, last, which did nmch good, although Mr. Beynolds was unable to have matted in Australia placed on a permanently satisfactory footing. The Federal Post Office could no see its way to exercise any control over the Board's canvassers, or otherwise directly assist msecurS traffic. This resulted m the Board not appointing canvassers, and concerted action for securinf fZ n AusSa 6re haS ' therefOre ' been httle mCreaBe m the Pacific-cable t3 A conference of delegates representing the Pacific-cable partners is to be held in London shortly in reference to the Commonwealth's agreement with the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company and other important matters affecting the Pacific cable. Among the questions fofcon sideration is one to be submitted by this Government that local Honorary Boards should be 2~ pointed in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, to whom representatives of the Board would look for advice in the matter of canvassing and business matters generally. Sir Sandford FlemW formerly Engineer in Chief Canadian Bailways, and who has taken a marked interest °n the S cable, will represent the Government at the conference. -facinc Auckland has now been selected by the Pacific Cable Board as the headquarters of the cable repairing steamer "Ins," in preference to Suva. 0I cne cable .

• 1.e., one of fifty annual payments to extinguish loan and interest,

XXIV

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The cable between Honolulu and the Philippine!,, ma Midway Island and which has been laid by the Commercial Pacific Cable Company, was opened for traffic on £***£. July la£ This gi V e B San Francisco direct cable communication with China, Japan, and other points in the BaSt The Pacific Cable Board, by arrangement with the German Transatlantic Cable Company, has been able to reduce the rate to Germany to 3s. a word. It is hoped that a similar reduction may be possible later on to other places in Europe. CABLE BUSINESS. The number and value of cable messages forwarded from New Zealand during 1903 are shown in the following statement. (The Pacific cable was opened for tramc-New Zealand to Southport and Suva 23rd%ril, 1902 ; New Zealand to Vancouver, Bth December following.)

Viâ Pacific.

The colony's outward international and Australian cable business, not including Press, for the years 1902 and 1903>as as follows :— International. Number of Value. Messages. £ s. d. ■ IOA o ... 20,826 35,879 8 7 }££ •- ... ... 14,893 31,766 15 6 iyuz - ■ ■ • • *"■ Inc. 5,933* Inc. 4,112 13 It ♦ 39-83 per cent. t 12-95 per cent. Australia. Number of Value. Messages. £ s - d--IQ no 68,120 13,978 1 11 J903 ... ••• ••• 61964 14;375 16 10 Inc. 6,156* Dec. 397 14 11+ • 9-93 per cent, t 2-76 per cent.

irdinary. Press. Destination. Number of Messages. Value. Number of Messages. Value. International Australia... .. 16,438 .. 56,157 £ s. a. 28,040 7 1 11,472 12 1 40 285 £ s. d. 76 16 8 220 4 0 Total for 1903 72,595 39,512 19 2 325 297 0 8 Total for 1902 42,358 19,053 11 11 367 369 18 3 Via Extension. Destination. Ordinary. Number of Va , ue ! Number of Messages. j Messages. £ s. d. 4,388 7,839 1 6 167 11,963 2,505 9 10 1,103 Press. Value. International Australia ... £ s. d. 338 13 0 599 17 5 Total for 1903 16,351 10,344 11 4 1,270 938 10 5 Total for 1902 34,499 27,089 0 5 1,463 1,402 10 1

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XXV

There was a total increase of 12,089 messages, and of £3,714 18s. 2d. in value. The forwarded and received cable Press business for the past ten years ended 31st December, 1903, has been :—

TELEPHONE EXCHANGES. Twelve new exchanges were opened during the year. 1,472 new subscribers were added to the exchanges throughout the colony, bringing the total connections up to 12,105, an increase of 14 per cent, for the year. Of the total increase, 709 were added at the four chief centres. It will be necessary to make considerable additions to the Wellington Exchange, all the space available for the switchboard being now taken up. In consequence of the growth of the larger exchanges and the introduction of electric tramways in the four principal centres, the installation of metallic circuits has been decided upon to eliminate cross-talk and induction from the tramways. These are now being installed at Auckland, and the material for Wellington and Dunedin, now under order, is expected to arrive shortly, when the work will be put in hand at once. There were on the 31st March last 27 central and 54 sub-exchanges. The following is a comparative return of the telephone-exchange connections for the years 1902-3 and 1903-4 :— „ , Number of Subscribers or Connections : iLxcbange. March 31, 1903. March 31, 1904. Ashburton ... ... ... ... 11l ... 118 Auckland ... ... ... ... 1,554 ... 1,707 Devonport ... ... ... ... 28 ... 34 Blenheim ... ... ... ... 112 ... 133 Christchurch ... ... ... ... 1,297 ... 1,479 Akaroa ... ... ... ... 34 ... 36 Doyleston ... ... ... ... 6 ... 7 Leeston ... ... ... ... 10 ... 11 Lincoln ... ... ... ... ... ... 8 Little Eiver... ... ... ... 7 ... 8 Lyttelton ... ... ... ... ... ... 8 Eangiora ... ... ... ... 14 ... 15 Southbridge... ... ... ... ■•• ••• 6 Dannevirke ... ... ... ... 53 ... 88 Dunedin ... ... ... ... 1,420 ... 1,579 Balclutha ... ... ... ... 20 ... 24 Clinton ... ... ... ... ••• ••• 8 Kaitangata ... ... ... ••• 5 ... 10 Milton ... ... ... ... 20 ... 21 Palmerston ... ... ... ... 20 ... 18 Port Chalmers ... ... ... 21 ... 21 Waikouaiti ... ... ... ••• 9 ... 8 Peilding ... ... ... ... HO ... 133 Sanson ... ... ... ... ••• ■• 1 Gisborne ... ... ... ... 237 ... 281 Greymouth ... ... ... ••• 161 ••• 183 Eeefton ... ... ... ... •■■• ••• 44 Hawera ... ... ... ... 126 ... 143 Eltham ... ... ... ... 26 ... 26 Manaia ... ... ... ■•• 19 ... 18 Otakeho ... ... ... ••• 1 Patea ... ... ... ... 30 ... 31

iv—F. 1.

Forward, led. Received. Year. Nui mber of Number of Value. Messages. Words. Value. Messages. Words. 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 994 1,168 1,069 1,294 1,154 1,570 1,034 1,420 1,830 1,595 103,366 68,682 92,946 128,839 133,342 . 182,066 139,295 148,400 202,968 159,732 £ s. d. 899 4 9 433 13 0 531 4 9 945 4 8 907 7 0 1,800 10 4 1,457 4 5 2,718 12 0 1,772 8 4 1,235 11 1 3,033 3,926 2,946 3,665 3,599 3,822 4,014 3,989 4,443 5,636 203,326 314,136 285,369 323,617 282,882 298,218 333,300 351,291 396,438 425,824 £ b. d. 1,179 13 7 1,782 13 5 1,576 1 3 1,752 7 5 1,599 7 0 1,690 12 4 1,878 9 1 1,967 19 3 2,200 10 6 2,333 10 2

F.—l

Number of Subscribers or Connections : Exchange. . March 31, 1903. March 31, 1904. „ , ~., . 122 ... 129 Hokitika ... ••• ••• ••• Kumara ... ••• •■• ••• ••• g Wcargill Z '■'■' 3 J 3 3 g Bluff ... ••• ••• ••• 2 * ••• d V Edendale ... ••• •■• ••• j> - ° Gore ... ••• ••■ ••• '° 16 Lumsden ... ••• •■• ••• ° •■■ ,„ Mataura ... ••• ••• ■•• * •" „. Otautau ... ... ••■ ••• *° ••• ft Eiversdale ... ••• ••• ••• J° Eiverton ... ... ■•• ■•■ ' 99 TTT- J_ Zl -^ Winton ... ••• ■■• ■•• r Woodlands ... ••■ ■•• ••• J , ■" Wyndham ... ••• ••• ••• ~, Masterton ... ••• ••• - "* - ,0 Oarterton ... •■• ••• ••• • f> - ™ Eketahuna ... ••• ••• ■•■ ]° — {^ Grey town North J 10 Napier ... ••• ••■ ••■ 11R Hastings ... ... ■•• - 65 - n J M y eber - - '•■ 185 ■" 220 Nelson ... •■• •■■ . ■•• J"" o 9n New Plymouth ... ... ••• 2 99 3 g Inglewood ... ■•• ••■ ••• r' ■■' lfi Write. .- ••■ ;;; a {s Oamaru ... ••• ••• ••• - LU !r 2 Ngapara ... ... •■■ ••• £ 79 Pahiatua ... ••■ ■•• ••• ' 90 Woodville ... ... ... 21 20 Palmerston North ... ... ••• 223 ** Foxton ... ••• ■•• ■•■ "• 70 Eotorua ... ••• ••• ■■: °' —. '" Stratford ... ■•• ■•• ••• ... 9B Thames ... ... •■• - ™ • /» Tiu :r a ::: ::: ::: ::: 2 oe Fairlie ... ••■ ••• ••• U St. Andrew's ... ■•• ••• ••• "• ° Studholme Junction ... ... ••■ ■•• ••• ° Temuka ... ■•• ■•• ••• 17 - Waimate ... ... ••• ■•• f Wanganui ... ... ••• ••• - iAb Hunterville... ••■ ■•• ••• b - ° Marton ... ... ••• ••• d ° ••• 4 | Okaiawa ... ••• ■•• ■•■• „ WaVerley ••• '■• ■" ■•' 1 QO9 2 103 Wellington ... ... - - L^ 2 2 '"g Westport ... ... ••■ ■•• 8 ' ••• Whangarei ... ••• ••• ••• ••■ — 10,633 ... 12,105 The connections are classified: Paying, 11,136 ; free, 259; bureaux, 710: total, 12,105. The following are particulars of telegraph and telephone wires, &c, in the colony on the 31st March, 1904, exclusive of those now maintained by the Eailway Department:— Telegraph. Telephone. Miles of line, Ist April, 1903 ... ... ... 7,749 667^ 31st March, 1904 ... ... 7,779i 721* Miles of wire, Ist April, 1903 ... .... ... 22,672f 8,727 31st March, 1904 ... ... 9,834£ Increase during the year— Miles of line ... ... ••• 54 Miles of wire ... ... ... 248| 1,007* Cables — Submarine, Ist April, 1903 ... 282-378 knots. 3-392 knots. 31st March, 1904 ... 283-107 „ 3-392 „

XXVI

F.—l

XXVII

BLECTEIC LIGHTING AND POWEE. The rapid increase in the use of electricity for lighting and power has thrown a considerable amount of work on the Department, which, acting for the Electric Telegraph Commissioner as the Board of Control, has dealt with regulations in connection with the construction of tramways in the City of Christchurch. A. number of applications for licenses under " The Electric Lines Act, 1884," has been received from boroughs and dealt with. TELEGEAPH AND TELEPHONE CONSTEUCTION AND MAINTENANCE. Auckland District. Construction. The following new lines have been erected during the year : — Miles of Poles. Miles of Wire. Mapuna (lead off Dargaville-Tangiteroria line) ... ... If If Hobsonville (lead off Auckland-Swanson line) ... ... 3 8 Koutu (lead off Bawene-Hokianga Heads line) ... ... 0-J Te Kopuru to Dargaville telephone-line ... . . ... 6 Kawakawa to Hukerenui deviation ... ... ... 17 56-J East Tamaki (lead off Auckland-Papatoetoe wire) ... 1-J 1-J Mangonui to Doubtless Bay (extension of No. 3 wire) ... ... 3 The Spa (lead off Taupo-Atiamuri wire) ... ... 2 2 Thames to Kauaeranga ... ... ... ~. 0J 6J Paengaroa (lead off Te Puke-Maketu wire) .... ... 0J 0J Fencourt line extended to new office ... ... 0-J- 0J Waimangu (lead off Eotorua-Waiotapu line) ... ... 3 3 Warkworth to Whangarei (No. 4 extended) ... ... ... 77 Albany (lead off Auckland-Takapuna wire) ... ... 2-J 9 Waiotemaraina (lead off Eawene-Hokianga Heads line) ... 4-| 4-^ Whitford (lead off Auckland-Cowes line) ... ... 5 o Kawakawa to Waipapa deviation ... ... ... 18 77 Waiotapu Prison, Loop into ... ... ... ... OfPoles. Wire. For Eailway Department— Miles. Miles. Auckland to Newmarket (tablet wire) If Ellerslie to Penrose „ 1 Otahuhu to Papakura telephone-wire ... 10f 10f Tuakau to Whangarata telephone-wire 2£ Tuakau signal-repeaters ... ... 0£ Huntly to Ohinewai telephone-wire ... 5-J- 5JEuakura Junction to Eureka telephone-wire 5 Mercer to Pokeno telephone-wire ... 3^ 15£ 29f Totals ... ... ... ... 75f 292£ Lines dismantled— Kawakawa to Hukerenui ... ... ... 14 60 Kawakawa to Waipapa ... ... ... ... 17 59 Totals ... ... ... ... 31 119 The net increase is 44-f miles of poles and 173J miles of wire. Maintenance. The reconstruction of the Auckland-Doubtless Bay section is almost completed, only a short section of 4 miles, between Warkworth and Waiwera, now requiring attention. The line between Kawakawa and Hukerenui, which used to run across very rough and inaccessible country, has been diverted to the main road, and Towai connected with Hukerenui. The old line between Kawakawa and two miles south of Waipapa was quite rotten, the spans being very long and unfit to carry copper wires. The country traversed was very rough, besides being covered with gorse and far off the roadway. Fires caused much damage here at times; therefore the line has been dismantled and wires deviated through Ohaeawai, the gaps between Kawakawa and Pakaraka, and Waimate North and two miles south of Waipapa, being poled. By this route the line is kept to the road all the way, and faults can thus be more quickly removed. The above two works entailed the dismantling of 31 miles of poles and 119 miles of wire, and the re-erection of 35 miles of poles and miles of wire. The reconstruction of the section Otahuhu to Hamilton is nearing completion, and should be finished some time in June. The work is heavy, there being 30 poles erected to each mile. The line, which originally ran over many private properties, has been brought on to the roadway, thereby rendering it easier of inspection and maintenance. This section has been notorious for faults, but now seldom gives trouble. It will be necessary to entirely rebuild the Auckland-Otahuhu section shortly.

XXVIII

F.—l.

Other sections requiring attention are Hamilton-Cambridge; Hamilton-Thames ; ThamesTauranga, with diversion from Paeroa vid Waihi to the Coast, thereby cutting out country most difficult to* traverse and a section of line which is much decayed. The Taurano-a-Opotiki, Thames-Tairua, Taupo-Orakeikorako Junction, Cambndge-Ie Awamutu, Auckland-Helensville, Waipu-Dargaville, and Ohaeawai-Eawene-Hokianga Heads sections all require considerable attention. . nAM -, , 0r,,, 5 The total miles of poles and wire now maintained m the district are 2,029 and s,dU4i respectively. Offices. The Auckland, Thames, Whakatane, Matata, and Atiamuri offices were refitted. New offices were occupied at Newmarket, Pahi, and Poutu. The Auckland " local batteries have been replaced with six storage-cells, which are giving most satisfactory results. Telephone Exchanges. The Auckland Exchange is steadily increasing in numbers, there being on the 31st March 1707 connections including 58 bureaux—a net increase of 153 for the year. 107 1 miles of poles and 1,839 miles of wire are utilised for the above connections. An exchange was opened at Whangarei with 36 connections, including 3 bureaux. At Botorua another 50-number switchboard has been added. There are now 70 subscribers— an increase of 34 during the year. The other exchanges are practically the same as last year, there being only a slight increase in the number of subscribers. ~,•.! u i azn All the exchanges are working satisfactorily, the total connections therewith numbering l,yoo, of which 1,844 are paying, 30'free, and 76 bureaux. . . , .... , The poles and wires connected with the various exchanges aggregate respectively 129f nines and 1,956f miles. , , n ,_. , . ~ • The work of installing metallic circuits in connection with the Auckland Exchange is well in hand, and a large number of subscribers will be connected shortly. Wellington Distkict. Construction. During the year just closed the following new lines and wires were erected for the purpose of onenino- U t> new districts, and to give increased accommodation on existing circuits :— F " F Miles of Poles. Miles of Wire. Feilding to Feilding Bacecourse ... ... ••• •■• 0| Taihape to Mataroa and Buanui ... ... ••• lof j^4 Bull's to Marton via Greatford ... ... •••Of 10| Tokomaru to Shannon ... ... ■•• • 's Blackburn to Whakarara .'•• •■• °i . °i Masterton to Kuripuni ... ... • • • * Waipukurau to Dannevirke ... ... d8 t Mangaweka to Taihape ... ••• •••. ■■■ Palmers ton North to Feilding ... ... '■ft New Plymouth to Inglewood | Part of through wire, Wel-1 12$ Halcombe to Shannon j lington to New Plymouth) 46 Te Karaka to Kaiteratahi ... ... &i Glasgow Wharf (Wellington) Bureau ... °i Oriental Bay to Boseneath ... ... ... 0$ 0| Berhampore to Island Bay ... ... ... 0J 1 4 For Public Works Department — Taihape to Mataroa ... ... • • ■ 6 Totals ... ... " - 21J 174* Lines dismantled — Marton to Greatford-Bull's Junction .. ... fa 1A Blackburn to Makaretu ... • • ■ 3 f 6 15f Bailway-wires ceased to be maintained by this Department — Palmerston North to Longburn ... ... 4 The total number of miles of poles and wire in the district, exclusive of those maintained by the Bailway Department, are 2,030f and 7,043f respectively. Maintenance. The lines generally throughout the district are in good order, with the exception of the Wairoa-Opoutama section of the Napier-Gisborne line, for which necessary alterations and repairs are now in hand, the poles having gone forward for the purpose. Be-poling of several other sections will be necessary, but considerable difficulty is experienced in obtaining suitable poles, totara being both scarce and expensive. The most serious interruptions to communication during the year were caused by thunderstorms, 14 poles having been shattered by lightning south of Taupo on one occasion. A large number of faults occurred north of New Plvmcmth between Urenui and Mount Messenger from a similar cause.

F.—l

XXIX

Many minor faults have been caused by traction-engines and threshing-machines fouling the wires, and several others through trees being felled over the lines. Persons responsible have been called upon in each instance to defray the cost of repairs. The following sections have been overhauled and strengthened with extra or larger poles where necessary : — Miles. Waipukurau to Dannevirke ... ... ... ... 35-J-New Plymouth co Uruti Eoad (partially) ... ... ... 42 Eketahuna to Pongaroa (partially) . . ... ... ... 39 Blackburn to Makaretu ... ... ... ... ... 2 Napier to Pohui ... ... ... ... ... ... 27 Longburn to Shannon ... ... ... ... ... 15 Palmerston North to Feilding ... ... ... ... 12-J Mangaweka to Taihape ... ... ... ... ... 13J Greatford to Bull's ... ... ... ... ... 4 Wairoa to Nuhaka (partially) ... ... .. ... 20 Featherston-Riniutaka line (partially)... ... ... ... 1 Hutt to Petone (reconstructed) ... ... ... ... 1-J-Levin Township „ ... ... ... ... O^ Hatuma Railway „ ... ... ... ... Of Manaia to Otakeho „ ... ... ... ... 2 Total ... ... ... ... ... 216| The overhaul of the Upper Hutt-Kaitoke and Napier-Taupo sections is now in progress. A quadruplex repeater has been installed at Palmerston North, which enables that office to work duplex with Wellington, while at the same time Feilding can also duplex to Wellington on the same wire. Metallic Circuits. Following up the satisfactory results attained by superimposing telephones on telegraph and combined telegraph and telephone wires, thereby giving a metallic circuit for the telephone, circuits have been so arranged between Pahiatua-Woodville, Palmerston North-Feilding, Palmerston North—Marton, Marton-Wanganui, and Palmerston Norch-Foxton. In each case a telegraph circuit works over the closed circuit, the telephonic communication being effected by means of transformers. The results have in all cases been very satisfactory, induction being practically eliminated. A telephone metallic circuit has been established between Palmerston North and Woodville. Offices. Transfers to new offices were effected at a large number of places, chief of which were Carterton, Levin, Hunterville, and Port Ahuriri. Levin and Taihape have been converted from telephone to Morse offices. There are now 321 offices in the district, of which 260 are connected by telephone and 61 by Morse instruments. Gables. The several cables across Cook Strait have been periodically tested, with satisfactory results. No faults have occurred since repairs were effected in May of last year. Telephone Exchanges. Two new exchanges were opened during the year—viz., Foxton and Sanson. In connection with the Wellington Exchange, the Adelaide Eoad and Eiddiford Street line has been reconstructed on account of the widening of the street, and heavier poles erected in view of the contemplated metallic cables. A large amount of work has been done on account of the City Corporation in connection with clearing departmental wires from the track of the tramway-trolley wires and span-poles. In anticipation of the heavy induction from the electric tramway wires, which will seriously affect the working of the exchange telephones, steps have been taken to replace the earth circuits with metallic circuits contained in lead-covered aerial cables. The first instalment has been received. The total number of subscribers co this exchange at the close of the year ended the 31st March was 2,103, an increase of 201 since last report —2,003 paying, 47 free, and 53 bureaux. The mileage of poles and wire connecting subscribers totals 49£ and 1,865 miles 65 chains respectively. At Hunterville, Carterton, and Woodville the exchanges have been transferred to new offices, a considerable amount of reconstruction being entailed. At Stratford the exchange was transferred to a new room. Owing to limited accommodation for ihe switchboards similar work will be necessary at Hawera and Masterton. Fires at Wanganui, Palmerston North, Gisborne, Patea, and Elcham caused injury to our lines, but no serious inconvenience to subscribers was occasioned. Sixteen telephones were destroyed by fire, 10 of which were at Wellington. There are now 30 exchanges in the district, which are all working satisfactorily. The subscribers connected therewith aggregate 4,868, an increase of 572 for the year. Of this number 4,510 are paying, 106 free, and 252 bureaux, connected by 253f miles of poles and 3,533 miles of wire. Extension telephones at the various exchanges number 582, making a grand total of 5,450 telephones in use in this district.

F. —1

XXX

Nelson District. Construction. The following lines and wires were erected during the year : — Miles of Poles. Miles of Wire. M. oh. M. ch. Hopai to Eli Bay ... ... ... ••• 220 220 Poerua (lead off Stillwater line) ... 010 Crushington to Globe Hill ... ... ... 175 175 Eli Bay to Crail Bay ... ... ... 260 260 Crail Bay to St. Omer ... ... ... 260 260 Orail Bay to Homewood ... ... ... 7 0 7 0 Puponga (lead off Farewell Spit line) ... ■•■ ••• 0 2 Wharanui (lead off Kekerangu line) ... ... 04 04 Mokihinui (lead off Seddonville line) ... ... 0 3 0 3 Seddonville to Karamea ... ... ... 30 40 34 40 Grassmere (lead off Gape Campbell line) ... ... 0 1 0 6 Totals ... ... ... 47 23 51 40 Line dismantled— Poerua office lead ... ... ... • • • • • • 010 The total mileage of poles and wire in the district, after deducting the lines transferred to the Kailway Department and lines dismantled, amounts to 1,019 miles 68 chains and 2,827 miles 45 chains respectively. Maintenance. The Blenheim-Kaikoura section has been thoroughly overhauled—practically almost rebuilt— and is now in excellent order, and should stand for many years. The following sections have been strengthened during the year : Wairau Valley line, Okarito line, Greymouth-Ahaura section, Nine-mile-Inangahua Junction, Burnett's Face-Denniston, Tak'aka-Motueka, Cape Foulwind line, Stillwater Junction line, Greymouth-Marsden section. Copper wire has been erected in place of iron on the Greymouth-Dobson section. All other sections throughout the district have received necessary attention, and are in good working-order. The southern West Coast lines suffered considerably through floods, but repairs were promptly effected, and everything is working satisfactorily. The lines generally have been free from serious interruptions during the year. Offices. A spare set of quadruplex forked repeaters has been set up in Blenheim. Several small offices have been refitted and test-boards inserted to facilitate work. An extra duplex set has been installed in Nelson office to meet increased traffic. The business throughout the district is steadily increasing. Railway Department's Lines. The following lines were erected for the Railway Department, and will be maintained by that Department :— Miles of Poles. Miles of Wire. M. oh. M. oh. Grey mouth to Brunner (tablet line) ... ... 720 14 40 Brunner to Ngahere „ ••• ... 9 0 18 0 Ngahere (repeater-wire) •■• ... ••• 14 Stillwater to Brunner (repeater-wire) ... ... ... 15 Totals ... ... ... 16 20 34 49 The lines as under, alongside the railway, are no longer maintained by this Department: — Miles of Poles. Miles of Wire. Brunner to Stillwater ... ... ... 1 1| Ngahere to Eeefton ... ... ... 19 24£ Totals ... ... ... 20 26 Telephone Exchanges. Two new exchanges have been opened during the year —viz., Reefton and Kumara—with total subscribers now numbering 54. The subscribers to the eight exchanges in this district are gradually increasing and total at present 834, of which 713 are paying, 31 free, and 90 bureaux, requiring 60| miles of poles and 389|- miles of wire to connect them. Superimposed Metallic Circuits. Bureau communication is now held daily between Greymouth and Hokitika and Greymouth and Eeefton on metallic circuits superimposed on the telegraph-wires, it having been found that perfectly satisfactory speech can be maintained without interference from wires or affecting the telegraph service. The service is much appreciated.

F.—l

XXXI

Cheistchubch Distbict. Construction. The undermentioned lines and wires were erected during the year : — Miles of Poles. Miles of Wire. Leeston to Southbridge (metallic trunk) ... ... ... 8 Timaru to Waimate „ ... ... ... 65 Ghristchurch to Belfast „ ... ... ... 6 Ghristchurch to Lincoln „ ... ... ... 14 Studholme Junction to Waimate (metallic trunk) ... ... 5-| Domett (lead off Cheviot wire) ... ... ... Of Of Christehurch to Beckenham ... ... ... ... 2 Woodend to Tuahiwi ... ... ... ... \\ 1-J Papanui to Hare wood Boad ... ... ... 2J 2 \ St. Andrew's to Otaio ... ... ... ... ... 3f For the Bailway Department — Christehurch to Christchureh Eailway (extension of Little : Biver wire) ... ... ... ... ... 2 H in Line dismantled — Kaiapoi to Belfast ... ... ... ... 4f This latter line ran on old wooden poles, and for this length the wire has been shifted to the new iron-rail line of poles erected by the Railway Department for tablet-working. Line transferred to Bailway Department— Addington to Bolleston (for tablet-working) ... ... 12 24 Maintenance. The following sections have been overhauled and strengthened in a number of places with extra poles : — Miles. Timaru to Washdyke (reconstructed) ... ... ... ... 4 Timaru to Studholme Junction ... ... ... ... 27 Studholme Junction to Waimate ... ... ... ... 5-| Washdyke to Fairlie ... ... .... ... ... 35 Bolleston to Hornby ... ... ... ... ... 8 Bangiora to Oxford ... ... ... ... ... 22 Total ... ... ... ... ... 101J The section of line north of Timaru towards Christehurch is now being overhauled. The Waipara-Cheviot line requires attention and a considerable length removed from paddocks on to roadway. The poles are very old and in an unsatisfactory condition. Other sections are in fair order. The total mileage of poles and wire maintained in this district is 904f and 3,489 respectively, exclusive of railway-lines. Offices. An additional outlet for telegraph-work at Waimate has been provided by superimposing a telegraph circuit over the metallic trunk telephone-line between Timaru and Waimate ; and a metallic telephone circuit has been arranged for telephonic communication between Christehurch and Ashburton by superimposing the telephone on two telegraph-wires. It is a complete success in every way. The speech is good and the revenue satisfactory, and the arrangement is largely taken advantage of, whilst the telegraph service is in no way impaired. The electric light has been installed in the Christehurch Post and Telegraph Offices. Exchanges. Six new sub-exchanges were opened—viz., Waimate, Studholme Junction, St. Andrew's, Lincoln, Lyttelton, and Southbridge. There are now 16 exchanges in the district, all of which are working satisfactorily. The number of subscribers to the Christehurch Exchange is now 1,479, an increase of 196 for the year. A large amount of reconstruction had to be undertaken owing to heavier poles being required to carry the increasing load. The total connections with the various exchanges is 1,974, an increase of 281. Of these, 1,831 are paying, 50 free, and 93 bureaux. The mileage of poles and wires connecting subscribers totals 144f and 2,041f respectively.

F.—l

XXXII

DUNBDIN DISTKICT. Construction. The undermentioned lines were erected during the financial year : — Miles of Poles. Miles of Wire. Mosgiel to Woodside ... ... ... ••• 3 H Waitati to Waikouaiti (trunk wire) ... ... ... ••• 12 Fxankton to Lower Shotover ... ... ... 2 2 Te Tua to Tuatapere ... ... ••• ••• H H Balclutha to Clinton (trunk wire) ... ... ... ... 14 Woodside to Maungatua ... ... ... ••• 3 3 Ophir to Poolburn... ... ... ••• ••• 6 6 Long Gully (lead off Queenstown line) ... • • • 0} 0} For the Eailway Department— Miles of Poles. Miles of Wire. Kensington to Caversham ... ... 1 \ in 23i Makarewa to Winton ... 11} 22£) t Totals 30 76} The total mileage of lines and wire in the district exclusive of the lines now maintained by the Eailway Department amounts to 1,794J of poles and 4,256 of wire. Maintenance. On the 11th July last this district was visited with the heaviest fall of snow ever recorded in New Zealand. As this was preceded by rain, followed by an absolute calm, the snow adhered to the wires. In some cases they were coated to a thickness of no less than 7 in. diameter. The lines in nearly the whole of the district were more or less wrecked, and scarcely a circuit remained in working-order. 396 poles were broken down, principally iron poles. The wires parted in over a thousand places, and hundreds of arms and insulators were broken. Some 1,200 miles of wire had to be unbound and re-strained, and thirty miles of copper wire replaced with heavier iron wire. The whole of the lines have now been carefully overhauled, and, with few exceptions, are in first-class order. Offices. Eleven new offices have been opened in the district, and one closed (Hyde). Hyde Eailway has been converted from a telephone to a Morse station. There are 261 offices open for public business, of which 69 are Morse and 192 telephone. Railway Department's Lines. The following lines, running alongside the railway, have been transferred to the Eailway Department's care: — Miles of Poles. Miles of Wires. Invercargill to Eiverton and Winton ... ... 34} 72| Wingatui to Ida Valley ... ... ... ••■ 41 195j Totals 75} 268 Telephone Exchanges. An exchange has been opened at Clinton, making a total of 22 exchanges in the district. The number of subscribers connected therewith is 2,479, an increase of 230 for the year. Of these, 1,579 are connected with the Dunedin Exchange (in addition to 336 extension instruments) — 1,520 are paying connections, 21 free, and 38 bureaux. There are 65 miles of poles and 1,440f miles of wire connected with the Dunedin Exchange. The total number of extension-telephones used in the district amounts to 408, making a grand total of 2,887 instruments in use in this part of the colony, connected by miles of poles and miles of wire. All the exchanges are in good working-order. Gable. The cable across Foveaux Strait has been periodically tested, with satisfactory results.

1

F.—l

Table No. 1. POST-OFFICE MONEY-ORDERS ISSUED AND PAID. Table showing the Number and Amount of Money-orders issued and of Money-orders payable in New Zealand since the Year 1863.

Drawn on the Colony.

I—F. 1.

Issued in the !OLONY. Where payable. Total. Commission received. In the Colony. United Kingdom and Foreign Offices. Australia and other British Possessions. Year. No. Amount. No. Amount. No. Amount. No. Amount. £ s. d. 1,057 9 o £ s - d - 9,613 II II £ s. d. 21,944 2 1 £ s. d. 24,145 7 5 1,586 £ ■■ d. 5 55,7°3 1 5 :863 2,201 4,74° 4,645 11,586 :873 3,562 3 2 34,288 142,642 4 10 n,9i3 48,547 11 4 6,150 28,068 5 5 52,351 !,35i 1 219,258 i 7 :883 1884 :88 5 :886 1887 :888 :88g :8go 891 :8g2 9,022 10 6 9,525 3 8 9,553 0 7 8,541 7 10 8,532 10 5 8,377 6 4 8,696 13 5 8,823 10 o 9,649 14 9 9,452 o o 132,232 144,227 146,406 113,598 119,091 122,042 127,323 130,641 138,555 140,672 402,558 12 11 430,446 18 10 439,870 3 9 412,276 3 0 426,194 13 9 432,056 6 2 458,469 7 7 472,967 4 7 504,834 16 9 540,763 15 o 26,211 28,712 28,722 27,389 26,057 26,636 26,206 25,053 26,590 27,451 91,634 4 7 96,901 14 o 95,920 9 10 87,904 9 10 84,264 12 9 81,488 10 3 79,167 o 4 74,566 13 9 77,48i 2 9 78,848 1 7 I4,"3 I3,"3 13,494 14,693 14,431 13,709 18,547 20,733 30,094 31,315 46,939 17 11 45,317 12 4 45,604 15 2 47,574 9 11 45,285 6 11 42,451 4 4 51,909 6 10 54,543 3 7 69,674 o o 75,235 7 10 172,556 186,052 188,622 155,680 159,579 162,387 172,076 176,427 195,239 199,438 !,556 >,°52 $,622 5,680 J.579 !,387 2,076 ',427 5,239 ),438 5 541,132 15 5 2 572,666 5 2 2 58i,395 8 9 3 547,755 2 9 3 555,744 *3 5 7 555,996 o 9 5 589,545 14 9 7 602,077 1 11 3 651,989 19 6 3 694,847 4 5 893 10,248 14 5 146,133 576,358 17 2 29,616 86,544 19 11 35,2o8 88,025 8 9 210,957 >,957 7 750,929 5 10 894 895 :8g6 :8 97 :8g8 :899 1900 :goi 902 903 10,600 19 7 11,433 *3 8 12,671 6 7 13,835 15 4 14,747 9 6 15,533 4 6 16,512 12 9 17,518 11 o 14,915 18 2 15,881 18 5 155,534 162,600 181,505 193,867 206,265 221,354 239,565 255,344 258,110 273,535 608,042 2 11 635,062 17 11 717,217 19 1 762,592 10 3 798,725 15 8 864,513 4 9 951,860 7 4 1,002,056 12 1 1,014,723 16 o 1,108,067 5 8 28,513 28,882 29,238 3i,77o 35,377 38,528 40,925 45,701 53,9io 63,309 79,348 10 2 78,465 o 4 82,498 15 6 93,649 1 3 107,140 7 5 122,064 3 1 122,934 10 4 125,549 5 11 138,755 2 8 157,789 16 o 38,631 52,015 58,823 68,002 76,728 84,782 89,344 104,922 55,i87 59,468 89,392 11 10 99,076 16 8 102,443 1 o "4,589 3 5 123,375 4 6 132,230 17 9 140,057 18 9 158,902 3 10 123,580 3 7 150,367 10 8 222,678 243,497 269,566 293,659 318,370 344,664 369,834 405,967 367,207 396,312 2,678 5,497 >,566 i.,659 !,37° t ,66 4 ),8 34 i,967 ',207 »,3 I 2 3 776,783 4 11 7 812,604 14 11 5 902,159 15 7 3 970,830 14 11 d 1,029,241 7 7 1,118,808 5 7 ]. 1,214,852 16 5 7 1,286,508 I IO 7 1,277,059 2 3 2 1,416,224 12 4

Where issued. Total. Year. In the Colony. United Kingdom and Foreign Offices. Australia and other British Possessions. No. Amount. No. Amount. No. Amount. No. Amount. 863 2,067 £ s - d. 9,169 4 6 415 £ s. d. 1,824 ° 8 558 £ *• d. 3,o77 J 3 7 3,040 £ ■• d. 14,070 18 9 873 34,288 142,642 4 10 1,482 6,625 14 5 1,668 7,689 6 8 37,438 156,957 5 11 883 :88 4 :885 886 :887 :888 :88g :8go 891 :8g2 132,232 144,227 146,406 "3,598 119,091 122,042 127,323 130,641 138,555 140,672 402,558 12 11 430,446 18 10 439,870 3 9 412,276 3 o 426,194 13 9 432,056 6 2 458,469 7 7 472,967 4 7 504,834 16 9 540,763 15 o 3,725 4,535 5,204 5,824 6,334 '7,336 7,469 7,775 7,9io 8,152 15,553 3 11 17,679 o 6 20,ogi 17 4 22,650 1 10 23,423 16 2 26,262 14 5 26,887 17 9 27,975 15 5 28,518 14 o 29,349 14 7 5,697 6,755 7,725 9,545 8,963 15,365 15,859 13,331 13,604 11,291 23,2g9 12 n 27,429 18 6 30,724 6 4 36,513 3 11 33,254 2 3 56,141 4 1 56,402 1 4 47,890 2 6 48,700 9 6 41,064 6 6 141,654 155,517 159,335 129,242 133,910 144,450 150,651 151 747 160,069 160,115 441,411 9 9 475,555 17 10 490,686 7 5 471,185 7 o 482,437 17 4 513,728 8 2 541,759 6 8 548,833 2 6 582,054 o 3 611,177 16 1 8g3 146,133 576,358 17 2 8,746 32,616 17 2 10,679 40,929 2 5 165,558 64g,go4 16 9 :8g 4 :8g 5 :8g6 897 :8g8 899 900 :goi :go2 903 155,534 162,600 181,505 193,867 206,265 221,354 239,565 255,344 258, no 273,535 608,042 2 n 635,062 17 n 717,217 19 1 762,592 10 3 798,725 15 8 864,513 4 9 951,860 7 4 1,002,056 12 1 1,014,723 16 o 1,108,067 5 8 9,293 9,938 10,254 10,085 10,671 10,624 10,342 11,082 n,732 13,035 33,786 17 6 35,155 7 9 35,553 7 1 35,238 10 3 36,106 9 10 37,290 8 7 36,014 6 3 40,021 14 4 41,370 13 3 49,i8i 1 3 10,690 11,520 11,507 11,407 12,753 13,399 15,271 16,688 16,527 17,777 38,571 3 1 39,862 18 10 40,836 4 7 40,105 1 n 44,558 IO IO 48,533 15 II 59,304 9 6 63,800 4 10 62,159 i° 8 68,340 8 8 175,517 184,058 203,266 215,359 229,689 245,377 265,178 283,114 286,369 ] 304,347 680,400 3 6 710,081 4 6 793,607 10 9 837,936 2 5 879,390 16 4 950,337 9 3 1,047,179 3 1 1,105,878 11 3 1,118,253 19 11 1,225,588 15 7

F.—l

2

Table No. 2. Table showing the Money-orders issued in New Zealand on Offices beyond the Colony, and Money-orders issued at Offices beyond the Colony on New Zealand, during the Years 1902 and 1903.

Drawn on New Zealand.

iSUED IN :EW Zealand. 1902. 1903. Where payable. Number. Amount. Number. Amount. United Kingdom and Foreign Offices through United Kingdom United States of America Canada Cape Colony Ceylon Cook Islands Fiji Germany Hongkong India Natal .. New South Wales Queensland Samoa South Australia Straits Settlements Tasmania Transvaal Victoria Western Australia 44,091 £ •■ d. 115,132 15 5 52,172 £ «■ d131,198 2 10 8.773 520 219 95 49 95 1,046 221 472 9° 19,203 1.337 10 1,038 69 14,589 18 16,308 854 20,052 5 9 1.952 3 4 779 7 11 261 7 1 205 12 9 230 10 2 3.57O 1 6 ■ 824 7 o 2,203 13 8 344 14 3 5O.495 o 7 4,120 3 2 44 5 2 2,655 6 5 189 19 11 15,628 8 8 87 8 o 40,899 1 5 2,658 14 1 10,307 535 146 "5 94 820 268 513 102 25.650 2,710 10 i.3 21 35 3.998 in 22,904 966 24,090 5 9 2,009 8 2 424 8 2 453 10 2 213 9 4 2,463 18 5 987 2 9 1,529 13 4 383 13 10 65,341 2 8 8,209 J 6 2 37 9 o 3,447 10 11 123 2 6 8,267 5 7 360 2 o 55.747 4 7 2,870 o 6 Totals 262,335 6 3 308,157 6 8 109,097 122,777

1902. 1903. Where issued. Number. Amount. Number. Amount. United Kingdom and Foreign Offices through United Kingdom United States of America Canada Cape Colony Ceylon Cook Islands Fiji Germany Hongkong India Natal New South Wales Queensland £ s. d. 34,017 2 2 10,676 £ s. d. 35,73 1 ° " 10,115 1,521 317 815 36 66 486 96 48 292 334 5,306 1,044 374 600 6.864 2 o 1,621 15 II 4,293 10 9 152 18 7 515 " 5 1,465 5 11 489 9 1 "3 17 3 1,008 18 4 1.865 7 1 17,870 10 7 4,203 6 2 2,935 10 3 2,001 18 2 103 13 8 6,710 2 2 1,654 364 445 29 501 124 49 269 437 5,919 1,132 581 599 61 1,848 824 3,989 i,3H 6,867 x 7 9 2,281 2 4 1,916 17 9 44 15 5 1,466 19 10 808 5 5 214 14 IO 966 9 11 2,273 16 o 19,798 o 9 4,583 4 9 5,773 17 2 2,142 15 9 282 13 3 8,135 4 4 4,501 13 7 13,684 15 10 6,047 4 4 Samoa South Australia Straits Settlements Tasmania Transvaal Victoria Western Australia 27 1,846 1, 678 1,258 11,666 311 5,631 o 6 Totals 28,259 30,812 IO 3,530 3 " 117,521 9 11

P.—l.

Table No. 3. Table showing the Number and Value of Postal Notes sold from the 1st January, 1886— the date upon which they were first issued— to the 31st March, 1904.

3

Number of Postal Notes sold. Total. Year. At 13. At Is. 6d. At 2s. At 2s. 6d. At 3s. At 5s. At 7s. 6d. At 10s. At 12s. 6d. At 15s. At 17s. 6d. At£l. At £5.* Number. Value. Quarter ended Mar. 31,1886 3,019 2,046 1,012 2,039 969 2,379 695 992 525 2,866 16,542 £ s. d. 6,997 5 6 1886-87 16,605 12,283 6,647 11,566 5,729 13,103 4,090 5,187 2,375 14,961 92,546 37,659 7 0 1887-88 22,467 17,167 9,162 j 1 15,553 7,671 17,487 5,278 6,940 2,952 17,578 122,255 47,729 5 0 1888-89 27,428 21,900 11,912 19,741 9,477 21,149 6,618 8,243 3,633 19,778 149,879 56,841 18 0 1889-90 32,754 25,387 14,478 23,550 10,894 24,011 7,809 9,386 4,158 22,596 175,023 65,484 2 0 1890-91 35,915 28,559 16,092 25,204 12,229 25,906 7,969 10,172 4,366 23,503 189,915 69,721 18 6 1891-92 42,416 33,722 19,383 29,550 14,019 30,132 9,058 11,611 4,953 25,839 220,683 79,325 16 6 1892-93 48,612 38,849 22,038 33,012 16,072 32,747 9,904 12,330 5,369 28,969 247,902 87,856 18 0 1893-94 56,761 44,706 25,461 37,771 18,096 37,687 11,016 13,800 6,156 33,935 285,389 101,002 7 6 1894-95 62,306 49,846 28,975 43,829 20,423 43,167 11,864 15,567 6,790 36,601 319,368 112,307 10 0 1895-96 68,454 56,185 32,801 49,204 22,802 47,787 13,601 17,191 7,020 33,390 1,192 349,627 123,368 6 6 1896-97 74,534 62,056 35,322 54,219 24,871 51,963 14,365 18,102 7,406 32,868 1,090 376,796 129,011 18 0 1897-98 81,958 69,981 38,617 60,843 26,968 55,748 15,463 19,477 7,904 32,179 728 409,866 134,378 9 6 1898-99 86,529 72,710 41,991 64,386 28,448 59,631 16,202 19,990 8,193 32,696 673 431,449 139,957 4 0 1899-1900 93,762 77,431 44,384 70,416 30,680 63,787 16,957 21,393 8,539 33,491 607 461,447 147,686 8 6 1900-1901 85,460 68,066 13,834 52,691 14,702 80,629 24,534 70,999 13,363 23,745 6,855 35,067 560 490,505 154,434 1 0 1901-1902 49,529 30,255 62,285 70,683 65,467 109,663 92,708 32,128 43,042 556 556,316 173,317 5 0 1902-1903 54,268 33,409 70,122 76,613 75,700 119,593 102,641 34,508 48,852 558 616,264 191,904 13 0 1903-1904 61,379 37,514 85,909 86,626 89,276 134,270 114,755 38,030 58,629 656 707,044 220,069 11 0 * First issued on 17th June 1895.

_?.—1

4

Table No. 4. Table showing the Number and Amount of Transactions at the several Money-order and Savings-bank Offices in New Zealand during the Year 1903.

Money-orders. Saving! i-bank. Office. Issued. Paid. CA . ZO u A" Deposits. go Withdrawals. No. Commission. Amount. No. Amount. No. Amount. No. Amount. Auckland Ahuroa Aitutaki Aoroa Aratapu Avondale Awhitu Bombay Cabbage Bay .. Cambridge Clevedon Coromandel .. Dargaville Devonport Drury Ellerslie Fanning Island Hamilton Helensville Hikurangi Howick Huntly Kaeo Kaihu Kaikohe Kaitaia Kaiwaka Kamo Kaukapakapa .. Kawakawa Kawhia Kihikihi Kiripaka Kohukohu Kuaotunu Mamaku Mangapai Mangawai Mangawhare .. Mangonui Matakana Matakohe Matamata Maungaturoto .. Mercer Mititai Morrinsville .. Mount Eden .. Mount Roskill.. Newmarket Newton Ngaruawahia .. Niue Northcote Ohaeawai Ohaupo Okaihau Onehunga Onewhero Ongarue Opitonui Opononi Otahuhu Otorohanga Pahi .. Papakura Paparoa Papatoetoe Parnell Parua Bay Penrhyn Island Piriaka Pirongia Pokeno Ponsonby Poroti Port Albert .. Puhoi Pukekohe 22,812 I 244 29 424 1,233 137 109 213 263 1,449 258 1,307 1,656 517 309 94 20 1,709 520 591 69 1,078 250 726 325 613 84 258 164 581 408 187 144 316 368 329 291 252 288 870 238 164 161 £ s - d1,128 .2 6 7 3 9 2 13 6 15 7 9 67 5 3 466 380 629 7 10 3 45 12 0 9 15 3 41 15 3 144 14 6 18 9 6 15 3 o 3 12 3 170 57 12 o 17 8 o 17 19 9 286 33 10 6 7 7° 22 19 3 23 8 6 47 IO 0 2 12 0 i 8 18 3 610 18 4 o : 13 18 6 640 4 18 o i 8 13 6 ! 12 3 6 ) 10 2 6 7 19 6 ! 24 6 6 ! 16 6 o > 45 o 9 ! 12 18 6 , 5 16 3 5 4 6 ! 4 14 o 3 12 11 9 ! 87O [ 8 19 6 7 4 4 9 7 290 2 25 o 9 t 64 11 6 3 20 11 g i 066 3 4 l6 O i 18 6 3 3 833 2 5 18 0 5 37 o 3 2 6 14 o 7 58 17 o } 609 5 10 10 3 3 13 6 6 4 14 16 6 3 3 12 6 1 10 9 6 7 830 4 146 7 17 1 6 o 7 4 6 £ s - d. 83,830 12 14 927 5 8 526 11 o 1,479 1 11 4,876 7 2 311 8 8 262 7 3 554 9 8 796 3 7 4,944 1 i° 726 o 5 4,292 8 10 8,246 18 2 1,386 7 1 1,364 17 11 354 9 2 5i 18 4 5,493 9 5 1,563 12 8 1,944 2 2 131 5 10 3,158 6 7 664 ig 9 2,475 9 4 1,611 17 9 2,944 13 1 248 12 2 1,072 19 6 544 9 10 1,934 3 7 1,923 2 g 528 ig 9 388 12 4 1-,003 1 11 i,449 11 7 I,022 l8 7 85g 10 11 1,289 19 ° 996 10 6 3,347 17 9 797 2 11 570 9 7 664 8 9 428 17 9 1,241 12 2 762 4 6 807 6 1 276 4 6 196 14 5 2,206 o 7 4,193 12 7 2,027 9 8 31 8 3 270 on 1,173 17 11 821 16 8 493 11 9 2,790 o 5 7i4 19 2 7,434 17 11 475 9 9 i,377 5 9 1,076 14 11 1,626 1 5 267 19 6 866 n 5 638 3 11 77 3 2 1,141 7 5 657 15 7 49,280 i 23 10 53 251 191 21 65 66 774 120 682 285 827 101 156 £ ■■ d. 186,514 16 IO 200 17 2 73 5 4 225 2 5 846 19 7 906 10 11 103 15 6 248 6 4 477 1 5 3,214 12 2 628 8 11 2,226 12 8 1,110 1 11 2,841 7 8 620 11 5 582 6 4 3,8912 16 32 79 20 4 14 23 180 20 26,ggo5 58 274 756 130 10 172 76 1,121 190 574 1,073 675 106 £ ■■ d. 538,865 19 1 598 3 o 863'16 6 7,317 15 3 880 16 7 151 4 o 1,586 1 3 546 17 o 12,828 19 6 1,160 3 6 8,717 19 2 12,862 18 10 3,687 8 6 i,igg 19 o 603 3 o 4,138; 3 5 26 1 1 7 16 71 9 4 1 106 33 4 8 33,472 v. 12 67 175 27 4 85 54 543 78 462 404 190 43 4° £ s - d. 634,975 4 11 191 3 6 374 5 1 2,766 12 1 351 11 5 58 9 o 1,100 12 4 172 n n 11,681 13 5 4g6 4 10 6,014 16 6 10,524 12 o • i,549 15 3 473 6 5 812 6 8 95 170 48 18 23 177 i 1,236 ! 222 : 101 I 102 369 I 62 88 I 119 80 ! 9 ) 107 ) 61 ' 275 ) i6g ) III 1 19 [ 106 7 40 ' 54 [ 58 3 48 3 68 3 182 1 55 7 26 3 40 i 79 2 102 3 33 1 166 5 232 5 92 7 475 7 1,763 3 402 3 17 1 106 1 80 3 in 9 46 5 i.i5° 2 21 5,065 15 4 777 19 11 47i 9 3 488 12 11 1,362 ig o 254 11 8 482 14 11 532 15 9 537 2 3 28 18 o 4i7 15 5 266 15 1 938 12 3 1,321 2 11 4°5 4 3 1 114 1 2 631 13 2 1 160 1 o 212 59 29 4 63 14 34 34 33 3 33 21 40 61 26 3 37 11 i,45i 490 286 49 573 102 240 253 311 1 28 i 216 190 1 369 203 i 162 I 62 248 148 ! 102 82 ! 176 ; 228 21,762 10 5 1 3,330 18 6 . 2,738 1 1 1 174 5 o i 4,655 o 8 1,008 10 6 1 2,175 6 o I 3,222 14 3 4,53i 19 o ! 699 19 o i 2,847 7 10 1 2,754 12 o I ,3,806 1 7 ! 3,566 14 8 : 1,967 4 o ! 518 IO O S 2,i8g 18 g S 826 13 o > g84 6 10 > 1,795 7 10 i 2,384 6 6 i 2,406 3 o \ 3,170 16 4 j 2,078 12 3 1 1,022 13 o > 1,835 15 2 3 558 3 o 3 1,564 16 4 i 882 n o 7 2,647 17 4 2 156 10 9 2 200 ig O 2 3,066 8 II 7 11,364 10 2 3 4,126 o 1 "80 19 13 33 5 15 12 12 23 4 19 20 12 3 3 4 2 6 4 5 12 675 156 "3 7 203 31 128 80 98 9 i 126 98 1 129 1 128 : 97 ; 11 ! 98 84 '■ 43 > 39 , 32 i 53 ! 77 \ 51 '■ 37 i 65 ) 33 > 82 ! 16 S 86 3 ! 12 ! 72 1 133 1 189 16,391 0 2 1 1,143 8 6 i 1,728 3 7 38 15 o 1 3,355 14 6 525 13 10 ; 1,692 2 10 1 1,034 ! i° ! 2,547 1 9 1 587 2 o i 2,018 13 2 i 1,075 19 2 ) 2,761 10 6 > 2,482 19 8 ' i,4I4 17 6 115 17 4 ! 1,198 2 2 , 582 13 2 ! 815 2 1 1 867 o 6 •■ 657 3 11 i 634 9 1 7 1,021 16 1 [ 1,061 6 n 7 534 10 n 5 9i4 15 7 i 954 8 5 ; 765 18 7 i 255 7 10 3 1,492 15 1 j 19 16 o 2 51 4 8 2 1,044 9 9 3 955 1 2 3 3,101 17 o 143 43° 222 271 107 77 632 i,77i 689 8 293 5 3 1 352 18 2 I 260 12 3 : 260 18 6 : 1,087 5 1 i 300 12 9 i 132 16 9 1 180 5 6 I 268 19 8 ' 314 o 1 1 243 3 6 i 671 4 10 ! 820 6 8 ! 320 I4 10 i 1,759 14 9 i 5,415 2 4 '■ 1,459 1 9 ' 33 10 4 ) 249 10 3 ' 476 13 9 [ 589 16 9 3 183 7 10 ) 4,337 6 II [ 94 12 O 3 391 1 3 3 443 o 6 2 252 4 5 7 2,066 1 g 5 677 13 o 3 347 9 1 2 765 4 3 3 226 15 11 5 48 11 3 2 2,6g3 6 1 7 105 2 8 5 2 15 4 7 321 10 4 d 498 11 9 1 136 2 6 6 4,791 16 2 5 62 10 9 7 396 3 o 5 55 17 5 3 1,919 17 5 22 17 18 15 34 22 16 26 9 38 8 38 4 4 39 231 73 , 254 '■ 133 i 118 > 150 3 86 I 193 i 41 i 227 1 72 1 52 ) 472 1 i,977 3 469 4 12 5 9 10 2 18 2 12 24 34 100 338 243 142 986 222 1,877 104 265 383 464 "3 3" 227 34 447 230 12 22 23 5 82 15 50 10 9 61 23 13 31 23 1 131 14 ! 64 ! 201 3 151 3 67 2 481 3 89 3 273 3 44 3 64 1 752 3 208 r 59 II o [ 1,475 14 5 1 1,170 13 4 7 1,005 19 o 1 6,568 8 7 3 1,091 3 o 3 3,102 o 1 4 676 14 o 4 641 16 o 2 3,421 17 10 3 882 10 8 1 759 4 o 3 1,836 4 11 5 i,537 8 3 1 89 1 o 5 5,728 12 8 1 569 1 2 10 7 2 27 3 10 IO ) 6l 7 48 '- 38 7 184 5 3° 3 79 2 18 3 650 [ 675 6 3 3 1,094 9 3 3 508 15 1 i 3,928 3 3 3 594 13 9 3 1,052 3 4 3 341 16 6 2 329 16 6 t 2,224 8 3 5 860 16 9 7 277 15 10 5 976 8 5 3 1,007 n 2 7 26 o o 5 1,848 18 o d 401 6 8 1 93 9 53 9 62 1 507 5 129 6 70 5 172 1 63 2 15 5 862 7 27 6 1 47 0 no 6 41 1 1,416 7 15 4 97 1 15 7 338 3 9i 1 223 3 145 I 21 1 1,146 4 61 2 2 17 TO 3 II 5 41 7 1 32 7 201 3 86 3 47 1 95 5 48 7 1 195 7 40 676 227 "4 655 251 182 5i 665 6 31 18 o 7 '656 4 3 16 6 5 23 1 9 1 22 1 6 2 5 13 6 1 140 5 25 12 9 4,43i 5 11 829 5 10 497 10 6 1,401 19 1 1,044 16 7 475 15 4 185 12 1 2,080 8 7 145 16 14 79 5 13 12 69 5 579 5 138 4 148 3 937 5 48 3 121 2 90 9 445 9 6,078 2 10 3 570 15 10 S 1,390 4 o 7 3,779 13 7 8 989 17 o 1 1,285 10 o 0 1,904 15 o 5 6,224 1 8' 17 9 3 21 9 6 7 101 3 62 3 33 1 115 3 26 5 46 4 2g 3 ig2 1 1,019 11 2 2 891 12 n 3 660 8 2 5 704 7 10 5 901 9 2 5 559 7 8 9 582 17 7 2 3,552 4 10 28

F.—l

5

Table No. 4— continued. Table showing the Number and Amount of Transactions at the several Money-order and Savings-bank Offices in New Zealand during the Year 1903— continued.

Money-orders. Saving! ,an! ;s. n fi rj V Deposits. go < " Withdrawals. Issued. Paid. Office. No. Commission. Amount. 7 S E < ° No. Amount. No. Amount. No. Amount. / S. d. 006 6 6 6 5 16 9 16 11 o 1 606 6 13 o 030 80 16 o S 8 11 6 306 74 6 6 ; 1 13 o 24 12 9 i 2 18 o 560 10 7 3 14 II 6 48 15 6 ; 13 8 o 2 17 O O46 646 I 16 O I 17 O 10 13 0 9 10 6 11 2 9 20 17 3 £ s - d - 1 16 o 712 o 5 585 1 ° 1,713 J 3 « 652 15 1 533 19 2 17 8 9 8,915 11 4 i, 837 11 4 197 4 I0 5,379 4 8 191 8 o i,937 19 o 239 2 4 671 3 6 i,i75 2 3 i,4°5 5 4 3,215 15 8 1,751 9 8 299 3 7 23 13 7 557 17 3 255 15 4 189 16 7 878 18 3 721 2 8 1,033 6 7 i,i45 11 8 £ s. d. 712 12 7 174 11 4 i,439 3 5 454 2 o S34 4 2 300 6,704 5 8 459 19 2 98 2 10 135 7 1 112 19 10 530 11 6 229 11 2 20 o o 540 8 8 1,858 10 8 1,065 16 o 942 1 10 234 16 10 15 12 4 162 17 4 92 7 10 89 6 4 96 14 3 in 11 6 687 10 2 908 4 9 £ s. d - £ s. d. .UCKLAND — COtttd. Putaruru Raglan Rangiriri Rarotonga Rawene Rehia Riverhead Rotorua .. 2 Russell Saies Strand Arcade i Taheke Tairua Takapuna Taumarunui .. Taupo Te Awamutu .. Te Kopuru Te Kuiti Te Mata Te Uku Tirau Tokaanu Tokatea Tokatoka Towai Tuakau Upper Symonds Street Wade Waerenga Waihopo Waihou Waipu Waiuku Waiwera Waotu Warkworth Wellsford Whakapara Whakapirau .. Whangapara .. Whangarei Whangaroa Wharekawa Whitianga Blenheim Havelock Kekerangu Mahakipawa .. Picton Renwicktown .. Seddon Spring Creek .. Christchurch .. Addington Akaroa Amberley Ashburton Bealey Belfast Chertsey Cheviot Coalgate Culverden Darfield Dunsandel Duvauchelle .. East Oxford .. Ellesmere Glentunnel Greendale Hals well Hanmer Springs Hinds Hornby Hororata Kaiapoi THTrjilri-ilira . . I 192 174 275 207 173 5 2,601 288 67 1,828 55 510 78 186 298 39o 902 444 99 8 201 68 60 260 174 332 59i 109 112 624 361 782 75i in 102 583 107 351 113 63 2,900 114 97 i,345 3,292 866 125 108 1,288 181 119 207 19,361 244 566 382 3,732 69 133 161 790 86 214 137 101 146 221 42 116 78 32 s 406 93 172 104 641 . 1,073 5 19 o . 3 5 6 32 13 3 9 17 6 50 17 ° 26 14 o 386 360 19 II o 670 11 4 o 3 13 3 270 105 o o 3 14 ° 8 15 6 45 15 6 123 4 9 24 19 3 4 10 o 3 11 o 41 5 9 5 16 o 3 12 6 6 14 o 885 16 9 8 13 6 22 2 o 13 15 ° 137 1 6 276 5 1 6 4 10 o 22 13 3 2 18 6 8 16 o 496 470 5 13 ° 6 11 6 220 3 7 ° 2 10 0 1 12 6 11 18 9 2 18 o 6 16 o 3 7 6 24 2 3 31 10 o - 386 13 3 359 6 i° 2,516 13 11 i,475 3 7 3,232 13 o 2,442 2 7 286 11 1 433 i° 6 1,661 16 o 373 i° 9 1,171 13 11 323 12 10 224 15 1 11,357 10 6 283 12 10 477 6 10 4,289 13 1 11,314 ° 7 2,775 7 6 372 15 11 249 19 11 4,060 18 2 548 1 9 3°3 18 5 701 8 1 69,189 16 4 2 1 756 11 9 1 2,006 14 11 1 1,832 1 6 > 13,865 7 6 > 186 13 7 > 323 10 9 > 488 14 4 i 4,347 i° 5 j 263 13 2 > 784 5 6 5 376 3 2 5 365 13 3 3 637 4 O 5 666 15 o d 143 12 8 3 294 9 2 0 203 3 11 5 115 11 2 9 i,358 1 7 0 308 3 o 0 532 17 3 6 397 13 9 3 2,048 2 11 o 5,461 9 2 121 45 312 1 131 8 2 1,227 t 144 31 53 29 69 68 4 92 37° : 152 141 37 3 43 28 15 24 31 170 251 90 32 169 50 122 189 37 25 238 1 21 60 1 42 23 > 946 » 75 ) 17 164 1 i,936 j 171 [ 13 t 49 2 5i3 3 53 5 18 1 76 429,4361 9 210 1 264 6 208 6 i,437 7 15 9 69 4 23 5 256 2 19 6 99 2 66 3 39 o 101 o 46 8 8 327 10 2 138 19 8 2,407 12 4 181 5 1 552 7 4 793 1° n 134 17 3 I" 15 5 976 9 11 5° 4 3 388 8 3 217 19 5 145 10 10 3,332 1 4 360 8 10 "6 3 3 828 1 7 9,226 8 o 683 o 8 69 4 o 216 9 7 1,863 17 1 206 14 6 96 11 8 248 9 8 132,672 16 5 686 15 7 977 o 0 1,098 8 8 5,34° 18 9 i 73 1 7 1 265 12 1 t 86 4 5 > 2,397 11 7 I 82 19 2 ) 433 3 7 j 307 12 6 ) 191 2 o [ 401 4 1 5 222 6 1 1 30 6 6 2 92 19 8 3 24 15 7 7 40 8 6 5 469 13 9 4 173 o 9 6 326 15 10 7 186 1 8 6 1,470 18 11 4 987 9 10 26 11 15 6 3 193 1, 27 18 83 11 20 9 7 9 70 40 42 9 4 22 1 1 19 4 35 47 16 3 64 9 26 64 13 3 86 8 27 15 4 280 : 7 4 56 5°3 52 5 8 120 1 62 97 41 12 1,208 1; 129 ] 93 580 1 32 163 47 23 106 547 426 193 57 14 151 17 20 112 25 159 57i 149 21 263 73 231 354 63 19 412 60 120 113 36 2,043 99 57 » 474 1 3,67! ! 396 i 51 i 38 [ 697 ! 197 3 78 1 139 2 58,428? 2 289 3 662 3 357 3 3,7°5 5 58 9 193 7 70 8 305 7 26 9 123 8 84 7 132 6 105 7 i°7 1 31 4 9i 5 49 '■5 166 (O 292 :3 59 :g 212 1,712 7 3 54° 7 ° 960 17 o 34i 7 ° 59 15 ° 12,932 15 2 1,271 15 o 549 11 ° 6,342 13 o 194 8 o 2,095 3 o 198 7 4 319 8 7 2,047 7 1 7,i54 9 7 4,506 17 1 2,808 3 4 472 19 1 157 i° ° 1,221 1 0 173 7 ° 147 13 6 1,071 8 8 481 18 o 1,235 7 " 3,02316 0 1,912 6 6 229 19 o 3,012 11 o 627 17 o 3,435 7 ° 5,130 16 10 289 10 o 78 16 o 4,646 8 0 1,125 13 ° 889 2 0 445 ° ° 306 17 0 I 30,217 19 3 I i,33° 7 4 ' 1,200 4 o 1 4,458 8 3 : 56,697 19 11 ) 4,867 1 3 i 652 1 o 5 102 12 o 7 7,152 I 2 3 7 936 19 9 i 996 17 10 3 722 8 o 3847,795 17 3 3 950 12 o 2 9,069 10 5 7 5,871 11 6 5 44,873 8 8 8 624 16 5 3 920 4 10 o 1,148 8 o 5 6,299 16 5 6 231 4 o 3 993 4 2 4 1'366 2 o 2 1,302 17 o 15 1,443 1 10 ,7 1,668 8 10 ;i 312 14 ° H 789 1 10 \g 321 15 ° i6 98 11 0 (2 2,554 15 2 ;g 488 16 3 ;2 1,323 o 8 14 1,222 4 0 52 14,881 2 6 27 5,684 17 8 14 2 6 2 "81 11 5 1 2 10 2 *6 13 23 20 1 2 1 5 11 5 2 9 10 12 8 2 17 5 1 72 ] 4 2 39 8 4 587 i< 58 : 33 7 12 46 16 7 45 160 135 "5 32 3 17 5 4 41 io 67 25 37 10 63 45 146 136 10 37 120 14 3° 18 8 1,034 29 5 160 1,052 14 9 526 2 10 4 8 3 3 ° 93 10 6 56 o o 10,056 9 7 1,166 2 11 216 14 o 62 o o 93 18 9 1,195 18 10 222 10 2 67 13 o 1,33° 13 7 4,606 18 2 3,277 I 8 4 1,960 18 5 830 19 1 75 o o 4°5 1 5 36 10 4 20 o o 505 2 8 III o o 692 8 o 122 10 2 450 5 10 100 8 2 620 8 4 941 6 7 3,146 13 2 1,993 16 o 145 3 ° 271 10 o 2,786 3 2 924 19 o 380 16 11 120 19 10 112 9 o . 22,629 8 4 1 1,646 7 9 i 45 15 2 ' 1,855 4 5 1 59,353 18 6 > 3,4 0(> 4 8 ; 50 16 6 ) 23 18 7 > 5,835 8 8 j 282 9 1 > 81 12 o 7 469 16 4 7889,307 6 4 T 618 17 5 1 5,879 9 3 3 4,049 7 8 5 27,436 o o 3 40 o o 3 315 3 2 8 543 19 o 4 4,811 16 6 2 59 10 o 5 452 17 11 8 i,355 7 9 3 980 11 11 o 740 11 o 8 1,429 13 2 0 107 11 10 ,0 815 16 7 3 378 16 7 8 23 14 o 8 537 9 1 15 218 o 11 19 404 14 o i 2 518 11 3 • I 10,035 ! I 8 4,557 9 o 3 123 2 15 475 26 3,240 170 5 9 380 29 19 17 5o,597^ 34 221 138 1,676 3 33 38 184 12 1 in 22 30 14 6,202; 22 4 43 2 3 3 5,497; 2 93 49 578 5 29 17 48 7 19 8 17 16 17 1 25 19 225 1 6 6 16 2 22 :i 9 2 17 7 "5 o 34 3 66 9 47 11 396 2\ 224 14 5 25 3° 1 13 , 19 I 12 126 , 66 2 6 I 4 1 6 1 > 2 > 5 25 48 33 40 58 10 i 3° i 13 18 1 78 ! 25 '■ 39 1 4 2 i 57 1 7 218 ) ! 4 1 3 J 2 :2 104 >6 1,432 56 427 > 3 5 73 ' 37 Kaikoura

F,—!

6

Table No. 4 — continued. Table showing the Number and Amount of Transactions at the several Money-order and Savings-bank Offices in New Zealand during the Year 1903 — continued.

Money-orders. Savin] ,-banks. Office. Issued. Paid. jl] Deposits. Withdrawals. No. Commission. Amount. No. Amount. < No. Amount. No. Amount. Christchurch— ctd Kirwee Leeston Lichfield Street Lincoln Linwood Little Akaloa .. Little River Lyttelton Mayfield Methven Mount Somers.. New Brighton.. Ohoka Oxford Papanui Pigeon Bay Prebbleton Rakaia Rangiora Rolleston St. Albans Scargill Sefton Sheffield Southbridge Springfield Springfield Railway Works Springston Railway Sumner Sydenham Templeton Tinwald Upper Riccarton Waiau Waikari Waipara Whitecliffs Woodend Woolston Dunedin Alexandra South Allanton . .. Balclutha Caversham Clinton Clyde Cromwell Dunback Dunedin North Gimmerburn .. Green Island .. Hawea Flat Heriot Hyde Kaitangata Kelso Kokonga Lawrence Lovell's Flat .. Macrae's Flat .. Matakanui Middlemarch .. Miller's Flat .. Milton Mosgiel Naseby North-east Valley Ophir Outram Owaka Palmerston Patearoa Pembroke Port Chalmers Portobello Puerua Ranfurly .. I 118 359 i,97i 150 386 34 295 2,428 9 399 129 77 114 476 225 69 49 626 1,087 58 92 355 84 305 238 1,240 / s. d. 4 19 o 11 7 3 72 10 6 600 16 17 o 13 9 10 8 3 in 2 3 146 13 13 o 5 19 o 3 4 9 3 18 o 12 18 3 760 210 1 8 9 17 9 6 42 19 o 1 17 o 2 13 6 10 12 3 3 13 o 9 16 o 7 17 3 41 4 3 £ s. d. 401 4 7 1,249 11 1 5,261 16 5 567 7 6 860 16 1 114 2 o 1,098 8 2 8,376 9 1 54 o o i,439 3 5 44i 7 2 170 15 2 476 16 8 1,602 11 5 509 3 5 156 15 2 77 14 8 3,270 1 5 3,492 6 8 ig4 n 11 205 2 10 i,43i 13 8 389 11 6 ggo 6 7 689 7 3 4,998 15 2 48 163 50 114 396 15 93 1,136 1 55 48 145 42 217 202 £ s - d140 17 o 521 19 5 166 5 9 613 4 11 i,374 19 7 59 11 8 493 14 11 4,357 7 7 121 271 6 10 171 6 2 636 17 10 g8 10 10 1,264 1 g 758 7 9 300 ig 1 186 17 3 1,748 4 7 2,330 o 6 85 5 6 486 4 10 igg 4 10 477 o 7 304 12 1 273 7 10 558 5 5 14 82 141 n 109 2 35 280 57 25 22 3 28 99 485 i,596 152 908 3 243 3,143 19 383 79 252 31 284 221 55 26 £ s - d. 2,016 18 10 5,821 16 8 8,058 16 o 1,568 9 3 3,146 14 9 33 o o 4,326 o 4 28,322 19 10 32 14 ° 3,4i3 3 o 1,079 16 8 834 4 o 180 13 o 3,689 o 9 i,594 13 o 884 4 9 254 10 o 3,637 9 2 28,544 1 8 265 12 0 568 9 o 467 5 o 1,224 9 4 2,182 2 6 3,448 17 o 3,739 5 3 89 o o 6 23 6 33 9 134 4 5 9 12 9 35 142 39 34 170 83 970 5 85 33 82 13 87 70 12 / s. d. 1,435 7 3 2,927 18 4 207 3 4 561 8 5 872 14 5 2,065 13 1 16,711 15 4 46 10 o 1,640 17 IO 750 1 7 762 17 4 122 13 o 1,348 on 579 9 2 205 10 o 9i 4 7 3,842 12 2 19,539 5 9 83 6 o 61 3 o 259 18 o 1,357 13 1 gig o 6 2,086 18 5 go8 17 8 44 56 208 680 21 I44 13 87 66 77 116 30 13 3 49 209 3 14 10 16 332 i,793 33 123 42 131 208 4 36 90 1 12 162 783 7 15 n 53 64 117 69 21 250 313 9 4 3 22 6 43 51 3 74 2 14 9 228 14 8 38 144 19 o 11 107 889 II o I 35 366 5 2 101 849 46 98 no 304 803 57 191 108 186 16,184 1,468 116 i,35i 600 621 688 995 239 2,016 102 187 90 329 377 1,508 356 113 1,225 179 270 42 647 355 1,119 689 1,201 log 1,380 325 1,105 900 320 180 1,286 55 148 34i 3 12 6 33 8 3 1 12 6 3 4 3 3 17 3 7 13 6 26 4 6 1 18 o 6 8 6 4 4° 6 3 6 721 4 o 51 4 o 3 13 3 41 6 6 24 11 3 21 2 6 20 2 o 33 o 9 696 83 12 9 2 13 9 6 17 3 200 9 n 6 10 9 o 50 2 3 10 10 6 2 15 o 40 12 o 710 750 176 18 14 9 n ig 6 37 o 9 24 18 9 31 6 o 4 1 9 44 7 o n o 6 27 12 9 32 2 6 970 4 15 6 53 16 o 1 18 o 3 n o 920 272 1 8 2,192 15 4 173 1 1 265 4 11 33i 13 7 2,443 6 1 2,926 18 5 151 16 8 49i 2 4 347 15 11 418 3 1 58,373 17 5 5,454 1 5 386 19 11 4,394 o 7 1,622 10 10 1,827 9 3 2,221 o 3 3,636 19 6 989 4 5 4,8i3 3 3 315 16 1 457 10 7 180 10 11 960 11 o 1,156 8 1 4,203 11 3 939 2 g 355 12 0 3,842 13 4 558 5 4 801 o g 161 11 1 2,263 2 4 1.283 14 6 3.284 2 5 i,736 5 6 5,253 5 5 24g 11 9 6,205 6 2 gg8 8 1 3,545 o 3 3,8n 11 9 1,041 19 7 586 8 11 4,050 18 9 139 6 11 395 17 9 1,065 6 8 157 847 29 49 84 106 140 6 53 5i 222 32,985 402 3i 652 529 133 213 361 54 669 12 190 6 639 6 6 2,816 1 7 125 3 11 226 6 6 355 15 3 1,414 10 6 611 7 6 9 18 o 555 4 4 185 o o 765 5 5 i3g,o6i 16 5 1,638 2 4 92 11 8 2,179 18 g 1.674 5 4 572 18 4 716 9 9 1,670 5 4 214 18 9 2,409 11 8 75 19 11 804 12 5 22 9 6 228 15 10 193 8 7 1,186 17 1 214 18 7 131 16 6 3,341 12 6 178 18 9 165 10 2 5 15 o 626 14 5 375 o 1 2,302 13 0 2,649 7 4 2,003 12 1 415 7 10 534 18 8 638 16 3 1.347 18 7 1,850 6 1 72 9 3 1.33 11 9 3,120 5 2 124 7 10 157 8 2 142 13 4 26 175 10 13 13 29 32 14 4 12 26 4,057 no 12 127 155 47 3° 67 12 504 5 43 1 24 8 166 18 8 139 17 12 290 2,209 55 170 162 218 240 42 73 in 339 39,214 768 103 853 1,709 240 205 347 71 6,350 29 378 30 117 40 1,043 83 30 871 100 61 1,106 IO 2 11,371 18 9 468 14 o 1,618 3 7 1,423 11 o 3,295 16 o 4,603 16 4 261 2 9 1,304 18 3 834 19 o 2.067 7 2 566,233 2 11 8,201 17 5 771 16 6 11,143 15 2 6,885 11 7 2,671 14 2 2,802 1 11 3,801 6 5 1,160 11 7 37,226 17 7 162 15 o 2,319 11 7 183 I o 1,394 J 5 3 424 17 5 7.068 10 10 787 19 6 202 10 11 11,204 9 2 600 6 4 803 3 11 5 38 2 7 2 3 11 1 5 5 11 4,020 26 5 62 29 25 12 80 262 41 77 28 61 80 9 19 60 125 35,H3 276 26 325 205 93 102 167 35 1,139 9 119 2 38 21 261 43 7 383 n 461 19 6 i,43i 8 7 350 13 11 978 8 2 782 19 5 2,014 18 2 2,436 9 5 96 15 o 186 17 5 589 15 9 1,061 6 4 613,448 13 3 4,370 15 o 532 8 8 7,184 11 11 1,843 12 7 1,245 14 6 1,700 17 11 3,5i8 1 9 1,002 7 5 13,426 16 2 "7 3 8 1,208 11 8 49 10 o 1,021 8 9 534 o o 5,668 17 o 702 2 9 95 18 o 9,181 7 10 257 5 7 370 14 11 29 7 178 3 23 44 48 3i8 46 27 716 37 43 1 10 9 56 10 1 76 3 3 17 124 57 727 700 475 119 130 135 234 457 30 30 893 29 46 38 21 19 130 97 42 20 79 23 44 85 145 187 913 796 302 217 331 182 347 704 2,495 14 o 2,510 7 6 10,144 6 11 7,064 1 10 3,686 6 6 g66 19 2 3,463 8 7 i,997 4 7 4>4i5 15 o 8,401 5 2 9 9 52 46 33 7 15 5 9 27 69 77 355 263 137 17 "5 52 136 206 1,277 9 9 943 15 7 7,878 15 5 5,050 17 2 2,519 2 11 151 2 o 1,763 17 8 1,294 18 11 2,490 2 1 4,270 14 10 15 223 17 11 6 96 2,195 162 60 32 695 12 2 16,510 9 7 824 9 4 949 19 o 346 14 2 8 127 1 6 2 20 725 23 29 n 270 1 7 11,503 2 10 143 11 1 472 5 8 119 9 o

7

F.—l

Table No. 4— continued. Table showing the Number and Amount of Transactions at the several Money-order and Savings-bank Offices in New Zealand during the Year 1903— continued.

Money-orders. Saving; s-banks. Office. Issued. Paid. Vcjij Deposits. CO 2 v "Withdrawals. No. Commission. ! L_ Amount. No. Amount. No. Amount. U O No. Amount. Dunedin— contd. Roslyn Rough Ridge .. Roxburgh St. Bathan's Seacliff South Dunedin Stirling Tapanui Waihola Waikaia Waikoikoi Waikouaiti Waipiata Waipori Waitahuna Waitati Wedderburn .. Gisborne Port Awanui .. Te Karaka Tokomaru Bay Tolaga Bay Tuparoa Waipiro Bay .. Greymouth Ahaura Blackball Brunnerton Nelson Creek .. Ngahere Otira Railway .. Reefton Stillwater Totara Flat .. Hokitika Goldsborough .. Kumara Okarito Rimu Ross Stafford Invercargill Arrowtown Balfour Bluff Clifden Dipton Edendale Fairfax Fortrose Gore Half-moon Bay Kingston Lumsden Mataura Nightcaps Orepuki Otautau Pukerau Queenstown Riversdale Riverton Thornbury Waikaka Waipahi Wairio Winton Woodlands Wyndham J APIER Blackburn Clive Dannevirke Frasertown Hastings Hatuma Havelock North Herbertville .. Kaikora North | 364 27 752 421 185 643 303 732 232 469 97 473 346 170 393 144 301 4,623 7i 128 237 227 145 260 3,995 423 638 472 193 177 100 2,826 61 204 1,709 68 901 38 87 425 233 6,oog 577 274 833 37 229 217 64 292 2,799 184 128 325 1,015 389 959 473 154 889 351 679 107 34° 149 112 823 179 477 5,676 60 68 3,364 120 2,184 13 143 in £ ■■ d. 13 18 9 0 15 6 23 1 6 12 19 6 683 21 14 6 8 10 o 20 15 o 6 17 o 16 13 6 2 18 6 14 6 o 9 7 6 5 11 o 12 5 0 5 17 9 g 10 6 179 1 o 256 416 8 5 9 7 17 3 5 1 3 9 12 3 157 15 6 14 12 9 28 12 9 16 13 3 6 11 6 5 13 3 3 11 6 107 18 6 230 729 65 o g 2 12 o 31 12 g 1 12 6 2 15 3 14 1 6 8 11 o 239 1 9 18 2 g 9 12 9 33 6 6 140 703 7 5 6 276 7 11 9 94 19 6 4 19 g 3 16 o 10 8 o 35 o 6 12 17 3 27 12 9 14 7 9 4 10 o 34 3 6 13 6 o 22 13 6 486 11 5 3 4 19 6 4 19 6 27 6 o 5 10 o 15 5 3 229 6 3 1 1 15 6 3 12 6 108 16 9 1 480 81 18 9 066 706 4 12 9 IO 7 3 £ s. d. ? 873 8 6 5 121 11 3 5 2,928 o 4 5 1,694 11 10 3 670 18 7 5 1,468 17 6 3 695 2 11 3 2,274 6 9 3 606 12 I 3 1,726 2 2 3 215 9 3 3 1,865 6 10 3 1,259 9 9 3 574 16 4 3 1,327 10 9 3 535 16 11 3 1,387 5 8 3 16,407 16 7 3 249 19 5 3 4IO 13 II > 8 45 13 3 i 984 11 11 S 560 13 7 , 988 17 1 » 15,758 16 5 ) 1,520 o 9 > 2,457 17 5 i 1,540 12 1 1 784 8 11 I 568 19 11 1 456 13 7 1 10,158 6 9 255 11 4 1 704 8 7 1 5,875 3 2 239 6 10 2,844 19 3 198 11 7 242 11 2 1,313 9 10 94° 14 9 19,895 16 2 2,080 4 11 808 13 8 2,804 7 4 165 16 5 670 12 6 785 6 2 176 7 2 975 9 6 8,795 12 6 553 12 6 320 13 7 959 4 0 3,076 15 5 1,254 19 o 2,767 5 11 1,260 4 3 438 13 o 3,023 7 2 1,282 18 9 1.960 16 4 343 15 2 1,207 6 8 453 15 1 5" 13 4 2,247 11 2 451 18 4 1,656 19 11 19,637 8 11 e 269 17 4 281 2 4 12,887 6 8 1 426 o 2 7,139 2 g 1 27 19 3 474 18 9 419 3 9 1,061 6 3| 5 244 3 3 4 217 0 124 7 201 5 639 1 77 3 206 1 36 2 59 3 12 3 194 3 63 1 64 3 109 1 136 3 56 7 1,685 5 45 t 26 5 29 [ 62 7 25 [ 33 j 2,806 > 157 i 86 : 242 22 35 ' 23 I 1,065 17 39 : 1,227 18 380 9 32 128 49 5,908 150 23 479 1 40 32 22 48 1,242 40 17 156 252 9-! 190 251 28 447 128 369 30 27 81 £ ■• d. 4 978 o o 3 13 6 o 7 922 15 9 4 539 15 10 1 733 6 8 3 2,307 11 2 7 297 14 4 5 892 18 2 5 191 10 o 3 211 16 7 2 36 11 0 i 652 12 4 3 199 7 8 t 247 8 10 3 562 11 1 5 577 3 9 3 28l 4 0 3 6,832 5 4 > 262 8 5 3 122 6 4 3 118 14 3 ! 222 I3 g > 78 2 7 j 100 6 9 > 10,520 9 3 ' 1,031 19 7 ) 247 0 2 ! 863 I 9 I 113 7 0 i 183 2 II I 65 9 3 , 4,085 13 II 72 13 8 I 202 I 2 4,750 9 5 91 6 4 1,899 2 3 54 I o 141 17 8 543 7 10 190 5 10 20,488 4 o 624 6 o 93 3 2 1,870 19 3 500 204 18 8 178 6 2 98 11 7 304 15 5 4,316 8 9 167 13 o 77 15 8 491 10 o 812 15 1 380 19 7 784 11 8 1,000 9 2 94 2 3 1,742 9 8 633 7 1 I,466 9 6 154 0 3 87 8 10 190 13 1 73 11 6 976 1 4 156 7 1 726 18 1 29,303 1 3 1 16 2 8 162 1 3 5,532 8 o 137 7 5 6,go4 o 2 > 102 3 1 49 ' 15 i 27 157 30 49 24 24 > 35 14 1 . , 16 14 8 986 29 24 22 18 36 640 16 56 39 4 11 9 304 10 10 177 4 76 1 21 23 10 1,124 44 21 IOO 32 1,038 3 11 19 386 [5 126 27 180 57 i,954 30 141 19 416 ! 4 132 24 129 35 233 t4 52 :6 94 !4 118 8 51 S6 6,731 ■9 87 ■1 144 !2 141 8 83 ;6 178 .0 4,468 6 122 |6 369 19 45i 4 85 1 71 9 42 4 1,796 o 60 0 78 7 888 4 32 6 541 1 2 1 170 3 186 £ s - d - 38 4,719 1 7 n 118 19 o 36 4,271 18 8 26 1,668 10 o 3o 1,452 5 1 54 10,049 8 8 \i 1,585 2 6 [6 4,664 14 5 52 1,423 1 11 29 1,044 18 9 33 2,453 15 8 52 611 9 10 34 1,405 18 3 :8 720 8 4 )i 344 14 o SI 82,883 6 3 57 836 12 9 (4 1,543 3 4 \i 1,297 10 5 ! 3 729 15 8 '8 1,582 13 8 18 70,174 11 10 ;z 1,373 4 9 ■9 4,147 18 6 ii 4,260 10 10 ; 5 912 15 o 1 958 7 9 2 511 12 9 6 21,783 10 9 0 395 19 o 8 647 4 o 8 18,555 19 3 2 668 5 o 1 4,770 16 4 2 11 o o o 1,807 3 5 6 1,742 17 2 5 802 5 2 6124,752 18 11 3 2,349 15 4 0 1,003 4 o 2 7,028 8 5 7 31 0 8 29 0 10 1 7 3 40 5 13 5 29 1 n 3 20 3 19 3 7 3 7 t 10 > 5 i 781 > 7 f 22 i 9 i 12 ! 15 > 659 I 8 ' 25 1 19 3 1 1 2 124 I 2 202 4 49 4 6 4 1,126 16 6 36 ;I 174 2 9 165 o 50 7 42 0 415 3 56 9 128 1 38 0 75 9 97 7 21 7 4° ° 37 5 23 1 5,233 7 52 2 109 3 68 2 46 5 112 3 3,526 ' 57 3 89 ) 117 i 46 24 '■ 4 1 643 15 ! 12 : 872 17 1 211 2 47 78 28 6,842 1 59 54 296 £ s. d. 74 1,717 8 o 2 28 o o 5 5 3,319 15 2 50 756 10 8 42 436 2 6 15 4,748 19 6 56 2,031 12 3 28 3,603 10 6 38 524 7 o 75 1,606 4 o 37 2,018 11 1 !J 273 4 2 10 838 12 11 37 605 10 10 =3 232 5 7 S3 80,252 1 10 i2 401 3 10 >9 i,26g 4 11 18 382 3 4 6 538 16 4 2 g6o ig 6 :6 76,328 3 4 7 764 10 8 9 2,122 4 2 7 1,194 4 8 6 592 13 11 4 156 6 o 4 115 5 2 3 11,802 9 o 5 124 o 5 2 107 4 5 2 23,160 19 10 7 932 9 5 1 3,438 6 5 2 13 o o 7 462 15 5 8 1,394 5 1 3 ig7 16 7 2136,220 11 10 3 1,805 10 2 t 1,673 6 11 5 3,901 9 4 ° 55 4 8,2961 4 230 1 140 3 712 15 18 9 21 297 15 8 22 63 18 5i 47 9 61 24 79 4 16 6 5 79 3 180 > 44 t 198 ' 1,743 i 61 i 3o ! 147 I 471 • 137 269 237 1 73 440 102 572 56 101 47 45 393 60 244 10,042 12 3 763 14 9 3 1,340 9 o 1 465 15 o 3 768 13 10 3 26,341 17 8 [ 493 3 4 3 462 7 5 ' 1,684 19 4 5,065 12 11 665 12 1 > 3,354 9 6 ' 2,758 5 4 I 735 6 6 1 5,762 11 o 1,620 2 11 5,766 3 2 592 7 8 732 10 o 622 1 0 708 8 o 4,539 3 o 875 19 4 3,159 17 o 123,874 2 7 1 9 5 3 4 138 1 15 32 5 43 3i 7 18 9 31 5 12 23 32 11 24 820 13 7 64 208 22 177 95 33 137 43 191 34 32 13 15 175 28 107 7,6goi3 3 347 11 8 '■ 533 2 11 I 358 7 10 1 301 2 10 > 17,513 15 10 i 130 6 8 ' 38 o o I 984 4 5 ! 4,542 19 2 : 300 10 8 4,922 85 1,610 3 6 455 16 6 2,207 18 11 864 3 5 4,782 8 3 629 8 9 308 14 1 288 18 6 277 7 3 2,394 3 6 441 2 1 2,608 u 11 !35,i57 15 o 2 19 239 51 166 6,565 2 4 39 i,430 34 i,94i 4 86 15 41 1,219 Ic 5 50 9 26 1,296 7 19 421 2 6 383 2 108 2,126 2 3i 2,741 2 1 601 14 o 24,487 15 3 403 1 o 27,241 17 1 20 o o 1,246 19 3 714 17 o 1,778 11 6 6 212 1 53 1,167 i' 32 1,234 ii 449 15 1 16,872 16 2 224 12 3 18,379 11 4 3 161 1 "87 29 69 449 17 4 170 5 11 275 10 6| 25 5 18 227 65 159 16 1 13 89 13 74 i 965 14 7 214 1 7 1,538 1 1 353

F.—l

8

Table No. 4— continued. Table showing the Number and Amount of Transactions at the several Money-order and Savings-bank Offices in New Zealand during the Year 1903 — continued.

Money-orders. Saving: ,-banks. Office. Issued. Paid. & s V D o C 2as. M < © No. Deposits. leposits. Amount, C-p 2 41 O W U O Withdrawals. No. Commission. Amount. No. Amount. No. Amount. Napier— continued. Kumeroa Makaretu Makotuku Mohaka Norsewood Ongaonga Opoutama Ormondville .. Porangahau Port Ahuriri .. Takapau Taradale Te Aute Tikokino Waione Waipawa Waipukurau .. Wairoa Weber Wimbledon Nelson.. Belgrove Brightwater Collingwood .. Motueka Motupiko Rly... Ngatimote Richmond Riwaka Tadmor Takaka The Port Thorpe Upper Moutere Wakefield New Plymouth.. Inglewood Midhirst Opunake Pungarehu Rahotu Stratford Tariki Toko Urenui Waitara Oamaru Duntroon Hampden Herbert Kakanui Kurow Maheno Ngapara Pukeuri Junction Shag Point Thames Golden Cross .. Karangahake .. Katikati Komata Maketu Miranda Omahu Opotiki Paeroa Tauranga Te Aroha Te Puke Turua Waihi Waikino Waiorongomai Waitekauri Whakatane Timaru Albury Fairlie Geraldine 124 ng 279 180 557 272 92 56i 37i 669 459 287 148 . 312 129 1,226 1,052 905 248 102 4,649 64 168 1,170 995 158 1 go 300 250 104 687 380 145 130 268 5,i6o 1,747 593 1,014 287 325 3,267 125 408 11 915 4,805 405 464 254 6g 556 237 2ig 46 148 3,001 £ s - d. 3 5 3 4 12 6 840 566 16 8 3 6 15 9 270 16 6 0 13 11 9 25 6 3 16 g o 11 11 g 5 16 3 9 18 6 2 10 6 39 3 6 35 o 3 41 8 3 7 19 o 3 3 6 180 6 6 2 11 o 676 42 12 0 32 6 g 6 10 6 646 10 18 o 766 3 3 0 22 4 g 17 4 o 4 14 o 5 4 6 9 7 0 192 11 o 60 4 9 17 18 o 34 15 3 10 6 o 10 18 o 106 8 9 3 17 9 12 1 6 070 30 9 6 162 3 9 8 6 6 14 o 6 7 4 0 2 13 o 16 3 o 9 12 o 6 18 6 1 10 o 4 4 9 136 1 9 2 19 6 77 16 9 7 4 6 13 7 o 263 296 6 12 o 36 15 o 54 18 6 33 17 3 48 3 o 19 8 6 1 16 o 129 16 6 35 8 o 3 4 6 12 ig 3 17 7 3 187 2 o 676 15 4 3 33 3 o £ s - d. 511 2 4 491 12 4 762 o 4 490 18 5 1,731 12 o i,54i 13' 9 365 6 9 2,196 18 3 1,392 19 1 2,3g2 7 11 1.509 11 3 99.1 16 5 519 8 10 1,079 4 3 520 8 7 4,637 14 2 4,373 4 o 3,417 1 6 757 2 g 362 15 6 15,051 I 2 246 1 8 491 13 9 4,g86 18 10 2,989 11 2 846 16 o 471 12 3 1,122 15 3 766 5 5 395 16 9 2,435 12 10 1,209 18 8 442 16 8 340 16 7 960 o 4 16,675 13 7 5,925 2 5 1,696 16 5 3,279 6 1 905 6 2 1,072 18 6 13,212 8 2 39i 13 i° 1,305 17 o 38 5 7 2,gi8 7 10 31,038 6 2 3,230 18 o 1,415 12 9 1,225 12 1 358 16 10 3,065 16 10 837 15 6 921 3 11 176 7 4 354 16 2 12,082 1 4 277 19 7 7.510 11 6 696 7 11 1,228 5 2 173 9 3 257 o 7 576 11 11 4,036 o 6 5,913 6 2 3,384 15 4 4,863 4 8 2,150 3 11 180 16 o 11,360 o 6 3,195 10 7 266 5 2 1,158 12 4 1,837 18 5 29,264 15 5 1,434 16 3 2,392 18 1 4,485 6 9 30 14 100 39 135 42 18 140 42 31-3 7i i2g 165 63 9 767 281 388 41 23 5,650 40 160 172 462 82 42 321 94 42 212 £ s - d. 153 9 5 S3 4 5 348 15 10 192 2 6 451 8 2 201 15 o 56 4 11 799 7 5 130 9 10 1,009 o 7 276 3 6 505 9 7 501 16 7 221 5 2 35 9 o 2,640 6 10 826 II 4 1,430 12 3 199 8 2 161 7 6 22,303 17 4 163 12 10 875 13 3 1,172 1 9 i,735 5 3 285 1 3 141 16 1 1.248 6 8 372 5 o 485 16 4 958 11 5 539 5 3 67 5 5 81 19 11 766 13 5 23,383 15 9 1,705 16 6 315 1 5 834 16 10 637 8 5 335 12 11 4,786 ig 1 163 5 8 276 4 6 77 0 o 1,705 15 3 12,526 15 4 487 18 4 i,3i5 17 9 405 11 4 234 o 1 570 8 5 329 2 6 135 17 i° 73 11 6 804 17 6 11,084 3 o 62 16 5 1,157 4 11 534 7 5 145 ig 6 62 18 3 116 o 10 168 17 4 1,302 10 6 2,702 11 7 2,918 10 7 2.249 4 5 1,132 5 3 165 8 9 3,447 15 7 333 8 11 21 18 6 539 16 10 415 11 1 13,706 9 3 325 16 1 639 14 1 1,886 5 11 12 14 17 20 38 22 60 68 127 68 181 168 £ fc d. 381 8 o 1,013 6 8 2,331 1 2 514 7 o 2,311 o 4 1,182 1 8 1 6 7 11 18 9 II 27 6o 36 139 59 £ s, d. 129 18 1 623 18 IO 1,065 3 1 180 12 2 2,086 15 o 825 3 5 34 28 7i 31 27 20 17 165 158 636 139 261 92 132 1,832 6 11 1,500 1 6 2,746 16 o 2,538 17 11 1,899 H / O 744 15 7 943 11 2 16 11 5 10 13 5 11 93 51 78 89 115 28 52 1,673 12 4 709 10 9 455 11 o 1,810 1 o 484 8 3 210 ig 3 578 10 5 "8g 57 • 62 16 634 487 432 80 7,412 4 g 5,43o 6 g 4,364 17 4 814 2 2 35 27 47 6 244 222 271 25 4,763 4 4 3,844 19 11 2,739 7 11 342 o 7 73i 17 20 87 85 19 6 6,279 143 129 529 692 176 57 290 228 38 343 2gi 81 69 309 6,256 i,574 156 470 134 96 2,246 62 138 3 684 5,240 153 148 129 3i 159 95 122 94,842 12 5 3,069 19 6 1,194 5 6 7,677 6 1 8,og3 5 8 1,088 12 1 649 4 o 2,976 16 5 3,276 8 o 707 18 2 6,536 15 4 2,184 15 4 1,137 9 o 520 17 o 3,240 13 7 93,964 o 2 18,255 19 8 1,456 18 3 5,730 6 8 1,830 16 11 1,620 14 10 29,840 3 4 782 o 6 1,213 11 7 70 14 o 7,3i5 3 4 76,596 2 11 1,568 8 10 2,788 4 1 1,056 11 11 378 3 9 1,662 4 4 614 18 10 543 16 8 228 4 o 568 12 10 51,244 3 9 250 o o 11,460 6 9 1,149 9 8 1,502 16 4 251 5 o 47 3 o 365 7 o 8,078 3 11 9,016 12 1 13,719 14 8 9,148 2 5 1,429 4 1 103 10 o 27,985 6 9 2,838 17 o 99 4 7 1,529 2 11 1,298 2 2 120,387 17 o 993 17 o 3,801 1 6 17,594 18 o 677 4 3 14 41 2 5 6 5 6 4,969 36 61 150 263 15 43 85 133 11 185 46 26 26 94 5,325 715 no 102,807 16 4 1,666 4 4 895 3 3 2,88g 14 o 5,956 8 1 147 8 5 444 17 2 1,350 18 10 1,587 18 11 265 18 7 4,444 3 9 1,779 13 5 578 5 o 269 4 9 1,729 18 1 113,109 3 1 13,635 12 8 1,548 o 2 4,734 6 2 740 1 7 982 17 3 20,87g 5 1 421 3 2 736 15 8 29 33 15 82 24 16 30 146 22 26 172 5,241 419 82 217 ng 87 i,i55 37 61 2 9 37 900 211 25 93 12 4 1 3 9 990 112 27 51 6 8 216 6 14 29 356 17 36 1 96 738 25 22 14 9 39 14 25 3 19 573 8 163 45 21 10 3 8 102 163 123 131 3 1 1 344 67 6 17 37 i,043 15 55 140 215 40 55 1,097 26 82 91 2,420 220 438 90 77 138 1,142 1,651 1,027 1,515 59i 54 3,8i5 1,100 102 4i7 3,050 in 342 58 49 115 65 43 18 193 3,132 9 278 102 29 26 16 22 248 790 700 612 206 35 888 90 9 159 "3 3,089 40 144 37i 29 118 3,7i2 48 1,319 198 238 35 17 29 421 987 902 661 182 17 3,i34 508 22 218 "7 8,033 77 285 941 52 642 5 9 8 6 17 3 15 827 5 65 12 3 4 I 2 57 64 81 33i 3,738 39 62 32 15 43 25 11 3 43 4,187 13 582 108 61 17 4 12 238 486 630 387 124 I 1,436 I40 8 80 59 6,271 18 6,080 5 10 76,244 7 9 901 13 2 821 1 1 662 18 7 201 5 6 810 14 4 216 1 4 70 15 o 63 6 o 443 13 10 73,6i5 18 8 127 II 11 6,794 11 4 1,009 15 8 536 o 4 125 4 4 11 11 6 32 16 8 7,542 11 o 6,854 o 7 11,081 17 3 6,615 o o 1,445 2 3 25 o o 19,315 3 10 1,602 10 5 58 9 8 1,177 7 o 577 11 4 128,162 7 10 576 1 1 1,175 15 o 12,120 18 I 43 34 412 482 4,783 239 483 1,072 246 22 2 10 18 867 4 12 62 70 377

F.—l

9

Table No. 4 — continued. Table showing the Number and Amount of Transactions at the several Money-order and Savings-bank Offices in New Zealand during the Year 1903 — continued.

2—F. 1.

Money-orders. Savings■banks. Office. Issued, Commission. Amount. No. Paid. en c-ci w o ci zs g Deposits. I/I %l — £« No. 'ithdrawals. No. Amount. No. Amount. Amount. TlMARU — contd. Glenavy Makikihi Morven Orari Pleasant Point.. St. Andrew's .. Studholme Junct. Temuka Waimate Winchester Wanganui Alton Aramoho Awatunu East .. Bull's Eltham Fordell Hawera Hunterville Hurleyville Kaimanuka Kaponga Manaia Mangamahu .. Mangaonoho .. Mangaweka Manutahi Marton Moawhango Normanby Ohingaiti Okaiawa Otakeho Patea Raetihi St. John's Taihape Turakina Utiku • Waitotara Waverley Wellington Adelaide Road Alfredton Apiti Ashhurst Awahuri Bunnythorpe .. Carterton Castlepoint Chatham Islands Cheltenham Colyton Courtenay Place Cross Creek Eketahuna Featherston Feilding Foxton Gladstone Greytown North Halcombe Hukanui Hutt Johnsonville Kaitoke Kaiwarawara .. Karori Kimbolton Koputarua Levin Longburn Makuri Manakau Mangatainoka Martinborough Masterton Mauriceville .. West 248 99 217 178 261 278 125 1,310 2,182 101 7.351 89 294 48 736 1.54i 193 2,644 1.550 36 4 533| 665: 146, 193: 1,649 79 i,557 356 212 404 197 146 1,065 630 116 2,051 272 408 267 824 27,486 324 224 470 57° 137 146 1,724 15 251 14 185 617 £ s. d. 646 346 5 II o 530 8 n 3 826 3 19 6 38 11 3 64 9 9 3 3° 287 3 9 3 2 0 10 3 9 170 27 3 9 5i 1 3 7 4 9 96 9 o 48 5 9 o 18 6 020 17 8 9 24 15 6 3 6 6 690 48 1 3 240 58 4 o 10 3 3 6 15 3 11 13 9 6 7 3 5 15 6 33 o 6 15 5 o 430 62 13 o 8 13 6 11 11 3 903 27 5 6 2,044 14 3 10 14 o 6 17 6 12 1 o 17 12 o 4 15 o 406 56 6 o 0 10 o 840 o n 9 930 23 o 3 £ »■ d769 8 2 428 2 4 1,163 4 11 519 11 2 831 4 3 1,233 6 8 492 3 3 4.572 5 6 14,096 14 9 261 17 1 28,546 19 o 286 19 2 759 3 4 99 11 8 2,460 1 o 6,007 5 3 666 12 7 9,238 19 8 5,788 1 9 128 18 6 15 14 10 1,668 12 o 2,282 15 8 662 15 2 632 13 9 6,603 17 10 267 14 7 5,705 11 2 i,496 19 5 573 6 4 1,220 18 9 541 12 10 470 9 6 3,43i 19 1 2,290 18 9 39i 14 9 7,873 17 11 860 17 o 1,342 14 8 865 4 4 3,029 o 9 102,509 1 10 587 17 4 849 5 4 2,023 18 7 1,628 14 2 458 15 4 418 17 3 5,465 14 10 56 9 9 937 1 1 84 8 11 717 1 6 1,416 7 1 92 54 34 58 94 105 47 474 656 47 6,938 2 84 5 386 553 57 1,742 360 5 "82 149 23 5i 319 22 1,125 40 87 96 33 28 339 134 13 317 55 54 102 228 45.6i6 32 49 79 254 42 94 693 5 105 6 £ s. d. 650 on 274 19 1 149 13 2 228 18 1 426 14 0 613 1 4 172 15 5 1,838 2 11 2,515 11 1 183 3 2 24,675 3 2 300 237 16 o 26 17 6 i,355 o 6 2,221 18 5 196 8 5 6,351 11 11 1,543 19 7 16 3 6 282 3 8 720 13 2 63 9 10 333 13 3 1,553 13 2 122 14 4 3,863 2 6 224 5 10 472 15 2 352 4 4 187 18 10 190 10 o 1,286 o 5 999 17 4 53 o 2 1,670 7 4 174 9 6 242 10 1 429 2 o 685 16 7 177,562 13 9 75 19 7 279 7 8 480 12 3 929 9 2 130 3 1 366 1 11 2,687 2 11 17 18 5 880 4 6 11 12 6 218 9 11 252 14 9 19 io 21 12 30 26 12 123 194 14 I,6lO 7 36 "84 204 25 339 95 1 2 60 89 3 126 14 152 13 26 32 19 16 82 32 9 223 24 16 18 88 55 64 66 128 112 47 925 i,373 128 10,061 51 150 532 1,049 143 2,193 430 32 6 292 452 "67 627 122 1,061 50 202 151 107 67 619 in 32 671 124 45 140 466 54.450 919 149 159 379 101 141 1.34i 1 46 2 114 1,891 24 587 615 2,278 1,227 42 776 241 59 895 480 108 225 82 327 98 709 320 68 155 169 438 3.664 99 67 £ ■• d. 738 19 10 419 7 3 687 3 o 475 6 0 1.390 4 9 1,332 1 3 663 8 9 H.353 19 4 17.344 10 4 1,694 6 o 152,891 15 6 199 18 8 753 17 1 3.749 16 11 17,117 17 6 1,068 14 10 29,778 8 5 4,815 1 2 85 16 o 24 5 o 3,461 O 2 7,508 13 II 978 9 0 7,930 4 9 637 19 6 12,295 14 6 455 12 4 2,514 16 3 1,407 13 6 831 15 o 690 2 5 6,350 4 9 2,695 12 7 317 o o 9,306 18 11 727 15 6 497 8 10 1,477 3 10 7,206 9 7 770,394 8 7 2,719 5 o 1,480 14 8 933 7 1 3,397 3 o 505 4 o 925 4 o 13,315 o 8 36 16 o 342 2 0 17 12 6 1,364 8 5 5,993 19 3 173 12 11 7,417 17 4 6,191 15 9 29,618 17 7 10,979 12 5 315 2 o 6,042 14 11 1,552 14 6 636 15 o 10,341 19 o 2,468 5 10 2,293 6 o 992 2 o 37° o 2 2,503 13 10 812 o 8 5,683 18 8 1,670 5 8 747 11 o 1,414 6 10 1,410 14 9 4,410 o 5 39,208 19 10 915 15 11 1,536 12 11 8 2 9 2 5 5 4 43 90 11 1,709 2 3 47 94 6 164 35 4 1 38 32 10 41 3 90 4 10 12 14 13 59 15 44 II 6 35 20 35 23 26 25 18 324 580 72 8,624 22 35 201 487 46 1,004 165 20 1 108 177 37 279 18 617 16 77 94 81 47 283 84 4 233 37 36 101 £ s. d. 523 4 4 338 5 7 725 12 3 222 6 2 346 15 2 339 1 11 861 11 4 6,129 5 3 13,890 3 9 599 6 3 171,024 12 7 85 11 8 463 10 2 2,584 16 2 12,479 10 10 500 1 3 25,189 15 7 3,297 13 o 479 9 6 3 16 6 1,582 18 5 3.972 9 o 831 17 11 3,784 10 9 282 5 10 12,001 5 10 203 10 5 1,402 13 9 1,059 IO I0 1,492 18 6 493 19 6 5,480 1 o 1,099 1 3 55 5 o 3.263 5 3 466 12 8 357 3 8 944 14 1 4,786 11 6 845.173 14 2 363 15 1 419 14 1 1,198 16 6 2,903 8 2 356 15 8 1,011 6 9 12,353 16 10 68 o o 81 17 5 20 o o I,646 II I 782 13 IO 79 6,896 77 27 26 52 n 22 166 10 36 6,590 10 4 4 33 8 7 83 201 52,977 92 37 82 180 34 62 602 8 9 1 52 169 11 3 43 81 25 145 4 86 6 18 '984 804 2,861 1.637 64 888 421 167 712 194 99 120 54 420 128 1,121 222 3" 204 419 939 3,78i 221 160 33 7 o 27 17 9 100 13 o 53 3 9 263 29 8 3 13 1 o 4 19 3 29 16 3 6 16 3 2 16 o 416 2 1 3 1326 469 34 4 3 7 12 O 7 19 o 6 15 o 8 14 3 30 17 o 142 15 6 6 7 9 4 13 o 3,345 6 9 2,459 3 10 10,936 o 2 4.780 10 6 210 5 4 2.781 7 6 1,330 13 10 616 14 10 2,745 8 5 545 13 2 245 2 11 255 11 11 156 6 I 1,308 9 6 379 6 o 3,515 18 4 602 19 11 1,020 18 3 678 3 5 991 8 11 2,654 1 2 14,212 3 2 635 16 7 479 6 o 289 329 1,878 521 28 473 no 1,210 9 2 1,187 2 10 6,441 13 10 1,964 17 1 104 7 5 1,615 10 8 46: on 198 17 1 1,158 12 3 533 19 5 33 1 o 119 15 0 224 12 2 547 12 o 78 12 10 1,649 17 11 388 7 9 229 6 10 301 o 4 346 4 5 627 11 8 8,446 1 4 235 10 1 19 3 11 77 318 168 5 93 42 5 117 47 9 12 37 3i 131 87 326 213 1,018 544 14 34i 140 42 263 140 17 34 24 7i 22 345 in 21 53 133 182 1,885 40 58 6,217 I IO 4.164 5 3 26,375 5 1 10,497 8 9 217 11 3 5,120 3 9 1,261 4 2 667 17 9 5,671 11 1 1,725 15 o 458 7 2 272 8 6 85 12 9 1.495 10 3 161 16 7 4,407 II II 888 3 10 393 1 5 1,306 7 7 1,273 10 3 2,414 15 8 29,149 9 8 514 8 4 1,114 *3 ° 25 307 153 14 28 63 154 28 423 72| 54 78! 109 152 2,294 7i 10 39 28 5 46 18 1 3 1 10 57 21 in 52 14 29 26 98 523 11 8 19 2 39 9 4 12 4 28 196 3 6

F.—l.

Table No. 4 — continued. Table showing the Number and Amount of Transactions at the several Money-order and Savings-bank Offices in New Zealand during the Year 1903 — continued.

SUMMARY.

10

Money-orders. Saving! ;-banks. Office. Issued. Paid. z§£. Deposits. < 'ithdrawals. No. Commission. Amount. No. j Amount. No. j Amount. No. Amount. Wellington— ctd. Molesworth St. Ngahauranga .. Nireaha Otaki Pahautanui Pahiatua Palmerston North Paraparaumu .. Petone Pohangina Pongaroa Porirua Rakaunui Rangiwahia Rongotea -.'■ .■ \ Sanson '. ; v ■>' *.. Shannon Taueru Te Aro Te Horo: : " .. TeNui ,"- Tinakori Road.. Upper Hutt Waikanae Waituna West Wellington South Weraroa Whakataki Woodville /estport Addison's Burnett's Face.. Capleston Charleston Denniston Fern Flat Granity Inangahua June. Karamea Longford Lyell Millerton Murchison Seddonville Waimangaroa .. i,547 350 96 1,342 67 2,103 5,585 164 i,772 145 355 214 275 237 530 232 739 128 3,i90 22 231 83 305 529 161 i,495 485 65 1,643 3,463 59 597 79 253 1,074 49 606 26 236 133 680 635 516 352 309 £ ■• d. 58 7 6 12 8 6 3 10 6 43 4 6 200 65 17 9 199 13 3 4 17 6 66 1 0 3 14 6 7 10 9 9 14 3 6 10 2 5 13 o 18 11 3 846 24 19 3 3 13 o 121 9 0 0 12 6 800 240 10 5 3 15 10 o 3 16 6 53 15 6 12 15 6 1 17 o 51 3 6 130 o 6 1 17 o 19 15 9 283 9 4 9 41 5 3 1 10 o 23 3 6 o 18 o £ s. d. 4,227 13 7 925 o g 329 17 3 4,020 12 5 143 5 3 7,912 17 2 18,265 6 5 419 19 8 5,290 3 7 509 16 11 1,363 3 o 766 12 6 696 19 10 837 14 9 1,652 14 4 992 1 8 2,295 12 3 366 o 6 8,356 2 7 55 1 2 906 7 o 131 13 1 97° 4 1 i,393 10 o 39o 3 5 3,519 15 11 1,230 on 224 18 3 5,840 o 11 11,587 12 2 183 18 10 1,692 17 2 281 6 1 837 11 6 4,210 g o 148 10 8 2,oog g 2 117 9 6 733 7 2 520 13 1 2,660 19 11 1,804 3 4 2,193 2 o i,o8g 13 3 1,109 5 3 68 2g 25 603 16 1,222 4,853 52 786 63 62 70 11 30 in 47 170 25 259 £ *• d. 233 14 4 101 15 1 67 18 10 2,079 13 8 42 12 1 4,020 14 o 16,665 17 3 3!3 o 11 2,647 5 10 286 14 0 145 6 9 277 17 11 87 7 5 131 16 1 518 6 o 183 10 11 584 5 1 175 13 8 995 4 11 159 26 4 124 7 180 915 19 414 12 19 13 7 54 20 92 13 479 1 24 47 46 33 8 2,075 281 33 840 44 1,282 5,678 117 3,585 74 7i 93 24 339 133 462 83 6,808 1 154 612 322 187 53 5,362 177 26 £ s - d. 11,273 o 8 1,389 g o 372 10 0 7,38i 3 11 319 12 o 16,582 18 10 79,349 2 10 1,167 13 8 28,648 5 1 45o 15 5 92g 14 11 453 18 o 162 7 o 2,121 14 3 1,310 6 2 3,759 2 4 403 12 11 25,792 7 o 280 2 5 2,163 6 11 970 12 o 2,970 15 3 1,406 ig 2 876 16 7 28,535 2 3 1,409 7 3 i2g 18 o 9,712 10 2 42,092 14 3 27 16 o 3,436 2 11 374 6 o 1,759 13 8 8,453 o 11 136 o o 3,514 15 o 47 12 o 469 11 11 629 8 o 2,788 17 3 4,377 17 7 1,304 12 5 2,027 16 IO 912 5 9 29 5 49 8 93 442 2 !23 2 7 • 4 1 27 22 16 2 54 250 56 24 339 26 574 3,093 45 i,366 26 40 22 II 126 73 i6g 35 338 4 34 42 80 104 16 1,122 121 £ s - d2,042 13 o 542 19 11 617 9 10 4,528 18 6 317 14 6 ",757 13 6 62,388 3 o 805 7 11 15,651 19 10 331 11 3 720 7 10 129 2 7 125 12 1 2,080 4 4 1,492 10 3 1,795 19 8 283 9 3 2,393 5 10 47 o o 499 5 5 no 16 6 7gi 8 2 1,032 12 o 350 7 5 8,684 1 9 1,668 13 8 21 6 10 8,959 5 1 56,837 13 2 500 1,147 19 3 74 11 2 783 18 5 2,g30 17 6 500 i,573 17 5 30 11 136 51 4i 1 ,o6g 42 6 1,004 2,124 12 33 18 83 88 132 11 o 84 6 3 440 o 1 222 0 o 156 7 9 3,674 14 9 149 0 3 18 0 o 3,208 13 10 8,322 3 4 55 15 10 162 10 6 119 2 6 268 g 11 376 18 3 7 16 6 285 8 2 53i 32 7 142 349 1 84 4 23 »3 1 60 1,047 2,2gi 5 4 4 9 2 213 8 1 80 11 534 2,2g3 1 79 5 35 204 1 102 495 4 492 40 114 1,114 25 2 9 30 7 4° 4 11 6 22 17 o 28 2 3 17 17 3 11 4 o 10 6 3 4 75 53 50 154 48 212 50 104 217 1 1 9i 17 5 i,45i 15 2 ig8 11 11 3,285 4 8 172 8 g 319 6 8 4 8 8 24 log 26 26 24 4 353 16 35 30 150 724 137 153 123 12 1 3 12 37 8 10 8 50 112 64 43 41 188 13 5 414 6 o 460 19 7 1,362 3 4 1,156 o 7 602 14 11 571 8 9 3 13

Postal District of — Auckland Blenheim Christchurch Dunedin Gisborne Greymouth Hokitika Invercargill Napier Nelson New Plymouth .. Oamaru Thames Timaru Wanganui Wellington Westport £ s- d. £ s - d.l £ ■• d. £ «■ d. £ •■ d. 74,807 6,186 43,400 45,268 5,691 9,089 3,461 19,064 20,184 9,658 13,852 7,203 18,366 ii,576 26,256 73,i84 9,067 3,203 2 3 213 13 3 i,75o 5 o 1,674 14 9 216 4 6 350 14 9 126 5 g 678 1 3 727 8 6 357 o 6 479 17 6 232 16 o 642 11 o 388 17 o 905 17 6 3,602 3 8 332 5 3 265,119 9 1 20,326 10 4 155,716 18 6 153,787 14 2 20,448 5 9 34,205 15 9 11,654 16 7 60,929 15 11 72,669 4 7 32,757 17 4 47,421 15 7 42,625 5 7 61,149 o 10 6i,945 14 7 96,212 1 o 248,073 18 8 31,180 8 1 71,626 2,829 39,245 44,i8i 1,905 4,492 1,843 10,528 13,008 7,643 7,837 4,044 7,464 5,305 13,429 65,654 3,073 280,364 17 3 12.610 15 2 174,768 2 7 182,922 16 2 7,736 17 5 17,384 18 8 7,670 10 4 38,201 15 IOj 53,175 2 6 31,197 II 2! 34,221 16 4 16,884 o 7! 28,561 g 8 23.611 4 6 50,536 6 6 249,659 17 o 15,334 10 8 8,25g 745 9,077 6,g6i 1,115 i,ogg 312 2,218 2,671 1,210 i,776 908 1,853 i,7i4 3,436 12829 864 58,774 5,267 82,796 64,372 7,364 7,542 i,874 15,107 19,388 9,654 11,819 6,224 12,765 12,322 20,053 103,409 5,78o 859,096 8 6 72,128 12 o i,ogo,go6 15 2 767,057 16 4 88,873 2 1 105,165 15 2 28,358 6 4 204,413 16 5 218,329 13 7 137,196 18 1 162,080 9 3 86,005 8 2 141,516 12 1 178,877 o o 277,776 6 5 1,171,457 5 1 72,352 10 6 5,593 557 6,45i 5,i8i 846 843 269 1,644 1,946 810 1,482 705 i,496 1,124 2,513 8,727 650 44,265 3,869 58,214 41,990 5,620 4,533 1,255 9,555 n,952 6,H3 7,996 4,011 8,573 7,894 13,135 69,023 3,048 819,850 12 1 6g,4g8 4 4 1,025,763 11 5 730,371 o o 83,804 g 9 93,307 1 9 29,599 12 g 190,442 5 4 196,326 3 5 126,813 I2 II 162,867 IO 8 80,435 16 7 138,548 3 9 166,010 14 o 259,669 12 5 1,102,404 IO 4 68,115 3 6 Grand totals .. 396312 15881 i8 5 304106 1,224,842 T2 4! 57047 444,510 j,66l,jQ2 IJ 2 40,837 3OIO76 S,343,828 5 o I,4l6,224 12 4

11

F.—l

Table No. 5.— POST-OFFICE SAVINGS-BANKS.—GENERAL STATEMENT. Table showing the Business of the Post-Office Savings-banks in New Zealand, Year by Year, from the Date they were established, in February, 1867, to the 31st December, 1903.

Postal Districts. Number of PostOffice Savingsbanks Open at the Close of the Year. Number of Deposits received during the Year. Total Amount of Deposits received during the Year. Average Amount of each Deposit received during the Year. Number of Withdrawals during the Year. Total Amount of Withdrawals during the Year. Average Amount of Excess of each Deposits over Withdrawal Withdrawals during during the Year, the Year. Excess of Withdrawals over Deposits during the Year. Cost of Management during the Year. Average Cost of each Transaction, Deposit or Withdrawal. Interest for the Year. Number of Accounts Opened during the Year. Number of Accounts Closed during the Year. Number of Accounts remaining Open at Close of the Year. Total Amount standing to the Credit of all Open Accounts, inclusive of Interest to the Close of the Year. Average Amount standing to the Credit of each Open Account at Close of the Year. £ s. d. £ s- d. £ s. d. £ s. d.j £ s- d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s- d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Auckland 116 58,774 859,096 8 6 14 12 4 44,265 819,850 12 1 18 10 5 39,245 16 5 28,925 2 7 8,25g 1,141,813 .6 5 34 4 9 5,593 33,347 Blenheim 8 5,267 72,128 12 o 13 13 11 3,869 69,498 4 4 17 19 3 2,630 7 8 2,875 1 8 745 557 4,229 112,227 4 i° 26 10 9 Christchurch .. 64 82,796 1,090,906 15 2 13 3 6 58,214 1,025,763 11 5 17 12 5 65,143 3 9 34,368 5 4 9,077 6,45i 45,501 1,353,021 1 2 29 14 9 Dunedin 51 64,372 767,057 16 4 11 18 4 41,990 730,371 o o 17 7 11 36,686 16 4 28,907 1 8 6,961 5,i8i 33,995 1,125,066 7 8j 1 33 1 11 Gisborne 6 7,364 88,873 2 1 12 1 4 5,620 83,804 9 9 14 18 3 5,068 12 4 1 2,434 17 4 1,115 846 3,626 96,534 19 5 26 12 5 Greymouth 10 7,542 105,165 15 2 13 18 11 4,533 93,307 1 9 20 11 8 ",858 13 5 4,008 14 11 1,099 843 4,356 159,846 10 2 36 13 11 Hokitika 7 1,874 28,358 6 4 15 2 8 1,255 29,599 12 9 23 11 8 1,241 6 5 1,850 12 8 312 269 1,665 69,012 11 3 41 9 o Invercargill 27 15,107 204,413 16 5 13 10 7 9,555 190,442 5 4 19 18 7 I3,g7i 11 1 8,463 1 10 2,218 1,644 9,79o 328,235 19 Oj 33 10 7 Napier 26 19,388 218,329 13 7 11 5 3 11,952 196,326 3 5 16 8 6 22,003 IO 2 7,782 19 1 2,671 1,946 10,911 313,192 6 10 28 14 1 Nelson ., 15 9,654 137,196 18 1 14 4 3 6,H3 126,813 12 11 20 12 10 10,383 5 2 5,957 18 9 1,210 810 7,044 232,142 2 7 32 19 1 New Plymouth 11 11,819 162,080 9 3 13 14 3 7,996 162,867 10 8 20 7 4 787 1 5 4,700 12 6 i,776 1,482] 6,572 179,132 13 11 27 5 2 Oamaru 10 6,224 86,005 8 2 13 16 4 4,011 80,435 16 7 20 11 1 5,56g 11 7 3,535 18 8 908 705 3,664 135,677 17 8 37 o 7 Thames 19 12,765 141,516 12 1 11 1 9 8,573 138,548 3 9 16 3 3 2,968 8 4 5,485 16 1 1,853 i,496 7,97o 212,223 I 4 3 26 12 7 Timaru 14 12,322 178,877 o o 14 10 4 7,894 166,010 14 o 21 o 7 12,866 6 o . 6,348 16 7 i,7i4 1,124 7,211 248,911 8 5 34 10 4 Wanganui 28 20,053 277,776 6 5 13 7 1 13,135 259,669 12 5 19 15 5 18,106 14 o „ 7,894 on 3,436 2,513 12,420 323,036 9 11 26 o 2 Wellington 65 103,409 i,i7i,457 5 1 11 6 7 69,023 1,102,404 10 4 15 19 5 69,052 14 9 30,950 17 3 2,640 4 10 I2,82g 8,727 48,337 1,254,940 3 5 25 19 3 Westport 16 5,78o 72,352 10 6 12 10 4 3,048 68,115 3 6 22 6 11 4,237 7 o 864 650 3,037 103,667 1 8 34 2 8 Totals for Colony in 1903 .. 493 444,5IO| 5,661,592 15 21 12 14 9| 301,076 5,343,828 5 o| 17 15 01 317,764 10 2 15,000 o 4-83 187,130 2 8 40,837 243,675 7,388,681 18 7 57,047 30 6 5

F.—l

12

Table No. 5.— POST-OFFICE SAVINGS-BANKS.— GENERAL STATEMENT.— continued. Table showing the Business of the Post-Office Savings-banks in New Zealand, Year by Year, from the Date they were established, in February, 1867, to the 31st December, 1903 — continued.

Number of PostOffice Savingsbanks Open at the Close of the Year. Number of Deposits received during the Year. Total Amount of Deposits received during the Year. Average Amount of each Deposit received during the Year. Number of Withdrawals during the Year. Total Amount of Withdrawals during the Year. Average Amount of each Withdrawal during the Year. Excess of Deposits over Withdrawals during the Year. Excess of Withdrawals over Deposits during the Year. Cost of Management during the Year. Average Cost of each Transaction, Deposit or Withdrawal. Interest for the Year. Number of Accounts Opened during the Year. Number of Accounts Closed during the Year. Number of Accounts remaining Open at Close of the Year. Total Amount standing to the Credit of all Open Accounts, inclusive of Interest to the Close of the Year. Average Amount standing to the Credit of each Open Account at Close of the Year. Totals for Colony in 1902 .. „ 1901 .. 1900 .. i8gg .. i8g8 .. 1897 .. 1896 .. 1895 .. 1894 .. i8g 3 .. 1892 .. 1891 .. 1890 .. 1889 .. 1888 .. 1887 .. 1886 .. 1885 .. 1884 .. 1883 .. 1882 .. 1881 .. 1880 .. 1879 .. 1878 .. 1877 .. 1876 .. 1875 .. 1874 .. 1873.. 1872 .. 1871 .. 1870 .. 1869 .. 1868 .. Totals for Colony from ist Feb. to 31st Dec., 1867 481 466 445 427 409 388 371 357 348 327 318 311 296 294 290 283 271 256 243 222 207 190 178 165 147 138 124 119 103 97 92 81 70 59 55 46 411,215 380,808 347,056 313,783 281,749 267,615 242,283 217,393 204,545 202,276 186,945 176,971 162,938 153, g2o 145,355 136,197 137,989 i3i,373 i2g,27g 127,609 129,952 125,855 81,660 71,865 69,908 60,953 57,295 56,129 52,627 39,223 31,681 24,642 20,489 i7,i33 13,014 6,977 £ s. d. 5,o6g,6ig 6 2 4,611,456 6 1 4,170,428 15 3 3,644,980 g 10 3,279,611 7 5 3,187,219 2 4 2,881,152 16 3 2,794,506 16 o 2,252,862 6 11 2,386,089 10 7 1,878,270 6 4 1,842,987 15 2 1,658,543 3 5 1,515,281 11 3 1,544,747 7 " 1,312,151 1 5 1,248,405 6 11 1,341,001 3 2 1,227,909 11 4 1,178,474 4 1 1,325,852 2 11 1,189,012 2 7! 864,441 18 ioi 812, 399 11 11 762,084 12 o 681,294 13 2 664,134 12 6 657,653 4 o 699,249 14 3 580,542 5 5 430,877 o o 312,338 18 4 264,328 5 7 240,898 5 9 194,535 11 6 96,372 7 10 £ s -d12 6 7 12 2 2 12 o 4 11 12 4 11 12 10 11 18 2 11 17 10 12 17 1 11 o 3 II 15 II IO O II 10 8 3 10 3 6 9 16 10 IO 12 6 9 12 8 9 o 11 10 4 1 9 9 11 9 4 8 10 4 o 9 8 11 10 11 9 11 6 1 10 18 o 11 3 6 11 11 9 11 14 4 13 5 8 14 16 2 13 12 O 12 13 6 12 18 O 273,454 247,854 227, o7g 206, g40 ig6,764 179,555 167,248 159,904 152,136 136,739 120,628 111,603 106,868 99,i85 96,204 89,962 89,182 84,832 80,800 78,405 69,308 60,137 57,446 54,698 42,746 39,363 39,486 36,977 29,778 21,268 17,254 14,773 n,934 9,292 6,365 I,9i9 £ <>• d4,708,771 11 2 4,230,193 6 2 3,827,416 7 3 3,417,298 19 8 3,194,893 16 7 2,891,169 5 8 2,591,558 19 4 2,369,333 6 7 2,268,624 8 4 2,122,521 16 8 1,821,348 18 1 1,693,515 9 3 1,500,437 9 5 1,457,081 5 o 1,387,471 1 10 1,182,409 7 6 1,336,287 6 4 1,264,305 8 3 1,195,931 o 11 1,295,719 18 3 1,142,599 o 1 902, ig5 1 8 780,504 13 4 876,180 19 3 742,053 14 3 667,023 7 5 696,281 7 4 729,759 17 9 620,155 8 9 425,908 3 5 313,176 7 11 261,347 16 3 209, 5og 13 2 180,518 4 1 107,094 17 3 26,415 18 9 £ s. d. 17 4 5 17 1 4 16 17 1 16 10 3 16 4 9 16 2 o 15 9 10 14 16 4 14 18 3 15 10 5 15 2 o 15 3 5 14 o 9 14 13 9 14 8 5 13 2 10 14 19 8 14 18 o 14 16 o 16 10 6 16 9 8 15 o 1 13 11 8 16 o 4 17 7 2 16 18 10 17 12 8 19 14 8 20 16 5 20 o 5 18 3 o 17 13 9 17 11 1 19 8 7 16 16 6 13 15 3 £ s - d. 360,847 15 o 381,262 19 11 343,012 8 o 227,681 10 2 84,717 10 IO 296, o4g 16 8 289,593 16 11 425,173 9 5 263,567 13 11 56,921 8 3 149,472 5 11 158,105 14 o 58,200 6 3 157,276 6 1 129,741 13 11 76,695 14 11 31,978 10 5 £ ■■ d. •■ •• I •• 15,762 1 5 •• 87,881 19 5 - £ 14,000 11,500 10,500 9,500 8,500 8,000 7,000 7,000 6,500 6,500 5,500 5,000 5,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 3,500 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,250 1,800 1,556 1,351 1,264 1,186 789 822 s. d. o 490 o 439 o 439 o 438 o 4-26 o 42g o 4-10 o 4'45 o 4'37 o 4-60 o 429 o 4-16 o 4'45 o 379 o 3'97 o- 4-24 o 4'23 o 4'44 o 457 o 466 o 482 o 4-52 o 604 o 569 o 5'33 o 598 o 620 o 644 o 655 o 714 o 763 o 823 o 936 o 1077 0 9-77 1 io-i8 172,926 1 7 159,198 4 o 146,169 2 5 134,917 19 3 128,128 16 6 137,240 8 o 126,497 16 3 129,489 19 6 114,643 4 11 114,760 1 1 111,301 13 1 104,098 17 o 92,319 o 6 84,809 17 1 78,080 6 o 67,363 15 3 65,825 9 6 62,228 3 11 57,38i 13 7 56,046 17 3 54,909 13 11 42,204 19 o 32,822 12 4 31,715 18 2 31,664 12 9 29,193 14 6 28,762 4 7 28,565 3 5 26,935 6 8 20,106 16 10 14,711 o 5 11,291 IO IO 9,242 3 11 7,412 8 0 4,880 7 3 1,241 5 o 53,587 50,046 46,086 41,362 37,265 36,394 32,982 30,261 28,66g 29,755 26,232 25,i3i 23,719 21,778 21,307 20,368 21,671 20,661 20,228 20,386 21,014 25,059 16,137 15,401 !3,oo5 ",235 11,255 11,273 I °,346[ 7,382 6,205 4,6i5 4,304 3,839 3,282 2,520 38,558 35,018 31,724 28,284 26,628 24,821 22,907 22,001 21,930 19,599 18,171 17,872 17,256 15,521 16,543 15,515 16,757 16,421 16,447 15,967 14,505 12,718 12,217 12,786 9,634 8,591 9,472 8,681 5,736 3,816 3,188 2,383 2,277 1,801 1,186 364 227,465 212,436 197,408 183,046 i6g,g68 159,331 147,758 137,683 I2g,423 122,684 112,528 104,467 97,2o8 90,745 84,488 79,724 74,87i 69,957 65,7!7 61,936 57,517 51,008 38,667 34,747 32,132 28,761 26,117 24,334 21,742 17,132 13,566 10,S49 8,317 6,2go 4,252 2,156 £ ■• d6,883,787 5 9 6,350,013 9 2 5,809,552 5 3 5,3-0,370 14 10 4,957,771 5 5 4,744,924 18 1 4,311,634 13 5 3,895,543 o 3 3,340,879 11 4 3,241,998 7 10 2,863,670 12 10 2,695,447 11 6 2,441,876 8 7 2,191,451 14 1 2,048,441 10 9 1,813,084 18 8 1,615,979 9 6 1,638,035 19 5 1,499,112 o 7 1,409,751 16 7 1,470,950 13 6 1,232,787 16 9 903,765 16 10 787,005 19 o 819,071 8 2 767,375 17 8 723,910 17 5 727,295 7 8 770,836 18 o 664,807 5 10 490, 066 7 o 357,654 14 6 2g5,372 1 7 231,3" 5 3 163,518 15 7 7i,i97 14 1 £ s - d30 5 3 2g 17 10 29 8 7 29 1 4 29 3 5 29 15 7 29 3 7 28 5 10 25 16 3 26 8 6 25 9 o 25 16 o 25 2 4 24 2 11 24 4 IO 22 14 IO 21 II 8 23 8 4 22 16 3 22 15 2 25 11 5 24 3 4 23 7 6 22 12 11 25 9 9 26 13 7 27 14 4 29 17 9 35 9 o 38 16 1 36 2 5 33 18 1 35 10 3 36 15 5 38 9 1 33 o 5 117,245 14 2 183,253 *2 10 286,817 O II 83,937 5 6 63,781 7 4 20,030 17 9 14,271 5 g 32,146 14 10 72,106 13 9 79,094 5 6 154,634 2 o 117,700 12 1 50,991 2 1 54,818 12 5 60,380 1 8 87,440 14 3 69,956 9 1 14 I 2 14 18 II 13 16 3 ■-

F.—l.

Table No. 6. Balance-sheet of the New Zealand Post Office Account for the Year ended 31st December, 1903.

13

Balances on 1st January, 1903. Transi ictions. Balances on 3Isi December, 1903. Dr. Cr. Dr. Or. Cr. Dr. tfONEY-ORDER ACCOUNTS : — Money-orders (general) United Kingdom, &e. United States of America Canada Cape of Good Hope Ceylon Cook Islands Fiji Germany Hongkong India Natal New South Wales Queensland South Australia Samoa Straits Settlements Tasmania Transvaal Victoria Western Australia Commission 3avings-Bank Accounts :— Deposits and withdrawals Transfers Postal Accounts: — Stamps .. Postal Guides Postal notes Private box and bag rents Money-order commission Postal revenue Pelegraph Accounts :— New South Wales Telegraphs New Zealand & Australian Cable Pacific Cable Board Telephone-exchange receipts .. Special messenger service Maintenance of private wires.. Registration of code addresses Telegraph revenue .. 3-eneral Accounts :— Post Office Account Postmasters and Telegraphists Investments Accrued interest on investments Miscellaneous receipts (general) Foreign postage Miscellaneous expenses Disoount-s tamps For other Departments :— Advanoes to Settlers Auctioneers' license fees Arms Act licenses Bath receipts, Rotorua Bath tickets, Hanmer Plains.. Clerks of Court County Clerks Customs dues (H.M.C.) Customs duty (parcels) Factories Act Fishing licenses Education Department Game licenses Geraldine County Council Goldfields revenue Government Audit Government Insurance Government Printer.. Homing-pigeons Protection Act Income-tax.. Land-tax Licensing Act Lunacy Machinery Mining Act Miners' Guides New Zealand Consols Official Assignee Old-age Pensions Outside patients, Rotorua Public Trust Railways Registration of births, &c. i?ents Sanatorium, Hanmer Springs Sheep rates Stook Department Tourist reoeipts Valuation revenue Water rates, Rotorua Deposit with tender for loan .. Suspense Account Profit and loss £ s. d. j 30,368 2 6 7,162 13 9 416 8 1 £ a. d. £ a. d. 1,535,238 9 8 136,982 7 9 24,251 19 1 2,756 6 5 3,674 14 3 494 5 2 £ a. d. 1,533,663 14 5 144,325 11 1 24,281 15 7 3,198 15 2 1,968 11 7 548 o 5 71 12 10 1,474 12 6 2,164 5 7 1,001 13 g 1,614 6 8 2,341 7 2 66,640 4 5 8,687 14 9 4,048 4 4 5,802 14 7 285 g g g,98g 16 o 4,524 3 8 59,690 4 o 6,096 o 3 2,205 12 1 £ s. d. 31,942 17 9 £ a. d. 180 g 7 386 11 7 131 16 4 1,944 15 o 37 7 5 574 5 1 238 12 4 91 2 8 71 12 10 207 7 5 1,478 6 4 2,482 15 11 997 o 1 1,558 6 6 i,74i 4 5 66,637 12 4 8,263 18 6 4,043 o 4 2,531 15 8 124 7 1 8,328 1 4 3,372 8 o 60,040 9 3 5,74i 18 3 2,056 1 4 203 13 7 1,661 4 5 7 15 3 94 18 11 i,979 14 9 3 1 7 38 18 9 272 6 1 872 8 10 985 9 6 437 6 o 395 8 9 982 17 5 13 9 9 390 4 9 7 3 7 .. 2,012 13 5 95 6 9 5,283 12 4 153 19 1 i,757 1 5 1,063 18 11 87 16 9 965 14 5 i,3i5 19 8 468 14 6 635 14 5 822 16 6 785 5 2 6,883,787 5 9 2,783 16 9 5,848,722 17 10 393,587 9 3 5,343,828 5 o 394,114 12 5 7,388,681 18 7 2,256 13 7 130,518 8 2J 475,i64 11 5 528 16 10 j 226,093 16 8 6,777 16 10 15,919 18 11 302,503 16 5 461,307 16 3J 524 o o 216,939 o 6 6,777 16 10 15,919 18 11 302,427 3 7 144,375 3 4 4 16 10 79,962 4 9 70,807 8 7 •• 4,251 2 n| 4,327 15 9i 401 16 1 161 10 3 1,122 10 6 8,017 11 6 4,084 3 3 37,371 14 2 70,418 7 7 160 3 11 1,649 4 7 494 o o 285,187 o oJ 8,345 6 8 4,095 18 9 36,836 6 10 70,418 7 7 160 3 11 1,649 4 7 494 o o 284,744 10 6 74 o 11 149 14 9 1,657 17 10 i,g66 5 10 2,408 15 44 156,387 7 5 2g8,532 ig oJ 6,934,459 7 8 59,654 3 9 4,443,098 6 4 9,995,717 6 4 1,501,700 o o 59,654 3 9 io,955 2 3J 3,920 o 4 626,285 i° o 2,750 o o 4,497,319 4 1 10,017,322 7 8J 1,953,170 o ° 64,892 17 8 10,389 7 4 5,ogg 6 5 636,gi3 1 o 2,616 ig o 210,608 5 2 320,138 o 5 7,385,929 7 8 64,892 17 8 728 14 gj 8,877 4 5 37,ii5 19 7 1,488 1 o 1,294 9 9 7,697 18 4 26,488 8 7 1,621 2 o 5,425 1 o 666,337 18 2 3 15 o 448 o o 663,640 17 10 3 15 o 462 o o 68 5 4 44 15 6 7 10 6 321 5 9 2,812 2 3 33,26i 2 5 42 2 o 954 13 o 9 7 0 2,108 14 0 621 9 2 128 17 o 20 6 8 27,226 17 1 491 8 1 170 123,000 o o 244, 2g7 o o 20 o o 25 10 o 5,714 2 6 380 5 o 8,122 1 4 51 o 0 68 5 4 44 15 6 3 10 6 600 335 3 3 3,707 7 4 37 o o 400 371 10 9 2,783 17 11 32,739 8 5 42 2 0 981 17 o 1270 2,108 14 o 621 9 2 127 13 6 20 6 8 26,655 4 8 464 6 o 170 122,963 10 1 243,031 7 8 20 o o 26 o o 5,7" 2 6 311 10 o 56 5 0 366 18 11 3,i85 13 4 42 15 o 69 19 o 300 1 6 6 030 2,528 8 9 54 3 10 1,956 16 4 27 1 9 84 10 6 1,905 4 1 48 o 7 639 11 9 600 389 7 6 598 5 o 1 5 6 6 10 o 386 7 6 529 10 o 1 5 6 69 12 4 17,657 12 o 47 5 o 9,882 16 10 890 6 6 225 6 o 25 4 o 251 15 7 3° 11 o o 6 10 61 5 o 2 17 8 600 2,605 o o 2,871 I 10 222,g20 O O 2,605 o o 2,916 15 I 223,319 5 5 47 5 o 383,752 19 10 g,go3 10 8 2,154 16 3 25g o 8 2,202 8 5 20,012 5 6 40 11 3 730 3 11 2,458 o o 600 12,500 o o 6,453 12 6 283,784 6 5 23 19 1 .17,258 6 7 392,107 10 o 9,653 2 I 2,145 12 9 258 11 8 2,141 19 2 20,033 16 7 41 4 5 780 17 10 2,456 3 11 18,237 7 0 639 17 11 216 2 6 24 15 o 191 6 4 52 2 1 100 in 18 11 1 1 7 7,615 o o 6,453 12 6 1 308,311 14 o 4,885 o o ; 223,636 1 4 248,163 8 11 Totals 17,454,802 11 gj J7,454,802 11 9i 28.27g.740 o 2 28,27g,74Q o 2 17,998,389 13 9 7,998,389 13 9

F.—l.

Table No. 7. Securities, &c., standing in the Name of the Postmaster-General on Account of the PostOffice Savings-Bank Fund on the 31st December, 1903.

14

Description of Securities, &c. Nominal Value. Value at Cost Price. Accrued Interest on 31st December, 1903. " The Government Advances to Settlers Extension Aot, 1901 " Debentures, 3J per oent. £ s. d. 80,000 0 0 £ a. d. 80,000 0 0 £ a. d. 230 2 9 "The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act 1896" Debentures, 3J per cent. 100,000 0 0 100,000 0 0 1,457 10 7 " The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Act 1899 " Debentures, 3J per cent. 125,000 0 0 125,000 0 0 731 3 3 The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Aots 1896 and 1897 Debentures, 3 per oent. 65,000 0 0 65,000 0 0 203 0 3 " The Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Aot 1902 " Debentures, 4 per cent. 100,000 0 0 100,000 0 0 328 15 4 " The Consolidated Loan Act 1867 " Debentures, 4 per cent. .. 13,000 0 0 12,480 0 0 109 13 11 " The Consolidated Stock Act 1884 " Debentures, 3J per cent... 689,700 0 0 689,700 0 0 8,002 7 9 " The Dairy Industry Aot 1898 " Debentures, 3J per oent. 1,781 0 0 1,781 0 0 8 7 11 " The Defence and other Purposes Loan Act 1870 " Debentures, 4 per cent. 75,000 0 0 72,000 0 0 632 17 6 " The Defence and other Purposes Loan Act 1870" Debentures, 4J per cent. 8,100 0 0 8,100 0 0 The District Railways Purchasing Acts 1885 and 1886 Debentures, 4 per cent. 42,000 0 0 36,076 17 8 418 17 0 The District Railways Purchasing Acts 1885 and 1886 Scrip, 4 per cent. 34,100 0 0 34,100 0 0 340 1 3 Dunedin Garrison Hall Debentures, 5 per cent. 6,000 0 0 6,000 0 0 129 17 3 " The General Purposes Loan Act 1873 " Debentures, 4 per oent. 5,200 0 0 4,342 0 0 43 17 7 "The Government Loans to Looal Bodies Act 1886" Debentures, 3J per cent. 231,500 0 0 231,500 0 0 2,686 0 6 Greymouth Harbour Board Debentures, 4 per cent. 120,000 0 0 120,000 0 0 2,347 18 10 Hamilton Borough Debentures, 4J per cent. 3,000 0 0 3,000 0 0 56 4 4 Hokitika Harbour Board Debentures, 5 per cent. 10,000 0 0 10,000 0 0 2,618 9 10" "The Immigration and Public Works Loan Aot 1870" Debentures, 4 per cent. 174,200 0 0 167,272 0 0 1,469 19 2 " The Immigration and Public Works Loan Act 1870 " Debentures, 4J per cent. 20,900 0 0 20,527 10 0 198 8 2 " The Immigration and Public Works Loan Act 1870 " Debentures, 4 per cent. (Imperial guaranteed) 400,000 0 0 I 400,000 0 0 1,315 1 4 Inscribed Stock, 3 per cent. 2,134,940 0 0 2,129,614 0 0 15,968 2 6 " The Land for Settlements Act 1894 " Debentures, 3J per cent. 731,066 0 0 731,066 0 0 4,276 4 9 The Land for Settlements Act Debentures, 3J per cent. 62,000 0 0 62,000 0 0 541 0 3 " The Lands Improvement and Native Lands Acquisition Aot 1894 " Debentures, 4 per cent. 264,000 0 0 264,000 0 0 2,661 14 0 " The Lands Improvement and Native Lands Acquisition Act 1894 " Debentures, 3J per cent. 35,000 0 0 35,000 0 0 250 5 5 " The Local Bodies' Loans Act 1901 " Debentures, 3J per cent. 470,000 0 0 470,000 0 0 5,045 14 9 Oamaru Borough Consolidated Loan 1893 Debentures, 5 per cent. 13,800 0 0 13,800 0 0 345 0 0 Oamaru Harbour Bonds, 5£ per oent. 31,000 0 0 31,000 0 0 714 14 0 Patea Harbour Board Debentures, 4J per oent. 21,870 0 0 21,870 0 0 390 19 3 " The State Coal-mines Act 1901 " Debentures, 3J per cent. .. 92,000 0 0 92,000 0 0 751 0 2 Thames Harbour Board Debentures, 4 per cent. 10,000 0 0 10,000 0 0 99 14 6 " The Public Revenues Aot 1893 ' (Treasury bills), 3J per oent. 749,200 0 0 749,200 0 0 Westport Harbour Board Debentures, 4 per oent. 489,500 0 0 ' 489,500 0 0 9,755 4 1 Accrued interest on Post Office Aooount 764 9 6 Totals 7,408,857 0 0 7,385,929 7 8 64,892 17 8 * Interest over five years In arrear; principal fell due 11th November, 1896.

15

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Table No. 8. Post-Office Savings-Bank. Balance-sheet for the Year ended 31st December, 1903. Dr - £ s. d. Cr. £ s d Balance to credit of depositors, Ist Withdrawals during 1903 .. . 5 343 828 5 6 January, 1903 6,883,787 5 9 Balance to credit of depositors, 31st ' ' Deposes during 1903 .. .. 5,661,592 15 2 December, 1903 .. .. .. 7 388 681 18 7 Interest credited to depositors, 1903 .. 187,130 2 8 £12J32,510 3 7 £12,732,510 3 7 Liabilities and Assets. Dr - & s. d. Cr. £ s d Balance to credit of depositors, 31st Securities (vide Table No. 7).. . 7 385 929 7 8 December, 1903 .. .. .. 7,388,68118 7 . Cash in Post-Office account .. 2 752 10 11 Balance of assets over liabilities .. 248,163 811 i Accumulated profits .. 248,163 811 £7,636,845 7 6 ; £77636,845 7 6 Profit and Loss. Interest credited to depositors during 1903 187,130 2 8 Balance forward, Ist January, 1903 . 223 636 1 4 Paid Public Account, for expenses of Interest received during bavings-bank management during 1903 15,000 0 0 1903.. £243 304 19 4 Savings-bank profits carried to postal Accrued interest on 31st revenue .. .. .. .. 22,000 0 0 December, 1903 .. 64,892 17 8 Balance to next account .. .. 248,163 8 11 £308,197 17 0 Less accrued interest on 31st Deoem.ber, 1902 .. 59,654 3 9 248,543 13 3 Savings-bank fines .. .. .. 113 17 0 £472,293 11 7 £472,293 11 7

Table No. 9. Return showing the Total Number of Post-Office Savings-Bank Accounts open on the 31st December, 1903, classified according to the Balances at Credit, compared with the Number open at the end of 1902.

Postal District. I Not i Exceeding exceeding i £20 and £20. up to £50. Exceeding Exceeding Exceeding £50 and £100 and £200 and up to £100. up to £200. up to £300. Exceeding £300 and up to £400. Exceeding ©S £400 and g*i up to £500.i K M ! H.S Total Number of Accounts open. Auckland Blenheim Christchurch .. Dunedin Gisborne Greymouth Hokitika Invercargill Napier Nelson New Plymouth.. Oamaru Thames Timaru Wanganui Wellington Westport 23,437 3,603 3,269 361 33,314 4,743 \ 23,808 3,990 j 2,683 410 2,945 505 1,043 206 6,618 . 1,266 8,129 : 1,085 4,953 i 810 4,850 717 2,360 489 5,962 830 4,981 894 9,449 1,251 34,623 ! 5,384 2,139 343 2,410 2,340 985 251 219 82 3,149 2,675 936 2,039 2,251 805 259 176 . 63 377 323 i 125 172 165 52 836 699 ■ 247 703 622 233 536 461 175 457 363 114 345 ' 320 107 504 , 422 164 558 468 185 747 623 i 222 3,419 3,262 I 926 230 200 : 78 275 24 366 230 12 42 12 67 81 52 30 27 48 62 62 381 24 147 10 170 146 10 21 10 29 40 39 29 6 21 34 30 148 15 150 13 148 126 13 18 5 28 18 18 12 10 19 29 36 194 8 33,347 4,229 45,501 33,995 3,626 4,356 1,665 9,790 10,911 7,044 6,572 3,664 7,970 7,211 12,420 48,337 3,037 243,675 Totals, 1903 174,563 26,887 174,563 26,887 17,592 15,589 5,499 1,795 905 845 Totals, 1902 161,989 25,520 161,989 16,621 14,657 25,520 5,473 1,619 860 726 227,465

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16

Table No. 10. Inland Mail-services established, accelerated, etc.

District. Name of Service. Frequency. Remarks. cuckland Dargaville-Aoroa-Aratapu-Te Kopuru Tahekeroa (no post-office)-Ahuroa .. Taumarunui-Piriaka Ahuroa-Komokoriki-Glorit Hangatiki Rail way-station-Waitomo Mairoa- Junction on Te Kuiti-Pae-mako Road Makarau Railway-station-Post-office , Ongarue-Ohura Paemako-Mahoenui Rotorua-Galatea-Muripara-TeWhaiti Russell-Waitangi Taupo-Tokaanu Daily Thrice weekly .. Weekly Established. „ (Renewal, 16th Dec, 1902, of extra weekly service to maintain thrice- and twice-weekly communication on Lake Taupo, summer and winter.) Whangarei-Otuhi Devonport-Takapuna Frequency increased: daily to twice weekly. Frequency increased : thrice weekly to daily. Frequency increased : thrice weekly to daily. Frequency increased: twice to thrice weekly (1st Nov., 1903 to 31st March, 1904: periodical, in terms of contract). Frequency increased: twice to thrice weekly. Frequency increased : once to twice weekly (one way only, Kaitaia-Awanui Landing). Frequency increased : once to twice weekly. Frequency increased : once to twice weekly (1st Jan., 1902). Frequency decreased: thrice to onoe weekly. Frequency decreased: thrice to twice weekly. Curtailed to Taumarunui-Piriaka. Altered: now Waihopo-Houhora Landing. Abolished. (Mangatu now otherwise served). Hukerenui Railway-station-Post-office Walton Post-office-Railway-station .. Taupo-Tokaanu Waiwera-Upper Waiwera Awanui Landing-Kaitaia Cambridge-Maungatautari Waerenga-Tangawahia Devonport-Redvale Pouto Post-office-Steamer Ongarue-Taumarunui-Piiiaka Waihopo Landing-service Kaihu-Mangatu llenheim Ongarue-Taumarunui Tahekeroa-Ahuroa Renwicktown - The Delta (no postoffice) - Valleyfield (no post-office)-Leafleld (no post-office)-Avondale (no post-office)-Benhopai (no postoffice) Punaruawhiti-Parahau Havelock, &c.,-Bulwer Twice weekly Established. Weekly Altered : by inclusion of Whatanihi after Mahau. Altered : by inclusion of Punaruawhiti before Endeavour Inlet. Established. Ihristchurch.. Picton-Endeavour Inlet - Resolution Bay Waikari-McDonald Downs.. Ealing-Carew Mount Somers-Ashburton Gorge Glentunnel - Glenroy - Windwhistle House Waiau-Hawkeswood Thrice weekly .. Twice weekly Weekly Weekly „ (18thFeb., 1903: givingHawkeswood a twice - weekly mail ; discontinued 31st May, 1903, to 5th Aug., 1903. See Abolished.) Extended to Bexley (new office). Frequency increased : once to twice weekly. (See Established.) Frequency decreased: to weekly throughout ; formerly twice weekly to Windwhistle House. Abolished. Oxford-Rock Ford Waiau-Hawkeswood Glentunnel - Glenroy - Windwhistle House-Lake Coleridge Papanui-Harewood Road Waiau-Hawkeswood (31st May, 1903. See Established.) lunedin St. Leonards Post-office - Railwaystation Henley West Post-office-Henley Rail-way-station Twice daily Established. Thrice weekly .. (Re - established 1st April, 1903. See Abolished.)

17

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Table No. 10— continued. Inland Mail-services established, accelerated, etc.— continued.

3—F. 1.

listrict. Name of Service. Frequency. Remarks. Dunedin— ctd. td. Kaka Point-Port Molyneux Pembroke-Cardrona .. Established. .. Thrice weekly .. .. Weekly (Renewal for winter, 1st May to 31st Oct.; ran to 17th Nov.) Frequency increased : weekly in one direction to weekly each way. Abolished. (31st Jan., 1903. See Established.) (Office transferred from township to railway-sta-tion.) .. Established. (First subsidised service ; for carriage of hampers onlv.) .. Established. Cromwell-Lowburn Henley West Post-office-Henley Rail-way-station Hyde Post-office-Railway-station .. iilGisborne .. Hicks Bay-Beach Post-office .. As required Gisborne Chief Post-office-Railway-station Kaiteratahi Rail way-station-Te Karaka Makaraka Post-office-Railway-station Ormond Post-office-Railway station.. Waerengaahika Post-office - Railwaystation Kaiteratahi Railway-station - Whatatutu Hauiti-Ponana Whatatutu-Iwiroa Te Karaka-Poututu-Whakarau-Motu y.ka Twice daily >n| . yi- Daily .. . Weekly •. No Town-Red Jack's .. Lower Shotover Post-office-Main Road Bluff-Ruapuke Island Garston-Upper Nevis .. '. u Altered : to run by express instead of horse in summer so long as roads permit. Abolished. .. Established. Greymouth .. Invercargill .. d Daily .. . Weekly Skipper's-Upper Shotover .. Invercargill-Te Oneroa (Re-established 19th Sept., 1903. See Abolished.) . Monthly (Renewal: 1st May, 1903, to 30th April, 1904.) Abolished. (18th May, 1903. See Established.) Abolished. . Established. (As special coaches run ; not to intermediate places.) Napier Garston-Upper Nevis Mokotua Post-office-Railway-station . Wairoa-Napier .. .. ] Irregularly .. ] Mangatera Post-office-Railway-station 1 WhakatuRailway-station-Mangatere-tere Tikokino-Whakarara .. ] Napier-Spit-Petane-Mohaka-TurV-roa - Wairoa - Frasertown - Marumaru - Ruakituri - Tiniroto - Waere-ngaokuri-Gisborne Dannevirke-Umutaoroa i Daily .. Twice weekly Weekly (Through service substituted for partial services. See Abolished.) 1 Frequency increased: thrice weekly to daily. ' Frequency increased : twice weekly to daily. ' Frequency increased: twice to thrice weekly. Wairoa-Frasertown B Dannevirke-Ngapaeruru - Mangatoro-Waipatiki-Ti-tree Point-Wimble-don-Herbertville Waipatiki-Horoeka F Frequency increased : once to twioe weekly. Abolished as an intermediate service (See Established.) Abolished. (See Frequency Increased.) Nelson New Plymouth Napier - Spit - Petane - Mohaka - Turi-roa-Wairoa Dannevirke-Ngapaeruru - Mangatoro-Waipatiki-Weber Nelson-Wakapuaka Suburban-Waka- Tl puaka The Port-Croixelles .. .. W Collingwood-Pakawau .. ,. Whangamoa Road-Croixelles .'! New Plymouth-Brixton .. ..' Tv Inglewood-Egmont Village.. .. Whitstone-Lorne Railway-station .. Ds Wharepoa Railway-station-Wharepoa (Cryer's Landing) Thames-Kauaeranga .. .. Tw Puriri-Nevesville A Al Thrice weekly .. Ei Weekly .. Ei E: Established. (Renewal and rearrangement.) e Established. (See Abolished.) Extended to Puponga. Abolished. (See Established.) Established. Abolished. Established. Al Twice weekly .. Es Oamaru Thames Al Daily .. .. Es (See Abolished.) Twice weekly Extended to Puketui and Hikuai (whole service to be thrice weekly). Frequency increased: once to thrice weekly. (See Extended.) Frequency increased: once to twice weekly. (See Curtailed.) Curtailed: to commence at Taneatua. (See Frequency increased.) Abolished. Ex ! Puriri-Nevesville Section of PuririHikuai service Taneatua-Whakatane S Fn Fri \ Whakatane-Taneatua--Ruatoki Cu: t Omahu-Wharepoa (late Cryer's Landing) Te Aroha Post-office-Railway-station Te Aroha-Waiorongomai Ab. (31st December, 1902.) (Now performed by lettercarrier.)

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18

Table No. 10 — continued. Inland Mail-services established, accelerated, etc.— continued.

District. j Name of Service. Frequency. Remarks. Timaru Geraldine-Pleasant Valley-Te MoanaGapes Valley-Burborough Orari-Belfleld-Rangitatalsland-Orton Extended to Kakahu Bush - Kakahu School-Hilton. Frequency increased : twice to thrice weekly. Frequency increased : once to twice weekly. (1st Nov., 1903, to 30th April, 1904 ; summer service by road.) Frequency increased : once to twice weekly. Frequency increased : twice to once weekly. (1st May to 31st October, 1903 ; winter service by horse.) Established. (First subsidised service.) „ (On transfer of office from railway-station.) Lake Pukaki-Hermitage Waihao Downs - Pentland Hills (no post-office) Lake Pukaki-Hermitage anganui Wanganui Chief Post-office-Wharves Mangaonoho - Post - office - Railwaystation Eltham Rotokari .. Mangaweka-Rangiwahia Pariroa Post-office-Railway-station.. Rapanui-Brunswick Railway-station Torere Junction-Ohutu Wanganui-Koriniti-Jerusalem-Pipi-riki As required Twioe daily Daily Established. Established. Five times weekly, (15th Dec. to 30th April) ; thrice weekly (1st May to 14th Dec.) Thrice weekly .. (See Abolished.) (Renewal, with increased frequency.) Mangaweka-U tiku-Taihape Moawhango-Te Moehau-Taihape Hunterville-Pukeroa Koeke-Sommerville-Mataroa Ruanui-Bell's Block-Turakina Valley Road Waiouru-Te Moehau Twice weekly (Renewal.) (Open-mail delivery.) Twice and once weekly Utiku-Ohutu-Pukeokahu .. Wanganui-Marton-Feilding - Palmerston North-Wellington (railway) Wanganui-Hunterville-Mangaonoho-Ohingaiti-Mangaweka (railway) Wanganui - Waitotara - WaverleyPatea - Hawera-Eltham - Stratford (railway) Wanganui-Koriniti - Jerusalem - Pipiriki Extended to include open-mail delivery between Casey's Junction and Fitten's Boundary, Ohinewairua District, (See Abolished.) Frequency increased: thrice to four times daily Frequency increased: thrice to thrice and four times daily, alternately. Frequency increased : alternately, twice and thrice daily to thrice daily. Tokaanu-Mangaituroa-Raetihi-Oha-kune-Karioi-Waiouru-Pipiriki Eastown Post-office-Railway-station Brunswick Railway-station-Rapanui Frequency increased : twice to five times weekly (1st Dec, 1903, to 30th April, 1904 ; summer service). (See Established.) Frequency increased : twice to thrice weekly (1st Nov., 1903, to 30th April, 1904 ; periodical, in terms of contract). Frequency decreased: twice to once daily. Frequency decreased : daily to four times weekly (during ■ winter, 9th May to 31st Oct., 1903). Frequency decreased : twice to once weekly. t Curtailed ; to terminate at Mangamingi. (Rukumoana closed.) Altered : by being changed to an open delivery. (Kohi Post-office closed.) Abolished as a separate service. Abolished. (See Extended.) Ruanui-Bell's Junction Eltham-Mangamingi-Rukumoana .. Waverley-Kohi Aberfeldie-Kotikotia Casey's Junction-Ohinewairua Taihape-Sommerville Utiku-Ohutu Wanganui Chief Post-office : Clearing receiving-boxes Abolished. (See Established.) Abolished as a subsidised service; henceforth to be performed as part of messenger's duties. Established. (Renewal.) 'ellington .. Anchorage-Wharf, Wharf-Anchorage, and Anchorage-Somes Island-Wharf Palmerston North-Terrace End Glen Oroua-Rongotea Palmerston North-Kelvin Grove Palmerston North - Newbury - Awa-huri-Rongotea Aohanga-Akitio-Ti-tree Point Sanson-Makowhai Masterton-Taratahi Upper Hutt-Akatarawa As required Twice daily Daily .. (See Altered.) (Rearranged.) Thrice weekly Twice weekly-Apiti-Roper's woolshed (no post-office) Waterfalls-Waihoki Valley Crofton and Khandallah daily delivery of letters Weekly .. „ (Letter delivery in substitution for mail-service abolished.) „ (Open-mail delivery.) Extended to Rangiora Avenue; and twice daily the same delivery to in-

19

F.—l

Table No. 10—continued. Inland Mail-services established, accelerated, etc. —continued.

District. i Name of Service. Frequency. Remarks. Wellington— continued. Halcombe-Stanway j Extended to Tokorangi Junotion (extension twice weekly, and being an open-mail delivery). Frequency increased : once to twice daily. Frequency increased: twice weekly to daily. Frequency decreased : twioe to once daily. Frequency decreased : thrice to twioe weekly. Curtailed : to end at Karewarewa. Altered to clearing receivers at Kilbirnie twice daily, and at Maranui daily, and placing contents in Wellington South receivers; delivering correspondence over Maranui from Coutts Street daily. Altered: by exclusion of Terrace End. (See Established.) Altered : by inclusion of Crail Bay (new office). Abolished. Kilbirnie, delivery of letters (part of larger servioe) Utuwai-Apiti Mauriceville-Mauriceville West Te Nui-Manawa (no post-offioe)-Annedale (no post-office) Rangiwahia-Karewarewa-Ruahine .. Kilbirnie, delivering correspondence I Palmerston North-Whakaronga Wellington-Haveloek (Blenheim) .. Alfredton-Pori Awahou-Pohangina Bull's-Sanson Carnarvon-Rongotea-Ohakea-Sanson-Awahuri - Feilding - Palmerston North-Newbury-Awahuri Colyton - Wanganui Harbour Board Block Glenburn-Glendhu Mangamaire-Marima • Mangaweka-Ruahine .. \\ Martinborough-Lower Pahaoa '.'. Utuwai-Apiti Whakataki-Aohanga-Akitio-Herber't-ville Westport-Seddonville Inangahua Junotion- Lyell.. (Services rearranged.) (See Established.) 'estport Extended to Mokihinui Mine. Abolished.

F.—l

20

Table No. 11. —SAN FRANCISCO MAIL-SERVICE. Statement showing the Number of Days occupied in the Delivery of Mails between London and the undermentioned Places by the San Francisco Mail-service.

PROM LONDON VIA SAN FRANCISCO. Auckland. Wellington. DUNEDIN. Sydney. Melbourne. Date of Despatch from London. Date of Arrival in Auckland No. of Days. Date of Despatch from London. Date of Arrival in Wellington. No. of Days. Date of Despatch from London, Date of Arrival in Dunedin. No. of Days. Date of Despatch from London. Date of Arrival in Sydney. No. Date of of Despatch from Days. London. Date of Arrival in Melbourne. No. of Days. ! ■ ! , i 1903. January 17 February 7 February 28 March 2 1 April 11 May 2 May 23 June 13 July 4 inly 25 August 15 September 5 September 26 October 17 November 7 November 28 February 18 March io March 3 1 April 20 May 11 June 3 June 22 July '3 August 3 August 25 September 14 October 5 October 26 November 16 December 8 December 28 32 3' 3° 3° 3° 3° 3' 3° 3° 3° 3° 3' 30 1903. January 17 February 7 February 28 March 2 1 April 1 1 May 2 May 23 June 13 .1 uly 4 July 25 August 15 September 3 September 26 October 17 November 7 November 28 '9°3February 20 March 11 April 1 April 22 May 12 June 4 June 23 July 14 August 5 August 26 September 15 October 6 October 27 November 17 December 9 December 29 34 j 32 32 I 32 31 1 33 ; 31 31 32 32 3' 31 3' 31 32 1903. I January i 7 1 February 7 I February 28 I March 21 j April 11 ; May 2 May 23 June 13 July 4 Jnly 25 August 15 September 5 September 26 October 17 November 7 November 28 1903. February 2 > March 13 April 3 April 23 May 13 June 5 June 24 .My '5 August 6 August 27 September 16 October 7 j October 28 November 18 December 10 December 30 35 34 34 33 32 34 32 32 33 33 32 32 32 32 33 32 1903. 1903. January 17 ; February 23 February 7 ! March 14 February 28 : April 4 March 21 • April 24 April 1 ) May 15 May 2 I June 8 May 23 June 26 June 13 July 17 July 4 I August 7 July 25 i August 29 August 15 I September 18 I September 5 October 9 I September 26 October 30 October 17 November 20 November 7 December 12 1904. November 28 January 1 December 19 January 22 31 35 35 34 34 37 34 34 34 35 34 34 34 34 35 34 34 January 17 February 7 February 28 March 2 1 April 11 May 2 May 23 June 13 July 4 July 25 August 15 September 5 September 26 October 17 November 7 1903. February 24 March 16 April 6 April 25 May 16 June 9 June 27 July 18 August ■ 8 August 3 1 September 19 October 10 October 3 1 November 21 December 14 1904. January 2 January 23 38 37 37 35 35 38 35 35 37 35 35 35 35 37 December 19 1904. January 18 3° December 19 1904. January 19 3> December 19 1904. January 20 ' 32 November 28 December 19 35 35 Maximum Minimum Average 3° I — I 3°'47 34 3' I 35 32 3276 37 34 34" 5 9 38 35 .35' 8 i TO LONDON VIA SAN FRANCISCO. ELBOURNE. Sydney. DUNED1N. ELLINGTON. Auckland. Date of Despatch from Melbourne. Date of Arrival in London. No. of Days. Date of Despatch from Sydney. Date of Arrival in London. No. of Days. Date of Despatch from Dunedin. Date of Arrival in London. No. of Days. Date of Despatch from Wellington. Date of Arrival in London. No. of Days. Date of Date of Despatch from j Arrival in Auckland. London. No. of Days. I 1 1902. December 1903. January February February March April May May June July July August September September October November 27 '7 28 21 11 2 23 "3 4 25 '5 5 26 ■7 7 1903. February i 36 1902. December 29 1903. February r 34 1902. December 30 1903. February 1 33 1903. January i 1903. February 1 3' 1903. 1903. January 2 February 1 3~> February 25 March 16 April 5 April 29 May 17 June 10 June 28 August 9 August 29 September 21 October 1 o November 1 November 21 December 12 39 37 36 39 36 39 36 34 36 35 37 35 36 35 35 1903. January 19 February 9 March 2 March 23 April 13 May 4 May 25 June 15 July 6 July 27 August 17 September 7 September 28 October 19 November 9 February 25 March 16 April 5 April 29 May 17 June 10 June 28 July 17 August 9 August 29 September 2 1 October 1 o November 1 November 21 December 12 1904. January 2 January 24 37 35 34 37 34 37 34 32 34 33 35 33 34 33 33 1903. January 20 February 1 o March 3 March 24 April 14 May 5 May 26 June 16 July 7 July 28 August 18 September 8 September 29 October 20 November 10 February 25 March 16 April s April 29 May 17 June 1 o June 28 July '7 August 9 August 29 September 2 1 October 10 November 1 November 21 December 12 36 34 33 36 33 36 33 31 33 32 34 32 33 32 32 January 22 February 12 March 5 March 26 April 16 May 7 May 28 June 18 July 9 J uly 30 August 20 September io October 1 October 22 November 12 February 25 March 16 April 5 April 29 May 17 June 10 June 28 July 17 August 9 August 29 September 21 October 10 November 1 November 21 December 12 1904. January 2 January 24 34 ' 32 3' 34 31 34 3' 29 3' 3° 32 3° 3' 3° 3° January 23 ' February 25 February 13 March 16 March 6 April 5 March 27 April 29 April 17 May 17 May 8 June 10 May 29 j June 28 June 19 j July 17 July 10 ■ August 9 July 31 I August 29 August 21 I September 21 September 1 1 j October 10 October 2 j November 1 October 23 j November 21 November 13 ; December 12 1904. December 4 January 2 December 25 Jauuary 24 33 3° 33 3° 33 30 28 3° 29 3> 29 3° 39 29 November December 28 '9 1904. January 2 January 24 35 36 November 30 December 21 33 34 December 1 December 22 1904. January 2 January 24 32 33 i December 3 December 24 3° 31 29 3° Maximum Minimum 39 34 36-22 37 34*22 36 3' 33'22 34 ! 29 31-22 33 28 •erage 30-22

F.—l

Table No. 12. —PENINSULAR AND ORIENTAL MAIL-SERVICE. Statement showing the Number of Days occupied in the Delivery of Mails between London and the undermentioned Places by the Packets of the Peninsular and Oriental Line.

21

FROM LONDON BY THE P. AND O. PACKETS. Melbourne. Sydney. Bluff. Christchurch. iLLINGTON. UCKLAND. Date of Despatch from London. Date of Arrival in Melbourne. No. of Days. Date of Despatch from London. Date of No. Arrival in of Sydney. Days. Date of Despatch from London. Date of Arrival at Bluff. No. of Days. Date of Date of Despatch from Arrival in London. Christchurch. No. of Days. Date of Despatch from London. Date of Arrival in Wellington. No. of Days. Date Of Despatch from j London. Date of Arrival in Auckland. No. of Days. 1903. >9°3Feb. 2 Feb. 16 March 2 March 16 March 29 April 12 April 28 May 13 May 25 June 8 June 21 July 6 July 19 August 3 August 16 August 31 Sept. 14 Sept. 28 October 12 October 25 Nov. 9 Nov. 23 Dec. 7 Dec. 20 I9°31 1 Jan. 2 Jan. 16 Jan. 30 Feb. 1 Feb. 27 March 13 March 27 April 10 April 24 May 8 May 22 June s June 19 July 3 July 17 July 31 August 14 August 28 Sept. 11 Sept. 25 October 9 October 23 Nov. 6 Nov. 20 3" 3i 3i 3' 3° 32 33 3' 3' 30 3' 3° 3' 3° 3' 3 1 3i 31 3° 3i 3' 31 3° 1 Jan. 2 Jan. 16 Jan. 30 F'eb. 1 3 Feb. 27 March 13 March 2 7 April 10 April 24 May 8 May 22 June 5 June 19 July 3 July 17 July 31 August 14 August 28 Sept. [ 1 Sept. 25 October 9 October 23 Nov. 6 Nov. 20 Feb. 3 32 Feb. 17 32 March 3 32 March 17 32 March 31 ! 32 April 14 32 April 29 j 33 May 16 36 May 26 j 32 June 9 I 32 June 23 I 32 July 7 j 32 July 21 32 August 4 j 32 August 18 ; 32 Sept. 1 32 Sept. 15 32 Sept. 29 32 October 13 32 October 27 32 Nov. 10 32 Nov. 24 32 Dec. 8 32 Dec. 22 32 1904. '903Jan. 2 Jan. 16 Jan. 30 Feb. 13 Feb. 27 March 13 March 27 April 1 o April 24 May 8 May 22 June 5 June 19 July 3 July 17 July 31 August 14 August 28 Sept. 11 Sept. 25 October 9 October 23 Nov. 6 Nov. 20 1903. Feb. 9 Feb. 23 March 9 March 23 April 7 April 20 May 4 May 19 June 2 June 15 June 28 July 13 July 27 August 10 August 24 Sept. 7 Sept. 22 October 5 October 19 Nov. 2 Nov. 17 Dec. 1 Dec. 15 Dec. 27 38 38 38 38 39 38 38 39 39 38 37 38 38 38 .38 38 39 38 38 38 39 39 39 37 Jan. 2 Feb. 10 Jan. 16 Feb. 25 Jan. 30 March 1 1 Feb. 13 March 24 Feb. 2*7 April 8 March 13 i April 21 March 27 May 5 April 1 o May 20 April 24 June 3 May 8 June 16 May 22 June 30 June 5 July 15 June 19 July 28 July 3 August 1 1 July 17 August 25 July 31 Sept. 8 August 14 Sept. 23 August 28 October 6 Sept. 1 1 October 20 Sept. 25 Nov. 3 October 9 Nov. 18 October 23 Dec. 2 Nov. 6 Dec. 16 Nov. 20 Dec. 28 39 40 4° 39 40 39 39 40 40 39 39 40 39 39 39 3940 39 39 39 40 40 40 38 1903. Jan. 2 Jan. 16 Jan. 30 : Feb. 13 Feb. 27 March 13 March 27 April 1 o April 24 May 8 May 22 June 5 June 19 July 3 July 17 July 31 August 14 August 28 Sept. 11 Sept. 25 October 9 October 23 Nov. 6 Nov. 20 I9°3Feb. 9 Feb. 24 March 1 o March 24 April 7 April 22 May 5 May 20 June 1 June 16 June 29 July 15 July 27 August 1 1 August 26 Sept. 8 Sept. 22 October 6 October 20 Nov. 3 Nov. 18 Dec. 1 Dec. 14 Dec. 28 38 39 39 39 39 40 39 40 38 39 38 40 38 39 40 39 39 39 39 39 40 39 38 38 I '9°3 Jan. 2 Jan. 16 Jan. 30 Feb. 13 Feb. 27 March 13 March 2 7 April 10 April 24 May 8 May 22 June s June 19 July 3 July 17 July 31 August 14 August 28 j Sept. 1 1 j Sept. 25 October 9 j October 23 | Nov. 6 j Nov. 20 I >9°3Feb. 8 Feb. 23 March 8 March 23 April s April 19 May 3 May 22 May 31 June 14 June 28 July 13 July 26 August 10 August 23 Sept. 7 Sept. 21 October 4 October 19 Nov. 2 Nov. 17 Nov. 30 Dec. 13 Dec. 2 7 37 38 37 38 37 37 37 42 37 37 37 38 37 38 37 38 38 37 38 38 39 38 37 37 Dec 4 Dec. 18 1904. Jan. 4 Jan. 18 3. 3 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 18 J an - 5 ; 32 Jan. 19 j 32 Dec. 4 Dec. 18 1904. Jan. 11 Jan. 25 38 38 1904. Dec. 4 Jan. 12 Dec. 18 Jan. 26 39 39 Dec. 4 1 Dec. 18 I 1904. 38 39 Dec. 4 Dec. 18 1904. 37 37 Jan. 11 Jan. 26 Jan. 10 Jan. 24 Maximum Minimum Average 33 3° 30-8 S 36 32 32-19 39 37 38-19 40 38 3935 40 38 3892 42 37

F.—l

22

Table No. 12. —PENINSULAR AND ORIENTAL MAIL-SERVICE-continued. Statement showing the Number of Days occupied in the Delivery of Mails between London and the undermentioned Places by the Packets of the Peninsular and Oriental Line-continued.

TO LONDON VIA BRINDISI (P. AND O. PACKETS). i Auckland. Wellington. Bluff. Sydney. Melbournf.. Date of Despatch from Auckland. Date of Arrival in London. No. of Days. Date of Despatch from Wellington. Date of Arrival in London. No. Date of of Despatch from Days. Bluff. Date of Arrival in London. No. Date of of Despatch from Days. Sydney. Date ofArrival in London. No. Date of of Despatch from Days. Melbourne. Date of Arrival in London. No. of Days. 1903. January 7 January 19 February 2 February 19 March 2 March 16 March 31 April 13 April 27 May 11 May 26 June 8 June 22 July 7 July 20 August 3 August 17 August 31 Sept. 14 Sept. 28 October 12 October 27 November 9 1903. February 14 February 28 March 14 March 28 April 11 April 25 May 9 May 23 June 6 June 21 July 6 July 20 August 2 August 16 August 30 Sept. 13 Sept. 27 October 10 October 25 November 7 November 21 December 5 December 19 38 40 40 37 40 40 39 40 40 4 2 40 41 41 40 41 40 40 39 40 1903. January 9 January 21 February 6 February 20 March 6 March 14 March 28 April 11 April 25 May . 9 May 23 June 9 June 20 July 4 July 18 August 1 August 15 August 29 Sept. 12 Sept. 29 October 10 October 27 November 7 1903. February 14 February 28 March 14 March 28 April 1 1 April 25 May 9 May 23 June 6 June 21 July 6 July 20 August 2 August 16 August 30 Sept. 13 Sept. 27 October 10 October 25 November 7 November 21 December 5 December 19 36 38 36 36 42 42 42 42 43 44 41 43 43 43 43 43 42 43 39 42 39 42 42 42 43 1903. January 5 January 19 February 2 February 16 March 3 March 17 March 30 April 13 April 27 ; May 11 May 26 ; June 8 June 22 j July 7 i July 21 I August 3 I August 18 I August 31 Sept. 15 Sept. 29 October 12 October 26 November 10 November 24 December 7 December 21 1903. February 14 February 28 March 14 March 28 April 11 April 25 May 9 May 23 June 6 June 21 July 6 July 20 August 2 August 16 August 30 Sept. 13 Sept. 27 October 10 October 25 November 7 November 21 December 5 December 19 40 40 40 40 39 39 40 40 40 41 41 42 4 1 40 40 41 40 40 40 39 40 40 39 1903. January 13 January 27 February 10 February 24 March 10 March 24 April 7 April 21 May 5 May 19 June 2 June 16 June 30 July 14 July 28 August 1 1 August 25 Sept. 8 Sept. 22 October 6 October 20 November 3 November 17 1903. February 14 February 28 March 14 March 28 April 11 April 25 May 9 May 23 June 6 June 21 July 6 July 20 August 2 August 16 August 30 Sept. 13 Sept. 27 October 10 October 25 November 7 November 21 December 5 December 19 32 32 32 32 32 32 32 32 32 33 34 34 33 33 33 33 33 32 33 32 32 32 32 January 14 January 28 February 11 February 25 March 11 March 25 April 8 April 22 May 6 May 21 June 3 June 17 July 1 July 15 July 29 August 12 August 26 Sept. 9 Sept. 23 October 7 October 21 November 4 November 18 1903. February 14 February 28 March 14 March 28 April n April 25 May 9 May 23 June 6 June 21 July 6 July 20 August 2 August 16 August 30 Sept. 13 Sept. 27 October 10 October 25 November 7 November 21 December 5 December 19 1904. January 2 January 16 January 30 3 J 31 3' 31 31 3i 3 1 3 1 33 33 32 32 32 .31 31 31 31 November 23 December 8 December 21 1904. January 2 January 16 January 30 40 39 40 November 21 December 5 December 18 1904. January 2 January 16 January 30 1904. January 2 January 16 January 30 39 40 40 December 1 December 15 December 29 1904. January 2 January 16 January 30 32 32 32 December 2 December 16 December 30 31 3' 3i Maximum Minimum Average .. 42 37 4004 44 36 41-04 42 39 40-04 34 32 3242 33 31 3138

F.--1

Table No. 13. —ORIENT MAIL-SERVICE. Statement showing the Number of Days occupied in the Delivery of Mails between London and the undermentioned Places by the Packets of the Orient Line.

23

FROM LONDON BY THE ORIENT LINE. Melbourne. Wellington. Sydney. Bluff. Christchurch. Auckland. Date of Despatch from London. Date of Arrival in Melbourne. No. Dal of Despat< Days. Lon Date of Despatch from London. ite of tch from ndon. Date of Arrival in Sydney. No. of Days. Date of Despatch from London. Date of I No. Arrival at ! of Bluff. | Days. Date of Despatch from London. Date of No. Arrival in of Christchurch. Days. Date of Despatch from London. Date of Arrival in Wellington. No. of Days. Date of Despatch from ! London. Date of Arrival in Auckland. No. of ' Days. j 1903. 1903. Feb. 10 Feb. 25 March 1 1 March 23 April 8 April 21 May s May 20 June 2 June 16 June 30 July 14 July 28 August 11 August 25 Sept. 8 Sept. 22 October 6 October 20 Nov. 3 Nov. 17 Dec. 1 Dec. 1 s '9 32 Jan. 33 Jan. 33 Feb. 31 Feb. 33 Marcl 32 Marcl 32 April 33 April 33 May 32 May 32 May 32 June 32 June 32 July 32 July 32 Augu 32 Augu 32 Sept. 32 Sept. 32 Octob 32 Octob 3 2 Octob 32 Nov. 1903. 9039 23 6 20 :h 6 :h 20 3 17 '5 29 12 26 10 24 ust 7 ISt 21 4 18 ber 2 ber 16 ber 30 '3 ■9°3Feb. 11 Feb. 26 March 12 March 24 April 9 April 22 May 6 May 2 1 June 3 June 17 July , July 15 July 29 August 12 August 26 Sept. 1 o Sept. 23 October 7 October 21 Nov. 4 Nov. 18 Dec. 2 Dec. 16 33 34 34 32 ! 34 33 33 34 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 34 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 '9°3Feb. 16 38 March 3 39 March 17 39 March 30 38 April 14 39 April 28 39 May 12 j 39 Ma> 26 39 June 8 38 June 22 38 July 7 39 July 20 38 August 3 38 August 17 j 38 Sept. 1 39 Sept. 15 39 Sept. 28 38 October 12 38 October 27 39 Nov. 1 o 39 Nov. 33 38 Dec. 7 38 Dec. 2 1 38 1904. 39 40 40 39 40 39 : 39 40 39 39 40 39 40 39 39 4' 40 40 39 , 39 39 39 39 1903. 1903. Feb. 16 March 6 March 18 March 30 April 17 April 26 May 11 May 29 June 7 June 22 July 6 July 20 August 3 August 16 August 31 Sept. 18 Sept. 29 October 13 October 25 Nov. 9 Nov. 23 Dec. 7 Dec. 20 38 42 40 38 42 37 38 42 37 38 38 38 38 37 38 42 39 39 37 38 38 38 37 1903. 1903. 1903. Jan. 9 Feb. 17 Jan. 23 March 4 i Feb. 6 March 18 i Feb. 20 March 31 March 6 April 15 | March 20 April 29 April 3 May 13 April 17 May 27 May 1 June 9 May 15 June 23 May 29 July 8 June 12 July 21 June 26 August 4 July 10 August 18 July 24 Sept. 2 August 7 Sept. 16 August 21 I Sept. 29 Sept. 4 October 13 Sept. 18 October 28 October 2 Nov. 1 1 October 16 Nov. 24 October 30 Dec. 8 Nov. 13 Dec. 22 1904. 1903. '90.3Feb. 17 March 4 March 18 March 3 1 April 15 April 28 May 12 May 27 June 9 June 23 July 8 July 21 August s August 18 Sept. 1 Sept. 17 Sept. 30 October 14 October 37 Nov. 10 Nov. 34 Dec. 8 Dec. 2 3 1904. Jan. 9 Jan. 23 Feb. 6 Feb. 20 March 6 March 20 April 3 April 17 May 1 May 15 May 39 June 12 June 26 July 10 July 24 August 7 August 21 Sept. 4 Sept. 18 October 2 October 16 October 30 Nov. 13 Jan. 9 Jan. 23 Feb. 6 Feb. 20 March 6 March 20 April 3 April 17 May 1 May 15 May 29 June 12 June 26 July 10 July 24 August 7 August 21 Sept. 4 Sept. 18 October 2 October 16 October 30 Nov. 13 Jan. 9 Jan. 23 Feb. 6 Feb. 20 March 6 March 20 April 3 April 17 May 1 May 15 May 29 June 12 June 26 July 10 July 24 August 7 August 21 Sept. 4 Sept. 18 October 2 October 16 Oetober 30 Nov. 13 39 40 40 39 40 j 40 j 40 40 39 39 40 39 39 39 4° - 40 39 39 40 40 39 39 39 Jan. 9 Jan. 23 Feb. 6 Feb. 20 March 6 March 20 April 3 April 17 May 1 May 15 May 29 June 12 June 36 July 10 July 24 August 7 August 21 Sept. 4 Sept. 18 October 3 October 16 October 30 Nov. 13 Jan. 9 Jan. 23 Feb. 6 Feb. 30 March 6 March 20 April 3 April 17 May 1 May 15 May 29 June 12 June 26 July 10 July 24 August 7 August 21 Sept. 4 Sept. c8 October 2 October 16 October 30 Nov. 13 Nov. 27 Dec. 29 32 Nov. Nov. 27 27 Dec. 30 1904. 33 Nov. 27 Jan. 5 39 Nov. 27 (an. 6 ; 4° Nov. 37 Jan. 5 39 Nov. 27 1904. Jan. 4 38 Dec. 1 1 Dec. 25 1904. Dec. 11 Dec. 25 Jan. 12 Jan. 26 32 Dec. 32 Dec. Jan. 14 Jan. 28 34 34 Dec. 11 Dec. 25 Jan. 19 39 Feb. 1 38 Dec. ii Jan. 20 Dec. 25 Feb. 3 40 39 Dec. 11 Dec. 25 Jan. 30 Feb. 3_ 40 I Dec. 11 Dec. 25 Jan. 22 Feb. 3 42 40 Maximum Minimum Average 33 3i 32-12 34 32 33-23 39 38 38-5 40 39 395 4i 39 39'4U 42 37 38-81 -

F — 1

24

Table No. 13. —ORIENT MAIL-SERVICE-continued Statement showing the Number of Days occupied in the Delivery of Mails between London and the undermentioned Places by the Packets of the Orient Line— continued.

TO LONDON VIA NAPLES (ORIENT PACKETS). Auckland. Wellington. Bluff. Sydney. Melbourne. Date of Despatch from Auckland. Date of Arrival in London. No. of Days. Date of Despatch from Wellington. Date of Arrival in London. No. of Days. I Date of Despatch from [ Bluff. Date of Arrival in London. No. of Days. Date of Despatch from Sydney. Date of Arrival in London. m« rt f Date of Dais Despatch from " a>s - Melbourne. Date of Arrival in ' London. No. of Days. 1903. January 12 January 27 February 9 February 23 March 10 March 23 April 6 April 20 May 4 May 18 June 3 June 15 June 29 July 13 July 27 August 10 August 25 Sept. 7 Sept. 22 October 5 October 19 November 2 November 16 1903. February 22 March 8 March 22 April 5 April 21 May 4 May 17 May 31 June 16 June 29 July 13 July 27 August 11 August 24 Sept. 6 Sept. 21 October 5 October ig November 1 November 15 November 30 December 14 December 27 1904. January 10 January 24 4 1 40 4 1 4i 42 41 4i 43 42 40 42 43 42 42 40 4 1 42 4i 1903. January 16 January 26 February 13 February 23 March 26 April 4 April 18 May 2 May 16 May 30 June 13 June 30 July 13 July 25 August 8 August 22 Sept. 7 Sept. 19 October 3 October 17 November 4 November 14 1903. February 22 March 8 March 22 April 5 May 4 May 17 May 31 June 16 June 29 July 13 July 27 August 11 August 24 Sept. 6 Sept. 21 October 5 October 19 November 1 November 15 November 30 December 14 December 27 37 4 1 37 4 1 39 43 43 45 44 44 44 42 42 43 44 44 42 43 43 44 40 43 1903. January 12 January 26 February 9 February 23 March 9 March 23 April 8 April 20 May 4 May 19 June 1 June 15 June 30 July 14 July 28 August 11 August 25 Sept. 7 Sept. 21 October 5 October 19 November 2 November 16 1903. February 22 March 8 March 22 April 5 April 21 May 4 May 17 May 31 June. 16 June 29 July 13 July 27 August II August 24 Sept. 6 Sept. 21 October 5 October 19 November 1 November 15 November 30 December 14 December 27 1904. January 10 January 24 41 4 1 4 1 4 1 43 42 39 4 1 43 4 1 42 42 42 41 40 41 4i 42 4 1 41 42 42 4i 1903. January 20 February 3 February 17 March 3 March 17 March 31 April 14 April 28 May 12 May 26 June 9 June 23 July 7 July 21 August 4 August 18 Sept. 1 Sept. 15 Sept. 29 October 13 October 27 November 10 November 24 1903. February 22 March 8 March 22 April 5 April 21 May 4 May 17 May 31 June 16 June 29 July 13 July 27 August 11 August 24 Sept. 6 Sept. 21 October 5 October 19 November 1 November 15 November 30 December 14 December 27 1904. January 10 January 24 33 33 33 33 35 34 33 33 35 34 34 34 35 34 33 34 34 34 33 33 34 34 33 1903. January 21 February 4 February 18 March 4 March 18 April 1 April 15 Apri 29 May 13 May 27 June 10 June 24 July 8 July 22 August 5 August 19 Sept. 2 Sept. 16 Sept. 30 October 14 October 28 November n November 25 1903. February 22 March 8 March 22 April 5 April 21 May 4 May 17 May 31 June 16 June 29 July 13 July 27 August 11 August 24 Sept. 6 Sept. 21 October 5 October 19 November 1 November 15 November 30 December 14 December 27 1904. January 10 January 24 32 32 32 32 34 33. 32 32 34 33 33 33 34 33 32 33 33 33 32 32 33 33 32 November 30 December 14 41 4 1 November 28 December 18 1904. January 10 January 24 43 37 December 1 December 14 40 41 December 8 December 22 1904. January 5 33 33 December 9 December 23 32 32 December 28 February 7 41 December 26 February 7 43 December 28 February 7 41 February 7 1904. January 6 February 7 32 33 ! 34 32 32-62 Maximum Minimum Average 43 40 45 37 42-04 43 39 41-27 35 33 33-62

25

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Table No. 14. Table showing the Estimated Number of Letters, Letter-cards, Post-cards, Book-packets, Newspapers, and Parcels dealt with in the several Postal Districts of New Zealand during the Year ended 31st December, 1903.

4—F.

Posted in the Colony. Received from Places outside the Colony. (Total Correspondence dealt with. Postal Districts. Letters. card"" Post-cards. Books, &c. Newspapers. Parcels. Letters. Postcards. Books, &c. Newspapers. Parcels. Letters. Lettei- Post-cards. Books, &c. Newspapers. Parcels. Auckland .. 9,903,010 Thames .. 1,004,770 New Plymouth 1,691, 430 Gisborne .. 554, 424 Napier .. 2,657,278 Wanganui .. 3,026, 686 Wellington .. 10,485,215 Nelson .. 1,225,822 Westport .. 426, 478 Greymouth .. 845,273 Hokitika .. | 308,412 Blenheim .. 775,333 Christchurch 8,562,073 Timaru .. 1 1,620, 996 Oamaru .. I 928, 707 Dunedin .. 8,629, 374 Invercargill .. ! 3,904,251 9,903,010 1,004,770 1,691,430 554.424 2,657,278 3,026,686 10,485,215 1,225,822 426,478 845 >273 308,412 775.333 8,562,073 1,620,996 928,707 8,629,374 3,904,251 160,745 15,496 43,082 12,350 61,867 82,173 236,834 37,7*3 2,561 9,815 2,977 15,392 206,219 47,242 '24,583 141,128 74,633 220, 064 14,092 75,257 9,165 79, 37 8 83,200 ! 253,409 31,265 7,618 I4, I 83 5,434 12,181 182,520 35,035 20,098 210,756 124,332 3,303,038 193,625 417,489 160,287 587,256 855,790 3,716,761 292,591 89,815 143,521 40,170 124,891 2,821,555 33 J ,38i 145,403 3,567,972 822,144 2,915,848 197, 080 433,519 174,564 615,993 604,431 2,097,178 210,925 125,268 304,395 90,402 211,874 2,498,995 225,030 151. 541 2,347,272 903, 208 55,623 : 693,951 3,727 : 7°,434 4,920 118,569 3,363 . 38,865 10,744 186,275 12,508 j 212,171 66,238 I 734,714 5,803 : 85,930 2,885 29,896 2,991 59,254 2,964 21,620 2,309 i 54,351 37,573 599,973 3,025 ; H3,632 1,707 I 65,102 44,619 604,690 6,975 273,688 :67,974 3,963,H5 144,016 3,410,381 I 12,023 775 , 4,139 504 4,366 4,576 419 780 299 670 9,97i 1,926 1,105 11,520 6,835 75,476 63,163 366,387 21,492 46.34 1 17,792 65,185 94,993 412,260 32,478 9,969 15,931 4,459 13,863 312,969 36,783 16,140 395,745 91,258 1,154,676 78,044 171,674 69,127 243,933 239,355 832,815 83,526 49,606 120,540 35,799 83,902 989,602 89,112 60,010 929,520 357,670 12,462 830 1,095 749 2,392 2,784 I4, 8 39 1,292 354 666 660 514 8,417 674 380 9,994 i,553 10,596,961 1,075,204 1,809,999 593,289 2,843,553 3,238,857 11,219,929 i,3",752 456,374 904,527 330,032 829,684 9,162,046 1,734,628 993,809 9,234,064 4,177,939 160,745 15,496 43,082 12,350 61,867 82,173 236,834 37,7*3 2,561 9,815 2,977 15,392 206,219 47,242 24,583 141,128 74,633 1,174,810 232,087 14,867 79,396 9,669 83,744 87,776 267,258 32,984 8,037 14,963 5,733 12,851 192,491 36,961 21,203 222,276 131,167 j ! 3,669,425 ; 4,070,524 68,085 215,117 I 275,124 4,557 463,830 : 605,193 6,015 178,079 i 243,691 ; 4,112 652,441 : 859,926 ! 13,136 950,783 843,786 i 15,292 4,129,021 2,929,993 1 81,077 325,069 294,451 7,095 99,784 174,874 : 3,239 159,452 424,935 3,657 44,629 126,201 j 3,624 138,754 295,776 j 2,823 3,134,524 3,488,597 ! 45,990 368,164 3 I 4, I 4 2 j 3,699 161,543 I 211,551 2,087 3,963,717 3,276,792 . 54,613 913,402 1,260,878 8,528 19.567,734 19,696,434 327,629 Totals .. 56,549,532 56,549.532 I,I74,8lO 1,377,987 17,613,689 1267,974 1,954,045 5,588,9H 59,655 60,512,647 1,453,463 14,107,523 Previous year 53,278, 875 i>o25,375i 1,239,004 16,870,951 13,392,847 244,016 1,755,373 ! 15,124,429 47,654 56,689,256 1,025,375 1,302,167 18,626,324 18,517,276 291,671

26

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Table No. 15. Table showing the Number of Letters, Letter-cards, Post-cards, Packets, Newspapers, and Parcels Posted in New Zealand, and the Number received from beyond the Colony, during the Year ended 31st December, 1903.

Articles exempt from Postage. Parcels. Articles subject to Postage. ;e. Service. Letters. Packets, inc I ~ Printed Matte Packets, including Printed Matter (except Newspapers), Commercial Papers, and Samples of NewsMerchandise, papers. eluding ier (except aers). I I - Letters. Packets.' B 2ft_eles. £££. »*"*«■ I Weight. I Postage. I Declared Value. Post-cards. nnmmorSnl jersj, i Pa.r>ers. A "" v *"""*" commercial I .papers, ~ -. . RegisOrdinary. ter s ed Letter- and Samp cards. Merchant Single. jKeplypaid. Ordinary. E Ordinary. Registered. pies of idise. Registered I ___ i J_ n I Pi Posted. i i j I 10,408,9575,495,586 751,952 \ 117,966 Lb. 1,506,649 250,397 892,918 2,749 7,355 15,234 £ a. d. £ s. d. 14,741 6 8 507 14 5 ) 120,844 0 0 790 7 6 16,039 8 7 20,844 0 0 Inland .. 47,516,042 331,698 I 1,174,810 1,309,364 1,248 16,320,316 45,578 .. 162,000 21,797 ; .. 368,506j 28,970 4,711 5,028 787,397; 34,565 4,049. 1,814 Intercolonial .. | 1,187,866 30,355 ._. International Totals .. - .. 1,736,517 37,685 .. 50,440,425 399,738 1,395,678 19,445 6,866 1,234 6,093 10,222 26,473 J I - 12,592,032[5,549,596 762,867 121,064 1,515,491 267,974 934,625 1,174,810 1,376,739 j 1,248 16,850,822| 38,709 Received. Intercolonial International Totals .. , . I .. 1,420,328! 19,049 .. 2,459,5401 40,368 .. 3,879,868] 59,417 45,017 30,459 75,476 404,509 2,711 1,538,755 6,644 1 943,264 9,355 1,689,763! 3,896,112 14,778 1,038 7,043 388 1,138 871 2,564 15,359 : 44,681 I 1,398 6 0 ' 1151,236 0 472 44,296 182,278 j 4,111 19 6 5,585,875 21,821 1,426 2,009 3,036 ! 59,655 ;226,959 5,510 5 6 151,236 0

F.—l

27

Table No. 16. Table showing the Number of Letters, Letter-cards, Post-cards, Books, Newspapers, and Parcels delivered by the Letter-carriers from the Post-offices within the several Postal Districts during the Year 1903.

Postal Districts. Letters. Letter-cards. Post-cards. Books. &c. 140,893 933,238 32.022 161,463 37,017 ! 83,036 2,026 16,346 25,788 242,871 52,428 i 457.055 l60,5II I I,638,OOI 14,954 ' 111,250 12,819 : 43,335 22,061 ■ 84,327 6,210 26,312 7,115 j 48,233 80,712 936,192 22,619 118,616 30.023 49,090 212,762 1,319,935 8i,953 550,820 I I > 1 I > ! Newspapers. ! Parcels. Auckland fhames ■few Plymouth .. >isborne Napier Wanganui Wellington kelson Westport jreymouth Hokitika 31enheim Christchurch rimaru.. Damaru Dunedin invercargill 4,219,400 I 87,868 . . I 568,757 I 11,844 702,736 j 14,634 207,092 ! 4,313 731,858 : 15,241 ., i 772,456 16,086 .. I 4,142,773 I 86,273 • ■ ! 324,073 1 6,749 .. 1 177,245 3,691 •• i 273,132 5,688 102,335 2,131 169,501 3,532 2,640,052 54,978 •• : 519,530 10,819 .. : 287,844 5,994 .. I 3,388,425 69,522 969,459 20,189 919,363 17,304 122,669 5,474 277,299 7,OI3 39,893 1,742 163,024 1 7,224 281,262 6,030 1,015,539 i 16,942 189,708 j 4,564 67,913 ' 2,993 67,549 5,508 36,872 1,160 54,854 2,369 586,718 14,989 84,167 2,813 50,690 1,935 892,990 : 10,337 227,313 2,956 1 Totals .. : 20,146,768 419,552 4 I 9,552 941,913 6,820,120 5,077,823 111,353 Previous year .. ■• 17,874,196 344,330 706,958 5.887,800 4,533.68i 97.4 11

f.—i

28

Table No. 17. Comparative Table showing the Progress of the Telegraph Department during the Financial Years ended 30th June, 1866, to 30th June, 1879; 31st March, 1880, to 31st March, 1882; and Calendar Years ended 31st December, 1882, to 31st December, 1893.

1 .. . Number | Year ended „£ „, Line. Number of i Miles of I Wire, j H° Private, E and Press. ■£ Number of Telegrams during the Ye; forwarded IT. Revenue from all Sources. Value of Government Messages. Total Value of Business done during the Year. Cost of r _ Maintenance Maintenance Li of , .-' c, t .- excluding Stations. Austra i ian Cable Subsidy. Total Expenditure. Cost of Maintenance of Lines per Mile. Tarilt in Operation. " Private, Governand Press. ment. Total. I I _J 30th June, 1866 699 1,390 13 24,761 21 55,621 2,746 £ s. d £ s. d. 5,561 19 2 483 3 2 £ *• d. 6,045 2 4 £ s3.934 3 4| £ ■■■ d. 2,443 2 11 6,377 6 3 3 9 10 1 J- Mileage tariff. 27,407 1867 757 1,498 15,331 70,952 9,070 10 1 3,770 4 8 12,840 14 9 8,017 J 4 7 2,541 4 11 10,558 19 6 3 7 1 1868 1,110 2,223 31 | 72,241 26,244 98,485 11,652 3 7 6,672 o 3 18,324 3 10 9,489 17 10 5,406 7 3 14,896 5 1 4 17 4 1869 1,329 2,495 45 j 106,070 50,097 156,167 18,520 10 4 13,430 11 9 31,951 2 1 14,266 12 7 8,547 4 9 22,813 17 4 6 8 6 „ 1870 1,661 1871 1,976 1872 I 2,185 2,897 3,247 3,823 , 56 j 122,545 72 253,582 8l i 344,524 ; 62,878 59,292 67,243 185,423 312,874 411,767 17,218 1 4 12,252 6 o 22,419 8 8 9,876 17 6 28,121 10 o 11,043 3 9 29,470 7 4 32,296 6 2 39.164 13 9 16,417 7 4 21,254 4 3 23.593 9 9 14,120 4 10 ",344 3 8 8,858 19 7 30,537 12 2 32,598 7 11 32,452 9 4 8 9 11 5 19 6 423 Mileage tariff in operation up to ist Sept., 1869; unil form 2s. 6d. tariff from ist I Sept., 1869, to 31st March, 1870; and is. tariff from ist April. 1870. 1 1873 . 2,356 4,574 i 93 j 485,507 83,453 568,960 39,680 18 9 11,105 2 o 50,786 o 9 27,040 18 10 9,479 5 4 36,520 4 2 4 1 11 1874 2,530 1875 2,986 5,782 105 I 645,067 107,832 752,899 46,508 18 10 12,618 11 6 59,127 10 4 38,801 19 4 15,021 17 11 53,823 17 3 6 3 11 6,626 127 786,237 130,891 917,128 55,301 12 3 13,679 10 9 68,981 3 o 45,814 11 4 14,240 19 7 60,055 10 11 4 16 4 From ist November, 1873, address and signature given in free. 1876 3,154 1877 3,259 7.247 142 I 890,382 155 j 952", 283 160,704 1,051,086 62,715 10 4 16,154 6 o 65,644 I 5 3 117,024 8 9 78,869 16 4 82,669 4 o 61,696 14 5 63.353 IO IO 21,074 8 8 17,931 8 o 82,771 3 1 81,284 18 10 5 l8 10 5 12 11 7.423 172,159 1,124,442 1878 ; 3,434 8,035 182 1,065,481 i 194.843 1,260,324 73,284 1 10 19,148 12 4 92,432 14 2 69,340 1 8 18,259 4 9 87,599 .6 5 5 10 o 1879 3,512 8,117 195 1,201,982 214 824,734 227 1,058,342 246,961 1,448,943 85,402 o 2 26,949 2 2 112,351 2 4 79,502 o 5 17,299 7 10 96,801 8 3 509 1 . 31st March, 1880 , 3,638 9,333 J 183,675 I,008, 409 58,120 3 3 119,707 6 3 77,827 9 6 68,651 10 10 14,758 4 5 83,409 15 3 4 3 4 1881 1 3,758 i 9,587 246,370 1,304,712 73,002 2 o 127,021 3 8 100,023 5 8 78,224 1 8 23,154 8 3 101,378 9 11 667 . _. 1882 3,824 9,653 j 234 1,215,849 222,923 !.438, 772 78,828 19 8 22,737 !6 4 101,566 16 o 69,165 5 o 18,292 13 4 87,457 J 8 4 4 1 ? 4 -' ■

29

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Table No. 17 — continued. Comparative Table showing the Progress of the Telegraph Department during the Financial Years ended 30th June, 1866, to 30th June, 1879; 31st March, 1880, to 31st March, 1882; and Calendar Years ended 31st December, 1882, to 31st December, 1893— continued.

Note.— Tariff, 1890 : is. for ten words, and free address and signature up to ten words ; delayed telegrams, 6d. 1892 : For twelve words, and free address and signature, ordinary telegrams, is.; ■delayed. 66. Later in 1892 the number of words in text and signature made eighteen. 1896 : First twelve words, 6d.; each additional word, id.; address and signature paid for.

0 Number of Telegrams forwarded during the Year. Value of Government Messages. Total Value ,-. . „ f r Cost oi r, . . Maintenance Business done c Sta «°- Cost of Maintenance of Lines, excluding Australian Cable Subsidy. Year ended Number of Miles of Line. Number of Miles of Wire. t- a. E Z Revenue from all Sources. Total Expenditure. Cost of Maintenance of Lines per Mile. Tariff in Operation. I Private, Governand Press. ment. Total. 31st Dec, 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 3,974 4,074 4,264 4,463 4,546 4,646 4,790 4,874 5,148 5,349 5,479 5,513 9,848 264 10,037 I 3°2 10,474 '• 33° io.93i ! 375 11,178 412 ii,375 437 11,617 473 11,827 489 12,812 520 13,235 j 573 13,459 ! 615 13,515 [ 640 1,361,817 208,372 1,379,483 219,917 1,433,458 220,847 i,533>4°6 240,867 1,583,717 252,549 1,589,771 245,623 1,548,233 217,630 1,589,157 213,830 i,734,38i 226,780 1,746,115 222,149 1,686,064 218,079 1,825,646 I 244,045 £ s. d. 1,570,189 90,633 11 2 1,599,400 93,822 3 3 1,654,305 ; 95,634 5 5 1,774,273 1101,652 8 o 1,836,266 1106,638 12 2 1,835,394 !io6,548 4 o 1,765,863 ;io6,3ii 11 6 1,802,987 106,462 18 4 1,961,161 110,696 17 8 1,968,264 117,633 15 9 1, |io3,8i3 8 64 2,069,691 [112,465 15 9 20,608 11 11 21,555 19 2 20,855 19 7 24,860 9 o 27,281 4 9 30,205 11 10 23,164 13 11 24,218 9 3 26,070 12 7 24,840 5 7 24,342 7 o 28,317 7 10 £ s. d. £ s. d. 111,242 3 1 73,554 9 1 "5,378 2 5 73,054 4 6 116,490 5 o 70,036 6 2 126,512 17 o 77,082 4 4 133,919 16 11 ! 77,473 10 7 136,753 15 10 76,580 10 o 129,476 5 5 : 72,201 13 5 130,681 7 7 75,426 9 7 136,767 10 3 76,845 1 10 142,474 1 4 ' 85,658 4 11 128,155 15 6J 87,472 13 3 140,783 3 7 92,109 17 o £ a. d. 22,451 6 3 19,210 6 6 20,041 15 10 20,900 6 2 21,402 18 2 21,321 2 9 23,262 1 o 26,007 1 5 27,546 2 o 28,986 10 10 29,580 10 11 29,141 6 o 96,005 15 4 92,264 II o 90,078 2 O 97,982 10 6 98,875 8 9 97,901 12 9 95,463 J 4 5 101,433 11 o 104,391 3 10 "4,644 15 9 117,053 4 2 121,251 3 o 5 17 5 4 16 8 4 18 4 4 15 9 4 13 9 5 o 1 5 8 7 5 13 o 5 12 7 580 5 5 9 From 1 st November 1873, address and signature given in free. From 1st Jan., 1886, - delayed telegrams posted to addressees immediately after their receipt at offices of destination. J For the Financial Years ended 31st March, 1895, to 31st March, 1904. Year ended Number of Miies of Line. Number o . of I - c Miles of i t.^. Wire. .g° Z Number < di I if Telegrams t iring the Yeai " Forwarded Revenue (including Miscellaneous Receipts). Value of Government Messages. Total Value of Business done during the Year. Total Expenditure {excluding Cable Subsidy. Remarks. Private, and Press. Government. Total. Telegraph. Telephone. 31st March, 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 < „ 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 5,9614 6,2454 6,28 4 f 6,484 6,736 6,910 7,249l 7,469 7,748 & 7,779& 14,8814 I5,764i i6,47of 18,024 18,746 19,228 20,682! 21,705 22,672! 22,9204 7°5 743 780 824 878 915 991 1,038 1,103 i,i53 1,802,182 1,899,632 2,285,001 2,469,415 2,717,548 3,!59,093 3,534,444 3,850,391 4,271,218 4,671,904 231,618 224,579 235,168 226,818 243,190 310,538 363,684 317,590 288,086 293,293 2,033,800 2,124,211 2,520,169 2,696,233 2,960,738 3,469,631 3,898,128 4,167,981 4,559,304 4,965,197 £ s. d. 88,459 10 11 97,178 14 04 100,385 16 1 99,798 8 ioj 105,576 6 o 119,641 11 6J 137,861 1 2J 151,933 19 11 160,343 7 7 166,535 18 84 £ s. d. 21,552 12 10 25,933 12 9 29,248 19 5 36,422 6 8 39,7i8 7 7 43,303 2 10 49,117 o 8 55,542 4 9 62,151 8 11 71,028 6 3 £ *• d. 26,050 7 5 25,843 11 11 23,118 2 6 24,504 9 8 25,500 5 10 29,431 19 o 35,327 6 2 27,507 17 6 26,440 2 10 24,377 1 7 £ s. d. 136,062 11 2 148,955 18 84 152,752 18 o 160,725 5 2j 170,794 19 5 192,376 13 44 222,305 8 04 234,984 2 2 248,934 19 4 261,941 6 6J 135,791 o 7 143,665 14 o 153,484 6 8 165,198 13 5 173,152 16 6 181,634 n 3 194,014 12 11 212,180 16 o 228,185 10 7 245,805 9 7 £ s. d. Cable subsidy, 6,492 11 8 4,774 5 5 3,972 8 1 1,849 2 9 1,427 19 11 1,608 7 1 „ 1,000 8 6 234 15 o , 181 10 o 10,057 11 7

30

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Table No. 18. Table showing the Cash Revenue derived from Private and Press Messages, the Value of Government Messages, and the Number of Messages transmitted in the several Postal Districts of New Zealand for the Twelve Months ended 31st March, 1904.

Table No. 19. Return of Paid Telegrams of all Codes forwarded during the Twelve Months ended 31st March, 1904, and the Revenue received.

Table No. 20. Return of the Number and Value of Telegraph Money-orders issued within the several Postal Districts during the Year ended 31st December, 1903.

Postal Districts. Revenue derived from Private and Press Messages. , Value of Government Messages. Total Number of Value of Private Messages of all and Press Codes. Messages. Total Number Number of of Government Messages Messages. of all Codes. Auckland Blenheim Christchurch Dunedin Gisborne Greymouth Hokitika Invercargill Napier Nelson New Plymouth Oamaru Thames.. Timaru Wanganui Wellington Westport 1 . £ •• d. •• 27,143 11 1 2,524 11 i&j .. 19,507 16 4 18,057 l8 10 3,93i 1 10 4,030 19 Ilj 1,804 12 7 8,500 16 34 9,241 o 84 4,343 17 8 •• j 5,614 7 i4 .. i 2,584 6 4 .. j 4,938 o 94 .. 4,308 15 54 .. ' 10,129 4 6| .. 32,881 17 5 2,954 15 6J £ s - d. 3,863 16 4 402 9 7 2,055 11 7 i,709 2 7 395 12 1 565 5 7 216 3 5 1,102 1 6 857 12 10 942 o 9 685 18 11 4°9 3 2 378 13 9 429 8 10 900 17 4 8,806 3 6 656 19 10 £ s- d. 31,007 7 5 ; 781,765 2,927 o 84 69,705 21,563 7 ti 512,627 19,767 1 5 507,273 4,326 13 11 ' 102,357 4,596 5 6J 110,594 2,020 16 o 49,739 9,602 17 94: 259,304 10,098 13 6Jj 262,350 5,285 18 5 230,176 6,300 6 04 154,181 2,993 9 6 66,095 5,3i6 14 64 134,176 4,738 4 34 118,004 11,030 1 104 299,540 41,688 o 11 936,539 3,611 15 44; 77,479 43,948 825,713 5,863 75,568 23,298 535,925 23,046 : 530,319 5,994 108,351 6,927 ; 117,521 2,038 i 51,777 16,563 j 275,867 9,605 ; 271,955 13,126 i 243,302 10,199 : 164,380 5,835 : 71,930 4,477 : 138,653 6,146 I 124,150 io,544 ! 310,084 97,i59 11,033,698 8,525 86,004 Totals, 1903-4 •■ 162,497 13 74 24,377 I 7 186,874 15 2414,671,904 293,293 14,965,197 Totals, 1902-3 ■• 153,338 3 3 26,440 2 IO 179,778 6 I 4,271,218 288,o86 4,559,304

June Q luarter, 1903. Septembei Quarter, 1903. December Quarter, 1903. March Quarter, 1904. Totals. Class of Telegrams. Number. Revenue, Number. Revenue. Number. Revenue, Number. Revenue. Number. Revenue. Ordinary .. Urgent Press Bureau 845,919 42,761 84,388 113,822 £ s - d. 40,909 17 14 2,870 7 o 3,902 18 9 2,698 4 10 817,595 36,624 91,118 123,974 £ s. d. 39,932 18 04 2,489 o 5 4i4 2 5 3 5 2,888 11 11 943,053 47,396 89,841 135,669 £ s. dr. 43,783 7 11 2,908 o 7 4,466 4 9 3,125 11 11 £ ■■ d.j ' £ s. d. 997,107147.17612 743,603,674:171,80215 84 49,995 ! 3,183 2 6 i 176,776, 11,450 10 6 99,5i3j 4.563 9 9 ; 364,860 17,357 16 8 153,1291 3,436 8 1 ; 526,594 12,14816 9 I ! Gross totals Less other \ lines and \ credits ) 50,381 7 84 12,309 1 84 J49,735 13 94 [12,384 15 24 54,283 5 12,050 1 2 8 158,359 12 n4| |i3,5i8 7 5 i : 1 19 74 50,262 6 o Net totals, 1903-4 Net totals, 1902-3 1,086,890 38,072 6 o 1,069,311 [37,350 18 7 ;i, 215,959 42,233 3 6 i,299,744J44,84i 5 644,671,904162,49713 74 1,152,658140,871 8 14 4,271,218153,338 3 3 1,007,506] 136,643 5 9 979,372 35.387 4 5 1,131,682 40,436 4 "4

Districts. Number. Telegraph Commission. Value of Orders. Auckland Blenheim Christchurch Dunedin Gisborne Greymouth Hokitika Invercargill Napier Nelson New Plymouth Oamaru Thames Timaru Wanganui Wellington Westport i • • i 9,286 1,084 4,131 3,903 1,688 2,123 605 1,684 3,774 i,i37 2,134 495 2,873 1,012 5,289 11,991 1,724 J £ s - d. 464 6 o 54 4 ° 206 11 o 195 3 0 84 8 o 106 3 o 30 5 o 84 4 o 188 14 o 56 17 o 106 14 o 24 15 o 143 13 o 50 12 o 264 9 o 599 11 o 86 4 o £ ■• d. 35,418 o 2 3,206 16 10 13,723 11 11 14,583 1 0 6,106 17 IO ,8,279 II IO 2,119 18 9 §5,078 10 11 11,894 6 11 4,180 13 2 6,302 19 4 1,525 8 10 9,i53 3 9 3,249 16 3 16,869 13 7 40,445 13 7 5,334 9 4 Totals, 1903 54.933 54,933 2,746 13 o 2,746 13 0 187,472 14 o 187,472 14 o Totals, 1902 49,230 49,230 2,461 IO o 2,461 IO o 152,407 14 o 152,407 14 o

31

F.— .1

Table No. 21. Return showing the Capital Cost, Working-expenses, and Revenue of the Telephone Exchanges, Year by Year, from the Date of their Establishment.

•2.1 C&pit; Instrumen Labor Superinl ;al Cost for its, Wire, Poles, ur, Freight, tendence, &c. Working-expenses. Year. Balance of Revenue over Workingexpenses. Annual Rate per Cent. yielded on Capital Cost. s a Average Cost of each Connection. Salaries and Allowances of Clerks, &c. Materials and Linemen. Rent, Fuel, *Wear-and- Light, Paper,' tear, &c. Printing, Binding, &c. Total. Total for all Connections. Total for the year ended 31st March, — 1882 116 £ a. d. 21 16 6 £ a. d. £ a. d. 2,531 14 0 613 5 2 H a. d. 285 0 0 £ a. d. 275 0 0 £ a. d. 253 0 0 £ a. d. 150 0 0 l £ s. d. 963 0 0 £ a. d. I 207 16 0 8-17 1883 379 21 16 6 8,271 13 6 5,014 9 2 595 0 0 595 0 0 827 0 0 300 0 0; 2,317 0 0 4,492 8 8 54-31 1884 .. j 715 21 16 6 15,604 17 6 7,746 16 7 695 0 0 770 0 0 1,560 0 0 350 0 0 3,375 0 0 3,653 7 4 23-41 1885 .. 1,075 21 18 6 j 23,461 17 6 10,008 3 6 ; 1,770 0 0 1,590 0 0 2,346 0 0 475 0 0 i 6,181 0 0 3,827 3 6 16-31 1886 .. j 1,710 20 8 6 37,319 12 1 j 12,294 1 2 2,849 1 3 1,704 0 0 3,731 19 2 700 0 0i ii 8,985 0 5 5,011 19 7J 13-42 1887 .. 2,038 19 19 5 40,686 3 1 15,477 16 2 2,873 0 0 1,580 10 0 4,068 12 2 320 0 0! 8,842 2 2 6,635 14 0 16-30 • 6,239 4 1 1888 .. 2,153 22 19 0 49,407 5 0 16,881 8 6 3,119 10 0 2,252 0 0 4,940 14 6 330 0 0 tO,642 4 6 12-63 1889 .. 2,249 23 18 10 ! 53,849 11 6 17,613 4 0 I 3,315 10 0 2,249 7 0 ; 5,344 9 2 335 0 0 11,244 6 2 6,368 17 10 11-82 1890 .. 2,402 24 4 1 58,229 3 0 18,581 11 7 j 3,790 0 0 I 2,206 10 0 5,823 0 1 375 0 0 12,194 10 1 6,387 1 6\ 11-00 1891 .. | 2,587 24 17 1 64,294 4 4 j 19,961 4 2 j 4,192 0 0 2,249 18 5 l 6,429 8 5 394 3 9 13,265 10 7 6,695 13 7 10-43 1892 .. 3,080 24 16 11 76,579 1 8 18,571 7 8 4,630 0 0 2,345 2 9 j ! 7,658 7 11 398 1 6 15,026 12 2 3,544 15 6 4-63 1893 .- 3,690 24 16 11 91,687 11 1 19,155 11 5 7,405 0 0 2,695 19 10 I I 9,168 15 1 464 6 2 19,734 1 1 -578 9 8 Loss. 1894 .. 4,244 24 12 1 104,425 3 0 21,771 4 4 7,720 0 0 3,313 1 1 10,442 10 4 741 18 9 22,217 10 2 -446 5 10 Loss. 1895 .. ! 4,616 25 6 3 116,845 10 4 21,552 12 10 125,108 4 1 25,933 12 9 134,299 11 4 29,248 19 5 9,285 0 0 4,253 11 4 11,684 11 0 817 19 5 26,041 1 9 -3,420 1 9. Loss. 1896 .. 5,143 24 6 6 9,686 0 10 5,303 11 9 12,510 16 5 1,952 8 3 29,452 17 3 -3,519 4 6 Loss. 1897 .. 5,747 23 7 4 12,306 9 7 7,398 0 10 13,429 19 1 1,856 13 2 34,991 2 8 -5,742 3 3J Loss. 1898 .. 5,787 24 11 6 142,218 11 8 i 36,422 6 8 14,181 18 0 11,834 2 11 7,110 18 7 1,881 11 11 35,008 11 5 1,413 15 3 0-99 1899 .. 6,203 24 5 3 150,490 18 9 39,718 7 7 15,030 7 1 16,190 4 0 7,524 10 11 1,861 2 3 40,606 4 3 -887 16 8 Loss. 1900 .. 7,150 22 14 1 |l62,333 1 2 , 43,303 2 10 15,710 13 2 J20.847 13 6 ! 8,116 13 0 1,892 10 8 46,567 10 4 -3,264 7 6 Loss. 1901 .. 8,210 21 9 7 !l76,349 1 8 ; 49,117 0 8 16,304 6 3 18,225 18 9 ! ! 8,817 9 0 2,000 15 10 45,348 9 10 3,768 10 10 214 1902 .. j 9,260 20 18 0 193,511 6 2 ; 55,542 4 9 18,448 3 5 20,570 0 9 j 9,675 11 9 2,078 12 10 50,772 8 9 4,769 16 0 2-46 1903 1904 .. |l0,633 .. J12.105 20 2 6 213,966 10 8 ' 62,151 8 11 20,885 13 3 122,078 4 11 10,698 6 6 2,614 15 0 56,276 19 8 5,874 9 3 2-75 19 19 8 241,903 2 6 ' 71,028 6 3 23,359 8 3 22,507 9 10 I 12,095 3 1 2,986 3 8 60,948 4 10 10,080 1 5 4-17 * This oolumu includes 5 per cent, for wear-and-tear. and 5 per cent, for debenture capital, except in 1897-98 and following years, in which only 5 per cent, for debenture capital is included.

32

F.~l

Table No. 22. Return of the Cost of Maintenance of Telegraph Lines for the Year ended 31st March, 1904.

Table No. 23. Statement showing the Expenditure on, and the Cost of, Telegraph Construction during the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1904.

I District. %£ Travelling- j expenses of Inspectors % and Linemen. Value Salaries Cost of of of Total Cost li,xtra Material Material Inspectors of Labour. purchased. issued from and Maintenance. Stores. Linemen. Average Cost per Mile .uckland .. 2,029 Vellington .. 2,030J lelson .. 1,019$ Janterbury .. 904J )tago .. .. 1,794$ £ a. A. 1,295 2 4 1,266 0 2 1,009 1 10 687 17 1 1,012 12 7 £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ a. d. 4,544 18 9 4,840 16 11 1,817 16 0 2,615 0 0 15,113 14 0 2,120 17 5 831 13 0 4,361 7 0 3,100 0 0 11,679 17 7 1,826 10 7 220 13 6 1,185 15 8 1,613 0 0 5,855 1 7 1,003 7 4 335 9 1 1,554 18 9 1,636 0 0 5,217 12 3 1,828 8 7 1,015 19 6 1,027 11 11 1,412 0 0 6,296 12 7 £ s. d. 7 9 0 5 15 04 5 14 9} 5 15 4 3 10 2 7,7791 iables .. (knots) 283 .tores 7,7791 283 5,270 14 0 39 10 10 107 18 5 11,324 2 8 959 17 8 413 7 10 7,244 12 0 106 2 4 1,287 9 0 9,947 9 4 757 11 6 10,376 0 0 44,162 18 0 1,863 2 4 1,808 15 3 5 13 6* 6 11 8 Totals 47,834 15 7 5,418 3 3 112,697 8 2 8,638 3 4 10,705 0 10 10,376 0 0

Line. Expenditure. Material from Stores. Total Cost during the Year. Telephone exchanges,— Ashbuxton Auckland Blenheim Christchurch Dannevirke ... Dunedin Feilding Gisborne Greymouth ... Hamilton Hawera Hokitika Invercargill ... Masterton Napier Nelson New Plymouth Oamaru Pahiatua Palmerston North Rotorua Stratford Thames Timaru Wanganui ... Wellington ... Westport Whangarei ... £ S. d. 22 2 5 2,684 15 7 14 17 0 899 13 6 95 8 1 1,953 9 1 22 5 6 113 12 5 141 5 0 69 10 8 16 19 1 92 8 3 70 7 11 83 14 5 245 1 9 22 10 9 28 18 0 62 4 7 4 5 .10 324 17 2 47 18 4 ... ! 1 12 11 ... | 6 14 9 357 0 1 126 4 6 774 9 7 ... ! 12 9 3 ... i 120 16 1 . | £ S. d. 134 7 7 5,511 19 0 153 15 3 3,204 16 7 230 8 6 1,953 3 10 183 11 6 563 6 1 640 13 6 199 0 4 143 17 6 241 6 8 216 16 10 249 10 4 684 1 6 233 10 0 320 11 5 109 8 10 44 4 7 617 6 6 349 16 4 65 11 8 11 14 6 475 16 8 691 8 5 2,031 11 9 84 1 9 175 1 11 £ S. d. 156 10 0 8,196 14 7 168 12 3 4,104 10 1 325 16 7 3,906 12 11 205 17 0 676 18 6 781 18 6 268 11 0 160 16 7 333 14 11 287 4 9 333 4 9 929 3 3 256 0 9 349 9 5 171 13 5 48 10 5 942 3 8 397 14 8 67 4 7 18 9 3 832 16 9 817 12 11 2,806 1 4 96 11 0 295 18 0 Total exchanges 8,415 12 6 19,520 19 4 27,936 11 10 Doubtless Bay-Auckland Fairbairns-Victoria Valley Waiotemarama Paradise Warkworth-Whangarei ... Te Kopuru-Dargaville ... Mapuna Euapekapeka ... N aumai-Eaupo Koutu Wayby Albany 170 6 3 11 14 6 116 12 2 51 13 6 130 14 0 15 11 6 ... 5 6 10 15 0 13 14 7 0 4 0 ... j 114 13 3 36 5 0 31 15 10 11 12 2. 4 11 0 16 10 7 17 11 4 10 9 27 18 7 | I i 170 6 3 11 14 6 152 17 2 51 13 6 130 14 0 47 7 4 11 12 2 9 7 11 2 1 10 21 12 6 4 14 9 142 11 10

33

¥.— 1

Table No. 23 — continued. Statement showing the Expenditure on, and the Cost of, Telegraph Construction during the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1904— continued.

5—F. 1.

Line. Expenditure. Material from Stores. Total Cost during the Year. Hobsonville One Tree Hill ... Bast Tamaki ... Auckland-Newton-Mount Eden ... Whitford Ngaruawahia-Waingaro... Waerenga Piriaka Taumarunui Paengaroa Kauaeranga Valley Waimangu Taupo-The Spa Te Karaka-Kaiteratahi ... Waipawa-Blackburn-Wakarara ... Weber-Waione... Darmevirke-Waipukurau Mangatera-Unrutaoroa ... Masterton-Kuripuni Gladstone-Te Wharau ... Martinborough-Pahaoa ... Sentry Hill-Waitara Opunake-Pungarehu Awatuna-Te Keri Okaiawa-Matapu Normanby-Eltham Hawera-Manaia Fordell-Wangaehu Turangarere ... ... Taihape-Mataroa-Ngaurukehu-Ruanui Mangaweka-Taihape Wellington-Palmerston North-Feilding Tokornaru-Shannon Wellington-New Plymouth Wellington City Bona Bay Boseneath Island Bay Glasgow Wharf Bureau ... Kaituna-Okaramio Grassmere Wharanui Pelorus Extension Puponga Golden Downs ... Mokihinui-Karamea Globe Hill-Crushington ... Kongahu Poerua Dommett Scargill Tuahiwi ... .... Harewood Road Beckenham Biccarton Lower Riccarton Christchureh-Akaroa Lincoln Trunk ... Ashburton-Christchurch Timaru-St. Andrews-Waimate Waimate-Studholme Junction St. Andrews-Otaio Titnaru-Ashburton (metallic circuit) Kurow-Omarama Hampden Bureau £ s. d. 62 5 11 £ s. d. 0 4 4 4 13 4 0 5 9 28 5 2 27 15 10 £ s. d. 62 10 3 4 13 4 14 9 11 28 5 2 156 8 5 366 11 10 0 6 0 2 2 2 14 6 14 19 0 10 17 6 165 16 3 60 8 5 49 16 4 193 17 1 22 14 4 198 7 9 17 11 0 7 12 9 329 16 1 339 11 10 32 17 5 3 2 10 14 8 0 12 12 8 10 0 2 10 6 2 4 13 6 7 466 13 9 189 2 9 179 4 1 30 1 3 1,620 9 11 252 11 4 3 15 11 15 11 10 11 11 9 6 13 6 23 3 3 18 0 0 15 0 504 0 9 4 15 1 2 12 0 1,765 10 7 36 17 8 5 12 3 16 0 29 15 4 3 10 6 72 19 10 127 7 7 11 15 6 5 2 6 4 0 5 12 13 6 43 8 6 6 19 1 142 9 3 1 19 11 38 16 5 32 17 6 372 2 7 8 15 4 14 4 2 128 12 7 366 11 10 0 2 5 2 2 2 14 6 ' 4 10 3 17 6 165 16 3 6 13 6 0 3 7 10 18 0 7 0 0 53 14 11 49 16 4 193 17 1 22 14 4 159 15 5 8 9 10 38 12 4 9 12 7 12 9 323 16 7 326 2 1 32 17 5 "o 19 6 13 9 9 3 2 10 14 8 0 12 12 8 1 0 0 2 10 6 2 4 7 13 3 459 19 10 57 12 5 44 11 8 25 14 0 98 6 3 252 11 4 5 13 4 6 13 11 131 10 4 134 12 5 4 7 3 1,522 3 8 3 15 11 15 11 10 11 11 9 6 13 6 12 8 3 10 15 0 18 0 0 15 0 308 8 8 3 16 6 2 12 0 1,714 8 1 36 17 8 195 12 1 0 18 7 51 2 6 7 0 5 3 10 6 24 4 9 28 17 3 5 12 3 16 0 22 14 11 48 15 1 98 10 4 11 15 6 5 2 6 4 0 5 12 13 6 18 17 2 24 11 4 6 19 1 89 8 10 17 10 2 31 19 9 372 2 7 53 0 5 1 19 11 21 6 3 0 17 9 8*15 4

F.—l.

34

Table No. 23 — continued. Statement showing the Expenditure on, and the Cost of, Telegraph Construction during the Financial Year ended 31st March, 1904 — continued.

Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9o4.

Line. Expenditure. Material from Stores. Total Cost during the Year. Outram-Woodside Mosgiel-Woodside Woodside-Maungatua ... Waitati-Waikouaiti Waikaia-Wendonside Ophir-Poolburn Frankton-Lower Shotover Clinton-Balclutha Long Gully Kaka Point Gore-Chatton ... ... Knapdale Te Tua-Tautapere £ s. d. 28 12 6 164 18 4 106 10 5 17 8 1 7 16 0 110 18 1 62 0 0 158 1 2 6 11 6 £ s. d. 52 19 4 £ s. d. 81 11 10 164 18 4 107 4 2 75 10 0 7 16 0 112 8 10 83 4 0 223 7 6 6 11 6 3 15 10 5 12 6 4 10 144 11 2 6" 13 9 58 1 11 1 10 9 21 4 0 65 6 4 3 15 10 5 12 6 i" 1 0 25 1 10 119 9 4 Purchase of material 14,666 4 11 32,560 14. 8 23,217 14 6 37,883 19 5 Total expenditure 1903-4 47,226 19 7 Total expenditure to 31st March, 1903 1,006,465 9 11 Total expenditure out of Public Works Fund to 31st March, 1904 ... £1,053,692 9 6 Total cost of lines during 1903-4 £37,883 19 5