12

tralia are likely to be neutral, (although as the Sydney route would be the cheapest they are interested in its favour); while New South Wales has a strong opposite interest to that of Victoria; little difficulty therefore, is apprehended on this point at the proposed Conference should it take place.

11. It is advisable that an advertisement for Tenders, either in the form transmitted or in such other form as you may think best, be inserted both in the Melbourne and Sydney papers as soon as you may be enabled to determine what can be done as to the branch service; and the Government will expect the earliest information of any steps you may have taken, with a view, amongst other things, to the determination of the present contract with the Zingari.

12. In the event of your not being able to conclude a contract before you leave for England, you will be good enough to deliver this letter, to Dr. Campbell, who will put himself in communication with you on his arrival in Sydney.

I have, &c.,
(Signed) E. W. STAFFORD.
The Hon. Henry Sewell, Esq.,
Member of the Executive Council.
New Zealand.

NEW ZEALAND STEAM MAIL SERVICE.

TENDERS will be received by the New Zealand Government until , from persons desirous of contracting to convey the Mails by Steam Vessels between the undermentioned Ports of New Zealand by the following Routes, viz.:—

1st Route.
Manukau ...... to ...... New Plymouth
New Plymouth ...... ...... Nelson
Nelson ...... ...... Wellington
Wellington ...... ...... Lyttelton
Lyttelton ...... ...... Dunedin
Dunedin ...... ...... Lyttelton
Lyttelton ...... ...... Wellington
Wellington ...... ...... Nelson
Nelson ...... ...... New Plymouth
New Plymouth ...... Manukau

2nd Route.
Auckland ...... to ...... New Plymouth
New Plymouth ...... ...... Nelson
Nelson ...... ...... Wellington
Wellington ...... ...... Lyttelton
Lyttelton ...... ...... Dunedin
Dunedin ...... ...... Lyttelton
Lyttelton ...... ...... Wellington
Wellington ...... ...... Nelson
Nelson ...... ...... New Plymouth
New Plymouth ...... Auckland

3rd Route.
Auckland ...... to ...... Wellington
Wellington ...... ...... Nelson
Nelson ...... ...... New Plymouth
New Plymouth ...... Nelson
Nelson ...... ...... Wellington
Wellington ...... ...... Lyttelton
Lyttelton ...... ...... Dunedin
Dunedin ...... ...... Lyttelton
Lyttelton ...... ...... Wellington
Wellington ...... ...... Nelson
Nelson ...... ...... New Plymouth
New Plymouth ...... Auckland

Tenders will also be received for the above Service by any other route.

The Tenders to specify the sum required in respect of such route separately—the New Zealand Government to have the power of determining, after receipt of the Tenders, which route shall be adopted.

The vessels to remain (weather permitting) at New Plymouth not less than 24 hours nor more than 60 hours at any intermediate Port.

All Mails and other Letter Bags to be conveyed free of charge for gratuities to the Masters of Steamers or others.

Tenders to be addressed to
, who is authorised to accept them on behalf of the New Zealand Government.

The Tenders to state the tonnage, power, and description of vessels, and the number of days proposed for each voyage.

The New Zealand Government does not engage itself to accept any Tender.

NEW ZEALAND.
Colonial Secretary's Office,
Auckland, Nov. 20, 1856.

SIR,—With reference to the establishment of a Branch Steam Service to New Zealand, in extension of the Australian Mail Contract lately concluded, and also of an efficient Inter-Provincial Service in connexion with the same, I have the honor to inform you that Mr. Sewell has been authorised to act in every respect on behalf of the Government of New Zealand, including the calling for and acceptance of Tenders for these services; but as it is possible that the departure of that gentleman from Australia may take place before the necessary arrangements for establishing the above services have been effected, you are, in that event, hereby authorised and empowered to take such steps as may be necessary for carrying out the above objects at the earliest possible period, and in the most economical manner consistent with efficiency.

As you are so well aware of the views