D—No. Iα

FURTHER PAPERS RELATIVE TO

Time Table to end of present year.

AVERAGE SEA-PASSAGE. Via Southampton to Melbourne ... ... ... ... 51 days. Via Marseilles „ „ ... ... ... ... 44 days. The Time Table lor the year 1861 would be arranged with the Postmaster-General, as in the case of the Tables for the other Mail Contract Lines which are revised annually. Sub-Enclosure 4. to Enclosure 1 in No. 1. THE DUKE OF ARGYLL TO THE LORDS COMMISSIONERS OF THE TREASURY. General Post Office, May 10th, 1860. My Lords, — I beg , leave to return the accompanying Letter from the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, proposing an alteration in the Australian Mail Service; and, in doing so, I think it well to state that 1 understand the present position of the question relating to this Mail Service to be as follows:— Ist. That the Government of Victoria has offered to guarantee payment of half the entire cost of the service, in which I presume is included not only the sea-conveyance of the Mails, but also the transit through France and Egypt, and all other expenses. 2ndly. That Victoria will arrange with the other Australian Colonies, both as respects their participation in the benefits of the service, and the payment of their respective shares of its cost. Srdly. That the Government of New South Wales has declined to pay any part of the subsidy, unless the Panama route be adopted for one line of packets. With regard to the present proposal, I am sorry to say that it provides for the packets ceasing to call at Kangaroo Island; but as there will still be ample time in South Australia for sending replies to England by the return Mail, the objection is partially removed. By the discontinuance of this stop, the time of arrival at Melbourne ought certainly to be earlier that at present; but, on examining the proposed Time Table enclosed in the Company's Letter, I found that the dates set down for the arrival at Melbourne were the same as those fixed by the Time Table now in force, and under which the packets call at Kangaroo Island. I thought it necessary, therefore, to communicate with the Company, and to inquire whether this was not an oversight,—and your Lordships will perceive by Mr. Howell's letter of the sth instant that the Company will undertake to deliver the outward Mails at Melbourne two days earlier than at present, although, for the reasons given, they do noi think that a later departure from Melbourne of the homeward Mails can safely be attempted. Under all the circumstances, and with the understanding to which I believe your Lordships have already come with the Company, that the contract may be terminated at a moderate, or even at a short notice, I recommend that this offer shall be accepted. I have, &c, Argtll. The Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. ■ -*-r Sub-Enclosure 5 to Enclosure 1 in No. 1. MR. HOWELL TO MR. FREDERICK HILL. Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, 122, Leadenhall Street, May 5, 1860. Sir, I have the honor, by order of the Directors, to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 3rd instant (No. 29,847), inquiring whether the Time Table inclosed in my Letter to the Treasury of the

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OUTWABD ROUT] Homeward Kouti Leave Galle. i Arrive at King George's Sound. Arrive at Melbourne. Leave Melbourne. r Uav f fj»« , George s Sound. Arrive at Galle. July August September October November December 22 ' August 21 September 22 October 22 November 21 December 22 January 6 5 7 6 6 6 August September October November December January 12 11 13 J2 12 12 July August September October November December 26 August 26 September 26 October 26 November 26 I December 26 i January 1 1 2 1 2 1 August September October November December January 16 16 17 16 17 16